MV fire department personnel to get training

Jan. 19--MOUNT VERNON -- Three members of the city's fire department will be trained in an incident command system that encourages consistency.

Blue Card aims to teach firefighters standard procedures and methods of communication that are applicable to the vast majority of calls, including major structure fires, multiple vehicle accidents and car fires.

"It gives (incident commanders) the skills they need to command," said Battalion Chief Bryan Harris, the training officer with the department. "It gives them a firm process."

Those attending the training will not only learn the new system, but also how to train the rest of the department, Harris said.

In the coming months, Harris, another battalion chief and a captain will attend training sessions in Phoenix, Harris said.

Scattered training has led to many styles of incident management at the department, he said.

This training will get everyone on the same page, which will help not just within the department but in working with other departments, Harris said.

Something that stood out to Harris was Blue Card's requirement that firefighters be recertified in the Blue Card training every three years. Most firefighter training is "one and done," he said.

"This will make our personnel reevaluate and stay familiar with the process," Harris said.

Sending the two Mount Vernon battalion chiefs and one captain to train in Phoenix will cost the city about $18,000. It's money that was included in the 2016 budget, Harris said.

Training includes 24 hours in a computer simulation lab, where firefighters cycle through different roles and scenarios.

Mount Vernon is the only department in the North Sound Region that has its own simulation lab, so Harris plans to invite the Burlington department for ongoing training.

Mount Vernon Councilman Mark Hulst asked at Wednesday's city council meeting if this training will help with the city's fire rating, and thus its fire insurance costs, to which Harris responded it will.

-- Reporter Brandon Stone: [email protected], 360-416-2112, Twitter: @Brandon_SVH

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