Fire Training

Chief Alexander Paul oversees The West Baton Rouge Fire Department Training Division.  Chief Paul is certified to teach and evaluate in all areas of instruction for the Louisiana State University Fire and Emergency Training Institute, American Heart Association, and Louisiana Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

Responsibilities

The Training Division of the  West Baton Rouge Fire Department ensures that its employees are proficiently trained with the knowledge and highest level of skills necessary to carry out their responsibility of being a public servant. 

Recruit Training

After a lengthy application process, it is considered a significant accomplishment to be selected to attend the West Baton Rouge Fire Department Training Academy. Recruits are put to the test on academics, physical fitness, and psychological fortitude. 

During the academy, recruits receive intensive instruction requiring study beyond the classroom. Upon graduation, recruits will be skilled in the duties assigned as well as certifications in, Fire Fighter I, Fire Fighter II, Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator-Pumper, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Hazardous Materials Operations with the IFSAC accreditation. 

Continuing Education

To preserve the proficiency of the responders of the  West Baton Rouge Fire Department, continuous education plays a major role. The Training Division provides this through monthly company training and drills as well as specialized classes. Classes consist of both officer and new officer, driver and new drivers, hazardous material refreshers, and medical classes that provide the necessary education to maintain EMR and EMT certifications as well as the knowledge to complete their duties and remain sage in the process. 

Curriculum

The training curriculum for all training classes will be based on the standards of the NFPA and the recommendations of the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana. All newly hired firefighters are trained either in-house or at FETA, our state-recognized training site.