The Suffolk County Fire Academy is dedicated to providing the highest quality of training to the county's 109 fire departments. Every year, around 12,000 firefighters come to the academy to stay up-to-date with the latest firefighting technologies and techniques. On average, 200 people come through the academy every day, and four fires occur in the county daily. To ensure that firefighters are prepared for any situation, the academy uses Decon7 products in every classroom to decontaminate training equipment and in the laundry room for washable equipment.
We spoke with Chief Ed Johnston to learn more about how the Suffolk County Fire Academy uses Decon7 products. Instructors must be qualified to train members of the fire department and demonstrate communication skills, teaching methods, and educational motivation. The Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) Department is committed to serving both Suffolk County's 1.5 million residents and the more than 10,000 first responders dedicated to saving lives and protecting property.
Fire Department Training Instructors
Fire Department training instructors should receive a higher level of training and education than the members of the fire department whom they will instruct.During their training, instructors will develop many practical and valuable skills such as basic first aid; the use of personal protective equipment and autonomous breathing devices; how to use and maintain tools needed to fight fires and perform rescues; and techniques for performing search and rescue tasks, forced entry, ventilation, emergency evacuation, and car extractions. The Firefighter I course taught by the Suffolk County Fire Academy covers a range of competencies such as Scene Support Operations. Additionally, many fire and emergency medical agencies have active programs for young people that provide interested youth with the opportunity to begin their training and develop the skills needed to pass the Firefighter I and Firefighter II, or EMT certification requirements when they are of legal age. The Suffolk County Fire Academy is committed to providing its firefighters with the best possible training so that they can be prepared for any situation they may face.
By using Decon7 products in their classrooms and laundry rooms, they are able to ensure that their equipment is properly decontaminated after each use. Instructors also receive a higher level of training than regular firefighters so that they can effectively teach their students. The Firefighter I course covers a range of competencies such as Scene Support Operations, while programs for young people provide them with an opportunity to begin their training early. With these measures in place, firefighters in Suffolk County can be sure that they are well-prepared for any emergency.
