Firefighter One is the minimum requirement in Florida to become a volunteer firefighter. It is an approximately 250 hour State certified program, which includes Wildland, hazmat, Traffic Incident Management (TIM), and physical training. The 40-hour First Responder and 16 hour Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) are included within the program.

Firefighter One serves as our basic training program for all new candidates. The program takes approximately six months to complete. Classes are usually scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays, from 7:00 to 11:00 PM and typically two Saturdays per month from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Firefighter Two is taught as an adjunct to the Firefighter One program. Plantation Firefighters attend this course by invitation only. Currently, 80% of Plantation’s firefighters maintain a Firefighter II certificate.

Maintaining firefighting skills can be challenging. So Plantation firefighters train every month on a variety of firefighting skills and topics. Monthly topics include: breathing apparatus; ground ladders; hose management; hi-rise procedures; vehicle extrication, and multiple casualty incidents. All firefighters submit to an annual performance evaluation which tests their skill competencies.

The Plantation Fire Department takes great pride in cultivating our current and future leaders. As well as the senior staff (chiefs), each station has a captain, three lieutenants, and three crew chiefs (Squad leaders).

Each officer must complete the extensive, online officers training course. The program offers training in a variety of topics including decision making, effective communications, teaching techniques, firefighter health and safety, incident command and many more. The program also includes a field mentorship segment.

Plantation’s paramedics and EMTs train continuously to ensure our patient’s receive the highest quality care, applying the latest techniques and theories. Plantation’s Rescue personnel complete an extensive series of instructional modules annually, and submit for a written protocol test and practical skills exam. Module topics include: pediatrics, pharmacology, medico-legal, respiratory, cardiology, and trauma.

Imagine sitting behind the wheel of a big, powerful fire truck, responding to a serious emergency! Being a Plantation Fire Department Driver is more than just driving the big truck. That’s why Plantation has a comprehensive New Driver Training/Mentorship program. This program NFPA compliant program is 60 hours in length and involves both classroom and practical training. Candidates advance through the course by showing competency at each level. Final written and practical exams are taken before a candidate can wear a Driver’s badge.

Current drivers must acquire a minimum of 12 hours of Driver training annually, which includes an annual skills and knowledge assessment.

Plantation’s nationally recognized, Dive Rescue Team members maintain certifications as Public Safety and Rescue Divers, through Dive Rescue International. Both Plantation’s “A” and “B” Team divers train monthly using the latest in dive technology to ensure proficiency, competency, and swiftness when faced with a dive rescue or dive recovery situation.

Plantation’s firefighters train in actual live fire scenarios annually. The State certified Training facility maintains three Live Burn props which include a burn structure, an LP cylinder, and a fuel pan. Plantation has a staff of State certified, Live Fire instructors, who use the Live Fire training simulators to put the firefighters through their paces. Firefighters experience “real-life” situations such as residential, industrial and commercial structure fires, car fires, LP tanks, and large fuel-fed fires.