Training requirements

• In order to be considered an active firefighter with the Department, a probationary member must successfully complete the Pennsylvania state accredited 88 hour Essentials of Firefighting course within a year of entering service with Saint Vincent Fire Department.
  • Members are expected to attend all scheduled classes; failure to do so will result in disciplinary action as decided by the Chief. For probationary membersunexcused absences from more then two classes will result in failure to complete probationary requirements.
  • Being late for two classes counts as one unexcused absence.
  • Drills other then classes do not need to be taught by certified instructors; however, the instructors must be knowledgeable about the topic.
• Members arriving at Saint Vincent who already have complete the Essentials course must complete a one semester probationary period, along with completion of mandatory SCBA and pump training and satisfactory completion of the probationary exam.
• Members operating in hazardous or potentially hazardous atmospheres where SCBA is required shall be trained for each type and model of respiratory protection they are required to use.
• Any members who will be operating beyond a support capacity at hazardous material incidents must receive training and be certified at the “Hazardous Material First Responder – Operation” level

July 2003