March 20, 2024 |
Photo – Firefighters in training class – Courtesy Nick Hudson
Wyoming fire departments are teaming up to provide state-wide career firefighter training. Like law enforcement officers, non-volunteer firefighters, must undergo mandatory training. Each fire department is responsible for providing its own training classes.
The Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office along with Rock Springs Fire Department, Laramie Fire Department, and Sheridan Fire-Rescue have teamed up to create a new firefighter academy. Fremont and Carbon County Fire Inspector Nick Hudson said combining testing resources under one roof ensures all firefighters receive the same training.
Hudson said the new joint training academy is geared specifically toward career firefighters. The seven-week training classes were made to somewhat mimic the way law enforcement officers are educated, said the county fire inspector.
Hudson said fire departments across the state teamed up for the combined training courses. With dwindling memberships and budgets, the county fire inspector said the time was right to create the joint firefighting academy.
Hudson said the joint firefighting academy follows National Fire Protection Association training protocols. The NFPA requires all firefighters be trained in fire suppression techniques, emergency medical response, hazardous materials handling, and incident command procedures. Combining all career firefighter training together takes some of the financial strain off the individual departments, said Hudson.
Hudson said he had no trouble getting the individual fire departments to agree to the joint firefighter training academy. The county fire inspector said each department understands that the academy will cover the required courses. Specialized training must be provided by the hiring department.
Each week of the seven-week course will be held in a different municipality. Now in its third week, firefighters will meet in Laramie to undergo the next phase of training. Afterwards, they will head to Casper. The new firefighters are set to graduate on April 18th.
