About the Division
Responsibilities
The Training Division is responsible for the development and implementation of various topics that the modern-day fire service responds to. This includes, but is not limited to, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle accidents, water rescues and psychiatric emergencies. These trainings follow standards from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the US Fire Administration (USFA), National Incident Management System (NIMS), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Occupational Health and Safety Standards (OSHA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), California Code of Regulations (CCR), and the California State Fire Marshall’s Office (OSFM).
The Training Division oversees several cadres and committees including the Peer Support Team (CISM/Peer Support), Tactical SWAT Paramedics, Explorer Post #202, Tractor/Tiller Cadre, Water and Flood Rescue Team and various training work groups. All promotional exams that are held in the fire department are run by the Battalion Chief in charge of Training with assistance from Human Resources. These include the Engineer, Captain and Battalion Chief positions.
Structure
A Battalion Chief and three suppression captains (Platoon Training Coordinators) serve as the staff for the Training Division. The department also has a Training Work Group that supports the division’s mission and assists with the development and implementation of training topics. The PTC’s report to their shift Battalion Chief and to the Training Chief for any matters in the Training Division.
Platoon Training Coordinators
Located at Fire Station 3, the PTC’s are suppression captains assigned to Medic Engine 3 that have a dual responsibility: an officer on a front-line apparatus and a coordinator for training on their respective shift – A, B or C Platoon. The PTC’s carry the mission of the Training Division at the line level and are an integral part of the Training Division and the department.
Robert Marques - A Platoon David Furey - B Platoon Joe Tait - C Platoon
Training Facility
The Salinas training facility is located at Fire Station 3. The tower was built in 1957 along with the station and is still operational today. The recruit fire academy is held on the training grounds and in a classroom located next door. When recruits become probationary firefighters, much of their time training is spent here at the tower fine-tuning their firefighter craftsmanship. Plans for a new facility to replace the tower are currently in the works.
Academy/Probation
Recruit firefighters are put through an in-house fire academy that can last between 14-18 weeks. These recruits are taught to the equivalent curriculum set forth by the OSFM but are also held to a standard that requires them to learn the intricacies of the Salinas Fire Department. The “SFD Way” is taught in various hose techniques, ladder throws and commands, ventilation tactics, and an overall understanding of the culture of the Salinas Fire Department to name a few. Once these recruits graduate the academy, they are placed on an engine company and are on probation for a period of 18 months. They are rotated every six months to a different station in order to learn and have a better understanding of the city and its make-up.
Explorer Program
After 20 years, the Salinas Fire Department brought back the Fire and EMS Explorer Program. The program was designed to encourage 14 to 20 year olds to explore a career in the fire service. Explorers get to experience what it is like to be a volunteer or firefighter and emergency service provider through training and ride-alongs on calls.
Enrollment: Salinas Fire is not presently accepting any applications. Follow our social media pages for announcements.
Contact: JoinSalinasFire@ci.salinas.ca.us
Girls Firefighter Camp
The camp serves as an introduction to the fire service and gives young women from the ages of 14 to 18 the opportunity to learn more about what it's like to be a firefighter!
Experience Includes: Aerial ladder climbing, CPR training, live fire exercises with tools and extinguishers, repeling from towers and more.
Enrollment: Salinas Fire is currently not accepting any applications. Follow our social media pages for announcements.
Contact: JoinSalinasFire@ci.salinas.ca.us