Training Division History

Training Division History
Prior to the 1995 merger between the Roanoke City Fire Department and Roanoke City EMS, the fire department’s Deputy Chief of Support Services issued a monthly schedule for fire company training and the EMS department had an EMS Training Coordinator to assist with EMS training. Once the two departments merged in October 1995, the EMS Training Coordinator was reassigned as the District Chief of Training for the newly formed Roanoke Fire-EMS.

When Roanoke Fire-EMS was first prepared to hire new personnel, it was determined that a recruit school would be conducted prior to being assigned to a station. To assist with this function, the department created a Lieutenant - Fire Instructor position to conduct the recruit school. This position worked closely with the newly renamed Battalion Chief of Training to conduct the 12-week recruit school. While this addressed the immediate need for new hire training, it did not address the department personnel training needs. In August 1997, a Firefighter/Paramedic was assigned to assist the Lieutenant with training the recruits, as well as help establish regular department personnel training. These three positions formed the Fire-EMS Training Division.

The Training Division grew with the training needs of the department. In December 1997, the Training Division expanded to five positions. The organizational structure included: Battalion Chief of Training, two 1st Lieutenants , and two Lieutenants. One 1st Lieutenant and one Lieutenant were responsible for fire training, and one 1st Lieutenant and Lieutenant responsible for EMS training. The Battalion Chief was deemed responsible for daily operations and supervision of the Training Division staff.

The fire training officers were charged with ensuring that all department personnel became certified in Firefighter I & II and HazMat Awareness and Operations, as well as training the new hires. The EMS training officers had the task of providing monthly EMS training and ongoing continuing education for the paramedics and cardiac technicians.

Today, the Training Division consists of the positions of: Battalion Chief, Captain, 1st Lieutenant, Lieutenant and EMS Specialist. All positions within the Training Division are responsible for all department training, whether fire or EMS related. The Training Division maintains a monthly training schedule, including both fire and EMS training, in addition to conducting/assisting with the Roanoke Regional Fire-EMS Academy .