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Now that we have had a month to reflect back on Fire Rescue East that was held in January, I think that it was a great success. The various educational and training sessions were well attended, and I have received many positive comments. Particularly exciting was the launch of the revised Emergency Services Leadership Institute (ESLI) series. As we have noted previously in this space, Chief Bill Bingham revised and added to his already excellent program and the changes were well received. Pre-registration was already very good, and we had so many walk-in registrants for the first day that the class had to be moved to a larger room! This bodes well for the future of the program. Upcoming modules are scheduled for March, May, July, September and November. Details on applying for the 2012 ESLI offerings and the schedule are elsewhere in this magazine, and on the FFCA website.
As for FRE, I can’t thank our sponsors and vendors enough. Their willingness to assist us in offering the very best in educational programs is greatly appreciated, and of course their participation in the trade show gives us all an opportunity to see the latest equipment, gear and ideas. Thanks again!
The schedule for the Foundation’s 2012 Regional Training Program offerings is beginning to take shape, with the March session being held at the Indian River Training facility, the June session in Marianna, the September session in Clay County and the December session in Hardee County. The committees are working hard to finalize details on these programs, so watch the FFCA website and this magazine for updates. The regional training program was a great success in 2011. And we look forward to another year of offering excellent training opportunities.
Another great program is just a couple of months off, that being the National Emergency Vehicle Technician Training Academy. This program is scheduled for May 14 thru 18, 2012 and is being held once again at the Advanced Technical Center – a branch of Daytona State College in Daytona Beach. This program offers instruction on aerial apparatus, ambulances, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, chassis, HVAC and the list goes on. National certification exams are offered at the conclusion of the program, so make plans now to register yourself or your EVT!
I’d like to call your attention to the Vigiles Societas, a longstanding program of the Foundation that we are working to reinvigorate. As many of you know, the Vigiles was one of the first organized fire suppression forces on the planet. Organized by Julius Caesar Augustus in Rome, the Vigiles were highly structured and well trained.
Several years ago the Florida Fire and Emergency Services Foundation formed the Vigiles Societas, with the intent that members of the organization would honor the past and pledge their commitment to the future of the fire service. The Vigiles Societas is composed of individuals who believe in our commitment to the fire service by providing immediate financial assistance to families of firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty; by providing educational seminars and workshops for firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders; assisting other related organizations and their programs; and providing other assistance as necessary.
The Vigiles Societas is a program which builds long term stability for the work of the Foundation through direct donations and/or inclusion in one's estate planning. Please take a moment to read through the information on the Vigiles Societas which is located on the Foundation section of the FFCA website. You will find information on becoming a member, and see a list of those who have pledged their support. We would love to have you join us and to proudly wear the Vigiles Societas symbol of support, a gem encrusted fire axe lapel pin.
"Honoring the Past, Committing to the Future"
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