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Training: New Firefighters

Training: Current Members

Training for New Firefighters

As a new member of the Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department, you will be involved in extensive training to prepare you for duty with the fire department.  New members are required to complete several parts of training before being issued a pager to respond to emergency calls.  The “Pathway to Participation” program is divided into three phases of training and is designed to bring new members up to speed quickly regarding DOVFD operations and get them involved in fire department activities.  This pathway is designed in phases such that members can begin participating with the department in some capacity immediately and more fully following each phase, culminating in fighting live fires in outside districts to which we provide mutual aid.

The Double Oak Volunteer Fire Department strictly follows the training requirements of the Texas State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association (SFFMA).  State of Texas regulations state that members may only participate on an interior firefighting team during an emergency incident once the member has received the Introduction to Firefighting Certificate/Firefighter 1 (FF1) Certification. The FF1 course covers the basics of firefighting and is designed to prepare the member for live fire training and operating at actual fire incidents. DOVFD covers the cost for members to take this course, as well as other training courses, at local colleges like Tarrant County College Fire Academy and other SFFMA certified providers. Members are required to obtain this basic certification within one (1) year of joining the DOVFD. Members seeking to be Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) are welcome to join and must likewise obtain the basic certification (EMT-B) within one (1) year. All firefighter gear (aka turnout/bunker gear) and fire department uniforms are provided by the DOVFD.

Training Chief Eichinger
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Training for Current Members

After completing the Pathway to Participation program, and being approved by the Fire Chief, members continue progressing forward in their training towards full certification and membership status. Upon receiving the FF1 certification members then work to receive the advanced Firefighter 2 (FF2) certification to achieve the full level of certification. The FF2 certification can be taken at local colleges like Tarrant County College Fire Academy and other SFFMA certified providers and the cost is covered by DOVFD.

The DOVFD provides hands-on training in various areas of fire and emergency response management. Members train every Monday evening to sharpen and learn new skills and build the confidence needed to represent DOVFD when responding to the various emergency calls we receive. Members also attend summer training classes at the Tarrant County College (TCC) Fire Service Training Facility and obtain invaluable expertise and training. Classes are led by certified fire instructors and other trainers in the fire service field.

Every member has the opportunity to attend outside training classes at regional fire schools that are paid for by the DOVFD. This includes the incredible training offered annually at the TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service) Fire Training Academy. The DOVFD also assists members, if desired, to receive training to be certified as a Wildland Firefighter. Training is a very important part of firefighting and we make every effort to provide the best training to our members as often as possible.

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