The Colton Fire Department continues to keep training within State mandated requirements, and also conducts expanded training. Personnel train daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annually and annually, in areas ranging from standard hose lays to complex multi-agency drills. The primary purpose of the Training Division is to provide crews with the necessary knowledge and hands-on skill needed to perform their job duties safely and efficiently. This training increases the safety of the crews as well as their ability to protect the public they are sworn to serve. The ability to practice these skills repeatedly on training props increases their competence as well as their ability to work as a team. Specific training is mandated by federal, state, and local authorities. These organizations establish a minimum standard that all firefighting agencies in their area must meet. The Training Division of Colton Fire strives to not only meet these requirements, but to continuously surpass them. Training is performed weekly at a company level. Each company officer decides what training is to be done, and what the goals of that training are. Monthly multi-company drills are conducted by each Battalion Chief to promote teamwork and standardization among all companies.
These drills are more in-depth
and require greater cooperation among company officers and crews. Semi-Annual Company Performance Standard (CPS) tests are conducted every May and November. These tests consist of multiple tasks that each company must complete in a pre-determined timeframe with no, or very minimal, errors. The Colton Fire Department has several training props, each with a specific function. A forcible entry door prop is used to simulate forcing entry through a locked door to gain access to a structure. A rebar tree prop is used to train on proper cutting and entry though a metal door. Our large ventilation prop has both pitched and flat roof sections for training in proper access, cutting, and egress from various roof types. This was constructed of donated wood and hardware from Lowes, and constructed by the department staff. A door lock prop is used to train members in various methods of breaking locks to open doors. A multi-stage firefighter down prop is used to train members in proper procedure in the event they become lost, entrapped, or injured.
Pictured at left is our four story, 1,280 square foot training tower, which is used for various fireground drills. A standpipe and sprinkler system was installed to train in standpipe connections, sprinkler shut-off, and water salvage. The tower can also be used for ladder training, both deployments as well as ladder rescue. It can also be filled with smoke to train department personnel in an environment similar to what is inside a burning building. Various moveable mazes have been constructed and placed inside to simulate search and rescue procedures. A 4’ x 4’ cutout is located on the roof to further train personnel in ventilation. Several anchors have been added to the roof to conduct rope rescue drills and rappelling.
The Training Department is also responsible for creating and updating departmental promotional tests. These tests evaluate prospective fire engineers and fire captains for their knowledge of policies and procedures, command ability, safe driving practices, area knowledge, hydraulics, vehicle specifications, and pump operation.
