Fire Training
Michael Clark
Division Chief
The Training division is responsible for the training and implementation of procedures for both our new recruit firefighters and our regular division of firefighting personnel. The division is located at 129 Glidden Road in Brampton. With the advent of new hazards, and new equipment and techniques, training is an integral part of the Fire Service, and is a continuous process for all firefighters. We must continuously strive to keep our skills and knowledge at a superior level.
Some of the duties of the Division of Training include:
- Develop Training Programs
- Coordinate the Delivery of Fire & Emergency Service Training Programs
- Manage the Training Environment
- Facilitate Promotional Exams
- Deliver Training Programs Including Theory & Practical Drills
- Assess Performance of Fire Service Personnel
- Maintain Training Records of all personnel
- Monitor and Evaluate Ongoing Training Programs
- Research, Develop & Evaluate Policies, Procedures, Techniques & Equipment
Training Tower
Our training tower and training grounds, located at Fire Station 203, allow firefighters to simulate a wide variety of situations under actual smoke and fire conditions.
The tower itself has two burn rooms and can be configured to represent a residential, industrial or high-rise incident. The training grounds also have facilities which can simulate a flammable liquid fire, flammable storage container fire, and a draught pit to simulate rural water supply, and to test our trucks' pumping capacities.
Physical Fitness
Another very important function of our Training Division has been to implement a ground-breaking initiative to improve physical fitness among our department's members. Division Chief Scott, and others, began this project at least 15 years ago, and the results have been phenomenal. Brampton Fire and Emergency Services probably has the highest general fitness level amongst our members of any fire department in North America.
The following is an article by Chief Scott, which appeared in the Ontario Fire Marshal's news publication.
The Key To Success is a Solid Foundation
 Brampton Fire and Emergency Services have a fitness program with documented results. The vast majority of our people continue to exceed a minimum fitness standard that is the highest of any department. Fitness is now a very important value in our department culture and is considered to be an integral part of a well-balanced life.
How was this achieved? Like most things worth building, by a determined effort of committed people. People who believed their investment of time and money would result in a significant improvement in our members' health. Our experience has demonstrated this.
I believe the key to our success has been the solid foundation on which our program has been built. Our department had a voluntary program for at least six years before a mandatory minimum fitness standard for new members was negotiated into our collective agreement. This voluntary period allowed us to lay a foundation based on the six components of a complete fitness program.
Education increased our awareness of the benefits of healthy living, which lead to increased motivation among our members. Providing equipment and trained instructors allowed people the opportunity and the supports they needed to improve. Adopting a simple, inexpensive method of evaluation gave us a way to measure our success. The direct involvement of key players from within and outside of our department has provided the strong leadership every program must have to flourish.
We know the tremendous demands the job of emergency response places on the firefighter. We see the results in statistics such as higher rates of heart attacks and shorter life spans. The International Association of Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs have recognized this and introduced their "Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative" in 1997.
If you are not working to build a wellness-fitness program in your department you are depriving your members of a chance to improve their health. This is truly one of the most important benefits that can be created for Firefighters. There are resources everywhere, even right in your own department. The financial investment can be minimal, especially in comparison to the rewards.
Get started now. Just don't forget the solid foundation.
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