Sometimes, as training officers we simply run out of ideas for training the ranks. We’ve all heard those all too familiar moans and groans such as, “rolling hose, again?” or “ropes and knots, really?” It’s an inevitable part of the position and can be a difficult rut to pull out of. So how do we put the fire, so to speak, back into our training programs? Well, we’re firefighters right? We’re taught early on to use our resources and think on our feet. With a little creativity and help from the fire service community, we can keep training interesting and relevant. There are countless outlets for training information to include fire service related web sites, fire publications, and training manuals.  Below is a small list of online resources that, if you haven’t checked before, can provide a great starting point to inject some life into your training.

Take care and be safe out there!

http://www.firehouse.com/training-drills
http://www.fireengineering.com/index/training.html
http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/training-safety.php
http://www.firetrainingresources.net
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/coffee-break/index.shtm

Applications are now being accepted for 2 vacant positions on the Wyoming Firefighters Certification Committee. In an effort to balance the committee geographically and the type of departments (volunteer, combination, career) represented the DFPES and WFCC is now accepting applications for the 1st open vacancy from firefighters in the central, east and southeast area of the state, and for the 2nd open vacancy from firefighters in the north west, north east and east areas of the state.

1st vacancy closes February 29, 2012.

2nd vacancy closes March 9, 2012.

Please complete the application and return it to the Certification Office before the closing dates. 

• February 6th - March 23rd, 2012,Fire Instructor I,Online class. Course Announcement Register Website
• February 13th - April 30th, 2012,Fire Fighter I/II,Online class Course Announcement Enrollment: Now – 23 February 2012 Register
• March 3rd - 4th, 2012,Hazardous Materials Operations, WY Fire Academy. Course Announcement Register

Today’s training vignette, “Building Construction: Describing Shaped Steel” covers various steel construction materials and their designations. Coffee Break Training provides an overview of fire protection topics and does not include all details, requirements or exceptions to the topics that are described. Always refer to nationally recognized design and installation codes and standards, the product manufacturer, or listing details for specific information.  Download Your Coffee Break Training PDF at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/coffee-break/cb_fp_2011_30.pdf.