Initial Training

All firefighters have completed a 166-hour training course at an accredited fire training academy, including work in fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials, and exterior fireground practices before they ever fight fire.

Continuing Education

After their initial training, firefighters are encouraged to continue their fire training through an accredited fire academy to better serve the community—and protect themselves. Here's a short sampling of the certifications our firefighters have obtained:

• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• Firefighter Survival
• Engine Company Operations
• Truck Company Operations
• Vehicle Rescue Technician
• Rope Rescue
• National Incident Management for the Fire Service
• EMT-B
• PA / FEMA Emergency Management

In-House Training

Every Tuesday night, our firefighters gather for in-house training, either as a single fire company, with the other McCandless fire companies, or with a mutual aid fire company from a neighboring municipality. These trainings can be in the form of a classroom lecture, pre-planning walk-through of a major commercial or institutional building, or hands-on fire suppression, rescue operations, or ventilation operations. Regardless of the activity, we train weekly to keep our knowledge current and our skills sharp.