Following are links to resources available from NYS OFPC related to their outlook and best practices towards creating and managing an effective volunteer fire department training program that meets applicable standards and regulations, and the needs of your agency:
Moving Forward in 2016
By Bryant D. Stevens, New York State Fire Administrator
As we close out 2015 and move into the new year, I must applaud the statewide fire service organizations on their collaboration with the state Department of Labor and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) in the development of the “Best Practices” guidance document.
This document provides sound, reasonable guidance to fire departments across the state as they develop their training protocols to not only comply with the state Public Employee Safety and Health directives, but, more importantly, to identify what training their firefighters need to complete based on their assigned task. Everyone recognizes the variables that exist between the fire departments of this state and rather than applying a “one size fits all” approach, the “Best Practices” document accounts for these variables.
This is a major step in assuring that effective, competency-based fire training is provided to all of New York’s firefighters. Read more at: http://www.fasny.com/moving-forward-2016/
Best Practices for Meeting Training Needs:
http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/training/firefighting-best-practices.cfm
NYS OFPC Training Catalog:
As you look at courses you’d like to request to host at your agency, please note which courses are available as outreach (field) courses vs. those that are only available at the NYS Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.
http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/training/documents/trainingcatalog.pdf
Link to Erie County Fire Safety Training Policies and Forms: