This Sunday morning, the Vista Fire Department held a Firefighter Skills Class along with a driver training session for members working toward qualification as Apparatus Drivers on our ambulances and Engine 141.

The "Firefighter Skills Class" focused on core firefighting hand tools—such as the halligan bar and flat head axe—and included an overview of the SCBA cascade system. Understanding and practicing with these tools is essential, as they are used during forcible entry, ventilation, search and rescue, and other critical fireground operations, while reviewing the SCBA cascade system ensures members know how to properly refill and manage air cylinders, which is vital for maintaining a safe and continuous air supply during interior firefighting. 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.