Beyond the Flames

As I’m sure you’re aware, the “Ice Bucket Challenge” has been taking the social media world by storm, with users flocking to dump water on their heads in support of the ALS Foundation. The campaign has been extremely successful, with at least $30 million in donations being reported by the ALS Foundation since the fade began sweeping the nation earlier this month.
While I certainly wouldn’t advise anyone to dump a cold bucket of water on yourself for enjoyment, I’m all for raising money for a good cause. And many of fire departments have helped to make that happen, whether it be by taking the challenge themselves or assisting others in accomplishing it.
But I’m here to offer you a different challenge today. Get back in the classroom.
The fall training schedules for area fire academies are beginning to get underway, and there are dozens of classes offered at area academies in Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland, Gloucester and Camden Counties for firefighters to further their skills.
You’re never too old to learn something new. And if you think you have all the training you need, you certainly need more training so you can understand that you don’t, and never will, know all you need.
Hands-on training not for you? Don’t fret. We’re fortunate in South Jersey to have a top-notch community college right in our backyard. Take a business management class, an accounting program, or a communications course to better your administrative skills within your department. The business that goes on behind the scenes at your firehouse is what keeps the trucks rolling out the door.
How about branching out a bit and trying something new? Maybe you’ve been interested in learning some medical skills. Sign up for a N.J. Emergency Medical Technician Class. Not ready to commit to the EMS field, but looking to learn a bit more on the medical side? There are many classes offered by academies that don’t require you to be an EMT to enroll in them.
Worried about the cost of training classes? Fear not. A number of area organizations host free courses periodically throughout the year – Avalon Fire Department/Avalon Rescue and Millville Rescue Squad come to mind. Get on their e-mailing lists so you don’t miss out on some great opportunities.
In addition, the National Fire Academy and FEMA offer a number of free courses through their online training modules. These courses range from the incident command system to hazard identification on the fireground, as well as many administrative courses.
We’re also fortunate enough to live in the center of the major metropolitan markets in the Mid-Atlantic, with New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. all within reasonable driving distances.
These areas are rich in training academies and colleges that offer emergency service courses. In addition, the National Fire Academy is located in Emmitsburg, Md., and offers some of the most in-depth fire training available in the U.S.
So with no shortage of opportunities, I challenge you to further your emergency service knowledge this fall by taking a course, and challenging three fellow members of the service to take the course with you.
Much like the millions donated to research foundations, imagine the improvements that could be made to our community if each member took the time this fall to learn something new. Stay safe.