This page shall serve as the official  Training & Personnel Development Policy for the San Andreas Fire Department:

Last Updated:  11/21/2022
By:   Kidd B.

4.1- Purpose

Training is the single most important element for a safe, professional, and effective fire department. It is imperative that all members are properly trained on all aspects of firefighting to help safeguard his/her life, the lives of other firefighters and the lives of those we serve. 

Training:

• Prepares a firefighter to safely perform his or her duties. 

• Prepares a firefighter for any change in a procedure or technology or for any new hazard identified in his or her work environment. 

• Prepares a new firefighter whose duties include emergency operations to perform emergency operations. The training will include training in the incident command system. 

• Gives a firefighter whose duties include structural firefighting training consistent with established fire ground operating procedures. 

• Prepares a firefighter for special hazards to which he or she may be exposed during fires and other emergencies 

• Includes procedures for firefighters engaged in fire ground operations to make his or her safe exit from a dangerous area if equipment fails or fire conditions change suddenly 

4.2- Expectations

• Probationary firefighters are not permitted to participate in structural firefighting activities or training which require the individual to enter or be in close proximity to the building, enclosed structure, vehicle or vessel until that individual has completed required training.

• A firefighter whose active status is in jeopardy due to failing to meet training requirements will receive a verbal and written warning from Command Staff

• A firefighter whose status is changed from active to inactive status will receive a written notification from Command Staff. At that time a meeting will be scheduled with that member and the Chief or his/her designee, to discuss requirements and actions needed to regain active status. Exceptions and petitions for minimum training requirements may be made to the Chief. Under special circumstances the Chief may alter department minimum training requirements

4.3- Ride Along Program

• On the job training through ride-along's with Command Staff or FTO's is currently the department's primary means for training firefighters. Firefighters are encouraged to utilize the department's website for self study purposes and to familiarize themselves with SAFD Standard Operating Procedures. When firefighters are on-duty and wish to receive training/feedback, they are encouraged to send messages within the SAFD discord chat and coordinate with Command Staff and/or an FTO

• FTOs utilize a "SAFD ride along form" in order to guide on-the-job training and provide feedback, goals, and document progress