Training

The goal of constant training is preparedness. From ice rescue training in the winter to
high angle rescue in the spring, all firefighters are in training three nights a month.
EMS personnel train an additional night each month. Refresher courses in HAZMAT
OPERATIONS and Blood Borne Pathogens are required yearly. Each firefighter who is
SCBA certified must pass a yearly FEAT (Firefighter Encounter Agility Test). The test
consists of an obstacle course that each firefighter must complete in full gear in seven
minutes and fifty seconds or less.

In addition to our own department training sessions, most of our personnel have
taken formal training at the Fire Academy in Firefighter Levels I and/or II. Many of
our members are professionally trained firefighters with EMT certification as well.

Firefighter Level I training requires two nights per week of classroom training for five
months and many full weekends of practical training totaling 200 hours. Firefighter
Level II training requires an additional three months of classroom and practical
training for another 140 hours. To become a fulltime career firefighter you must pass
all the previous as well the states mandated CPAT test (Candidate Physical Ability
Test), written examination, aerial climb and C2F2 (certified career Firefighter) two
week course at the NH Fire Academy in Concord, New Hampshire.

EMT Basic training requires a commitment to 140 hours which includes classes two
nights a week for five months. In addition eight hours of clinical time is expected.
Intermediates must complete an additional five months of training and 32 more hours
of clinical time. Paramedics attend classes one full day per week (part time ) for 18
months and must participate in 600 hours of clinical training.

Each member makes these commitments in order to serve the community of
Kingston. We like the challenge, the teamwork and the closely knit family atmosphere
that exists at Kingston Fire. It is the backbone of what makes Kingston Fire a great
community service department.