We have "Core Skills" and "Non-Core Skills." Core skills must be completed within three months of membership. Non-Core skills must be completed within your first year of membership , which we call your "provisional period." Senior members and line officers may "sign off" new members as they complete these skills.

Core Skills include the following:

1. Donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), inspection procedures and cleaing procedures.
2. Apparatus knowledge-Equipment locations & Riding Assignments.
3. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus-How to change cylinders, inspection and identification of various components.
4. Portable Radios-How to change channels, proper radio transmissions, SOGS.
5. Hydrant-Each member must demonstrate competency in connecting the supply line to the hydrant, troubleshoot any issues, communicate with the engine driver and send water in a timely manner.

Non-Core Skills include the following:

1. Ground Ladders-Parts of the ladder, types of ladders, deployment of roof, 16, 24, 35 and 50 ft.
2. Hose Lines-deployment of preconnects/bumper line, hose packing.
3. Operation of fans, portable lights, generators, etc.

Again, it is our goal to get new members operating at a basic level so that they can provide support on scenes even before obtaining certification. Our senior members play a vital role in this process by helping to conduct this training, which often occurs in addition to our regular company tranining on Monday nights.