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Wednesdays Are for Driver/Operator Training!

Every July and August, our members hit the road—and the training ground—as part of our annual Driver/Operator Training Program.

Becoming a fire apparatus operator is a multi-year process designed to build knowledge, confidence, and experience one apparatus at a time. Members progress through a structured program:

Year 1 – Light Rescue Apparatus - Rescue 7 and Rescue 7-1: Members begin with our smaller rescue apparatus, learning the fundamentals of safe vehicle operation and apparatus systems as well as motor vehicle traffic laws for emergency vehicle operation.

Year 2 – Heavy Rescue - Rescue 5: Members advance to our heavy rescue, with an increased focus on maneuvering and operating larger apparatus, as well as learning its purpose and capabilities.

Year 3 – Engines 1, 2, and 3: Training moves to our engines, with a strong emphasis on pump operations, water supply, and fire suppression.

Year 4 – Truck 6: Members can advance to our aerial apparatus, where training includes driving, fire suppression, and the operation of the aerial ladder.

But earning the driver's seat takes more than simply learning how to drive a fire truck.

Our members spend approximately six weeks training with our officers, learning the fundamentals and developing the skills necessary to safely operate each apparatus. After that, they complete six additional training sessions with experienced preceptors before being approved as operators.

It's a significant commitment—and an important one. When the tones drop, our drivers/operators need to be ready to safely get the crew and apparatus where they need to be, while also knowing how to operate the equipment once they arrive.

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