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You are subscribed to Training, Resources and Data Exchange Network (TRADENET) for U.S. Fire Administration. This information has recently been updated.
Welcome to TRADENET, TRADE's Training Network, a National Fire Academy sponsored activity. The objective of TRADENET is to provide a forum for members of Fire Service organizations to maximize performance through quick and easy information sharing.
The information provided here must be non-commercial and non-copyrighted. None of the material shared should be incorporated into any copyrighted programs.
The TRADENET newsletter is distributed through the USFA/FEMA server. This allows you to control your subscription easier by allowing you to add new email addresses or delete old ones. There are over 33,203 subscribers worldwide to the weekly newsletter. This is an increase of 67subscriptions since last week. If you know of someone who wishes to subscribe, all they need to do is go to the following site, http://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code=USDHSFA and enter your email address. They will then be taken to a page which will allow them to select their choices of newsletters.
If you have a question or comment for inclusion in the weekly TRADENET newsletter, please send it and your contact information to Lori.Welch@dhs.gov. Please be sure and include your Department or Organization name, your email address and any other method you wish to receive feedback. USFA reserves the right to edit content submitted or reject any material submitted.
Are you familiar with the training program called “Coffee Break Training?” It is on the USFA website and can be found at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/coffee-break/. Please access this training and provide any feedback to the Deputy Superintendent Robert Neale at Robert.neale@dhs.gov. He will be happy to receive any feedback regarding this program.
Remember the Website for the National Fallen Firefighters program is http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/. Also, please visit their Resources page at http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/resources. This page contains many PowerPoint presentations and downloadable video clips available for your use.
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2010 2nd SEMESTER VACANCY LIST NFA COURSES
Please open the attachment to see the courses available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – NFA Vacancy Lists
Why are there vacancies at the National Fire Academy? Are enrollments down?
Enrollments in the National Fire Academy (NFA) are actually up. Last year, in cooperation with our State training partners, our on-line training at NFAOnline, and in our resident and off-campus delivery program, the NFA reached 120,000 fire service professionals. In 1995 we trained just 15,000. Like every college, we plan our academic year based on last year’s enrollments, the number of new courses on the schedule, waiting lists for current courses and the calendar and our best estimate of the demand for courses the following year. It’s not an exact science.
Vacancies occur for any number of reasons – some classes have low demand because the number of fire department members doing that job is low (e.g. public educators, data analysts, training, plans review, budget), but these courses are in many ways critical to the success of fire and life safety and the administration of the fire department! Other times we may overestimate the demand. When that happens, we cancel a low-demand course, move the enrolled students into another delivery of that course and use the funds to run an additional high-demand course.
It seems that I’m hearing more about vacancies than I ever have in the past. Why is that?
Well, you are. Before widespread communication using web sites and email, the NFA relied on last minute telephone calls to fill seats. We couldn’t announce the vacancies in sufficient time to get the students here to campus. Now, with improved communications, the increased membership and support of the Alumni Association and the participation of many of the fire service organizations, we distribute vacancy announcements in a matter of minutes. It is working very well.
What you are seeing, though, is only the vacancies. We never send out the list of classes that are already filled and have a waiting list. The lists show only the few vacancies we have.
I don’t apply during the application period, I like to wait to see what classes have vacancies before I apply, is that a good idea?
NO! The first requirement for a student’s eligibility to attend the NFA is their current job responsibility (Box #16). If you wait, it is likely that the courses you qualify for will be filled by others in the normal application process. When that happens, you lose the best chance you had to attend the NFA. Worse, if applications are low, the class you seek may be cancelled. The most useful and valuable course for you may never show up on a vacancy list. The better strategy is to apply during the normal application periods (April 15- June 15 and Oct 15 to Dec 15). Remember, if you qualify, you may apply for two different courses in the same semester (using a separate application for each); however, you will only receive a stipend for one trip per fiscal year (Oct 1 through Sept 30)
Why are there waiting lists and vacancy lists at the same time?
Our courses are academically rigorous, and every class is considered mid- to upper-level college course work. It is important to ensure that each student is capable of success in the course before being admitted.
Students are accepted to the NFA based on the ‘target audience’ criteria listed in the catalog. We want to make sure that the course is a benefit to both the fire department and the students when they return; and is of sufficient complexity to advance the student’s knowledge to improve local service delivery. Students who do not meet the ‘target’ criteria would slow the class down, and expose the student to possible failure.
It is more important to fill a seat with a qualified student than it is to simply fill a vacancy. This ensures success for the department, the student and the rest of the class.
What is the most frequent cause of application rejection?
1. Used the wrong application. For resident courses, applicants should submit the long form (75-5) application which requires the chief’s signature
2. Didn’t fill out the application completely
3. Didn’t sign the application, or have the Fire Chief sign the application
4. Failure to describe your activities/responsibilities as they relate to the course for which you are applying and identify how you will use the information obtained from the course. (Box 16).
