Classes

[Kramer]

what kind of classes are there for each "special" area of interest other than HAZMAT ops, awareness, and tech?

[wellingcountry]

I know that the academy offered Rope 1 at some point and I know they offer Confined Space Awareness and Operations and ops is a hands on class. It was very good. As for the others I know that bucks county offers them as well as Montgomery county(PA). START Rescue in PA also offers them. Here are some links for those:
www.bucks.edu/publicsafety/
www.startrescue.com//
www.montcopa.org/eoc/Fire_Academy/MCFAHome.htm

[gotwork]

There are classes in ALL avenues of special operations. My suggestion to you is to first look at what your department provides for services. Example: if they provide Rope Rescue then pursue those types first. There are alot of FF's out there that just take every course they can find then not practice them. These skills need to be practiced regularly to keep sharp. There are different versions of each training too. Example: The West utilizes START for our Rope Rescue courses. Evesham utilizes Urban Hart. Just research the skills that are being presented. The State offered a couple of semesters of structural collapse in a partnership with NJTF-1. It was one of the best weeks I ever had as far as learning goes. However I haven't seen it since. Then there is always FDIC, Baltimore, etc. There are quality courses offered there as well.

ADVICE: Just don't try to spread yourself out to thin, learn one skill well before you move to the next.

[thecutman]

Cramer,

I think your question is geared toward hazmat. You can get Tank Car, Rail Car, On Scene Incident Command For Hazmat (through Middlesex County Fire Academy). Other classes are offered for CBRNE Awareness and Ops, Evidence Collection. Most of these are free you just need to get there.