The program gets firefighters into action much sooner.
Volunteer firefighters are needed in every area of the state. Once a potential volunteer firefighter is identified, state law requires 36 hours of basic training and that they pass a certification test, according to State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers.
The state fire marshal says 70% of fire departments in Ohio are staffed by volunteers.
The Ohio Fire Academy, the state’s premier fire and EMS training organization is the first to try to fast-track the training by providing all 36-hours in 4 days, followed by the certification test, at a time when volunteers are available to participate: on weekends.
Area departments involved in the pilot program include Wellston Fire Department in Jackson County and Hamden Volunteer Fire Department in Vinton County.
