Responding to you: Learning to be prepared

By KIM HYLANDER

Prince William County Fire and Rescue
Published: November 15, 2008

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue is a staunch believer in being prepared for any and all situations should an emergency arise.

Professional training is not only critical to the safety and welfare of the department's first responders, but for the citizens we serve.

The department currently has members attending the Prince William Police Academy and the State Fire Marshal Academy. Both academies are mentally and physically challenging.

Lieutenants Brian Ferguson and Matt Greenfield are undertaking training with the county's police academy located at the Public Safety Academy in Nokesville. The curriculum consists of eight essential areas required by the Department of Criminal Justice.  The subjects covered were criminal investigations, legal issues, patrol tactics, professional skills, traffic enforcement, administrative, practical evaluations and local training.

Within the classroom, Ferguson and Greenfield acquired an understanding of constitutional law, establishing probable cause, radio procedures, traffic control, motor vehicle codes, use of force, handcuffing techniques, OC Spray exposure and control tactics. They were also trained and tested on physical ability, firearms, First Aid and CPR, EVOC (driver and vehicle dynamics), Spanish language (written and spoken), and spelling.

Homework and workbook assignments were given throughout the session that referenced general orders of the police department, understanding the reasons behind those orders and how those orders apply in the field.

Assistant Chief Hadden Culp and Battalion Chief Joe Robertson are currently attending Fire Marshal Academy in Richmond.  The nine-week training encompasses classes that will require the knowledge and skills of a fire marshal. The training covers a broad range of topics including but not limited to fire codes and ordinances, firearms safety and qualification, defensive tactics, officer safety procedures, criminal law with an emphasis on fire and arson statutes, evidence collection, search and seizure, courtroom preparation and testimony, fire cause and fire patterns.

Upon graduation, Culp and Robertson will complete mandatory field training.  Each will be assigned to work with a tenured fire marshal for a period of several weeks as the final phase in their evaluation in becoming the newest members of the Fire Marshal's Office.

This column is provided by the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue's Community Relations Team.  Send questions or comments to DFR Responding to You,  9250 Lee Ave., Manassas, VA 20110 or via e-mail to dfrrespondingtoyou@ pwcgov.org.