Training and Professional Development
The Training Division manages the professional development, readiness level, and continuing education for the Operations Division of the Fire Department. We strive to ensure that all suppression personnel are prepared to respond for any call for assistance from the citizens of the City of Champaign, those working within its borders or anyone traveling through our great City! The Department takes pride in training its personnel to the highest standards in the fire service. The Division strives for excellence in every aspect of what we do, to make sure our Firefighters are ready to answer any call they are dispatched to. In 2018, the Suppression Division continued to use its many resources within and outside the Department to enhance training and educational needs. The following are the highlights of over 10,744 training hours completed in 2018.
- More than 21 days of live fire training at the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI).
- Various scenario-based Incident Command and Company Officer development training sessions.
- Several new Probationary Firefighters completed a six week basic firefighting academy at the IFSI, followed by several more IFSI classes to include Firefighting, Haz-Mat, Tech Rescue, ICS and EMS.
- All new Probationary Firefighters went through a three day Firefighter field training program, consisting of 19 skill assessments and enhancement priorities to meet both the individual and Department needs.
- One Firefighter attended the three investigation modules to became a State certified Fire Investigator.
- Department wide fire apparatus driver/pump/aerial ladder training.
- Countless hours of company based fire related training.
