TRAINING
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 both
Somerset and Middlesex County fire academies. 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:
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.
