Driver Training Program for Firefighters

Driver Training Program

• The aim of this policy is to ensure all New Lenox Fire Protection District members who operate firefighting apparatus and other authorized emergency vehicles receive the appropriate training.
• Training requirements for all drivers are established, including certifications for reaching the status of operator or engineer.
• It is mandatory for all members to complete driver training that meets or exceeds NFPA requirements for the types of vehicles operated or OSFM certification.
• Minimum requirements for personnel to drive and operate fire apparatus, certifications, and annual requirements are set forth to ensure safety of onboard personnel and the public.

Glossary of Terms

• Ambulance Driver: Completes all necessary training requirements to drive and operate ambulances.
• Brush Truck Driver: An ambulance driver cleared as an ambulance operator and completing an orientation on the brush truck.
• Engine Operator: Performs required drive time and job performance requirements, with minimum OSFM Fire Service Vehicle Operator certification.
• Tender Operator: Completes the tender drive time and all training requirements for driving and operating the tender.
• Truck Operator: Has been an engineer for at least 6 months and has completed all training for driving and operating the ladder truck.
• Engineer: Cleared to drive all NLFD vehicles - Ambulance, Engine, Truck, and Tender.

Prerequisites for Driving

• A valid Class-C (at least) non-CDL driver's permit is required before entering any apparatus driving program.
• The permit must be obtained before employment with the final road test conducted by a qualified Illinois Secretary of State's office personnel.
• A Class C license must be obtained within two months of employment.
• If a member’s license expires, is suspended, or revoked, immediate notification to the Battalion Chief is required, and they are prohibited from driving any department vehicles.

Ambulance Driver Requirements

• Completion of all job performance requirements (JPRs) with an ambulance in Target Solutions.
• A minimum of 10 hours of ambulance road drive time.
• Fire Service Vehicle Operator (FSVO) certification through the OSFM.
• An Illinois Class “C” driver’s license.
• Once completed, a “Final Ambulance Training Sign-Off” is submitted in Target Solutions by the lieutenant.

Engine Operator Requirements

• Cleared as an “Ambulance Driver.”
• Notification to the training officer of the start of the initial driving program.
• Completion of all JPRs provided in Target Solutions under “Driver Training – Engine/Pumper.”
• No less than 12 hours of drive time on engine/pumper apparatus, including a minimum of 2 hours on each pumper in the New Lenox FPD (the last 4 hours can be on any pumper).
• An Illinois Class “B” (non-CDL) driver’s license.
• All requirements and hours must be documented by the engine lieutenant in Target Solutions.
• Once completed, a “Final Engine/Pumper Training Sign-Off” is submitted in Target Solutions by the Lieutenant.

Truck Operator Requirements

• Must hold the title of "Engine Operator" for 6 months and have completed necessary training to drive and operate the tower ladder.
• Successful completion of all Truck Operator JPRs, found in Target Solutions under “Driver Training - Truck.”
• No less than 12 hours of drive time on aerial apparatus.
• Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) certification through the OSFM.
• All requirements and hours must be documented by the truck lieutenant in Target Solutions.
• Once completed, a “Final Truck Training Sign-Off” is submitted in Target Solutions by the lieutenant.

Tender Operator Requirements

• Successful completion of all Tender JPRs located in Target Solutions.
• 12 hours of drive time on the tender.
• All requirements and hours must be documented by the tender lieutenant in Target Solutions.
• Once completed, a “Final Tender Training Sign-Off” is submitted in Target Solutions by the lieutenant.

Annual Recertification

• Personnel classified as Engine Operator, Truck Operator, Tender Operator, or Engineer must go through yearly re-certification.
• Re-certification lists are published by the training officer every January 1st for each individual's current classification and submitted to the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, and Battalion Chiefs.
• If engineers or operators do not re-certify by this date they will be downgraded or removed as a vehicle operator.
• Re-certification can be performed by the individual's Lieutenant using the training and credentialing provided in Target Solutions.

### Engine Operator Recertification Requirements

• Successful completion of an FSVO cone course.
• 12 hours of documented non-emergency drive time.

Tender Operator Recertification Requirements

• Successful completion of an FSVO cone course.
• 12 hours of documented non-emergency drive time.

Truck Operator Recertification Requirements

• Successful completion of an FSVO road and cone course.
• 12 hours of documented non-emergency drive time.

Engineer Recertification Requirements

• Successful completion of the FSVO cone course on an engine, truck, and tender.
• 12 hours of total drive time on all types of vehicles, minimum of 2 hours for engines, 2 hours for the truck, and 2 hours for the tender.

General Recertification Information

• Personnel have one year to complete all practical evolutions and drive time for initial driving programs.
• All components of the driver guideline can be adjusted by the Fire Chief and/or the Training Officer as the situation requires.

Acting Officer Compensation

• Employees asked to perform the duties of a company officer (e.g., Lieutenant or Battalion Chief) for 1 hour or more will be paid the starting salary of that position, as outlined in Appendix B.
• This applies even if the employee's regular hourly rate is lower.
• The employee acting in the higher position will be responsible for monitoring adherence to all department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Administrative Regulations.
• They must inform their immediate supervisor of any violations they observe.

Acting Officer Lists

• An "Acting Lieutenant" list is created after a Lieutenant promotion process.
• The list includes all individuals who:
  • Participated in the Lieutenant promotion process
  • Became eligible to test during the list's active period
  • Were eliminated due to not achieving the minimum score
  • Meet the qualifications for the Lieutenant eligibility test
• Employees who meet the qualifications during the list's active period are added to the list.
• The list is organized by full-time seniority.
• The "Acting Battalion Chief list" is created in the same way as the "Acting Lieutenant List."

Purpose of Acting Lists

• The Acting Lists are designed to provide experience for those who are currently or will be participating in promotional processes.
• Acting assignments allow individuals to gain hands-on experience in higher-level positions.

Declining to Act

• Employees can choose to decline an "acting" position by signing a declination form.
• This form remains in effect until rescinded by the decliner, with a minimum 6-month waiting period after the initial request.
• Declining to act on their regular duty shift means declining to act on any shift including call-back time or time spent on a trade of duty shift with another employee.
• However, employees on the Lieutenant or Battalion eligibility list may not decline acting assignments.