Firefighter II

[riverlinetk]

In maryland the training academy (MFRI) runs summer classes all summer long. They include a two week FFI program, one week FFII program, EMTB, and haz-mat tech. The courses are very successful and always full. I would say from knowing many of the instructors that they do look at the weather on a regular basis and structure the class as much as they can around the very hot days. It's an intense thing but from what i've seen the guys that come out it turn out pretty decent.

[opsoverkill]

Here some info from The Division on FFII




JANUARY 22, 2008
RULE ADOPTION
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY
Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 5:73-1.1, 1.4, 1.11, 2.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4
Standards for Fire Service Training and Certification
Firefighter II
Proposed: May 7, 2007 at 39 N.J.R. 1551(a).
Adopted: November 27, 2007 by Joseph V. Doria, Jr., Acting Commissioner, Department of Community Affairs.
Filed: December 17, 2007 as R.2008 d.20, with substantive and technical changes not requiring additional public notice or comment (see N.J.A.C. 1:30-6.30).
Authority: N.J.S.A. 52:27D-25d, 25k, 25l and 25m.
Effective Date: January 22, 2008.
Expiration Date: June 14, 2010.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency Responses:
Comments were received from David Gsell, Director, Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center; Craig Goss, Chief, Morris Township Fire Department; and Mike Daley, NJ Fire Service Member.
COMMENT: We support certifications for Firefighter II.
RESPONSE: The Department of Community Affairs shares your support for the proposed Firefighter II certification.
COMMENT: The basic first aid module should be completed before a firefighter begins training, as is required by most academies. Additionally, the Department should not stipulate the number of hours for CPR training. The currently recommended American Heart Association training time (4.5 hours) is different from that cited in the rule, and it includes automated external defibrillator (AED) training.
RESPONSE: The proposed Basic First Aid component of the firefighter II program required 10 training hours accompanied by an additional eight hours of CPR (professional level); and four hours of AED training. The Department believes the Basic First Aid, CPR (Professional Level) and AED training can be obtained either within the firefighter II program or from another training provider. It has been determined that not all fire academies provide EMS training and some may not be able to conduct sufficient numbers of classes to provide students with training prior to the start date of a firefighter II training program.
Upon adoption and in accordance with NFPA 1001, the Department has amended Module 15, Basic First Aid, to indicate that basic first aid, CPR and AED training can be obtained outside the firefighter II program. The student must provide proof to the firefighter II program director that they have successfully passed the prescribed training competencies. The training must be obtained through a licensed or sanctioned first aid and/or CPR/AED training provider such as American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or any other recognized healthcare training provider. Because the number of hours would be determined by the respective programs, the Department has removed the hours associated with CPR/AED training.
COMMENT: The proposed rules should allow any text that covers the topics referenced in NFPA 1001, Chapter 6, 2002 Edition, as an acceptable training manual. There is no guarantee that enough Delmar texts would be available for everybody, and if the Department changes its required text, the Department would have to amend these rules. Most of the firefighters who have completed firefighter II training did so using the IFSTA curriculum.
RESPONSE: The publisher of the firefighter II textbook has stated that sufficient quantities of their book exist to meet any demand from the New Jersey Fire Service. The Department believes that using the same textbook to train firefighters provides a more uniform instruction and testing program. Additionally, this provides for better coordination and instructor acclimation than does sanctioning multiple publishers and textbooks. Finally, the use of one textbook simplifies the testing process and management of the firefighter II test bank. The Department agrees that if the firefighter II textbook is changed these rules would need to reflect the change. Currently, all of the national publications are being updated to comply with the new NFPA standards and NIMS requirements.
COMMENT: Why should someone who has already completed the firefighter II curriculum have to sit for a re-test? This was not required for firefighter I.
