Training Opportunities
Whether you have previous experience in the fire service or none at all, the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department provides a variety of training programs for its members. Sound Beach prides itself in being a highly progressive emergency services organization. In order to maintain the highest level of professionalism, we encourage members to participate in weekly training sessions and other training programs held throughout the year.
New Member Orientation
All new members will be required to complete an initial orientation session. This session will introduce members to the Department and important policies and procedures. New members are also assigned a mentor that is available to help guide them through initial training and to answer any questions that they may have.
Initial Training
Every active member is required to successfully complete a Firefighter I training program. This program, which is approximately 140 hours in length, covers such topics as:
- Fire service orientation and safety
- Fire behavior
- Fire suppression (including live fire training)
- Use of fire extinguishers
- Hose and fire streams
- Rescue
- Forcible entry
- Small tools and apparatus familiarization
- Use of self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Ground ladders
- Salvage and overhaul
- Ropes and knots
- Ventilation
- Basic first aid, CPR and the use of AED's (automatic external defibrillators)
New members must complete Firefighter I within the first year of joining (or be scheduled to take the program). After successfully completing Firefighter I, new members will be given a Greenwich Fire Department Entry tag.
Weekly Training
The Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department holds weekly training sessions for its members. These training sessions cover such topics as fire ground operations, communications, preplanning, rescue, forcible entry and other frenetic activities. As the designated rescue company for the Town of Greenwich, the department also trains on various rescue disciplines including confined space rescue, trench rescue, rope rescue, vehicle extrication and water rescue operations. Training sessions are typically held on Wednesday evenings.
Additional Certification and Training Opportunities
Throughout the course of the year, Sound Beach sponsors a number of outside training and certification programs. Many of these programs are designed for new members interested in training for the Technical Rescue Team or obtaining additional State of Connecticut certifications. Through the Connecticut Fire Academy and various third party training providers, the department holds such courses as:
- Firefighter II
- Fire Service Instructor I and II
- Fire Officer I and II
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- Medical Response Technician (MRT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Rope Rescue Operations and Technician
- Confined Space Rescue Operations and Technician
- Trench Rescue Operations and Technician
- SCUBA certification and Public Safety Diving (PSD) courses
Sound Beach also works closely with the Greenwich Fire Department Training Division and other area fire departments in coordinating classes.
To learn more about the many training opportunities available or to become a member, click here.