SOUTHINGTON – The Southington Fire Department is receiving a grant of around $140,760 from the 2021 Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

With the grant, fire officials will take part in department-wide training efforts within the scope of National Fire Protection Association 1002: Fire Apparatus Driver and Operator Professional Qualifications. The department aims to train and certify available volunteer and career firefighters who meet prerequisites for a program to learn the latest in national standards, according to a statement.

Training will take place in an intensive setting inside a classroom utilizing a practical skills-based initiative. Topics to be covered will include preventative maintenance, pump operations, hydraulic calculations, water supply and apparatus systems, safe driving techniques and more. Beginning the course, participants will be taken through mathematics and theory before moving to learn skills in a hands-on setting with a pumping apparatus. A main focus of the training program will be in learning to use different nozzles, pumps and hose sizes and will set the stage for participants to take examinations and be ready to execute IFSCAC and Pro Board practical skills to become certified  as an apparatus pump operator.

Fire officials noted that the competitive nature of the AFG program was meant to encourage both volunteer and career firefighters to better equip and train in a variety of operational capacities and standards.

The department thanked its board of commissioners as well as the Southington Board of Finance, its Washington D.C. Congressional delegation and Town Manager Mark Sciota.

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