Training
Training is an essential component to providing effective fire fighting services. The Training Division directs all training for Battle Creek’s 93 fire fighters. Kellogg Community College assists with medical training. Battle Creek Fire Department’s Training Division is led by Captain Jim Nofs, assisted by firefighter Jim Elliott.Initial minimum training for firefighters in the State of Michigan, includes 240 hours of basic fire fighting training, 240 hours of emergency medical training, and 24 hours of hazardous material response training. Once this initial minimum training is complete, specialized training and refresher training is provided weekly. Since 1995, the Battle Creek Fire Department has averaged over 11,000 hours of training each year. That equals about 10 hours per month for each fire fighter.
Training includes any task that a firefighter may perform in the line of duty. Topics may include ventilation, vehicle extrication, vehicle fires, hose deployment, master stream set-up, driver’s training, engine pump operation, firefighting tactics & strategies, confined space rescue, and hazardous material responses.
Special points of interests in training include Cultural Diversity Training, new apparatus training, water rescue, foam training of liquid fires, applying kits to stop leaks in high pressure tanks, high rise building training for fire fighting, and rapid intervention training. The rapid intervention program instructs firefighters in life saving techniques should they become trapped. Some rapid intervention techniques that they learn could be applied to the rescue of civilians as well.
The Training Division also coordinates familiarization tours of the 25 largest buildings in Battle Creek, which allows fire fighters a non-emergency walk through businesses.
The Training Division services and tests the self-contained breathing apparatus that firefighters carry on their backs while fighting fires. This specialized servicing includes backpack flow testing and fit testing.
The Training Division also coordinates training for hazardous materials response unit. All firefighters have received 40 hours of hazardous response training and are certified as Hazardous Response Technicians. Eleven personnel have been certified as specialist, the highest level of training. Training Division coordinates the EMS Response for civilians at the World Balloon Championships and is also involved in activities during Fire Prevention Week.
