Mission : “We exist to support all Metro team members.  Our mission is to give them the best internal customer service possible through training that results in safe, effective, and efficient operations.”

Currently, Metro Fire’s training division is tasked with the development, implementation, and maintenance of skills for approximately 550 line team members, and 150 support members. 

Although the training division is staffed with 10 personnel, and a recruit academy cadre of an additional 5 drill instructors, all Captains in Metro Fire are considered training officers.  Station Captains apply the curriculum developed by the training division to their crews.  Captains know the special needs, motivations, and synergistic dynamics of their companies much better than anyone, so we utilize their abilities and knowledge to expand our resource base.

Each month, a training packet is sent to all stations for implementation.  Included is a video that outlines training and updates personnel on global issues facing the district.  The packet also includes any relevant reference materials such as fitness topics, articles, and quizzes.

Training takes place in the following disciplines:

·       Standard company evolutions and “Back to Basics” firefighter skills

·       Emergency Medical Services

·       Rescue Systems/US&R

·       Swift Water Rescue

·       Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)

·       Wildland firefighting

·       Hazardous Materials Response

·       Aviation (Helitack)

·       Fitness

·       Firefighter Survival and Rapid Intervention 

Training is delivered through the following media: 

·       Company level drills lead by Company Officers

·       Battalion level drills lead by Battalion Chiefs

·       Battalion level training taught at designated training sites throughout the district

·       Specialized classes taught on duty by in-house instructors  

Training is maintained in the following timeline: 

·       Standard evolutions, “Back to Basics”, SCBA, and fitness topics are completed monthly

·       EMS and Hazardous Materials are completed quarterly

·       Rescue Systems/US&R, Swift Water Rescue, and ARFF are completed monthly at the company level and quarterly at the battalion level

·       Wildland is completed seasonally 

While all companies maintain the above schedule, specialized companies (Rescue, ARFF, Hazmat, Swift Water, Aviation) maintain additional training pertaining to their respective disciplines. 

Recruitment 

In addition, four other significant training programs exist in the area of recruitment.   First, an average of two recruit academies are completed each year, spanning sixteen weeks each.   

Second, we launched an aggressive Paramedic Intern program in 2002 that incorporates Paramedic schooling, clinical time, preceptor ride along, and a Firefighter 1 academy.  At the end of one year, the Paramedic Interns enter the above-mentioned recruit academy in an abbreviated format of 12 weeks.   

Third, we cooperate with local school districts in the Regional Occupation Program.  High school students ride along on engines and rescue ambulances on a regular basis and receive Firefighter 1 training. 

Finally, we support a cadet program designed to allow high school graduates an opportunity to continue their ROP progress and become more engaged in the organization through training, ride-along, community service events, and special projects. 

Community College Cooperative Agreement 

Metro Fire has a joint partnership with the Los Rios Community College District.  This relationship allows us to coordinate college level training, State Fire Marshal courses, and specialized classes which all benefit our members and the fire community at large.  Members receive college credit for training through this format. 

California Fire and Rescue Training Authority  www.fireandrescuetraining.ca.gov

Metro Fire is in a Joint Powers Agreement with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and Sacramento City Fire Department.  The goal of this agreement is to provide an avenue for training in the areas of Urban Search & Rescue, Special Operations, and Overhead Incident Management.