Any suggestions to increase my chances of success?
On our website, there is a document that provides eight “tips” for completing a successful application. It only takes a minute – but will dramatically improve your chances for success:
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/about/attend/apply.shtm
All vacancies are filled on a first come, first served basis and qualified by using the Student Selection Criteria listed on our Website:
FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES HIGHER EDUCATION
Be sure to check out the new look for the model curriculum in its print-/handout-ready format. While there, view the new FESHE bachelor’s courses outlines that reflect the new Web-based formats delivered by the Degrees at a Distance Program schools. You can also download under the “Tools and Resources” section the new FESHE brochure in its DHS/FEMA configuration or take the same marketing piece without our logo and customize it with your own logo and content. You can also download the artwork for a FESHE tabletop display for conferences and classroom buildings which, again, is in both formats.
Visit the new page at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/higher_ed/index.shtm.
The link to the USFA/NFA TRADE Site is: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/trade/
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To enroll in NFAOnline, visit www.nfaonline.dhs.gov and browse the course catalog through the ‘New Students’ option.
Go to NFAOnline to see the complete COURSE CATALOG
Additional courses are now available on NFA Online:
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PROGRAM NOTICE
Student Recruitment for the first PILOT offering of:
Hazardous Materials / Special Operations Program Management
P – Pilot Offering (see attached)
The United States Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA), is conducting a pilot course at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland for the newly developed 6-day course Hazardous Materials / Special Operations Program Management (P254).
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#1
Greetings everyone!
I'm back looking for more assistance. If your department has an FOG or SOG on the overhauling of structure fires, could you please forward me a copy?
Also, if you have developed a form that you have the homeowner sign (say something similar to an EMS refusal form?) prior to them retaking or occupying the premises, would you include this as well?
Thank you in advance for any assistance, and also to everyone in the past that have been so kind as to help with all of my requests.
Be safe!
Terry Sott
City of Vancouver Fire Department
Vancouver, WA
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#2
Hi:
I am working on my third year EFO project. I would like information from anyone who has completed any sort of capability assessment of their department. Looking for info on comparison of available resources to what may be needed for an emergency incident at a target hazard, and the like.
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
tjz
Deputy Chief Thomas J. Zotti
Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue Department
Wolfeboro, NH
w) (603) 569-1400
o) (603 0 569-8194
wolffiredepchief@metrocast.net
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#3
My name is Ed Beirne, Assistant Chief with the Metro West Fire Protection District. I am requesting an EFO survey instrument to be included in the TRADENET newsletter. I am conducting applied research on the various measuring parameters for physical fitness and wellness programs. I have included the intro and link below.
Thanks,
Ed
Edward M. Beirne
Assistant Chief, Special Operations / Chief Training Officer
Metro West Fire Protection District
Phone: (636) 458-2100 extension 134
Cell: (636) 262-3303
Fax: (636) 458-2199
Email: edbe@metrowest-fire.org
Website: www.metrowest-fire.org
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#4
Our organization is exploring the possibility of switching from a traditional cotton/poly blend of duty uniform to a fire resistive type. If your organization has switched from either a traditional cotton/poly duty uniform to a fire resistive uniform or from fire resistive to cotton/poly, we would ask that you take this brief survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y7QS2LX
Thank you,
Joe Cirelli
Lieutenant
Mokena Fire Protection District
Training Officer/Accreditation manager
Mokena, IL
Work: (708) 479-5371
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#5
The Las Cruces Fire Department is looking into the possibilities of implementing alternative hiring methods such as lateral transfers to fill vacancies. Please provide any feedback you may have reference this subject. Positive or negative feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Lt. Ted Sweetser
Las Cruces Fire Department
Training Division
Las Cruces, NM
(575) 528-3473
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#6
I am doing some research surrounding firefighter May Day's and the actions of the departments Communication Center. I am looking for some information and I am hoping you can provide me some information.
- Does your agency have a policy/procedure in regards to the actions of the communications personnel if a firefighter May Day is transmitted?
- Do your telecommunicators train in these procedures?
- How often do they practice these skills?
- Do your telecommunicators become involved with on scene communications during a May Day?
- If they become involved what do they do?
- Can you provide details of the policy/procedure they follow?
P.J. Norwood
Training Officer / Deputy Chief
East Haven Fire Department
East Haven, CT
(203) 627-6920
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#7
Greetings,
I am looking for a PowerPoint or an outline on report writing for the fire service. I would also be interested in SOP/SOG that pertain to how your departments write reports.
Daniel Berry, Engineer
City of Fulton Fire Department
Fulton, Missouri
Work - 573-592-3150
Email - dberry1985@hotmail.com
2010 U.S. Line of Duty Deaths 6 LODD’s
2008 U.S. Line of Duty Deaths 93 LODD’s
Visit FIREFIGHTERNEARMISS.COM and check out the Report of the Week (ROTW) for an incident description followed by review questions designed to spark discussion. We can all learn from these.
