Tuesday, June 2 all VDFP employees continue to telework
In an effort to keep all Virginia state employees safe and free from harm, and in conjunction with direction from Governor Northam, all VDFP employees at Headquarters and Divisions 1-7 will continue to telework on Tuesday, June 2.
Continue to conduct VDFP business by phone and email: https://www.vafire.com/about-virginia-department-of-fire-programs/agency-directory-2/.
Monday, June 1 all VDFP employees will telework
In an effort to keep all Virginia state employees safe and free from harm, and in conjunction with direction from Governor Northam, all VDFP employees at Headquarters and Divisions 1-7 will be teleworking on Monday, June 1.
Continue to conduct VDFP business by phone and email: https://www.vafire.com/about-virginia-department-of-fire-programs/agency-directory-2/.
VDFP Launches New Learning Management System, Cornerstone OnDemand
April 23, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) announced today the launch of its highly anticipated online, learning management system, Cornerstone OnDemand.
Over 40,000 fire service professionals in Virginia have access to the cloud-based system that is equipped with a dynamic search feature and events calendar to easily locate VDFP training offerings throughout the Commonwealth.
VDFP is taking a phased approach to implementing many features in Cornerstone OnDemand. The system unveiling is Phase 1. Users are encouraged to learn about Cornerstone OnDemand’s self-service features: registration, profile changes, searchable events calendar, and access to student training guides and instructor resources.
Before you log in for the first time, watch our Welcome Orientation Video.
*If you have taken, registered for, or completed a VDFP training from November 2, 2019- April 1, 2020 you already have an account in Cornerstone OnDemand. You will not need to create a new account.
VDFP is encouraging new users to do the following after the initial login:
VDFP is kicking off CSOD Office Hours – Online next week for stakeholders who prefer a visual walkthrough of Cornerstone OnDemand, followed by a Q&A session. Register on the CSOD page.
Phases 2 and 3 of the Cornerstone OnDemand implementation will be determined and announced at a later date. Visit the CSOD Page for updates.
VDFP Earns Pro Board Re-Accreditation with 23 Certification Courses
RICHMOND – April 16, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) announced today its accreditation renewal with Pro Board, which solidifies 23 certification courses for the state training agency. VDFP is one of 70 agencies accredited by Pro Board throughout the world and is the accrediting body for fire service professionals in Virginia.
Pro Board accreditation is a rigorous process that entails an agency self-study within the submission of an application package. After the Pro Board application review, a committee conducts a site visit to review testing and certification processes. The result is a report that is reviewed for an accreditation decision.
“We are beaming with pride to have earned reaccreditation with Pro Board and add newly- accredited courses to our training program offerings. The news couldn’t have come at a better time, as we are currently working on our post-COVID-19 training recovery plan,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “This is also an achievement that will benefit Virginia’s Fire Service in upskilling or maintaining credentials to enhance performance and service delivery in the field.”
In February, VDFP announced 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.
| Re-accredited Courses | Newly-Accredited Courses |
|---|---|
| 1. NFPA Standard – 1001: Edition – 2013, Chapter 5 Fire Fighter I 2. NFPA Standard – 1001: Edition – 2013, Chapter 6 Fire Fighter II 3. NFPA Standard – 1002: Edition – 2017, Chapter 5 Apparatus Equipped with Fire Pump 4. NFPA Standard – 1002: Edition – 2017, Chapter 6 Apparatus Equipped with an Aerial Device 5. NFPA Standard – 1003: Edition – 2015, Chapter 4 Airport Fire Fighter 6. NFPA Standard – 1005: Edition – 2014, Chapter 4 Marine Fire Fighter 7. NFPA Standard – 1021: Edition – 2014, Chapter 4 Fire Officer I 8. NFPA Standard – 1021: Edition – 2014, Chapter 5 Fire Officer II 9. NFPA Standard – 1021: Edition – 2014, Chapter 6 Fire Officer III 10. NFPA Standard – 1021: Edition – 2014, Chapter 7 Fire Officer IV 11. NFPA Standard – 1031: Edition – 2014, Chapter 4 Fire Inspector I 12. NFPA Standard – 1031: Edition – 2014, Chapter 5 Fire Inspector II 13. NFPA Standard – 1033: Edition – 2014, Chapter 4 Fire Investigator 14. NFPA Standard – 1035: Edition – 2015, Fire and Life Safety Educator I 15. NFPA Standard – 1035: Edition – 2015, Fire and Life Safety Educator II 16. NFPA Standard – 1041: Edition – 2012, Chapter 4 Instructor I 17. NFPA Standard – 1041: Edition – 2012, Chapter 5 Instructor II 18. NFPA Standard – 1041: Edition – 2012, Chapter 6 Instructor III |
1. NFPA Standard – 1072: Edition – 2017, Awareness 2. NFPA Standard – 1072: Edition – 2017, Operations 3. NFPA Standard – 1072: Edition – 2017, Operations Mission-Specific 6.2 4. NFPA Standard – 1072: Edition – 2017, Operations Mission-Specific 6.6 5. NFPA Standard – 1521: Edition – 2015, Chapter 5 Incident Safety Officer |
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a declared pandemic that is evolving throughout the U.S. and abroad at a rapid pace. As with many localities and government agencies in the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs is remaining flexible and working proactively to announce changes to agency training programs and operations as they occur.
Visit this page for real-time updates on VDFP-specific actions and decisions.
March 21, 2020
March 20, 2020
March 19, 2020
March 17, 2020
March 16, 2020
March 13, 2020
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.
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/course-offerings/.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 (NFPA 1033)
0800-1200
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
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:
Presenters: Battalion Chief Kerwin A. McNamara, Connie McNamara
3:00-5:00
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:
Presenter: SA Dante Robinson, Virginia Fusion Center
Thursday, February 20, 2020 (NFPA 1031)
0800-1200
(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
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.
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. |