RESPONSE: Issuance of a State firefighter II certification must be made after evaluating the competencies of the NFPA 1001 standard and testing the candidate to those competencies. After evaluating a number of firefighter II programs available Statewide, the Department noted a wide discrepancy in both hours and focus between programs administered at the county and local levels. The Department believes that if a candidate possesses the firefighter II knowledge and training competencies, he or she will be able to pass a firefighter II written exam. Only through administering a firefighter II written exam can a true and impartial assessment of the candidate be made to the adopted NFPA 1001 standard.
COMMENT: Working fire academy instructors should not be required to sit for the exam. To do so suggests they were not adequately trained to deliver firefighter II materials.
RESPONSE: The rules do not require academy instructors to sit for the firefighter II exam.
COMMENT: Firefighters who only meet the experience requirement should not be allowed to sit for the exam.
RESPONSE: The Department disagrees. A candidate can be proficient in the firefighter II competencies, as specified in the NFPA 1001 standard, by obtaining skills at the local level. By providing an opportunity for a candidate to "challenge" the firefighter II exam, all firefighters in the State will have the same opportunity and access to obtain the certification through competency based assessment.
COMMENT: A peer review board should be utilized to review the transcripts of firefighter II candidates. If this board determines a candidate's training background meets or exceeds the NFPA standard, he or she should receive a certificate without taking the exam.
RESPONSE: The Department disagrees. The creation of a peer review board would create an additional assessment level and application processing delays. Furthermore, the Department would not be able to get a quantitative assessment of an individual's knowledge based to the adopted NFPA 1001 standard. Finally, a review board would not be consistent with existing fire service certifications or testing processes administered through the Office of Training and Certification.
COMMENT: "Bridge training" costs may be an issue for many fire departments. Many departments have already invested time and money in training, and there is no need to re-invest in processes already completed.
RESPONSE: Bridge training programs are not required by these rules. The decision to create and deliver a bridge training program is made by the eligible training organization.
COMMENT: Parts of this proposal are unfair to many firefighters who have consistently and successfully proved their commitment to the success of the State's fire service by continuing their education and showing competency in their abilities. This proposal unfairly compares them to those who have not. Why should we punish them by requiring them to re-submit to repetitive training and re-testing on skills they already possess?
RESPONSE: The Department disagrees. There is no unfairness or punishment to these rules. If a firefighter has obtained training competencies to the level indicated in the NFPA 1001 standard, they will be able to prove their competency by passing a State administered firefighter II written exam. These rules have been created to recognize and certify achievement of firefighters to a nationally acclaimed level, as indicated through the adoption of the NFPA 1001 standard.
COMMENT: The State should phase-in this new program by including a grandfathering clause. If the firefighter II certification is voluntary, why would a senior firefighter want or need a certification? The Department will create a two-tiered system (those with certification and those without) that may affect the command structure and operations of a fire department.
RESPONSE: The decision to obtain this voluntary firefighter II certification is solely that of the individual. The Department does not agree that a two-tiered system would be created by the firefighter II certification. As a result of recent national and regional disasters, the fire service has acknowledged the need for standardized training and the credentialing associated therewith.
COMMENT: Three hours is insufficient for building construction. More attention should be paid to discerning the different construction features during fire attack.
RESPONSE: The Department agrees and has added two training hours to this topic by lessening the number in the hose testing module as indicated in a Response below. The overall number of hours for the complete course would remain the same.
COMMENT: The evidence preservation module belongs in a fire officer program although it is good to know information for the advanced firefighter. The incident commander has legal responsibility for this.
RESPONSE: Evidence preservation is contained in the NFPA 1001 standard and must be presented in the training program to comply with the adopted standard competencies.
COMMENT: Three hours for hose testing is excessive. It is extremely unlikely that an officer will not be around when a hose needs to be tested. The details of a hose test can be looked up in NFPA and most firefighting manuals. This class should be a one hour awareness class so the student recognizes when hose testing is required and what the objectives are. At the working fire, they will not be testing hose, but they will be watching a building under attack and its construction features weakened.