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VIRTUAL TRADING POST
“NEW AND IMPROVED”
The VIRTUAL TRADING POST SYSTEM now allows you to search for material by key word(s). Check it out! Go to Louisiana State University Fire and Emergency Training Institute's NFA TRADE page: http://feti.lsu.edu/trade/ and access it there.
NOTICE*************NOTICE****************NOTICE****************NOTICE****************
This is a new web address for the Virtual Trading Post. If you had it bookmarked, delete your old bookmark, go to this new page and bookmark the new page.
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LESSONS LEARNED INFORMATION SHARING
LLIS.gov Partners with US Fire Administration
As part of its continual effort to improve information sharing across the emergency response and homeland security communities, LLIS.gov launched a new partnership with the US Fire Administration (USFA). The USFA strives to provide national leadership to local fire and emergency services departments. To highlight the new partnership, LLIS.gov has created a new USFA Resource Page where members can access USFA technical and special reports, related LLIS.gov original content, featured documents, and valuable links. To access the resource page, log onto LLIS.gov and click on US Fire Administration under LLIS.GOV PARTNERS.
The LLIS.gov Team continues to post new Lessons Learned, Best Practices, Practice Notes, and Good Stories to the system on a regular basis. Weekly updates about new original content can be found in the NEW LLIS.GOV CONTENT box on the homepage of LLIS.gov. LLIS.gov recently posted the following original content documents drawn from USFA Technical Reports:
Lessons Learned
- Fire Operations: Determining if Local Water Systems Can Meet Demand during Major Fires (Reno, NV Twelve-Fatality Hotel Arson, 2006)
Fire departments’ pre-planning processes should determine if local water systems are capable of meeting the demand necessary for fighting major fires. - Incident Management: Locating Public Information Operations Close to the Command Area (Apex, NC Chemical Fire, 2006)
Incident commanders should consider locating public information operations in close proximity to the command area. - Emergency Management: Updating Incident Action Plans Throughout an Incident’s Response (Apex, NC Chemical Fire, 2006)
Incident commanders should consider having incident action plans routinely updated during extended response activities. - Fire Operations: Training Personnel in Specialized Tactics for Incidents at Power Plants (Rhea County, TN Watts Bar Hydroelectric Plant Fire, 2002)
Fire departments that have power plants located within their area of operations should ensure that their personnel are trained in the appropriate specialized tactics. This will enable the departments to respond successfully to incidents at the plants. - Incident Command: Appointing a Public Information Officer (Ardent Sentry Full-Scale Exercise, 2007)
Incident command should ensure that an appropriately trained individual serves as public information officer during an incident response. This individual should understand his or her media management responsibilities and should be able to interface with the emergency operations center and joint information center. - Incident Management: Identifying Remote Staging Areas (Apex, NC Chemical Fire, 2006)
Incident commanders should identify potential remote staging areas for use during response operations when resources may be exposed to unacceptable hazards. This enables incident commanders to relocate and protect resources from potential exposures. - Mass Evacuation: Planning for the Evacuation of Special Needs Populations (Apex, NC Chemical Fire, 2006)
Emergency managers should develop clear, concise plans that address the evacuation of their special needs populations in the event of an incident. - Pre-Incident Site Planning: Acquiring Diagrams and Plans for Power Plants and Industrial Facilities (Rhea County, TN Watts Bar Hydroelectric Plant Fire, 2002)
Fire departments should acquire diagrams and pre-plans for local power plants and other industrial facilities in their area. It is critical that these facilities provide fire departments with all information necessary to respond to an incident on their premises.
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LLIS.gov has partnered with the Emergency Management and Response – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) to provide LLIS.gov members access to the EMR-ISAC’s free, critical infrastructure protection (CIP) information. Located at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, the EMR-ISAC was developed to collect, analyze, and disseminate timely, consequential information to assist in the practice of critical infrastructure protection by the leaders, owners, and operators of the nation’s Emergency Services Sector.
The EMR-ISAC, a no-cost information sharing program within the Department of Homeland Security, specifically provides information necessary to protect local internal critical infrastructures (i.e., personnel, physical assets, and communication/cyber systems that must be intact and operational 24 x 7) against all hazards, from natural disasters to terrorist activities. The program’s main focus is ensuring that emergency response leadership, their organizations, and local policy leaders have both the internal and external support and resources to aid in disaster protection, prevention, and response to enhance survivability, continuity of operations, and mission success.
The EMR-ISAC can be contacted at emr-isac@dhs.gov or 301-447-1325. To view the EMR-ISAC page on LLIS.gov, please click here or login to LLIS.gov and click on the EMR-ISAC link on the homepage. To subscribe for the free critical infrastructure protection (CIP) information disseminated by the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC), please click on the following link: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/emr-isac/infograms/index.shtm
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