Wagontown Firefighter’s Certification Count

Descriptions of the Certifications

Fire Fighter I

This is a 132-hour “recruit” level basic firefighting course.  The goal of the course is to provide a person with little or no previous fire service training or experience with the basic knowledge and skills required to function safely and effectively as a member of a fire suppression team functioning in today’s environment.  Students will also receive training in Haz Mat Awareness, CPR/AED, and Structural Burn.  The final test will be for PA State Volunteer Certification and National Fire Fighter I.

Fire Fighter II

This is an intensive advanced firefighting course in which students are prepared for PA State and National Fire Fighter II Certification Testing.  Students will attend and participate in classroom lecture and practical exercises, as well as complete required homework assignments.  Subjects include Fire Behavior, Building Construction, Vehicle Rescue, Foam, Hazardous Materials Operations, Flammable Gas Firefighting, Suppression and Detection Systems, Fire Department Organization, Incident Command System, Incident Scene Preservation, Fire Prevention and Inspections, Pilot Gauge Usage, and Fire Service Hose Testing.  At the conclusion of the course, students who successfully complete the PA DOH Vehicle Rescue examination, Fire Fighter II Written examination, and Practical Skills test will receive PA State and National Certification at the Fire Fighter II level.

 Pumper Driver / Operator

This program encompasses all prerequisites to meet the requirements of PA State and National Certification for Pumper Driver/Operator. Subjects include Emergency Vehicle Operations, Maintenance and Inspection Procedures, Fire Service Hydraulics, and Placement of Pumping Apparatus at Fire Scenes. Further, starting in 2008, Chester County will be incorporating instruction in the basic methods of water movement in the rural area. Tank trucks and large diameter hose are utilized. Those students who meet the prerequisites and successfully complete the course will be eligible to test for PA State and National Certification as Pumper Driver/Operator.

Fire Officer I

Course content contains, Communications, Media Relations, Fire Department Structure, Legal Liabilities, Supervision & Management, Company Level Training, Community Relations, Investigations, Pre-incident planning, Incident Scene Communications & Management, Size-up & Incident plans, & Firefighter Health and Safety. Homework assignments are part this course and this program requires proficiency demonstration in written practical skills as well as 100% attendance.

Fire Instructor I

This course establishes the foundation for delivery of training programs within the emergency services spectrum. Emphasis is placed on professional delivery, organization, and methodologies of teaching. Students will develop lesson plans, curriculum presentations, and evaluation tools. Successful completion of the program is dependent upon practical skill demonstration, including a presentation, and a multiple choice written examination.

Hazardous Material Operations

This course teaches the responders basic understanding of chemistry, PPE, reference material, defensive actions, proper decontamination techniques, and other basic needs to operate at a hazardous materials situation. At the completion of the class, students will be given the written and practical exams for National Certification in Hazardous Materials Operations.

Basic Vehicle Rescue

Emphasis is placed on the development of both knowledge and skills used by vehicle rescue personnel to achieve a safe and effective vehicle rescue operation. The following objectives should be met; entrapment, disentanglement, safety, extrication, hand tools and power tools.