Heavy Technical Rescue Upcoming Courses
VDFP Strengthens Statewide Firefighter Training Programs in Five Years with $1.2 Million in Federal Funding
VDFP Strengthens Statewide Firefighter Training Programs in Five Years with $1.2 Million in Federal Funding
Funding aids in the delivery of cutting-edge and industry compliant firefighter training throughout the Commonwealth.
RICHMOND – February 6, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) has been awarded approximately $1.2 million dollars in federal grants over a five-year span. The grants, which come from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, have been applied towards upgrading turnout gear, specialty rescue equipment, and the development of a training tower utilized by firefighters and other public safety personnel in Virginia.
The most recent funding awarded to VDFP was in October 2019, when the agency received $286,000 to replace equipment utilized for Virginia’s Heavy Technical Rescue training program. VDFP also purchased two tow vehicles to haul mobile training support trailers used to store and protect gear and equipment to various training localities through the state.
“The awarding of over $1 million dollars in grants has allowed VDFP to further serve more than 700 fire departments and has assisted in helping other state agencies reach its training objectives in serving the Commonwealth,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “This partnership with the Federal government will have a lasting impact in enhancing firefighter training and safety on the fire ground.”
The federal funding also empowers VDFP to obtain cutting-edge equipment that merges technology and fire science into its training programs.
This year, the agency will begin using thermal imaging cameras and IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) meters, which will enable training instructors and students to observe and analyze realistic conditions to generate evidence-based data. The data will enhance future training programs packaged by VDFP.
VDFP has provided approximately $187,000 in matching funds since 2015.
VDFP Triples its Accredited Course Offerings for Virginia’s Fire Service
VDFP Triples its Accredited Course Offerings for Virginia’s Fire Service
GLEN ALLEN – February 4, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) announced today that it offers 16 courses accredited by the International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). IFSAC is the accrediting body that recognizes and standardizes competencies in fire and emergency services programs worldwide. In 2019, VDFP offered five IFSAC accredited courses.
| Reaccredited Courses | Newly-Accredited Courses |
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“The word ‘accreditation’ means a widely recognized measurement that symbolizes quality. Accredited courses are huge incentives for firefighters, particularly firefighters who have invested years into their own education and earning credentials outside of Virginia, for reciprocity,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “By increasing the number of accredited courses we offer, we will attract current and future firefighters who wish to advance to higher positions later in their careers, anywhere in the world.”
See the latest VDFP course offerings by visiting: https://www.vafire.com/training-and-courses/csod-page/.
VDFP Trainings at VFRC 2020 – Descriptions
VDFP Training Descriptions at VFRC 2020
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 (NFPA 1033)
0800-1200
- Legal
Focus on criminal procedure as outlined by title 19.2 of Virginia Code; basic rules of evidence; proper foundation and limits of expert testimony at trial, and; significant changes to criminal trial rules, set to begin on July 1, 2020, which will impact all Fire Marshal’s Offices throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Attendees will receive four (4) hours of “legal” in-service credit from the Virginia Fire Marshal’s Academy.
Presenter: J.W. Senter, Assistant Fire Marshal, Newport News Fire Department
1:00- 3:00
- Flame Jetting Awareness and Investigative Challenges
Over the last several years, science demonstrations and experiments in school settings have gone terribly wrong. Popular Science experiments conducted regularly in schools have resulted in critical injuries to students from pre-school to high school, and their teachers. When the conditions are just right, a hand-held container of flammable liquid being poured near an ignition source can shoot out a 15-foot jet of flame. The phenomenon, called flame jetting, is a serious, largely unknown danger that is both devastating and deadly. This presentation will:
- Provide a review of the research conducted to correctly identify flame jetting;
- Define hazardous combinations in the educational setting
- Review public education strategies aimed at ending flame jetting hazards
- Review the other areas affected by flame jetting and what is being done
- Detail possible solutions for prevention
- Ensure investigators are correctly identifying the causes of these incidents.
Presenters: Battalion Chief Kerwin A. McNamara, Connie McNamara
3:00-5:00
- UAV Familiarization and Awareness
In the ever-changing fast paced world of unmanned aerial vehicles, this course aims to clarify misinformation with respect to rules, enforcement and current threats. Using a plethora of videos and discussion point’s, participants will engage and interact to discuss topics including:
- How first responder are utilizing UAV technology
- Type of Operators
- Hobbyist vs Commercial UAV rules
- Airspace and Privacy
- VA specific drone law
- “What would you do” LEO/UAV interactions
- Malicious actors and UAV related threats
- Government response and mitigation
Presenter: SA Dante Robinson, Virginia Fusion Center
Thursday, February 20, 2020 (NFPA 1031)
0800-1200
- Blasting & Case Reviews
(Lessons and Pit Falls in Blasting Code Enforcement)
Blasting is a highly regulated industry and as a standard of practice, commercial blasting firms doing business in Virginia make every effort to follow applicable federal, state, and local regulations to ensure personal safety and to prevent damage to property. FMs work closely with the industry to ensure they comply with all regulations and performs timely investigations whenever complaints arise. If the FM has reason to believe that blasting is occurring outside of the established regulations they will suspend or terminate permit(s) until compliance is achieved.
