1.  Register for a FEMA SID.  You will need this in order to complete your required NIMS training.  NIMS is short for “National Incident Management System”.  Click on the FEMA link at the top of the page in order to register for a FEMA SID.

 Once registered, you will need to complete the following courses, take the final exam, print your completion certificate and turn  in to the Training Coordinator (for EACH course):

IS-100

IS-200

IS-700

IS-800

The courses are located here: https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx

You will need to browse for each of these courses within the link provided above.  The courses may have been updated to a newer version (for example, IS-100 may be listed as IS-100C or something similar).

2.  Register for an ID on the Fire Hero Learning Network.  You will need this in order to complete your Courage to Be Safe training.  Click on the Fire Hero Learning Network link at the top of this screen in order to register for an ID.

Once registered, you will need to take the Courage to Be Safe training located here: https://www.everyonegoeshome.com/training/courage-safe-training/

You will need to take the course, print your certificate and turn in to the training coordinator.

3.  Complete the following SFFMA Skills with sign-off by the training coordinator:

Personal Protective Equipment #1 – Inspection of PPE

Personal Protective Equipment #2 – Donning and Doffing

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus #1 – Breathing Apparatus Operational Check

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus #2 – Donning SCBA Coat Method

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus #3 – Donning SCBA over the Head Method

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus #6 – Replacing SCBA Expended Air Cylinder

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus #17 – Recharging an Air Cylinder

Click here for a PDF file from SFFMA which includes these Skills.  These are physical skills for which you must practice, demonstrate and receive sign-off from a training officer.

4.  TEEX Fire School (Phase 1) or BCFA Academy (Mod 1) or prior certification

TEEX Fire School (also known as Municipal Fire School)

Fire prevention, suppression, control and safety personnel from municipalities, industries, state and federal agencies as well as the armed services attend this school for one week each summer. Highly qualified and experienced instructors provide extensive classroom and/or hands-on training.  There are 5 Phases of this training, each one week long.  After completing Phase 5, you should be able to challenge the SFFMA Written and Skills tests for Firefighter I and II certification.   Please note that this will take you five years if only going through the Municipal School (Only Phase 1 is required to satisfy your probation requirements).

Bastrop County Fire Academy (BCFA)

Held each year by the Bastrop County Firefighters Association with instructors and volunteers from all over the county.  These men and women spend countless hours ensuring that the next generation of firefighters are trained to the same standard and improve the community.  This training takes place every other weekend over a period of six months, with study and practice required in between sessions.  If you attend this training, take it seriously, study hard and be ready for class.  At the end of this academy, you should have the skills and knowledge needed to challenge the SFFMA Firefighter I and Firefighter II written and skills tests.

5.  Class B “Exempt” Driver’s License – Pass a written test, get your permit and eventually take the driving test in order to obtain your Class B “Exempt” Driver’s License.  

• • • Study Section 14 of the Texas Commerical Driver’s Handbook.
    • Apply for your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) (and take written test)
    • Must hold CLP for minimum of 14 days and maximum of 180 days prior to taking Driving Test
    • Driving Test needs to be coordinated through the Fire Department in order to arrange a vehicle.

Click here to download a copy of the Texas Commercial Driver’s Handbook.

6.  Continuing Education – The amount of training available to you for free is immeasurable.  Each member is encouraged to continue learning and attending training throughout their career (volunteer or paid) as a firefighter.