At 135 hours, a significant time commitment, Firefighter I provides new personnel with the knowledge and training they need to be effective firefighters. Among many topics covered are the basics, such as Fire Hose Handling, Ladder Operations, the care and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, Ropes & Knots, Ventilation (of smoke and heat), and many other varied modules. (Nearly 50 years ago when this writer, a Life Member of the company, took “Basic Firefighting” (the equivalent of Firefighter I today), the course length was just 60 hours.)

In the Chestertown VFC, a new member requesting “Active” status undergoes in-station training, referred to as “Pre-Basic”, under the tutelage of one of our junior officers, typically a Lieutenant. If there is no prior experience, the new member is given a crash course that covers the most basic functions of firefighting and working at emergency situations. Our goal is to give our newest members the incentive to continue their journey in the volunteer fire service, so we want them to start responding to calls ASAP.

Upon the successful completion of Pre-Basic, the Fire Chief will grant our new member “Probationary” status, which allows them the opportunity to begin responding to emergency calls and helping the community. If you see us working an emergency call, look for personnel wearing a yellow helmet. Nationwide, the standard helmet color for probationary firefighters is yellow. No matter where, the color yellow signals to all... this firefighter is not yet fully trained, having only the most fundamental knowledge, training, and experence.

Although they have received instruction on its use, the probationary firefight is never asked to don a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (an air pack) and enter an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health) environment. Neither would they be independently tasked with other critical functions such as throwing ground ladders into operation. Typically, they work under the umbrella of an officer, or a senior firefighter, taking their cues and direction. In this role as a probationary firefighter, they are constantly being evaluated on their development of skill, knowledge, and ability. They are given feedback, and their progress is reported back to the Chief and their Field Training Officer, their mentor… as previously said… the Junior Officer that took them through the Pre-Basic Training program.

For the probationary firefighter, the successful completion of Firefighter I is an exciting and important milestone in their career. They are promoted to the rank of “Black Helmet” firefighter. The color black signified this firefighter has been trained and meets all the necessary requirements to be trusted to work, if necessary, unsupervised. It should be noted, the development path of a firefighter never ends. Thee are higher, more advanced training programs, plus the ever present role provided by On-the-Job experience, a valuable teaching practice.

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Terrell on his graduation from Firefighter I and wish him the best of luck as he begins his journey as a volunteer firefighter. For Firefighter Terrell. Remember this? Always be safe! At the end of every call, at the ending of every training opportunity, at the conclusion of every meeting! “Everyone Goes Home!”