RESPONSE: The Department agrees and has modified the hose testing module to require one training hour. The other two hours have been transferred to the building construction module.
COMMENT: Module 11 lists a total of nine hours for motor vehicle extrication, which is admirable, but Module 12 lists six hours for confined space. During these six hours "the student shall . . . perform a rescue in simulated conditions. . ." Six hours is not enough training for a rescuer to perform confined space rescue. NFPA recommends rope rescue training as a prerequisite for confined space rescue training. The technical rescue support should be an awareness level course or an introduction to rope rescue. Nothing should mislead the student into thinking they are ready for confined space rescue.
RESPONSE: In accordance with the NFPA standard, the Department has amended this portion of the rule to indicate a candidate will assist with a rescue. The six hours for this module as well as the 14 for the firefighter survival module would be sufficient to satisfy the NFPA 1001 firefighter II provisions regarding rescues. The Firefighter II program is not intended to train a person to be a technical rescue specialist.
COMMENT: The hazardous materials response module should be clearly stated as a practical drill that includes a hands-on spill control exercise.
RESPONSE: The specific training module provides competencies to the NFPA 1001 standard in hazardous materials response, material release control, damming, diking and diverting containment. A practical spill control exercise is not required, but is suggested by the adoption of a drill area facility requirement. The Department is confident that the proposed content does provide the student sufficient knowledge to identify hazards associated with a material release, identify the need for decontamination, and perform control measures to contain the spill. This module can be supported by an established response team and review of equipment and procedures is acceptable.
COMMENT: Why are we using the terminology "Rapid Intervention Team"? NFPA uses "Rapid Intervention Crew" and the Fire Department of New York and much of New Jersey uses "Firefighter Assistance Search Team." If there is a move to change the name, let's use what the rest of the nation is using.
RESPONSE: In accordance with the NFPA standard, the Department has amended Module 14 to reference Rapid Intervention Crew/Company (RIC). The State has adopted the National Incident Management System, and for interoperability purposes, the terminology used by firefighters in this State should be consistent with that used in the national standards.
COMMENT: Which is it--firefighter survival or firefighter assistance search team (FAST)? Firefighter survival is for firefighters inside a structure engaged in fire suppression that need to escape. FAST is for firefighters on the outside preparing to locate and rescue a firefighter that was engaged in suppression and now is in distress. FAST is a firefighter rescue, not escape.
RESPONSE: The phrase "firefighter survival" pertains to the ability of a firefighter to survive the emergency incident and its associated hazards and is not limited to inside or outside of a structure. This module is intended to familiarize firefighters to both, including specialized rescue operations. As indicated above, the terminology has been changed upon adoption to be consistent with that in the NFPA standards.
COMMENT: Both firefighter survival and FAST require some prerequisite experience. Many times firefighter II classes immediately follow firefighter I classes and, in that case, students do not have any practical experience to relate the subject matter to. I fear the rookie firefighter will have little understanding of the size up factors required to make the important decisions these subjects require.
RESPONSE: The delivery dates of firefighter II programs are established by each fire academy. While many training academies do transcend directly into firefighter II from firefighter I, the Department believes that firefighting prerequisite experience is not required to successfully pass the firefighter II program. With respect to intervention personnel, each department and/or county should establish minimum requirements for personnel to serve on an intervention crew/company. Many departments and counties have already established such minimum requirements.
COMMENT: Fourteen hours is not enough time to teach firefighter survival, assistance and search teams. I use 14 hours to teach survival and another 12 hours to teach assistance and search teams.
RESPONSE: The members of the Training and Education Advisory Council have determined that the proposed instruction and hours are appropriate to meet the competencies contained within the NFPA 1001 standard. Firefighter II training is not intended to prepare a firefighter to be a member of a specialized rescue crew.

