The credibility of the S.A.F.E. Program rests on properly trained firefighters. The high quality of the fire and life safety education specialist is the foundation of the S.A.F.E. Program. The fire educator's enthusiasm and commitment to the S.A.F.E. Program and its students are critical. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy offers a variety of training programs for fire educators, including a week long class Public Fire and Life Safety Educator that is based on the standard set out in the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 1035 Professional Qualifications for Public Fire and Life Safety Educator.
Public Education Presentation - The Public Education Presentation (PEP) course will be held on May 11and 18, 2013, in Shrewsbury, MA. PEP is a 2-day program designed to assist firefighters involved with public fire and life safety education within their communities. Topics covered include: lesson plan development and use; methods of instruction; teaching techniques including the use of technology; curricula evaluation; creativity; communication skills; and the basics of classroom management. The program concludes with students presenting a segment of instruction on a given topic utilizing skills and techniques covered in class.
Public Fire & Life Safety Educator Course - Dates have not been confirmed but the class will be held sometime this fall at a location south of Boston. The Public and Life Safety Educator (PFALSE) is a 5-day program designed to provide a community with the basis for a solid public education program and is designed, at a minimum, to properly train the fire department's lead S.A.F.E. educator. Topics covered include: child development; how people learn, focusing on different learning styles and the seven intelligences; lesson planning; curricula review; public speaking; program evaluation; and connecting lessons to the curriculum frameworks. The program concludes with students presenting a segment of instruction on a given topic for a specified age group. Registrations for PF&LSE are priority selection.
Sprinkler Demonstration Trailer Training - DFS will be hosting a training for using the DFS Sprinkler Demonstration Trailer on May 7, 2013, from 9-11 a.m. at headquarters in Stow, MA. This orientation program is designed to familiarize fire departments with the Department of Fire Service’s Sprinkler Demonstration Trailer / Fire Safety House. Upon completion of this program, students will understand the value of residential sprinklers and their role in helping to keep firefighters and civilians safe. Students, through hands-on participation, will also become familiarized with the setup and operation of the Sprinkler Demonstration Trailer. NOTE: This training is required before a fire department can use the Department of Fire Services sprinkler demonstration trailer and training will include live fire demonstrations.
Public Educator Certification
Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I Certification Examination Schedule Now Available - The latest edition of the Public and Life Safety Educator I Examination schedule has been posted on the web. All who qualify are encouraged to pursue the opportunity to become Public and Life Safety Educators. Click here for the examination schedule, application and overview form and skill sheet.
Certification is a credential that provides the Fire and Life Safety Educator greater credibility with our school partners. It demonstrates that an individual is a serious professional that has studied, practiced and met certain standards. We hope folks will pursue this certification.