1 " BLUEPRINT 20\20” The Future of Fire Service Training & Education in California Fire & Emergency Services Higher Education Conference June 1 – 4, 2007 Dan Coffman, President California Fire Technology Director’s Association

2 The Future of Fire Service Training & Education in California Timeline for Action & Success 2004 – Election of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Appointment, New SFM Ruben Grijalva 2005 – Reactivation of STEAC, R. J. Coleman, Chair 2005 to Present - STEAC & Staff work on Future of Training & Education in California STEAC & Stakeholder Organizations Initiate Numerous T&E Initiatives, Call for T&E Strategic Plan

3 The Future of Fire Service Training & Education in California 2006 – California Fire Chiefs w\ Stakeholder Organizations hold Summit on Future of Fire Service Training & Education in CA

4 The Future of Fire Service Training & Education in California 2006 – CA Fire Chiefs Association, with STEAC & Stakeholder Input, Draft “Blueprint 20\20” the California Fire Service Training & Education Strategic Plan 2007 – STEAC Approves Final Draft of “Blueprint 20\20” forwards to SFM for Adoption 2007 – SFM Grijalva appointed Chief of Cal Fire 2007 – New SFM Appointed Kate Dargan 2007 – STEAC Initiates Several T&E Initiatives, More Later

5 The Future of Fire Service Training & Education in California Statewide Training & Education Advisory Committee Ronny J. Coleman, Chair - Representing the SFM California Training Officers Association California Fire Technology Directors Association California State Firefighters Association California Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship Committee California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

6 The Future of Fire Service Training & Education in California California Fire Chiefs Association Fire Districts Association of California California Metro Chiefs California Professional Firefighters League of California Cities State Fire Marshal Training Staff Mike Richwine, Chief - State Fire Training

7 The Future of Fire Service Training & Education in California “Blueprint 20\20”, the California Fire Service Training & Education Strategic Plan Five Bold Initiatives Quality Assurance Adopt the National Professional Development (FESHE) Model Utilize Capstone Testing Automate SFT Business Processes & Training Delivery Integrate Public Safety Training

8 “Blueprint 20\20”, the CA Fire Service Training & Education Strategic Plan Quality Assurance - To ensure highest levels of service & quality, an oversight program that ensures the qualifications, currency & accountability of all instructors & curriculum will be implemented.  SFT will enforce an instructor code of ethics & qualifications. Mandatory Ethics in the Classroom Training Underway  Periodic review & response to complaints related to compliance with system requirements will be conducted.  Standards, curricula & instructional material used will be monitored & maintained in the most current form & delivered in the most appropriate manner possible.

9 “Blueprint 20\20”, the CA Fire Service Training & Education Strategic Plan Adopt the Ntl. Professional Development (FESHE) Model for fire service training & education. An integrated, competency based system that allows participants to simultaneously earn both:  Professional position certification, Firefighter to Fire Chief  Full range of academic degrees The model limits redundancy & provides a model career development guide for members of the fire service. Is based on NFPA Standards, IAFC Career Development Guide, college & university programs, & fire service training

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11 “Blueprint 20\20”, the CA Fire Service Training & Education Strategic Plan Utilize Capstone Testing – To facilitate currency, accountability & comprehensive evaluation of students applying for position certification:  Post course exams will be conducted by the instructor  Comprehensive capstone testing will be conducted upon completion of all pre-requisite training & on application by the candidate for certification.  Candidates could attend a capstone course to prepare for the test.

12 “Blueprint 20\20”, the CA Fire Service Training & Education Strategic Plan Automate SFT Business Processes & Training Delivery – SFT will adopt an integrated computer aided T&E system with the following multiple functions:  Delivery of appropriate distance learning T&E material  Establish a Records Management System for tracking & access to completed training & certification records for individuals, training officers & department leadership  Automate testing processes  Automate scheduling of courses & programs  Automate qualifications & registry of instructors  Automate tracking of a universally accepted IQS for all components of the fire protection system

13 “Blueprint 20\20”, the CA Fire Service Training & Education Strategic Plan Integrate Public Safety Training - Create a unified system that integrates all public safety T&E stakeholders toward a common mission.  Decentralized delivery of the T&E system would continue to utilize the community colleges & fire depts, particularly those designated as Accredited Regional & Local Academies.  Establish an all risk California Public Safety Institute (an equivalent of the National Emergency Training Center). This would be the state of the art facility that would foster public safety research & development, as well as training & education. Ideally, the institute would be established at a university campus that would provide or support baccalaureate, master, & doctoral level education.

14 The Future of Fire Service Training & Education in California Current Projects Fire Officer Certification Training Standards – committee is reviewing CA Certification Training Standards for Fire Officer & Chief Officer, for content & currency, & aligning them with NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications. Off the Shelf Instructional Material – for SFM classes. Pol. & Proc. for Accredited Regional & Local Academies committee just completed a revision on these policies to facilitate the delivery of SFM classes through the community college & fire departments. Online SFM Classes – Hancock College is Beta Testing the Fire Officer classes for on-line & hybrid delivery.

15 The Future of Fire Service Training & Education in California THANK YOU! QUESTIONS?