Federal Standards Statement
The adopted amendments are consistent with the standards imposed as a result of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. §§651 et seq., the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act, N.J.S.A. 34:6A-25 et seq., Homeland Security Presidential Directive No. 5 and Governor Richard J. Codey's Executive Order No. 50 (2005).

Full text of the adoption follows (additions to proposal indicated in boldface with asterisks *thus*; deletions from proposal indicated in brackets with asterisks *[thus]*):

5:73-1.1 Titles, division into subchapters
(a) (No change.)
(b) The Standards are divided into seven parts:
1.-3. (No change.)
4. Subchapter 4 is entitled "Firefighter I and II" and may be cited throughout the Standards as N.J.A.C. 5:73-4, and when referred to in subchapter 4 of this chapter, may be referred to as this subchapter.
5.-7. (No change.)

5:73-1.4 Definitions
The following terms shall have the meanings indicated, except where the context clearly requires otherwise.
. . .
"Firefighter I" means any person who has the duty of performing fire suppression, rescue and hazardous material response for a public event, emergency management incident, fire, fire drill or any other similar occasion and who has completed a prescribed firefighter instructional program consistent with N.J.A.C. 5:73-4.3(a). For purposes of this chapter, "firefighter I" shall not include State forest fire service firefighters.
"Firefighter II" means any person who has the duty of performing fire suppression, rescue and hazardous material response for a public event, emergency management incident, fire, fire drill or any other similar occasion and who has completed a prescribed firefighter instructional program consistent with N.J.A.C. 5:73-4.3(a) and (b). For purposes of this chapter, "firefighter II" shall not include State forest fire service firefighters.
. . .

5:73-1.11 Referenced standards and publications
(a) Copies of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards incorporated by reference in this chapter may be obtained by writing to: NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
(b) Copies of Thomson Delmar Learning publications incorporated by reference in this chapter may be obtained by writing to: Delmar Learning, 5 Maxwell Drive, Clifton Park, NY 12065-2919.

5:73-2.1 Standards for educational programs
(a) (No change.)
(b) Pursuant to P.L. 1983, c. 382, the Commissioner hereby adopts National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1001, Chapter 6, 2002 Edition, as the Firefighter II training standard in the State of New Jersey.

SUBCHAPTER 4. FIREFIGHTER I *AND II*
5:73-4.1 Duties and responsibilities of firefighter I and II
(a) A certified firefighter I and II shall work under direct supervision.
(b) (No change.)

5:73-4.2 Firefighter I and II certification
(a) (No change.)
(b) A certification for firefighter II shall be granted to an individual who is at least 18 years of age and has met the following requirements:
1. Shall possess a Firefighter I certification issued by the Office of Training and Certification, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:73-4.3(a);
2. Shall have successfully completed, prior to January 1, 2008, a firefighter II course of instruction; or have a minimum of five years of fire service experience prior to January 1, 2008, or, after January 1, 2008, have successfully completed a firefighter II course of instruction approved in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:73-4.3(b); and
3. Shall successfully pass a firefighter II written examination administered by the Office of Training and Certification.

