Training Officers Committee
Minutes of the Meeting
January 20, 2006
Meeting was called to order by Steve Wells,
Introductions were made; people present included Carl
Magann-LLFPD, Steve Wells- FBFD, Kevin Jennings-UFD, Jeff Adair-UVFD,
Jim Harrison-REHIT, Dean Watson-CDFFB, Daniel Maxey WVFD,
Meridith Randall-MCC, Nona Olsen-ROP, Mike Ciancio-FBFD, Greg
Smith-LVFPD, Glen Beck-FBFD, Danny Hervilla-MVFD, Rich Boehm-CDFHF
Steve Wells welcomed all TOs and other Department and Community
representatives.
Minutes-
Minutes were approved as presented-Passed
Program Presentation-
None today, but a reminder to all if anyone has any ideas or
suggestions, make them known.
ROP representative
Nona Olsen announced that ROP will be providing some funding to
offset the cost of bringing the Western Propane and Gas prop to
our County. Tentatively the WPaG will be scheduled for Fort
Bragg and Ukiah Valley Fire Departments, dates should be in May.
WPaG requires approximately 6000sqft of property and a classroom
large enough for 100 students, (working on 50 if WPaG agrees).
Academy Update
Mike Ciancio of FBFD and Manager of the County’s Academy said
that 17 people pre-registered, and 25 actually showed up on the
first night. Each proctor or instructor will be responsible for
quizzes on their particular module. Mike asked that each
Department provide the IFSTA Fire Essentials manual for their
students as that is the accepted text of study. Pre-assignments
are being given to students, in an effort to increase the
information being presented.
Dean Watson has the material on hand for the FRO HAZMAT portion
of the Academy that takes place February. Jim Harrison said that
he is considering using the old Gualala Trailer for FRO and
DECON training, and make it available to the county.
Kevin Jennings advised the Ukiah City Fire Department will once
again be playing host for the Northtree Fire Simulator. The
simulator was brought here in 2005 and was a hit around the
county. Flyers were passed out for members present. Discussion
followed on costs and ways to reimburse the host department,
including per person fee, and ADA.
Upcoming Classes-
Powered Boats-
Danny Hervilla stated that there will be a boat handling class
coming up in Mendocino in the near future. Content will include
Multi agency, multi function class including personal water
craft and powered boats. Class is scheduled for May12. Danny
advised that this class is earmarked towards the operation of
powered boats in the rescue environment.
Academy-
Discussion turned to cost recovery, expenses, and possibly
reviewing the need for increasing tuition to reflect today’s
costs.
Northtree-
Further discussion followed on costs, and ways to reduce tuition
to some departments-Discussion followed
ICS-300-
Rich Bohem will be the instructor of record and coordinator for
an ICS-300 class, hosted by Laytonville Fire Department. Rich is
seeking some experienced co-instructors to assist him. Class
scheduled for second weekend in April.
STAM-
On February 28, there will be a Staging Area Manager class held
at the Howard Forest Training Center.
ICS-400-
Rich Bohem advised that there is an ICS-400 class scheduled for
May 10-11. Rich is looking for an instructor Cadre for this
class also.
CDF Classes-
As was pointed out at the last meeting, CDF has an extensive
training schedule, and has agreed to allow outside departments
to train with CDF if space permits it.
SWR-
Kevin Jennings handed out a schedule of Swift Water Rescue
classes that will be held locally. Classes include advanced SWR
training.
LAR-
Kevin also handed out a flyer for Large Animal Rescue that Ukiah
City Fire Department will be hosting on April 29. Discussion
followed on available props.
DECON-
Jim Harrison brought up the need for an abridged DeCon class for
local departments, something that could be initiated on a drill
night. Carl Magann stated that a streamlined course outline
could be developed that would provide local Departments with the
necessary tools to develop an emergency DeCon plan. Discussion
followed on the shortfalls of not providing a full DeCon
curriculum versus getting the word out.
MCC
The Mendocino Community College is up and running with the gamut
of level 1 Officer classes. Upcoming classes include Instructor
1b, Prevention 1A and 1B. Discussion followed on additional
classes and the need for certified instructors.
Also brought up for discussion was the need for pre-requisite
classes for the Fire Academy given in Sonoma County.
Round Table Discussion-
Fire Investigation-
The VFO Fire and Arson class was brought up for discussion. Carl
advised that he could be the instructor on record, but would
seek some additional proctors with addition investigation
experience. Discussion followed on possibly using some available
structures to provide additional fire investigation experience.
Carl will provide a course outline to ROP for credentialing.
DeCon discussion continues; Jim Harrison would like to develop a
core of instructors willing to go to the local departments to
provide DeCon training. There was discussion about offering some
kind of certificate of completion that would recognize that
local departments are honoring their commitment to the HazMat
Letter of Understanding. There was additional discussion on the
law versus real life and the pros and cons.
There was discussion on expanding the VFA FRO class with a DeCon
module.
Jim Harrison said that he would contact the County Fire Chiefs
at the next Chief’s meeting to get some additional guidance.
WEBSITE-
The website was brought up as a possible database source for
departments to seek instructors. Everyone agreed that this would
be a good idea, and a benefit to local departments.
Old Business-
None at this time
New Business
Driver Operator 1/A, 1/B
Greg Smith advised the committee that Mark Robertson would like
to once again coordinate his very well received and remarkable
Apparatus Operator classes. Laytonville has been extremely
receptive and patient with a multitude of Student Drivers,
driving, operating and pumping apparatus within the community.
More on this as time progresses.
FLAG Trailer
The flag trailer’s move to Willits is still in the planning
stage. Humboldt County wants to do one more Train the Trainer
Class, before they relinquish the trailer to Mendocino County.
Carl will keep the committee advised.
Next Meeting-
Next meeting will be hosted by Ukiah Valley Fire Department on
February 17, 2006 at 1000 Hours.