Training Officer's Handbook

W. Edward Buchanan Jr. began his fire service career in 1982 and retired as an assistant chief with Hanover Fire & EMS in Richmond, VA. He served on the NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Service Training and the NFPA 1700: Guide for Structural Firefighting committee. He serves on the executive advisory board of Fire Engineering magazine and FDIC and is author of the Volunteer Training Officer’s Handbook published by Fire Engineering Books & Videos. Bobby Drake is a battalion chief with Hanover (VA) Fire-EMS with more than 25 years of experience. He was assigned to operations, administration, and training, where he served as the lead training academy instructor for four years. John M. Buckman III served as the Indiana State Fire Academy director for 15 years, German Township fire chief for 35 years, and as a member of the fire service for 52 years. He was president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs from 2001–2002 and has authored five textbooks, six photography books, and numerous articles for Fire Engineering and Fire Rescue magazines.

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction


1. Personal Preparation for the Training Officer
Career, Volunteer, and Combination Organizations
Mission of the Training Division or Section
The Decision
The Training Organization
Mastering Your Traditions to Promote Change
Fire Service Training Principles 
Summary 
Review Questions 


2. The InstructorRespect 
Developing Your Instructional Style 
Personal Development 
Keeping the Message Current 
Networking and Mentoring 
Educational Methodology 
Instructional Environments 
Technology 
Instructor Etiquette 
Summary 
Review Questions 


3. Department Training Assessment
Defining “Good” 
Tactical Equality 
Performing a Needs Assessment 
NFPA 1000 Series 
NFPA 1400 Series 
Other Key NFPA Standards and Guides 
Needs Assessment Methodology 
Evaluating Student Learning Styles and Needs 
Formal Learning Styles 
Developing a Formal Training Plan 
The Calendar of Compliance 
Needs Assessment Summary 
Review Questions 


4. Developing a Training System
Part 1: Your Instructional Team 
Part 2: The Programs 
Summary 
Review Questions 

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5. Fundamentals of Basic Training
Creating a Written Program 
Administrative Guidelines 
The Code of Conduct 
Program Discipline 
Student Requirements and Expectations 
Company Assignments 
House Duties 
Values-Based Training Components 
Summary 
Review Questions 


6. Training Operations in Small Departments
Community Needs and Department Capabilities 
Funding Training Operations 
Credentialing Pacing 
Training Venues and Locations 
Leadership and Officer Development  
The Drill Night 
Summary 
Review Questions 


7. Evaluating and Assessing SkillsResults-Based Evaluation 
Standard Operating Procedures 
Operational and Tactical Performance 
Probationary Programs and Testing 
Programs for Further Development 
Summary 
Review Questions 


8. Coaching and MentoringAn Attitude of Success 
The Coaching Attitude 
Instructor Intensity 
All-Stop Protocol: Mayday 
Setting Expectations 
Summary 
Review Questions 


9. Training PropsTraining Prop Considerations 
Types of Training Props  
Key Well-Known Training Props 
Use of Acquired Structures 
Fire Behavior Props 
Summary 
Review Questions 
Reference 


A. Sample Critical Skills Questionnaire


B. Sample Academy Guidelines
Training Section Contact List 
Your Department Fire • EMS 
Program Guidelines 
Program Overview 
Training Academy Chain of Command 
General Guidelines 
Honor Graduate and Valedictorian 
Testing & Evaluation Policy 
Line-of-Duty Death 
Work Performance Evaluation  
Hydration and Nutrition 
The Maltese Cross 
The Star of Life 
Forms and Documents 
Recruit Injury Process 
Graduation Uniform  
Statement of Understanding 
Discipline Policy 
Code of Conduct Acknowledgment 
Recruit Acknowledgments 
Academy Graduation Invitation List 


C. Sample Department Assessment for Firefighter Mayday


D. Sample Probationary Requirements with Day 1 Requirements


E. Sample Probationary Member Phase Check Sheets


Review Question Answers 


Index