Training Officers Committee
Minutes of the Meeting
November 3, 2006
Meeting
was called to order by Steve Wells,
Introductions were made; Steve Wells welcomed all TOs and other
Department and Community representatives. Members present, Carl
Magann LLFPD, Steve Wells FBFD, Gregg Smith LVFPD, Tony Howard
CDF MEU, Mike Ciancio FBFD, Bill Webster MCC, Kevin Jennings UFD,
Elizabeth Weaver CVFD, Roger Dingman SCF, Jeff Adair UVFD
Minutes-
Minutes not available
Budget-
Not available
Program Presentation-
Chris Zelnick training Chief from Eureka Fire Department did a
presentation on their 451 “FireBlast” Trailer. Chris Zelnick
will be taking over as Region 1 representative, replacing Ed
Trigerio.
Eureka Fire Department purchased the fire simulator through FEMA
funds, and has agreed to provide training to regional fire
departments.
The FireBlast is a 51’ foot trailer with a 40’ fire simulator,
controlled at a remote location. The trailer has three
entrances, two windows and can provide three exposures,
including roll over.
The simulator comes with a ventilation prop, and allows
ventilation practice with tools, and works with fire conditions
of the simulator.
Some of the possible evolutions include, search and rescue, RIC
survival training, horizontal and vertical ventilation, TIC
training, initial attack, familiarization with ppe and scba.
Some of the limitations are class size, (approximately 20
students), no overhead obstructions, and 50’ clearance.
Simulator can meet NFPA 1403 requirements for Fire Control 3, if
required elements are done external to the simulator. Eureka
does not provide FC3 instructors.
Safety officer must be a Del Norte trained firefighter, and will
provide initial IAP for training, but host department must
provide IAP for the event.
Trailer requires cab over tractor to maintain total length of
vehicle. There is a vehicle and driver available.
Discussion followed with a short question and answer period.
Academy-
Mike Ciancio of Fort Bragg Fire Department, and coordinator of
the Mendocino County Fire Chief’s academy asked the TO’s present
on what the feelings were for using the Eureka Trailer to
fulfill the FC3 need of the academy. Everyone agreed that the
trailer would be a great benefit to the students, and proves to
be a cheaper solution than the Northtree simulator.
Mike said that he would schedule the trailer for the academy.
Carl Magann said that the FLAG trailer from Arcata should be
available to Mendocino County. Tentative schedule for FLAG and
Fire Extinguisher training will be March 16 and 17, 2007.
Discussion followed on the IFSTA Fire Essentials textbook for
students. The Fire Essentials is an agreed text for the academy,
and all departments are encouraged to ensure their members have
their own copy. This committee agreed to purchase a number of
texts, and provide them to students needing them, reflecting the
cost of the book in the tuition.
Mike handed out a tentative schedule, and asked departments to
select segments to host and instruct.
Discussion followed on means to protect host departments and
instructors from litigation. Hold Harmless Clauses were
discussed. Additionally, ROP has accident/injury reports that
must be filled out. Mike Ciancio stated that he will ensure that
these forms are available for instructors.
Additionally, module instructors will be responsible for written
quizzes for their respective modules, and it was suggested to
use IFSTA questions for consistency.
Mendocino County Community College-
Bill Webster announced starting dates of some of the classes
coming up for 2007 at the MCC.
MCC will be putting on Instructor 1A,1B, Prevention 1A, 1B for
the 2007 school year.
Santa Rosa JC will also be holding a lesser used skill course of
training for Paramedics in Mendocino County.
Bill Webster announced that the MCC hopes to be able to provide
Associate Degree for Fire Science by Fall of 2007.
Discussion followed on National Registry for EMT1’s and
available testing sites.
F-STEP Fees-
Steve Wells approached the membership in a way to consolidate
the way departments in Mendocino County charge students for
classes. One example was the numerous F-Step Classes hosted by
County Fire Departments. It was agreed by the members present
that all departments should charge students $15.00 for these
classes. $5.00 of which automatically goes for certificates, the
rest for instructor expenses, etc. The object isn’t to make
money, but provide consistency, and ensure that the instructor
isn’t taking an out of pocket hit.
Rescue Systems 1
Carl Magann of the Little Lake Fire Protection District did a
review of the Rescue Systems 1 class being held in Willits
during the month of December. Due to insurance considerations,
only active participants of local fire departments will be
allowed seats. Class will be granted for 40 students, thanks to
the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors.
CDF Training Calendar
Tony Howard, representing CDF handed out the 2007 training
calendar. There was discussion on a Countywide Strike Team
Readiness exercise to be held around May 5, 2007. CDF will
continue to offer some CDF hosted classes to local fire
departments.
HazMat Technician 1A/1B
There was a short discussion on the recent HazMat 1A/1B class
held at CDF training facility. This was also a granted class,
and we were able to provide training to several local fire
department members. It is unknown when the 1C/1D portions of the
class will be held. More on this in the near future as more
information is available.
FLAG Trailer
Carl Magann has been working with NORCAL TO’s on an agreement
where Mendocino County will have the FLAG trailer part time.
Tentatively, Mendocino County will have a caretaker role of the
trailer during the winter months, and during the summer, the
trailer will return to Arcata. It is the goal of NORCAL TO’s to
have the trailer used more, and this may allow for more local
training. Carl is working with Dave White of Arcata Fire
Department on getting certified to operate the trailer with
local instructors. Carl will be able to present FLAG training to
the Academy in 2007. To host FLAG classes will cost the host
department $100 that goes towards the maintenance of the trailer
and equipment, and 150 gallons of propane to fuel the props.
Certificates are $5.00 for each student.
Website
All members were asked to periodically log onto the TO website.
Photos have been updated. Input is needed to help keep the
website current.
New Business
None at this time
Open Discussion
Topic was State Fire Training….
Meeting was adjourned