Training Officer's Handbook

Training Officer’s Handbook is the definitive guide for training operations in the modern fire service. Whether volunteer, combination, or paid, firefighters have a common mission as well as a common need for competent, realistic training. This book replaces the trial-and-error and “school of hard knocks” approach for training officers, deploying the authors’ many decades of combined experience to fill in the gaps between instructor credentialing and managing a training system. Recommendations in this book include:• Honing your craft as a fire instructor to ensure an impactful instructional delivery • Bringing a systemic approach to managing your training operations • Mastering technology and instructional methodologies • Networking and expanding your reach and impact as an instructor.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Personal Preparation for the Training Officer Career, Volunteer, and Combination Organizations Mission of the Training Division or Section The Decision The Training Organization Mastering Your Traditions to Promote Change Fire Service Training Principles  Summary  Review Questions  2. The Instructor Respect  Developing Your Instructional Style  Personal Development  Keeping the Message Current  Networking and Mentoring  Educational Methodology  Instructional Environments  Technology  Instructor Etiquette  Summary  Review Questions  3. Department Training Assessment Defining “Good”  Tactical Equality  Performing a Needs Assessment  NFPA 1000 Series  NFPA 1400 Series  Other Key NFPA Standards and Guides  Needs Assessment Methodology  Evaluating Student Learning Styles and Needs  Formal Learning Styles  Developing a Formal Training Plan  The Calendar of Compliance  Needs Assessment Summary  Review Questions  4. Developing a Training System Part 1: Your Instructional Team  Part 2: The Programs  Summary  Review Questions  < 5. Fundamentals of Basic Training Creating a Written Program  Administrative Guidelines  The Code of Conduct  Program Discipline  Student Requirements and Expectations  Company Assignments  House Duties  Values-Based Training Components  Summary  Review Questions  6. Training Operations in Small Departments Community Needs and Department Capabilities  Funding Training Operations  Credentialing Pacing  Training Venues and Locations  Leadership and Officer Development   The Drill Night  Summary  Review Questions  7. Evaluating and Assessing Skills Results-Based Evaluation  Standard Operating Procedures  Operational and Tactical Performance  Probationary Programs and Testing  Programs for Further Development  Summary  Review Questions  8. Coaching and Mentoring An Attitude of Success  The Coaching Attitude  Instructor Intensity  All-Stop Protocol: Mayday  Setting Expectations  Summary  Review Questions  9. Training Props Training Prop Considerations  Types of Training Props   Key Well-Known Training Props  Use of Acquired Structures  Fire Behavior Props  Summary  Review Questions  Reference  A. Sample Critical Skills Questionnaire B. Sample Academy Guidelines Training Section Contact List  Your Department Fire • EMS  Program Guidelines  Program Overview  Training Academy Chain of Command  General Guidelines  Honor Graduate and Valedictorian  Testing & Evaluation Policy  Line-of-Duty Death  Work Performance Evaluation   Hydration and Nutrition  The Maltese Cross  The Star of Life  Forms and Documents  Recruit Injury Process  Graduation Uniform   Statement of Understanding  Discipline Policy  Code of Conduct Acknowledgment  Recruit Acknowledgments  Academy Graduation Invitation List  C. Sample Department Assessment for Firefighter Mayday D. Sample Probationary Requirements with Day 1 Requirements E. Sample Probationary Member Phase Check Sheets Review Question Answers  Index

About the Author :
W. Edward Buchanan Jr. began his fire service career in 1982 and retired as an assistant chief with Hanover Fire & EMS in Richmond, VA. He served on the NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Service Training and the NFPA 1700: Guide for Structural Firefighting committee. He serves on the executive advisory board of Fire Engineering magazine and FDIC and is author of the Volunteer Training Officer’s Handbook published by Fire Engineering Books & Videos. Bobby Drake is a battalion chief with Hanover (VA) Fire-EMS with more than 25 years of experience. He was assigned to operations, administration, and training, where he served as the lead training academy instructor for four years. John M. Buckman III served as the Indiana State Fire Academy director for 15 years, German Township fire chief for 35 years, and as a member of the fire service for 52 years. He was president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs from 2001–2002 and has authored five textbooks, six photography books, and numerous articles for Fire Engineering and Fire Rescue magazines.