Fire Training Expands to the Fairgrounds

The Dubois County Fire Trainers Association is making plans to provide new training opportunities for aspiring first responders. The group will be using the fairgrounds for training exercises on September 12-13, pending final approval by the Park Board. They will utilize the lake area on the front of the property facing the highway, and access will be through the disc golf drive. The highway and asphalt roadways on the fairgrounds will not be utilized. 

Scott Schnell of the Fire Trainers Association said that the rural water supply presents some unique challenges that require specific training. Every department in the county except Jasper has tankers, and they rely heavily on mutual aid between departments to keep water available for larger events like structure or fuel fires. The class will offer the opportunity to practice drafting, using water shuttles, and loading tankers. They will also participate in scenario-based training drills, and all water removed from the lake will be returned. 

The Fire Trainers Association is a county-wide organization that provides “Quality, departmental fire training for fire fighter skill set improvement and credential requirements.” It also serves to connect the twelve fire departments in the county, each of which has a representative in the association. Meetings are held at rotating locations to visit a different department each month. 

They run the annual fire school at VUJC, which attracts about 200-300 students each year. The association facilitates state certification courses in accordance with Indiana Fire and Public Safety Academy standards and NFPA requirements. This includes Firefighter I/II curriculum, the minimum training required for firefighters in Indiana. This core training is provided locally, with one session in progress through November. The class meets two nights per week, with occasional Saturday instruction, focusing on hands-on skills like extrication and utilizing live burns. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.duboiscountyfiretrainers.com 

- Drew Hasselbring