Fireground Responsibilities of the Incident Commander Update

NYSAFC recently completed the first year of its Fireground Responsibilities of the Incident Commander training program. The class was designed to assist fire departments in meeting the Best Practices for Incident Commanders outlined by the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the NYS Department of Labor Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau.

Over the past year, the 20-hour training was offered in eight locations statewide. The lecture component of the class covered the basics of emergency scene strategies and tactics, scene management action planning, resource allocation, communications and interoperability, and incident command decision-making. Class size was limited to allow for highly interactive discussions and, in some situations, size up scenario role play. Students learned about the principles of fireground safety and supervision and were able to apply the lessons to real world scenarios.

More than 160 fire officers participated in the first year of this training. Programs were held in Orchard Park (Erie County), Hammondsport (Steuben County), North Greece (Monroe County), Alplaus (Schenectady County), New Hampton (Orange County), Solvay (Onondaga County), Barneveld (Oneida County), and Pomona (Rockland County), NY.

The training program was funded by a grant from the NYS Department of Labor’s Hazard Abatement Board. Due to the success of the first year of the training, NYSAFC received continued funding for a second year. Eight additional programs will be held statewide beginning in late fall 2016. For more information, email NYSAFC Grant Administrator Sue Syzdek.