5:73-4.3 Training requirements
(a) (No change.)
(b) An applicant for *[Firefighter]* *firefighter* II certification shall have satisfactorily completed instructional modules utilizing the Thomson Delmar Learning publication titled "Firefighter's Handbook: Essentials of Firefighting and Emergency Response - New Jersey Edition, and Addendum," incorporated herein by reference, which conforms to the following:
1. Module 1 - Incident Management System:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or IMS Adjunct Instructor certificate, and hold an IMS Level 1 certification;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: 12 classroom hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall identify and function within an Incident Management System I-200;
2. Module 2 - Building Construction, Hazards and Types:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or Adjunct Instructor certificate:
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: *[three]* *five* classroom hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall identify the various types of building construction and the hazards associated with each type;
3. Module 3 - Evidence Preservation, Scene Control, Chain of Custody:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or Adjunct Instructor certificate;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: three classroom hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall secure the scene of a fire and preserve any possible evidence leading to the cause;
4. Module 4 - Communications, Limitations and Effectiveness:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or Adjunct Instructor certificate;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: two classroom hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall identify the components of an effective communications system;
5. Module 5 - Incident Report Writing, Types, Components and Completeness:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or Adjunct Instructor certificate;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: two classroom hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall initiate and complete a report for non-emergency and emergency incidents;
6. Module 6 - Foam Fire Streams, Concentrate Types and Application:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b), Drill Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(c), and Flammable Pit Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(h)2;
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 2 certification, SCBA/Smokehouse Instructional Certificate and Live Burn Instructional Certificate;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: three classroom hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall identify the various types of foam concentrates that are available for suppression activities; apply the various types of fire suppression foam; and shall control and extinguish a flammable gas and a flammable liquid fire using water streams and foam;
7. Module 7 - Fire Hose Testing, per NFPA 1962 Standard:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b), and Drill Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(c);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or Adjunct Instructor certificate;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: *[three]* *one* classroom hour**; and
v. Objectives: The student shall inspect, test, record and place out of service fire hose;
8. Module 8 - Flammable Liquid and Flammable Gas Emergencies, Suppression Exercise:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b), Drill Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(c), and Flammable Pit Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(h)2;
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 2 certification, SCBA/Smokehouse Instructional Certificate and Live Burn Instructional Certificate;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: six hours - three lecture classroom hours and three practical hours; and
v. Objectives: Classroom - The student shall identify the hazards associated with flammable liquid and flammable gas emergencies. Practical - the student shall control simulated flammable gas and liquids fires;
9. Module 9 - Equipment Maintenance, Inspections and Preventive:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or Adjunct Instructor certificate;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: two classroom hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall identify the components of an efficient and effective equipment maintenance program;
10. Module 10 - Fire Suppression Activities, Integrated Exercises:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b), Drill Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(c), Class A Burn Building per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(h), Highrise Burn Building (optional) per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(g), and SCBA/Smokehouse per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(f);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 2 certification, SCBA/Smokehouse Instructional Certificate and Live Burn Instructional Certificate;
iii. Examination: written and practical;
iv. Hours required: eight hours - one lecture classroom hour and seven practical hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall control and extinguish a fire located in a multi-story building; communicate to additional resources during simulated fire suppression activities; perform an interior search and remove a victim from a structure to a safe haven; and demonstrate use of forcible entry tools and ventilation equipment;
11. Module 11 - Vehicle Extrication Procedures, Hazard Control, Stabilization, Extrication Procedures:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b) and Drill Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(c);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or Vehicle Rescue Adjunct Instructor certificate;
iii. Examination: written and practical;
iv. Hours required: nine hours - three lecture classroom hours and six practical hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall identify the methods used to stabilize and reduce hazards at the scene of an auto extrication; gain access into a secured vehicle using hand and power tools; identify the safety concerns associated with vehicle rescue; and identify and perform a patient assessment and patient removal from a vehicle;
12. Module 12 - Technical Support Rescue Operations:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b), and Drill Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73.2.4(c);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 2 certification or Rescue Adjunct Instructor certificate;
iii. Examination: written and practical;
iv. Hours required: six hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall identify the signs and hazards

[opsoverkill]

Did not know there was a limit!!!!!


