Instruction/Education

Instruction can take place in several ways: state-run classroom instruction and field training, instruction sessions at the firehouse, one-on-one training with an experienced member, firehouse drills, reading training books, watching educational videos, attending seminars, or on-the-job experience.

State-run classroom and field training is conducted by state/county fire academy's. Franklin Park utilizes primarily Somerset Country Emergency Services Academy though some members have used Middlesex County Fire Academy.

Every new firefighter is required to attend a state/county fire academy to complete Firefighter 1 - this is the first of many courses available at the academies. Depending which academy you go to, Firefighter 1 may be a two or three night-per-week class (usually 7pm to 10pm) lasting about three months (with occasional weekend classes). Firefighter 1 must be completed within a year after you join the firehouse. Classes are paid by the firehouse.

Administrative members are not required to take any fire courses, but they may take other business oriented classes with approval of the President.

Information regarding the fire academies can be found at:

• Somerset: http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/trainingacademy.html
• Middlesex: http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/fireacademy/index.asp

The firehouse has instructional sessions on the second Monday night of every month, at 7:00pm. Some of these sessions are mandatory for firefighters. A listing of dates, topics and whether or not the instruction is mandatory, is posted either in the Radio Room or on the bulletin board in the Meeting Room.

Fire fighters are also encouraged to make use of the fire company library. Many instructional videos are available. They are stored in the office behind the radio room. Educational books may also be available. Ask a Captain or the Chief for more info.

Last but not least, as part of the training budget, the Chief may authorize several members to attend fire seminars and shows in the tri-state area. Expenses are paid by the fire company, with approval from the Chief.

Drills

Drills are another form of education; it's a scheduled practice fire call; a simulation used to give firefighters a chance to practice their skills in a non-emergency situation. Drills can be small events held at the firehouse, or larger events that may include a city building, simulated smoke, and volunteer "victims". Drills are also often held at county fire academies, where actual live fire can be utilized in a controlled manner.

Small mini-drills are often held at the firehouse the third Monday of every month at 7:00pm, after the short business meeting. All firefighters are encouraged to attend drills.

For more information on volunteering, please click the links that appear to the left.

Driver Training / Pump Operations

After our members gain about 1 year or more of fire fighting experience, many of them begin Driver Training and Pump Operations eduction. The first step is passing the instructor-lead Pump Operations course. After completion of this course, members may be taken out for Driver Training and Pump Ops practicing on Station 31 apparatus. Any Qualified Driver may take someone out for training, upon approval of the Chief, D.C. or Captain.

One of the challenges faced by many Pump Operators, is understanding Friction Loss. See our short document about Calculating Pump Discharge Pressure & Friction Loss, which can help train you on the basics.

Calculating Fire Hose Friction Loss is easy, when using the Hand Method for Calculating Friction Loss.