This Sunday morning, we held a "Firefighter Skills Class" and driver training for members working towards becoming Apparatus Drivers on Engine 142.

The "Firefighter Skills Class" focused on 1-3/4" hoseline advancement, donning and doffing fire gear in under two minutes (the "2 minute drill"), and conducting reduced profile maneuvers. Firefighters practiced deploying and advancing a charged 1-3/4" hoseline off of Engine 141 efficiently and safely, a critical skill for quickly getting water on the fire and protecting both themselves and occupants. The "2 minute drill" emphasized the importance of rapidly and correctly donning full turnout gear and SCBA to ensure readiness for immediate response. The reduced profile exercise prepared members to navigate tight or compromised spaces by minimizing their physical profile while wearing SCBA, improving their ability to handle challenging or confined environments. Mastering these essential skills enhances firefighter safety, effectiveness on the fireground, and overall confidence during demanding situations. This training not only equips our firefighters with the foundational knowledge needed for success in the Firefighter I program, but also helps those who have already completed Firefighter I to maintain and refine their skills.

The Driver Training program is how Vista Fire Department personnel are trained and cleared to operate Fire and EMS apparatus. Members complete several hours of "drive time" behind the wheel of each vehicle before being approved as drivers. The training includes an equipment overview of all apparatus and instruction on operating the pump panel for the fire engines. The program starts with members learning to drive the ambulances, followed by Engine 142, Engine 143, Engine 141, and Tanker 4.

For more information on how to become a member, call (914)-533-2727, email us at Info@VistaFD.org, visit https://www.vistafd.org/content/become/, or apply online here: https://www.vistafd.org/apply.