Three-State Weekend 2024

National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland 
Application Deadline: Monday, May 6 at noon
Weekend is: June 21, 22, and 23, 2024

Join Firefighters from Vermont, New Hampshire, and Alabama in a weekend of training, networking, and camaraderie on the campus of the National Fire Academy. Applicants can choose from 9 course offerings delivered by National Fire Academy Instructors from across the country.

Please click on the course names for a description:

Best Practices in Community Risk Reduction (W0635)

Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership to Facilitate Adaptive Change (W0521)

Fire Investigation: First Responders (W0770)

Incident Safety Officer (W0729)

Leadership in Supervision: Frameworks to Success (W0648)

New Fire Chief: Contemporary Issues (W0762)

Shaping the Future (W0602)

Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations (W0455)

Youth Firesetting Intervention Specialist (W0633)

Click here for the course brochure, forms, and details.

Location:  Huntington Fire Department
When:  April 11 (1800 - 2100) and April 13 (0800 - 1600)
Application deadline:  noon on March 28, 2024

Applications can be emailed to: dps.vfaapplications@vermont.gov.  

Course Description:
This course is designed specifically for Vermont firefighters, both career and volunteer.  Although much of the material covered is standard basic training for wildland firefighters in all of the Northeastern states, reference is made to conditions specific to Vermont.  Topics include wildland fire behavior, fire suppression methods and tactics, and wildland tools.  Information will be provided on fireline construction, anchor points, and direct and indirect attacks.  There is a practical skill component where participants will receive hands-on training on the use of wildland tools, water handling equipment, personal protective equipment, safe work practices, construction of a hand-dug fireline, and mop-up considerations.
Prerequisites:  None
Personal Protective Equipment is required including work pant, boots, hardhat, gloves, and eye protection.  Structural Firefighting PPE is not acceptable.
Minimum class size:  15   Maximum class size:  30

Program: Pumping Apparatus Driver Operator (PADO)
Location: Charlotte Fire Station
Orientation Date: Monday, March 25, 2024
Registration Deadline: 4 P.M. on March 11, 2024
Time: Weeknight class time: 1800 - 2200
Weekend class time: 0800 - 1700

               ****Tentative Program Schedule****

Attendance at every class meeting is mandatory for successful completion of this program.

This program includes theory, calculations, and requires book work. Students will learn general principles of pump operation, along with the application of those principles wherever feasible. The program will guide driver/operators in the proper operation and care of apparatus. Overview of the qualities and skills needed by a driver/operator, safe driving techniques, types of pumping apparatus, positioning apparatus to maximize efficiency and water supply, fire pump theory and operation, hydraulic calculations, water supply considerations, relay pumping principles, water shuttle procedures, foam system operation, and apparatus maintenance and testing.  addresses the pumper operator skills needed to move water from a pressurized hydrant or static source to the fireground. Rural water supply techniques, concepts dealing with static water sources and moving the water to the fireground by pumper relay or tanker shuttle are presented and hands-on job skills are practiced. Large diameter hose equipment and techniques are discussed and included in practical activities.

Although Emergency Vehicle Driver Training is a required component of this program, driving skills will have to be validated by the Chief or designated Training Officer of your home fire department in order to complete this program.

• PADO Module 1: Emergency Vehicle Operations and the Operator (19 hours): Includes Emergency Vehicle Driver Training, National Traffic Incident Management, and Basic Fireground Functions.
• PADO Module 2: Fire Streams and Hydraulics (15 hours)
• PADO Module 3: Fire Pump Positioning, Theory, and Operating (15 hours)
• PADO Module 4: Water Supply Practices (12 hours)

Prerequisites: Students must be a minimum of 18 years of age, be affiliated with a fire department, and possess a valid driver's license. 

To register, download the PADO/EVDT Admission Application, fill it out and return it to the Vermont Fire Academy. Please send applications and certifications to: DPS.VFAApplications@vermont.gov. Priority will go to Vermont Firefighters. The class minimum is 5 students and the class maximum is 12 students.

Apparatus Requirements: Students will be required to bring pumping apparatus from their home department for practical exercises. This must be arranged with your Chief of Department prior to enrolling in the program.   

Location: Huntington Fire Department
When: April 11 (1800 – 2100) & April 13 (0800 – until finished)
Application deadline: noon on March 28, 2024

General Admission applications can be emailed to: dps.vfaapplications@vermont.gov