By Rich Marinucci

Anyone who has read my writings knows that I believe training and education are extremely important for operating a fire department that desires to provide outstanding service. This is challenging for all departments because it requires time, resources, and commitment. Additionally, organizations are accepting more responsibilities, creating more subjects and topics that require training and/or education. Many are turning to technological solutions to address their training issues. Organizations must resist the temptation to abandon traditional group training by exclusively turning to other methods because of convenience and cost. There are benefits to live, in-person training that allows for interaction and common delivery. There are times when everyone needs to hear the same story and know how individuals view certain job responsibilities and job tasks. Only through live, group training, and education can this be accomplished.

Training and education methods have adapted to the times and both are using more technology to vary delivery in order to help with the challenges presented as people get busier and have fewer resources. For example, I completed my Master’s program course work using an online format. This provided convenience for me, as my schedule was not conducive to traditional attendance. I enjoyed the experience but do not believe I maximized my learning because I did not have the opportunity for in-person interaction with other students and my professors. Still, I was able to do something that I wanted to do within the constraints of my personal and professional life. I did learn and grow, so I don’t want to give the impression that I don’t think I benefited. I am just pointing out that there are limitations with distance learning.

Many fire departments are embracing technology to enhance and improve training and education. There are Webinars, video conferencing, online programs, and other options. The goal is for firefighters to get the training they need while minimizing the cost and time out of service in their first response district. There is also an element of convenience that makes it easier for all firefighters to participate. There is no doubt there are advantages. But, and there is always a “but,” organizations should not abandon classroom learning opportunities. There are too many benefits that can’t be duplicated with virtually all of the technological methods.

Let me offer another view. A friend of mine coaches junior high football. At the start of a recent season he asked the players what position they preferred. One student said he wanted to play quarterback. My friend asked if he had ever played before. He said no but he knew he would be good because he was really good on his video game! In spite of the fact that he did not physically throw, catch, or run, he thought by just playing a video game he could translate that to actual action. In some cases, we in the fire service must recognize that actual “doing” must take place, and not everything can be done through videos or on-line. 

Hands-on training is essential for many, if not all, of the skills required of a firefighter. Simulation has its place and is valuable. Certainly there are other professions that have demonstrated this, such as the airline industry. Pilots can use simulation to replicate dangerous situations and practice their trade without endangering themselves, others or expensive aircraft. No one can dispute this benefit and it certainly demonstrates that other risky occupations can benefit from its use. This is not to imply that everything can be handled in this manner. 

Training and education require well-rounded programs. There is no simp

Malta Ridge (NY) Fire Department RSVP pumper. HME Ahrens-Fox 1871 cab and chassis; Cummins ISL9 450-hp engine; Hale DSD 1,500-gpm pump.

Streaming Begins at 9:30 a.m.; Service at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Join the U.S. Fire Service in honoring the lives of 79 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2015 and 33 firefighters who died in previous years during the 35th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday, October 9.

The service begins at 10:00 a.m. (ET) at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland and is open to the public. During the service, a bronze plaque bearing the names of the fallen will be officially added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. These firefighters will also be remembered in a special Candlelight Service on Saturday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m. (ET).

Although the number of firefighters honored this year is higher than in recent years, the number of line-of-duty deaths that occurred in 2015 is actually lower. The increase reflects the new ruling that Public Safety Officer Benefits recognize deaths caused by illnesses from 9/11 as line-of-duty. This year, the names of 22 FDNY members who died before 2015 and two who died in 2015 from 9/11-related illnesses will be added to the Memorial.

“The Federal Government conducted a thorough review to ensure that deaths related to 9/11 illnesses can now be recognized as line-of-duty deaths, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is very pleased with this decision,” said Chief Dennis Compton, Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors.

