Training vs Cost

[monkybrainz]

just wondering who pays for your training and to what extent?

[FWDbuff]

All training (within reason) is paid for up front, and usually with no questions asked if you have a good attendance record with the Department. If a personal vehicle is used for transport to/from the training, you are also reimbursed mileage at the current federal reimbursement rate. Meals are also paid for if not provided with the training. Out of pocket expenses associated with the training is also reimbursed.

[tree68]

County/State training is generally free and local. Mileage may be paid for classes taken at the state fire academy (about a three hour drive), but not usually for classes taken within the county.

EMS classes are also free (and local), unless you are going for paramedic at the community college - then it's tuition as usual. I haven't heard of any agency covering that cost, but there are scholarships available.

Agencies will often pay for conferences for their members.

[PaladinKnight]

just wondering who pays for your training and to what extent?

You're going to get a very broad cross-section of answers on this question.

It is dependant on the department; their resources and capability to provide opportunity.

A department that has limited funding is not going to put much into individual training, but more in team training.

A department that operates with very large revenue sources may provide in-house basic training and offer individual development opportunities.

Each is different and there is no cookie cutter approach.

Having said that, and pertinent to the question:

Our department has four staff instructors that provide 75% of what you will ever need.

For the other 25%, if you excell and have earned the right... we will send you to the rest: pay for your room, meals, transporation, entertainment and yes, the course fees and books.

No... not volunteers... but does that matter?

[Bones42]

All training (within reason) is paid for up front, and usually with no questions asked if you have a good attendance record with the Department. If a personal vehicle is used for transport to/from the training, you are also reimbursed mileage at the current federal reimbursement rate. Meals are also paid for if not provided with the training. Out of pocket expenses associated with the training is also reimbursed.

Pretty close to that, we don't reimburse for mileage/meals.

[FWDbuff]

EMS classes are also free (and local), unless you are going for paramedic at the community college - then it's tuition as usual.

Good point I forgot to mention.....We do provide ALS service, however most of our Medics are career. We don't have very many Volunteer Medics, however we do reimburse for training updates, con ed classes, etc. I think we will assist with Paramedic Classes and/or total reimbursement, based on the Member's individual attendance/participation record, and I believe they have to agree to provide at least 5 years of volunteer service upon completion of class, to receive total reimbursement.

[HuntPA]

Our relief pays for the classes. It is up to the people taking them to get there, eat, and everything else. It's either that, or add more fundraising to cover that.

[monkybrainz]

sounds pretty close all round, so far all my training/books is coverd. not mileage but the schools isnt that far.

[Eng34FF]

We are very fortunate. All classes are paid for and provided by MFRI. If enough people are going, the company will provide a vehicle. If not, you have to take your own without compensation. We are fortunate that most classes are close by and the training facility with burn building is only about an hour away.

[MonkeyBiz]

When I went through, the my FD that I was on at the time paid for the academy, mileage if you didn't take the dept SUV, $7.00 hour while there that was held back until you passed the academy... which if I remember right was 780 hours.. so that check was a real incentive to pass. The FD I am on now, pays for the academy.. nothing else.

[BigNozzlePumper]

I am not that fortunate. We are a small department, and I have paid for ALL of my IFSAC schooling, hotels, meals, trans, everything. I do not complain about it, I'm just thankful for the opportunity to go get my certs done to better serve the community. Someday, maybe, we will be a little better funded to help future firefighters who may not have the money to accomplish this.

[hwoods]

Hmmm......

We are very fortunate. All classes are paid for and provided by MFRI. If enough people are going, the company will provide a vehicle. If not, you have to take your own without compensation. We are fortunate that most classes are close by and the training facility with burn building is only about an hour away.

LaPlata have a Burn Building??........

[Eng34FF]

LaPlata have a Burn Building??........

Yep, It was under construction when I took FF1 about 8 or 9 years ago. Not as big as the one in College Park, but it gets the job done.

[tree68]

LaPlata have a Burn Building??........

Nice burn building - great facility overall. I was there watching my son during his FF2 classes a couple of years ago. I've got pictures someplace...

[ChiefKN]

The township funds are used for all firematic costs.

Approved training is paid by the Chief utilizing Township funds. We have a van that is used for personnel to attend training.