But what happens when it isn’t quite so cut and dry? Historical markers and districts, hand dug wells, monuments, and implosive devices to splice power lines, mis-fires and throw rock. When and how does NFPA 495 and the ATF Federal Explosive Law and Regulations apply to the SFPC?
We are going to address the basic blasting provisions the SFPC, expand to NFPA 495 and ATF explosive laws and then discuss several cases that just don’t fit the norm.
Presenter: Chief Fire Marshal Linda Hale, Loudoun County Fire & Rescue Department
1:00-5:00
The 2015 SFPC – How to navigate the (N), applicable building code and section deleted:
The 2015 edition of the SFPC underwent a dramatic change in appearance that was a “rewrite” to remove unenforceable language from the code. The end result caught many fire code enforcement personnel off guard. The words “section deleted”, “applicable building code” and the symbol “(N)” now consume much of the code. This program will review the 2015 SFPC and discuss how to navigate the respective changes and discuss what this really means for the fire code enforcement community. This program will also review the development of the 2018 SFPC and how the fire inspector can participate in the code development process.
Presenter: Gerry R. Maiatico, Warren County Department of Fire & Rescue Services
Friday, February 21, 2020 (NFPA 1031)
0800-5:00
NFPA 25 Step-by-Step Inspections and Tests
This one-day seminar provides a comprehensive look at the roles and responsibilities of the AHJ, the service provider and the owner of water based fire protection systems and will highlight the requirements of NFPA 25. Using NFPA 25 as a guide, the session reviews procedures for inspecting sprinkler system components along with procedures for many common tests performed by inspectors. The session is deigned to be interactive with attendees having the opportunity to discuss the various options for the complete and efficient inspection and testing of sprinkler and related systems. This seminar will benefit inspectors, contractors, AHJ, and property owners.
Presenter: Bob G. Caputo, CFPS, CET, instructor for American Fire Sprinkler Association & NFPA
VDFP Trainings at VFRC 2020
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs is offering NFPA 1031/1033 Continuing Education and Cornerstone OnDemand introduction courses during the Virginia Fire Rescue Conference. To attend these courses, you must register with the Conference to attend. Visit the VFR Conference Registration page to register.
- Contact FMA@vdfp.virginia.gov for questions about the 1031/1033 Continuing Education courses
- Contact training@vdfp.virginia.gov for questions about the Cornerstone OnDemand courses
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
| NFPA 1033 Recertification Training | 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. |
| Get to Know Cornerstone OnDemand: VDFP’s New Learning Management System | 10 a.m.-noon |
Thursday, February 20, 2020
| NFPA 1031 Recertification Training | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
Friday, February 21, 2020
| NFPA 1031 Recertification Training | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Get to Know Cornerstone OnDemand: VDFP’s New Learning Management System | 3 p.m.-5 p.m. |
Virginia Department of Fire Programs Welcomes Newly Appointed Deputy Director Robert Dubé
Virginia Department of Fire Programs Welcomes Newly Appointed Deputy Director Robert Dubé
RICHMOND – January 13, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) announced today the appointment of its new Deputy Director, Robert Dubé. Dubé joins VDFP with over four decades of experience in firefighting and emergency management.
Dubé has dedicated himself to an extensive career in public safety. He last served as the fire chief of the Alexandria Fire Department, where he retired in July 2019. A past recipient of the Virginia Governor’s Award for Excellence in Fire Service Management, Dubé’s career tenure include service as a county administrator and fire/EMS chief and emergency services coordinator for Louisa County; an assistant fire chief and emergency manager for the City of Clearwater, Florida; and, a firefighter/EMT and captain for Fairfax County, where he began his career.
As an operations chief and task force leader for Virginia Task Force One’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, Dubé responded to local and international crises such as the attack on the Pentagon during 9/11, and disasters in Kenya, Turkey, Taiwan, and Iran.
Dubé also served as an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy and FEMA, where he taught emergency management and specialty rescue courses.
“Deputy Director Dubé brings to VDFP a unique perspective as a former county government administrator, fire officer, and first responder. He understands what I call the ’20,000 foot view’ of leadership, yet will infuse his skills in planning and mitigation into our business operations,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “We are ready to add his expertise to the mix of leadership here at VDFP.”
Dubé holds a master’s degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and is an Executive Fire Officer graduate of the National Fire Academy.