associated with confined space rescue operations; *[perform]* *assist in performing* a rescue in simulated conditions using the tools and equipment available; identify the signs and hazards associated with trench and below grade rescue; identify the signs and hazards associated with ice rescue; and identify the hazards associated in rescue operations of industrial, and elevator/escalator equipment;
13. Module 13 - Hazardous Materials Response, Material Release Control, Damming, Diking and Diverting Containment:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b), and Drill Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(c);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or Hazmat Adjunct Instructor certificate;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: two hours; and
v. Objectives: The student shall identify the hazards associated with a material release, identify the need for decontamination, and perform control measures to contain the spill. This module can be supported by an established response team and review of equipment and procedures is accepted;
14. Module 14 - Fire Fighter Survival *[(Firefighter Assistance & Search Team-Rapid Intervention Team, FAST-RIT)]* *& Rapid Intervention Crew/Company, RIC*:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b), Drill Area per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(c), and Class A Burn Building per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(h);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 2 certification, SCBA/Smokehouse Instructional Certificate and Live Burn Instructional Certificate;
iii. Examination: written and practical;
iv. Hours required: 14 hours;
v. Objectives: The student shall identify the components of incident readiness; identify the use of personal size-up and the components of personal fitness; and describe the procedures for preparing for *[FAST-RIT]* *RIC* and the steps taken when entrapment occurs;
15. Module 15 - Basic First Aid:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification or a Basic First Aid Adjunct Instructor certificate;
iii. Examination: written and practical;
iv. Hours required: 10 hours; *[and]*
v. Objectives: Minimum emergency medical care performance capabilities for entry level personnel shall be developed and validated by the authority having jurisdiction to include infection control, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control and shock management. All students must provide proof that they have successfully passed a "Professional Level *[(eight hour)]*" CPR program of instruction*[, and an additional four hours of]* *which includes* instruction on *the use of* automated external defibrillation; and
*vi. Candidates may satisfy this module by providing proof to the training director that they have successfully passed the prescribed training competencies through a licensed or sanctioned first aid training provider such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or any other recognized healthcare training provider; and*
16. Module 16 - Summary, Review, Written Exam and Course Evaluation:
i. Facility requirements: Classroom Level A per N.J.A.C. 5:73-2.4(b);
ii. Instructor requirements: Instructor Level 1 certification;
iii. Examination: written;
iv. Hours required: 10 hours; and
v. Objectives: The students shall review the learning objectives of the course; complete a Firefighter II written examination administered by the Office of Training and Certification; and complete a course evaluation form.

5:73-4.4 Examination requirements
(a)-(b) (No change.)
(c) Applicants for the firefighter II certification shall demonstrate knowledge of the subject areas by successful completion of the firefighter II written examination administered through the Office of Training and Certification.
i. Applicants shall have three opportunities to successfully pass the written examination. If an applicant fails upon the third attempt to pass the examination, he or she shall be required to repeat the complete firefighter II instructional program.
(d) Applicants for the firefighter II certification shall demonstrate competence by successful completion of the firefighter level II skills examinations administered throughout the firefighter II training course.

[riverlinetk]

So you get three chances for the challenge as well? The way I read it, thats how it looked. Seems strange for a state challenge. Aren't they usually one and done?

[shader101]

ALL hail the gods of the div of fire another usless peice of paper

[papacheese]

I think this is another great example of how we are usually our own worse enemies....

Why Firefighter II? While it's not something I plan on actively pursuing, I can also very clearly see the handwriting on the wall for future firefighters and officers. Our world has changed, although some have a problem understanding that. There is a whole bunch of information that we need to know and skills we need to master in order to be effective as well as safe, but some organizations never provide the training necessary, don't actively encourage additional training, or worse yet, can't afford the additional training beyond Firefighter 1.

Used to be we learned on the job, but those days are long gone...not only are there fewer fires these days, but also a lot more "knowledge-based" information that needs to be learned to deal with things like terrorism, haz-mat, EMS, etc....things that years ago weren't even remotely associated with firefighting but are now considered part of our jobs.

Secondly, there's been an explosion of technical research and information in the past ten years on fires and firefighter safety; as an example, building construction information, which used to be limited to only chief officers, SHOULD be taught to firefighters...it's that important.

I could go on and on, but the cheif reason for Firefighter II (IMHO) is the overall lack of training consistency throughout the fire service.

I mean, why ISN'T there a National Firefighter 1 certification?

[WebBoss]

There is national certifications, based soley on the NFPA standards... it's the IFSAC/Pro-Board certifications. HOWEVER, according to the fire god's (I love that one), fires burn differently in New Jersey versus the rest of the 49 other states, so we have own rules and certifications.

In other words, What a Joke.

[chief3102]

Papa,

Please go stand in the comer and think about what you just said!!!!! Why ? Because we as the Fire service have a hard time straying outside of our sand boxes. Someone else tell us what to do? For shame. While you are in the corner say three hail Mary's and a couple of our fathers. The great mustache will tell you when your time is up!!!!!

