Fire Training

All newly hired career firefighters report to the fire academy for basic firefighter training for 15 weeks. Determined by need, academy classes are held in Westchester County, Upstate in Utica, or at the NYS Fire Academy in Montour Falls, NY. Classes are physically and academically demanding and are conducted in a para-military environment.  New firefighters take classes in topics such as fire suppression, fire behavior, building construction, technical rescue, and emergency medicine. This education creates a base of knowledge which the firefighter will build on throughout their career. In addition to over 400 hours of fire academy training, career firefighters receive a minimum of 100 hours of in-service training per year. This is accomplished not only through live burn drills, but through drills, discussions, and classes conducted by District Officers while on duty, between answering alarms.

Emergency Medical Services 

In addition to fire training, all career firefighter employed by the Fairview Fire District are required to maintain certification as New York State Emergency Medical Technicians. EMT-Basic training encompasses 150 hours of medical training. Additionally, firefighters are required to attend 80 hours of continuing medical education (CMEs) every two years. This is accomplished by attending seminars or holding CME classes while on duty. Currently 14 Members are certified as EMT-Basics, 1 member is a certified EMT-Intermediate, and 2 Members are certified EMT-Paramedics.

Officer Training (FLTSP)

District officers (Lieutenants, Captains, Chiefs) are required to attend the FDNY First Line Supervisors Training Program (FLSTP) within one year of promotion. Promotions are determined through both an interview process and a competitive promotional exam administered by the NYS department of civil service. FLSTP is a residential program that provides all officers with 160 hours of training over 4 weeks at Fort Totten, Queens. Topics covered include management principles, fire suppression, fire ground leadership, as well as Fire Instructor certification.

Continued Training

All career firefighters and officers participate in classroom or hands-on training for a minimum of one-hour per shift worked. This is scheduled training on a variety of different topics that firefighters face in the course of their duties everyday. Training is done in between station duties, equipment maintenance, equipment checks, and answering alarms or calls for service.