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Posted: Jul 25, 2017

Emergency Response a Training Conflict

The primary responsibility for any fire department is to respond to calls from the public. Emergency response has steadily increased year after year. However, the response model and staffing are slow to respond to the growth in call volume. Training officers must evaluate the training plan and determine if calls are undermining the efficiency of training.

In high call volume systems, it is a constant battle between quality training and units being forced to break away to respond to calls. Online training has become a popular method for dealing with this conflict, though overuse of this format of training can be detrimental to core competencies. Drill ground evolutions and Instructor-Directed courses should be the primary method of training for the fire service. Online-individualized training and group Instructor managed training must be able to strike a balance. 
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Posted: Aug 31, 2016

2017 Washington Fire Symposium

Make plans to attend the 2017 Washington Fire Symposium, presented by the Washington State Training, Safety & Officers Section.  February 25- March 1, 2017; Yakima

We all know that in recent years, some organizations have cut back on conferences and events. It is known that during tough budget times, businesses that continued to spend on advertising and employee training fared better that those that did not. I believe the same holds true fire the fire service, both in public education and firefighter/officer development. 
A great way to engage and be proactive is sponsoring staff to attend the Washington Fire Symposium. Centrally located, this symposium is somewhat close to home or requiring minimal travel. Attending the symposium, in-person, has the following advantages:
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Posted: Jul 19, 2016

Training, Safety & Officers Conference Update

A hallmark of the Fire Service which is hard, but necessary is change. New regulations, new ideas, and new ways of doing our jobs. Change is sometimes difficult to embrace, but usually, leads to a more efficient way of completing our everyday tasks. 
We here at the Training, Safety and Officers section of the Washington State Fire Chiefs have reached the conclusion that it's time to better align ourselves with today's volunteers and career Firefighters.  We are excited to share with you upcoming changes you will see at our 2017 Conference! 

First, you will notice a change to the Conference name. We feel there is a gap between the name “Training, Safety, and Officer Conference” and the fact the conference is PUT ON by our group FOR front line Volunteer and Career Firefighters at all levels. Drum roll please:  The conference is now the “Washington Fire Symposium” presented by the TSO State Committee. We feel this better represents what and who this conference is for...
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Posted: Jan 28, 2016

IFSAC Accreditation Process - Yes or No?

What are your feelings about the IFSAC accreditation process? Now before you jump to your first thoughts of being “For or Against” IFSAC let’s take a few moments to look at the program as it stands in the State of Washington.

The IFSAC website relates this: IFSAC was founded in 1990 to establish a new national accreditation system for fire service certification programs. In 1992, the development of an accreditation system for fire related degree programs began...

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Posted: Dec 17, 2015

Remember The Basics To Be The Best Instructor

As instructors we have an incredible responsibility to our students, our industry and ourselves.  When preparing to deliver a program or course there are a few things that we must always do to ensure we are successful and provide a positive impact.  

  • Dress for success.
  • Always arrive early and stay late.
  • Always come prepared.
  • Be present.
  • Ask questions during your presentation and allow time for questions to be asked. 
  • Always say "thank you" at the conclusion of your presentation.

Dress for success. Nothing says professional like a suit and tie.  You only have one chance at a first impression and unfortunately this is typically done before you are even introduced.  Your appearance projects the perception you have about yourself, your material, as well as your feelings about the audience.  Sometimes a suit and tie is not appropriate, an example is in house training or training at the academy.  If you are wearing your uniform make sure it is pressed, your shoes are shined and you are well groomed.  Your appearance gives you confidence that translates into confidence in your delivery that further translates into a successful delivery. You cannot overdress for success...
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