Are You Qualified to Drive? From the Editor’s Desk

Several years ago, my fire department asked me to become involved with their driver qualification committee. Having served as a certified NYS Driver Education Instructor for 20-years, I felt I would enjoy being part of our Emergency Vehicle Operation course. So, for two full days I attended EVOC training that was provided through my department's insurance company. When I returned home, our chief set up a full committee to implement following the guidelines set forth by VFIS. The recommended guidelines included classroom time, a competency course, and a road course.

The training started with in-class instruction. Our insurance company provided us with a thumb drive that contained numerous videos and lessons for presentation to our students. I should point out that even our seasoned drivers had to participate in the class. It was the seasoned drivers who added and shared their experiences with the younger drivers. Their real-life experiences added realism to the in-class lesson. It should also be noted that this course was to be given every other year. Our committee decided that since new drivers were always being added to the list, we would present an updated lesson throughout the year at department meetings.

In addition to classroom learning, all drivers had to take the EVOC (Emergency Vehicle

Operator Course). This course soon became known as the “cone-course.” Since we marked the parking lot with paint, it was easy to set up the cone course throughout the year. Once the member finished the EVOC course, we left the parking lot to go on a road course. The course challenged the thought process of the driver. Our fire district has a few railroad crossings and railroad overhead tracks that have the maximum height requirement marked on the overpass. We made it a point to stop and take note of the maximum height requirement. Since our vehicles are marked in plain sight with that measurement in the cab of the truck, students know they must share that measurement with the evaluator.

In general, the course we set up was approved by our Board of Fire Commissioners. We are into this program for several years now, and we are continually tweaking the program so it stays current. If a driver leaves the department and comes back a few years later, it is easy to take a standardized road-test to re-familiarize the driver on the trucks on which he used to be qualified. Usually, the individual is fine with the operation and handling of the vehicle. Remember that all emergency vehicle operators should take EVOC. I also encourage officers to take the VFIS course to Train the Trainer.

Are we finished? Well not exactly. EVOC is a program that shows the chauffer how to safely operate the piece of equipment that is being driven. PERIOD! Further training is needed to learn how to safely operate at a working call. What 's next? Read John Salka’s article on The Engine Company Chauffer: Part 1 The article is in the July 1997 Firehouse Magazine

Getting our responders safely to a call is important. Knowing what to do when you arrive on scene is equally as important.

Drive Safe!

Announcements

- Dennis

ATTENTION: COMMISSIONERS, DM’S AND DISTRICTPERSONNEL

Please plan on attending the 2nd Annual Suffolk County Fire District Manager’s Association VENDOR DAYat the Dix Hills Fire Department on Friday, June 9, 2023, from noon to 1500.

Various vendors, apparatus and personnel will be on display. Last year’s show was exceptional and this year’s will be even better. Contact Donna Marano at 631-464-4685 for additional information

Scvfaannualmemorialservice

The Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association (SVCVFA) Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 1600, at the Greenlawn Fire Department, 23 Boulevard Avenue in Greenlawn. The service will remember those departments who have had members an d Ladies Auxiliary members who have passed away between April 16, 2022 and April 15, 2023.

Please submit a list with the department/ladies auxiliary membe rs name and rank on a department letterhead to Jean Christensen, S CVFA, PO Box 1463, Ronkonkoma, NY11779 or e-mail to SuffolkSecretary@gmail.com by April 29, 2023.

Please be in Class AUniforms and invite family members of the deceased to attend.

DOES YOUR DEPARTMENTHAVE APIO?

Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO’s name, department, and contact information. E-mail us at li@FireNews.com. Thank you for your help.