[papacheese]

chief3102 said:

Papa,

Please go stand in the comer and think about what you just said!!!!! Why ? Because we as the Fire service have a hard time straying outside of our sand boxes. Someone else tell us what to do? For shame. While you are in the corner say three hail Mary's and a couple of our fathers. The great mustache will tell you when your time is up!!!!!

Is my time up?

My semi-rant was about 95% concluded before I was uncermoniously dragged away from my smoking keyboard.....

The bottom line is this: we are currently in a transition period between a century old philosophy of "everyone can say they're a firefighter" to "You have to PROVE you're a firefighter". In the years to come, all these classes won't be optional, but mandatory...Firefighter II, Fire Officer 1, Incident Management Level 1, etc. Why? Because many in the fire service refuse to change and adapt, but instead choose to battle the evil forces of governmental regulation. If we really want to find out who's responsible for this sad state of affairs, all that's necessary is to look in a mirror.

OK...rant concluded...we now return to our regularly scheduled thread.

[shader101]

i would say follow the money trail while i am 1000% for training, new tec equipment, generally anything that makes things better,safer,easier we are worth it 100% i still think the money trail whenever some group trys to jam things be it the fire gods or nfpa or home land feds. training = money, manditory training = garenteed money, o webboss didnt the great new Gov come up with a way to tax fires yet, lol

[riverlinetk]

Isn't it inherently a joke that the state is going to make anyone who already has NEW JERSEY FFII take the challenge test for the current NEW JERSEY FFII? WTFO!!! I would much rather spend the hours its going to take up there with a written test and the time to study the very obscure (yet exam focused) points of the these exams doing hands on stuff training. The more we put someone's head into a book and sit them in a calss room more we are stealing from them! COMMON SENSE!! It's leaving faster than almost anything out there today and by going away more and more from hands on to classroom it's just about gone with every newer generation.

There is absolutely a place for the classroom, and tests, and presentations. However, there is still a place to respect those who came before us and stop trying to reinvent the damn wheel everytime the state gets a new idea that they feel is superior to national standards and what most already have an understanding for.

[ekuslip46]

hey i know alot of the guys out there don't think it is necessary to take firefighter II. and if you plan to stay in NJ your probably right. but for the sake of younger guys just lookin for a job anywhere or those who have the possibility of moving need to understand many departments in other states require fire II to even apply for the department. How do i know this well i am goin to school at Eastern Kentucky University and when i got here and started talking to instructors and other students and it became evident that without fire I and II and EMT B might as well not even worry bout becoming a firefighter. I know college boy thinks he knows it all but its just some food for thought.

[thecutman]

I don't know why some of you are bashing the Division. What would you do if you had their job. Make a list and see what's on your list of priorities.

Instead of different academies doing their own thing we now have a state wide program. Speaking of that I am meeting with a few other fire academy leads for setting up a standardized extrication program, with an associated test, and practicals. I guess I am wasting my time in some peoples views but I will continue to do what I and a few others think is right.

I took and passed the Fire II test already. The whole process was 45 minutes and passed with an 87 or 89 and I didn't study. I did teach some of the Fire II class so maybe I picked up a few extra questions.

There were some good questions on the test and it might challenge some, but anyone who has general knowledge in the subject areas should do fine.

As I stated in my earlier post there are some good points and bad points but that come with everything. Eventually we will forget about this and move on to something else.

I hope the state starts to make firefighters recert every three years like the EMT program. That would knock off all the wanna be firemen and keep all the guys that are willing to train and make this proffesion better for us all.

[thecutman]

Riverlink,

Its a one shot deal for the challenge test. That is per division. The three chance deal in the provision is for students who attend a full program. Like the Fire I test criteria.

[papacheese]

I have to admit I'm of mixed mind about the grandfathering and challenge test. Personally, I don't plan on pursing the cert, but if I did, I'd take the challenge test first on the off-chance I'd make it through. If you agree that the whole point of FF2 is to ensure that firefighters have some basic level of education, then the premise of a challenege test doesn't bother me...it's just making sure you CAN walk the walk.

