TN Fire & Codes Academy Expands 2016 Training Opportunities

NASHVILLE – Progressive fire training is one of the goals of the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA), a section of the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO). TFACA’s 2016 agenda aims to give both seasoned fire service professionals and new recruits even more opportunities to train with advanced equipment and access to cutting edge classes. They include:

• Two new pieces of mobile training equipment launching this year will allow TFACA instructors to provide hands-on education to even more fire departments statewide. The Mobile Training Tower, which is expected to arrive this summer, will be 3.5 stories and have multi-scenario capability including bailouts, hose line, confined space, and drafting. The Mobile Forcible Entry Prop will add a new dimension to portable fire training by providing students the ability to cut, pry, force, and manipulate access through a variety of window and door props. Both pieces of equipment can be easily transported allowing fire departments training opportunities in their communities. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds paid for these purchases.
• TFACA will offer a new series of classes to bring more attention to the health and wellness of today’s firefighters. Classes addressing the ever-growing concerns challenging the modern fire service are being introduced including Firefighter Cancer Awareness, Behavioral Health, and Medical Monitoring and Rehabilitation.
• TFACA will increase its online courses to provide additional convenience and accessibility to those seeking training.

“When fire service members are well-trained and well-informed, everyone benefits,” said TFACA Executive Director Roger Hawks. “We are continually looking at ways to enhance the safety of both first responders and the citizens they serve. Progressive efforts led to a record year for TFACA in 2015, and we hope that our newest training options will help break those records again in 2016.”

2015 found TFACA setting all-time records for the number of students enrolled, number of classes taught and number of departments exceeding 1,000 or more contact hours. These records were largely the result of the academy taking a new role in offering in-service type training. There was a heavy focus on bringing more situational awareness to fire scene safety by offering Modern Residential Fire Attack, Reading Smoke and Thermal Imaging classes.

The launch of TFACA’s Driver Simulator course also boosted 2015 enrollment. This travel trailer creates real-world experiences that enable drivers of emergency vehicles an opportunity to hone their skills with a variety of challenging scenarios. The simulator has been in high demand by Tennessee fire departments since hitting the road last March.

In addition to fire service training, the TFACA campus in Bell Buckle is utilized by local, state, and national organizations for special events. On June 4, 2016, TFACA will be hosting the “Fired Up ‘n Fit” 5K Adventure Race and 1-mile Adventure Kids Course.  The race benefits the United Way of Bedford County with a portion of the proceeds also benefiting the TN Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial.

For more information on TFACA and the training offered, please visit our website.

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