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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on February 1, 2010 at 6:41pm

I guess it depends upon the standards contained within the entry level FF as opposed to FF1, as things can vary state to state. Here in WI, the difference between FF1 and entry is about 30 hours (I believe). Entry level FF is the minimum cert needed to be a volunteer and be on a fireground as a FF. It is basically the same material as FF1, but there is certification test required to obtain the level. The career depts are more stringent on requirements and FF1 and FF2 is typically needed to be a career FF. Those depts that don't require the certs for applications do train their recruits to FF1 and FF2 level.

I took entry level prior to going to school for fire protection and did FF1 later. I believe the minimum standards to meet the entry level requirement here is sufficient for a new volunteer. If a dept wants to require more certs, then it is up to them, but I understand some time constraint issues facing those who volunteer. Although, entry is the bare minimum, it shouldn't be the only standard, there should always be training and FFs should be encouraged to obtain higher levels. I do think there should be minimum standards to move on for some certs like say driver operator and fire officer.

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Permalink Reply by Marvin Hawk on February 1, 2010 at 7:11pm

Here in NY if you had Firefighter Essentials and Initial Attack before Y2K you are OK after that there was a transition to FF basic followed by FF intermediate then FF advanced that I believe all went by the wayside as of 2002 or 2003 and now there is FF1 and FF2. As long as I stay in NY my old stuff is acceptable as I am grandfathered. how ever depending on the state if I were to move I would have to take FF1 to stay active something that I will not attempt at 48. Also here in NY if you are grandfathered you can take the challenge to the national FF1 test, which I may do just to show my 16 y/o FF1 qualified son that the old dog can still come off the porch.
Now having said all of that New York only requires 16 hours of what we call OSHA training to be a Volunteer FF. Though most departments in my area by their by-laws require more than that usually within the first year or two of membership.

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Permalink Reply by Dusty Turner on February 1, 2010 at 7:15pm

John I agree with you on that I know what we require here in Oregon, but I am looking at what states do what cause all across the board eventually we will all be under one standard and that is why I am looking at this prospective of what each state does. I mean I believe we should all be on the same standards under the NFPA versions to be certified as a Firefighter but this is where each state comes in and makes up its own standards and this is where more laws and rules and regulations come into effect. Its something I am trying to researcha nd study and see what is going on across the board with each Department and see how each Department is running thier programs.

Thanks for your input I greatly appreciate it

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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on February 1, 2010 at 7:44pm

Its something I am trying to researcha nd study and see what is going on across the board with each Department and see how each Department is running thier programs.

Well I can really only speak from a career perspective and a small bit from my previous dept. For my current dept, FF1, FF2,(or IFSAC) paramedic, and associates is required to apply, so the entry level training doesn't apply.

From the volunteer dept standpoint, most people who came in to volunteer already had some FF experience or they were sent to the fire academy offered through the local tech school and came out with both FF1 and FF2. The dept was unique in that it was basically within a city with a career dept and started hosting firefighter interns. So basically if one came in with no experience they would be sent to the school for training which was about 3 months. Most who came in were interns and not residents, so in a way they were a step ahead of other volly depts.

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Permalink Reply by Doug on February 1, 2010 at 8:07pm

Penn-syl-VANIA still recognizes and gives the course, Essentials of Firefighting.

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Permalink Reply by Marcus A. Oliver on February 1, 2010 at 8:47pm

In Washington State Typically an Entry Level test is just that. No training. Once hired, one is sent to the State Academy or Bates Technical College for 12 weeks and will return with IFSAC FFI, Hazmat Awareness, the Department has the option of leaving their employee there for another 2 weeks to get FFII and Hazmat OPS. With that said The larger Depts, eg. Seattle, run their own academy. The only way to get into either academy is to be sponsored by a department, which means your paid or a volunteer. Most Departments run dual role MEDICS, which means they are FF's also. All FF's are EMT's. Some medium sized departments may opt to require FFI for an initial employment testing process, which has been the case of late. But you can get over that hurdle by bieng a volunteer and paying for academy yourself which is not a bad $2500 investement if you really want to get hired. You can visit the Washington State Patrol web site and check out the state fire marshal's office to get an idea of the system. IFSAC is making a big push to become the "National Accredidation System" which is what I think your talking about.

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Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on February 1, 2010 at 9:01pm

I recognize him!!! He's usually the one running around with his head up his ass about to piss his bunkers!

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Permalink Reply by Dusty Turner on February 2, 2010 at 2:22am

Reg you recognize who the entry guy or me cause I dont know you and I may have not read this well...lol a little tired right now but was wondering for a little clarification... Sorry

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Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on February 2, 2010 at 8:05am

Just making a joke about Entry Level guys!

TCSS

Reg

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