I don't harbor the slightest ill feeling about DFS putting this out there; in many ways it will validate a person's education, provided of course that the program accomplishes it's intended purpose. My only problem with DFS is their past history with tests that don't match the text or classroom material...The Instructor Level 1 test is an educational joke, based on a textbook that's not even used in ITCO....that simply boggles my mind. And what is the point of having half the test questions on FF1 material? I passed that already and proved competence....

Hopefully the FF2 curriculum will be better designed to match the objectives....

My last point is a repeat of what I said earlier: yes, classroom stuff sucks...but in this day and age, it's becoming far more important than it ever was before. The amount of info we need that is not directly related to a physical skill is tremendous. We now need to know WHY something needs to be done just as much as HOW.

[riverlinetk]

Cutman,

I don't think that anyone at any point in this forum ever said you were wasting your time nor hinted at that.

My grip with this is that every time there are national standards set that the state of NJ feels the need to rewrite them into their own and have you go through their program as well. Granted i'll always maintain that best training i have ever had has been at the fire academy here in the county. I still don't see a need to continue to have people retake exams/courses of classes tha they have already taken right here in this state already. My only real problem with this! A standardized extrication curriculum would be very good, kind of surprised they don't have this already.

[thecutman]

Riverlinetk,

I see your point, but the state is working on getting everyone to the same standard. I understand that this is frustrating and by no means does taking a test make you competent. I would like to see a complete test with practicals. What I am talking about is much like the challenge tests that Bucks County runs for certain programs.

Another Feasible Option

The state can also change the way certain certifications are acquired. If the T@E Council can get all the programs set up similar such as Truck Ops, Engine Ops, Rescue Ops including RIT and Veh Ext, Building Construction, Foam Operations, Instructor Level I, IMS Level I, and Some additional HazMAt classes. You should be able to apply for a Firefighter II Cert with these certifications. Most of us have taken most of these classes and would be able to obtain the cert now. I feel that this would also increase the amount of enrollment in other classes. I say make it a step process and have the firefighters take each class on its own and then submit those certs to obtain a Firefighter II certification.

This could keep going on with Firefighter III making classes such as Advanced Pump Ops, Vehicle Extrication II, Big Rig and Bus Extrication, Advanced Engine and Truck Operations, RIT Strategy and Tactics, Instructor Level II, Fire Inspector, Fire Detections and Suppression Systems. These could be any number of classes based on a Firefighter III standard from NFPA if applicable.

[riverlinetk]

I'm going to have to go with what you just pointed out as another option. By doing things that way you would prevent someone from learning about each section in one or two nights of a class where it's all thrown together into one. That way you would take each section individually and focus on those particular items and skills and thus proving your competency to be able to just apply for the cert. Very good ideas! I know you are all about the extrication end of things. Do you think we'll see more specialized courses and higher level courses in the near future here at our academy?

[thecutman]

River,

I completed the Bus Extrication program. I am currently working on a Big Rig Extrication program. I have spoken to the BCESTC about offering the Bus program and they feel confident that they can get the buses. If not I can run it through my business for interested departments who can obtain the buses.

[daveconstantine]

WOW, awesome posts, great discussion!!!!!!!!
For what it is worth.....I think there should be levels Statewide, not to put money in their pockets but to relieve some of the "I just graduated FF1 and now I am taking Haz-Mat Tech class". We all learn from classroom and practical sessions. Allow sometime between FF1 and FF2 much like in the IMS Level 1 system; so much from now until then. Take classes as proposed by cutman to reach levels of certification and provide for realistic (not saying the practicals now are not) practical sessions to go with the classroom. Papacheese loves the testing by paper theory (not a bash) which has great results for instructors, but practical sessions help cement the paper to street concept.

Grandfathering personnel to this level or re-certing people to this level to me will not make difference. The dressmeup bouqets will still get through the process. What I mean is start with the new recruits, provide levels of training for those that want to get the cert and let the rest go much like the 1990 version of FF1 cert. There will be a gap in the certification system anyway from those that do no want to re-cert.