Outside Training courses and conferences (medium)

Spring Fire Department Training & Conferences

• Spring Fire Department (SFD) personnel must have at least one year of service and be in good standing to attend outside training.
• The Deputy Chief of Training may grant exceptions to this rule on a case-by-case basis.
• SFD personnel must complete an electronic Training Request form with complete information before applying for outside training.
• Members are provided with 144 hours (annually) for Category 2 and Category 3 outside training and conferences, tracked through the Professional Development Bank (PDB).
• PDB hours cannot be transferred or rolled over year-to-year.

Reimbursement of Expenses

• Expenses for approved sponsored training courses or conferences can be reimbursed by submitting documentation and itemized receipts within 30 days of completing the training.
• Spring Fire Department will only reimburse expenses for successfully completed courses.
• For administrative non-exempt employees, reimbursement is disbursed over a two-year period: 50% at the end of the first year and 50% at the end of the second year.

Training Approval Categories

• Category 1 - Department Required Training: Training supporting professional job qualifications. The department covers training costs and handles time balancing.
• Category 2 - Department Supported Training: Training supporting ongoing certification efforts, professional qualifications, and job-related training. The department covers costs, and members can use PDB hours for time off.
• Category 3 - Department Approved Training: High-priority training for professional development that doesn't qualify as required or supported training. Members can use PDB hours for time off.
• Category 4 - Non-Approved Training: Training not required, supported, or approved by the department. The department offers no financial support, and members cannot use PDB hours.

Other Important Information

• If a member fails to attend a department-funded training course, they are responsible for all costs incurred by SFD.
• Employees will not be compensated for driving time unless it is during normal work hours.
• SFD will coordinate and/or reimburse expenses for approved rental vehicles or ride-sharing services while attending outside training.
• Requests for driving and using vehicles other than department-owned vehicles must be approved by the Deputy Chief of Training.
• To qualify for mileage reimbursement, the training must exceed 25 miles one-way and must be in a personally owned vehicle (POV).
• Mileage allowance is paid in lieu of fuel reimbursement.

Specific Certification Reimbursements

• SFD Training Division reimburses courses, certifications, and testing expenses for Training Division approved TDSHS or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Certification Courses for volunteers who successfully complete all requirements.
• SFD Training Division reimburses course, certification, and testing expenses for Training Division approved SFFMA, HCFFA, IFSAC, TCFP, TEEX, or Pro Board certification courses.
• The Deputy Chief of Training can approve reimbursement for any fire or EMS certification class not included in the approved list.
• SFD Training Division reimburses certification expenses for upgrading any SFFMA, HCFFA, IFSAC, TCFP, TEEX, or Pro Board certification.
• SFD members will be reimbursed for mileage based on the recommended rate per mile for Privately Owned Vehicles on the GSA website, when driving a personal vehicle to outside training.