Just prior to Memorial Weekend, leaders of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus will help launch the annual tribute. They will present 112 American flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). This ceremony will occur on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, September 28 at 2:00 p.m. (ET). The flags will be escorted by the honor guard to the National Fire Academy and flown over the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. They will then be on display at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel until being presented to the survivors during the Memorial Service.

“Firefighters possess an extraordinary blend of courage and compassion which allows them to willingly face tremendous risks to help those in need,” said Chief Compton. “Each fall, we gather to reflect on the sacrifices of those who died in the line of duty and to let their families, friends and co-workers know they will never be forgotten.”

More than 5,000 people, including families, friends, members of Congress, Administration officials and firefighters are expected to attend on Sunday. Firefighter Honor Guards and Pipe & Drum units from across the U.S. will participate in this national remembrance.

NFFF provides live satellite feed and streaming of ceremonies along with video of events for downloading courtesy of VISTA Worldlink and WUSA9.com. For a complete list of fallen firefighters being honored and a widget to display their information on your website go to weekend.firehero.org. There you will also find Memorial Weekend streaming information, videos, photos, and satellite coordinates.

The annual tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration and is possible through the generous support from Motorola Solutions, Department of Justice, State Farm Insurance Companies, Tyc

Draft Commander® Mobile Fire Appliance Testing & Training Unit Model DCA-1962-100 is designed to test handline fire nozzles from 30-500 gpm; fire hose couplings; fire appliances such as water thiefs, valves, and fittings; hard suction hose; and fire hose-all according to NFPA 1962. The unit is also designed for training purposes for fire pump engineers and firefighters by recycling water.

The Draft Commander® Hard Suction Hose Vacuum Testing Unit is located at the rear of the Draft Commander Mobile Fire Appliance Testing & Training Unit and comes with several couplings for compatibility across different sizes of hard suction hose. Testing fire hose and fire appliances per the NFPA ensures the safety of personnel operating equipment, providing a reasonable assurance that the equipment will perform as designed. When testing an appliance with the Draft Commander® Nozzle Testing Appliance, the nozzles are recirculating water into the Draft Commander® and pumping back out of the nozzle through the fire pump. www.draftcommander.com, 785-825-9527

QUIC-MOUNT Universal Deck Mount Ziamatic Corp. (Zico) features rugged aluminum framing and heavy-duty nylon straps with easy-to-operate plastic buckles. A wide range of adjustment options allows for a nice, tight fit inside the compartment, even with longer, taller, or otherwise oddly shaped items. Secure box fans, PPV fans, hydraulic pumps, beverage coolers, toolboxes, and more.

Heavy equipment can shift during transport or become airborne in the event of a rollover collision. In a matter of seconds, a lifesaving tool can become a dangerous weapon. With this in mind, do not rely on gravity alone to keep that heavy equipment secure and personnel safe. www.ziamatic.com, 800-711-FIRE

Cummins Inc. 2017 X15 Performance Series engine brings forward the big-bore attributes of the ISX15 with even better performance and reliability. With ratings up to 600 hp, the X15 Performance Series was designed to meet the maximum performance needs of fire and emergency apparatus. Emergency vehicle calibrations maintain maximum performance even when an emissions-related fault is triggered or the aftertreatment system is regenerating.

Also, when the X15 is specified with a Cummins Onan® generator, the Cummins service network is the single source for maintenance, parts, and service for both engine and generator. An upgraded high-flow air-handling system provides faster response for acceleration. Peak torque of up to 1,850 lb-ft is delivered across a very wide engine rpm range as low as 1,150 rpm. www.cumminsengines.com, 800-343-7357

Code 3®, Inc. M180™ exterior light combines an intersection light, takedown light, and puddle light into one compact housing. The M180 can be mounted anywhere an MR6™ can, making it a versatile light. The M180 comes in red, white, blue, green, and amber colors. There are 29 single-color flash patterns. The M180 syncs with existing Chase™, MR6, and Mega Thin™ LEDs, making it easy to integrate into an existing setup.

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