The Training Division is responsible for assessing Department training needs using the requirements established by regulatory agencies, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Belmont Fire Department.
The Training Officer has the primary responsibility for the development of the Annual Training Plan (ATP). This guide serves to inform members of the department about training requirements and opportunities during the calendar year. The training plan serves as a comprehensive all-hazards approach that meets or exceeds federal, state and local regulations, as well as the needs of the Belmont Fire Department.
The objectives of the training program include:
- Enhance the safety and efficiency by which emergency services are delivered
- Increase the expertise and effectiveness of department members
- Provide for continued professional development
Training shall be conducted in tiered approach so that all firefighters, company officers, and shift commanders may all play a role in selecting and presenting curriculum that is timely and relevant to specific companies and shifts.
The tiered training shall be organized as follows:
- Task Oriented Training (TOT)- issued monthly by the Division of Training to maintain skill levels in various emergency evolutions. This training is conducted based on department polices and is supervised at the company level.
- DOT Training- scheduled and delivered through the Division of Training. This training may be conducted by BFD instructors or outside subject matter experts. The curriculum often includes new equipment, emerging trends in the fire/EMS service or highly technical subject matter.
- In-Service Company Drills- Training topics at the discretion of the company officer. This training often includes multiple companies working together, who remain in-service, and are always available to respond to incidents.
- “Tailboard Discussions”- informal, often impromptu discussions that may involve a recent incident, new idea, or a technique being passed on to other firefighters. Company officers and senior firefighters often begin these discussions to pass along skills and knowledge learned by experience on the job.