Training
The emphasis of training is to enhance the knowledge and performance of all personnel. West Metro Fire-Rescue District Firefighters are trained to the State of Minnesota firefighter II skill level. The ever-widening scope of operations in the fire service, however, demands that personnel receive training in a large spectrum of additional areas, as well. The fire department must meet OSHA requirements for such specific areas as SCBA Fit Testing and Medical Spirometry evaluations that insure the safety of the firefighters. There is also periodic testing and certification for physical ability levels, First Responder, etc.
Training drills are held six times each month on the first Tuesday, second Wednesday, and third Thursday both morning and evening sessions are held. Training sessions are scheduled in three-hour blocks. They cover many topics designed to keep the firefighters up-to-date on specific exposures (such as Blood borne Pathogens), hazardous rescue situations requiring special procedures (Trench and Confined Space Rescues), and everyday skill evolutions (such as Hose Lays). The goal is to make ensure each firefighter receives adequate on-going each year.
Employees of the District also participate in numerous outside training opportunities such as customized technical college programs, regional sectional schools, and specialized industrial schools. Employees are further encouraged to attend outside training and become certified as Fire Technicians. Once they achieve this rank, they are eligible for extra hourly compensation.
Efforts are made on an ongoing basis to include other organizations in some of our training programs. For instance, personnel from the Crystal and New Hope Police Departments were invited to participate in air bag training provided by NMMC and Abra Glass & Collision. Most recently, firefighters from Brooklyn Center Robbinsdale, and Plymouth Fire Departments attended the First ever Fire Service technology Show held on July 12, 2006 at West Metro Fire-Rescue District’s Station#3. The show included national vendors displaying firefighting equipment, tools and apparatus.