Beyond Your Firehouse: The Value of Outside Training

   If you’re reading this, odds are training matters to you. Most firefighters who pick up this column are already looking for ways to sharpen their skills. Is this article topic preaching to the choir? Maybe. But even those who prioritize training could use a reminder once and awhile of why seeking outside training is so valuable. Plus, there’s a great resource at the end of this article that makes finding outside training easier than ever.

   There’s always more to learn and once you get outside the four walls of your fire house, you realize that the fire service has no walls. Fire tactics, strategies, and best practices vary across the country, and exposure to different approaches builds safer, sharper, and more well-rounded firefighters. Consistently engaging in outside training prevents stagnation, enhances skills and knowledge, and ultimately improves emergency response.

   Everyone has something to teach, and you can learn something from everybody. However, some of the most valuable insights come from experienced professionals who have dedicated their lives to advancing the fire service. I can personally attest to this, having had the opportunity to learn from fire service legends like Mike Lombardo, Aaron Fields, Bob Pressler, and Dennis LeGear. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained from their classes have been invaluable.

Beyond the Department’s Walls

   We’ve all been there; stuck in a rut, in-house training has become repetitive, uninspiring and everyone is just going through the motions. Outside training can break this cycle, challenge and expand firefighters’ skill sets and reinvigorate firefighter’s passion for the job. Many firefighters leave outside training feeling motivated and eager to apply and share what they’ve learned. That said, not everything taught in an outside course will fit neatly into every department’s operations. The key is to take what works, discard what doesn’t, and adapt what might be useful down the road.

   Another major benefit? Networking. Training outside the department builds connections with firefighters from all over. These relationships create an invaluable network for sharing ideas, troubleshooting challenges, and getting an outside perspective when needed.

Owning the Learning Process

   Firefighters who want to grow can’t wait for the department to hand them opportunities—they have to seek them out. When looking for outside training, keep these key points in mind:

   • Identify training needs – Pinpoint areas that could use improvement. This doesn’t mean the department is struggling, but some skills get rusty without variety. For example, if extrication drills have looked the same for years, an outside class could introduce a new approach to training on it.

   • Choose relevant training – Choose training that aligns with your department’s goals, and capabilities. While training on a technical rescue discipline like high-angle rescue might sound exciting, it isn’t practical if the department doesn’t have the gear or capability to perform those operations. Stick to training that aligns with real-world needs.

   • Find budget-friendly options – Training can be expensive, but plenty of free or low-cost opportunities do exist. Government programs, industry-sponsored courses, and online offerings provide solid education without breaking the bank. Additionally, consider seeking alternative funding opportunities like engaging local organizations, or raising money through an event to help sponsor or support training initiatives.

   • Do your research – This is an absolute must! The fire service is full of self-proclaimed experts, but not all training is created equal. Research instructors, read course reviews, and ask fellow firefighters about their experiences before committing.

Share the Knowledge

   Knowledge is power, but only if it’s shared. If the department funded the training experience, it is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility. Maximize the return on investment by sharing what was learned. Take notes, create handouts, and offer to lead an in-house session to pass along what was learned. The greater the department’s perceived benefit from the training, the more likely they are to support future training opportunities. 

   A word of caution however, how that information is shared matters. Humbly presenting new techniques as “a way” encourages productive discussion and creates buy-in amongst members. Conversely, arrogantly presenting the same information as “the way” will likely be met with resistance with little buy-in. Additionally, be sure to explain the “why” behind the technique, tactic, etc. and be open to member’s scrutiny–in fact, welcome it! Respectful debates around techniques and tactics lead to better decisions on the emergency scene, and when training holds up to scrutiny, it earns credibility.

FireTrainingDirectory.com

   As stated earlier, I am a proponent for outside training. But I found when firefighters ask me, “Where do you hear about all these training events?” My typical response was “social media,” and that wasn’t exactly helpful. That’s why FireTrainingDirectory.com was created—a centralized database designed to make it easier to find upcoming training opportunities.

   Building and maintaining a directory like this is no small task, so the project takes a crowdsourced approach. Similar to FirefighterRescueSurvey.com, where firefighters log civilian rescues, this site relies on submissions from the fire service community through the “Submit a Training” form found on the website. Once submitted, each listing is verified to ensure accurate dates, locations, and working URLs before training details go live. With any crowdsourced platform, there’s always a risk of errors, so users can easily report errors they find, no matter how small, allowing them to be fixed quickly.

   The directory is up and running now! Currently, it offers basic search filters, but if firefighters find it valuable, more features and functionality will be rolled out over time. I encourage you to peruse the database and if you know of an upcoming training, please submit it. 

   In conclusion, outside training isn’t just about learning new techniques—it’s a cornerstone of staying sharp, safe, and engaged in the fire service. It prevents stagnation, broadens perspectives, and builds a network of like-minded firefighters who want to keep getting better. Whether just starting out or well into a career, investing in outside training is one of the best ways to stay at the top of the game. And now, with FireTrainingDirectory.com, finding those opportunities has never been easier.

   Cole Kleinwolterink is a member of the Waukee Fire Department, Granger Fire Department, and Fire Science instructor at Des Moines Area Community College. Feel free to reach out to him at kleinwolterinkc@gmail.com with any questions, comments or inquiries.