Training
TRAINING DIVISION
The training function of the Vacaville Fire Department supports our goal of
recruiting, hiring, and retaining only the best people and supporting them
through the development and maintenance of their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The training division is responsible for three major areas of training for
the department: new personnel training, in-service training and special operations
training.
 New Personnel Training
New recruits in the Vacaville Fire Department must complete a seven-week,
280-hour orientation academy. This academy prepares them both physically and
mentally for the position of firefighter or firefighter/paramedic in the Vacaville
Fire Department. Recruits complete hands-on drills and classroom work specific
to Vacaville Fire Department operations. Recruits also participate in a daily
fitness program that helps to develop their muscular strength, cardiovascular
fitness and flexibility. Recruits must maintain a minimum passing score of
eighty percent on all tests and evaluations during the academy.
After completion of their academy, new personnel receive their assignment
to one of the Department’s four fire stations and begin an eighteen-month probationary
program. During their probation, firefighters are evaluated every three months
through a battery of manipulative and written testing. The Department’s probationary
program is designed to keep our new personnel up to date on the constantly
changing emergency response environment faced by firefighters.
 In-Service Training
In-service training fulfills the Department’s certification and training mandated
requirements, addresses skills degradation, advances in technologies, expansion
of services, and many other topics. The components of the Department’s in-service
training are quarterly training, outside training, company drills, training
critiques, and career development.
Special Operations Training
 Training for high-risk, low frequency events such as Hazardous Materials releases,
Weapons of Mass Destruction, Confined Space Rescue and other technical rescues
is the function of the Department’s Special Operations Training. It is extremely
important that we conduct training in these areas due to their infrequency
and specialization. Training in these highly technical areas is often mandated
by federal, state, or local laws as well. Special operations training for
our Department is delivered to teams of select people who then provide the
training to the rest of the Department’s personnel. Special operations training
improves our service capabilities in handling the events that pose the greatest
risks to our firefighters and our community.
New Employee Hiring/Promotional Testing
The Department’s training staff also assists the City’s human resources division
in the hiring and promotional testing of personnel up to and through the rank
of Captain for the Department.
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