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Training Section
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Training Officer Gene Shulte explains training exercise.
WFD Training Officers. (Rear, left to right) John McLeskey, Jim Bowen, Gene Shulte, Kent Miller. (Front, left to right) Lori Wilson, Randy Stearns.
1980 - Promotional test at Century II.
Recruit firefighters practice extinguishing an oil fire.
A hose evolution training exercise.
Training Officer Olick with lost kittens.
| The success or failure of a fire department's mission is directly dependent upon the quality of its training program. Throughout the '80s and into the '90s the Training Section has continued in its efforts to maintain and improve the capabilities of the fire department through professionally oriented and comprehensive training programs designed to meet the ever changing needs of the department.
Recruit Training
An intensive eight-week training program provided for all recruits entering the fire service.
Personnel Refresher Programs
An ongoing program that includes practical training evolutions as well as training in the technical and scientific aspects of fire fighting.
Company Performance Tasks
A process in which all fire companies are evaluated on its performance as a crew, testing its skills in a fire ground stimulation.
Driver Training and Certification
A program to maintain and test driving and pump operating skills through a certified training program.
Emergency Medical Training
A continuing medical training process through which fire department EMTs maintain their medical certification and skills.
The Training Section also is responsible for many other areas of certification such as hose testing and SCBA testing, as well as the ongoing promotional testing process developed to ensure the selection of the most qualified individuals possible to fill the vacancies that occur from time to time in the officer ranks.
As the growing demands placed on firefighters become more complex each day, and with the advancement of technology (new types of equipment, more efficient tools, apparatus, and protective clothing) the challenge of fire protection will be constantly evolving.
With these demands in mind the Training Section looks forward to the challenge of the '90s. Through the development of new and innovative training programs the section will continue to provide the city of Wichita with a highly trained professional department.
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