Aviation Fire Prevention - is it time for an advanced credentialing program?

In the fire service, we have advanced certifications and credentialing for almost every niche within the industry. There is the beginning required certifications of, EMT and firefighter. Progressing on to advanced level training of paramedic or officer level certifications.  Then there is specialty training on truck operations, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and ARFF. Beyond these, at the highest levels there is credentialing through organizations such as the Center for Public Safety Excellence.  The world of aviation firefighting is no different. In this niche industry we have the basic ARFF certification, we have ARFF specific officer certifications, and specialty training programs. We have credentialing as an A.M.F. through the ARFFWG and AAAE.  The ARFF training and educational path is further clarified through the ARFF Professional Development Framework Manual.  

When it comes to the area of fire prevention, especially in aviation, there is no established path or further specialized training. The same requirements for a fire inspector for the municipal structural department is all that is required for the airport and ARFF department. However, the environment, challenges, hazards, systems, processes, and code applications can be very different. Fire prevention in the ARFF environment is a specialized field and should require an advanced (or additional) level of training to ensure basic competence and understanding of the hazards and code applications that will apply. 

I have created a draft program outline. The program is called the Aviation Fire Prevention Credentialing Program. What follows is a brief outline of the program. The complete program and proposed curriculum can be downloaded here.

The program is divided into two credentials -- Aviation Fire Inspector (AFI), and the Aviation Fire Prevention Officer (AFPO).  The point-of-entry for this program is certification (State/IFSAC/ICC/ProBoard) as a Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II, and three years of experience in fire prevention or ARFF.

The first level of credentialing is the Aviation Fire Inspector (AFI). 

AFI credential program prerequisites:

• Certified as Fire Inspector I/II (State/IFSAC/ICC/ProBoard)
• Three years of experience in fire prevention or ARFF

The process for becoming a credentialed AFI is as follows:

• Submit application
• Application is reviewed and approved
• Candidate must register for and attend the 24 hour ‘Aviation Fire Inspector Course’ 
• Pass the class final exam with at least an 75%
• Credential awarded

The next level of credentialing is the Aviation Fire Prevention Officer (AFPO) credential. This credential is designed for the highest ranking fire prevention official, with program management and leadership responsibilities.

AFPO credential program prerequisites:

• Successful completion of AFI credential.
• Minimum of Fire Officer 1 certification (Fire Officer 2 recommended)
• Minimum of 5 years experience in ARFF and/or fire prevention.

The process for becoming a credentialed AFPO is as follows:

• Submit application
• Application is reviewed and approved
• Completion of 24 hour ‘Aviation Fire Prevention Officer Course’ 
• Pass the class final exam with at least an 75%
• Completion and presentation of an applied research paper (management, case study, proposal, project)
• Credential awarded

Download the full program and curriculum here.

What are your thoughts? Is it time for a credentialing program? Do you see a need for this type of training, credentialing process? I am looking for your feedback. Please comment below, or contact me directly at, thecodecoach@gmail.com.

www.AaronJ.org

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Why I quit the fire service...for consulting

I entered the fire service when I was twenty-two years old. I had no idea what I was getting into. It seemed like a good career choice. And it has been! From my earliest days in the fire academy I knew I wanted to pursue two specific niches - ARFF (aircraft rescue firefighting) and Fire Prevention. The last sixteen years have given me many opportunities to accomplish much in these fields.  With this professional career and growth came personal development. A passion I picked up and actively pursue is involvement in codes and standards.  As technology develops and the speed of implementation increases, it has become increasingly difficult to manage code requirements that keep pace with advances in fire protection and emerging technology. This has created a need within the fire protection industry. 

For the past several years, I have worked with various clients to help them close the gap between their technology and the code requirements. I was doing this as a “side-hustle” along with my responsibilities at the fire department. However, as demand has increased for these services, and the market is demanding that this space  be filled, I have made the decision to resign from the fire department and pursue this effort (my passion) with my full focus. 

I work with companies, individuals, and organizations that are making the world a better place through innovative fire protection technologies.  I do this by raising awareness of the fire problem, providing education on the unique solution, and fully implementing the fire protection solution.  This is achieved through content creation, training curriculum and program delivery, and codes and standards development.

If you have an innovative fire protection product or service, or a new application for an existing fire protection solution, then we need to be working together! 

www.AaronJ.org

thecodecoach@gmail.com

Schedule a FREE consultation