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Firefighter training is a critical piece of every fire department across the country, whether those firefighters are career or volunteer. The end goal is to become certified in the necessary standards set by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).
Much of the training is what’s called knowledge-based; this is where the basic understanding and objectives are covered in a classroom or online learning setting. Hands-on, practical training (what some call the “fun” part), happens after the objectives are covered.
Many firefighters prefer online learning for classroom work because courses can be accomplished on their time schedule and in a comfortable environment. They can also review the material as many times as needed.
Robbi King, Director Public Sector Solutions Engineers with Vector Solutions, knows a little something about training. He started as a volunteer firefighter in Georgia and eventually had a paid career as a firefighter. (Don’t worry, he’s lived in Texas for about 10 years now.)
“Training 4-5 hours in one night is a lot for families,” he said.
He believes that’s why online training is so popular among volunteer firefighters. And this is where Vector Solutions shines.
This online training company, based in Tampa, is what Robbi calls a three-legged stool; they offer training in the education, commercial and public safety sectors. They’ve been around since 1999. (Happy 25th, y’all.
For the public safety sector, the company offers a single system for all of a department’s needs, including:
- Training Management System
- ISO Training Tracker
- Online Firefighter training
- Online EMS Continuing Education
- Skill Evaluations
- Fire Academy Automation
- State Certification and Training Management
- Connect Local and State Training Systems
“We believe it’s a total training management solution,” Robbi said. “It’s all the things any fire department needs at any time. We also have a large course catalog.”
He must be onto something as more than 250 Texas fire departments use Vector Solutions for their training.
Is it affordable for a volunteer agency?
“Absolutely,” Robbi said. “It’s roughly the cost of purchasing gloves for firefighters each year. And there are some grant funds available to help cover the cost of the training system.”
He believes the software pays for itself in terms of time management and the ability to effectively and efficiently track all the training for each firefighter on the roster. Robbi said it helps departments ensure their people are progressing and getting ready to handle any kind of incident that comes along.
“Vector Solutions grows with you by providing a wide range of tools,” he said. “It’s a comprehensive training and tracking solution that’s easy to use. And it can help with your retention rate since firefighters can see the benefits and they love the online learning aspect.”
Additionally, he said training coordinators love the Vector Solutions program.
“It makes their job that much easier,” he said. “Plus, it can help with everything from litigation to open records requests to ISO ratings.”
Among those 250+ Texas departments using Vector Solutions are the state’s largest paid and the smallest volunteer organization.
“Volunteer departments see the value even with limited resources available,” Robbi said.
In areas like Johnson County, the 16 or so fire departments all use Vector Solutions and they created a central hub.
“Joint training is now easier,” Robbi said. “These departments can work together. It’s a force multiplier.”
Beyond the online coursework, Robbi said Vector Solutions can also track in-person trainings.
“It has a tool that can mirror your skill sheets to meet objectives,” he said. “You simply use a phone to record the hands-on training. Then you can play it back and see how you did.”
He said this is a value part of the coaching and mentoring process in any fire department.
With firefighting standards changing frequently, does Vector Solutions keep pace?
“Our software makes it easy to keep up with changing standards,” Robbi said. “Our Subject Matter Experts review the newest NFPA standards. Our Advisory Board makes recommendations. We’re busy making changes so our material is always current.”
Robbi said with all the features and flexibility offered, fire departments can’t afford NOT to have Vector Solutions.
“Look at the time it takes to get something done,” he said. “For example, departments need to report hours up to SFFMA. If they don’t have a good tool, how do they do that effectively and efficiently?”
He added that the software also assists with filling open records requests in a timely fashion.
When considering whether to implement a program like Vector Solutions, Robbi said departments should think about a wide array of factors including ease of use, time, efficiency, and outcomes.
“We are currently offering SFFMA members a special discount so they can get all of the tools and benefits at a reduced cost,” he said. “We think once they try it, they will understand how it positively impacts their entire organization.”
Click here for a special discount for SFFMA members
Testimonials
"Vector Solutions is a great platform to obtain all of your fire and medical CE’s and officers can ensure they are being completed on time through administrative reports. The program offers the ability to share training videos or documents to all users in the system, not just your department. This is going to help us with our mutual aid partners in obtaining the same training throughout our region."
- Chief Kirk Hays, Haslet FD (a combo department)
"Klein has used Vector Solutions since 2007 for the management, tracking, and career development of our membership. The Learning Management System (LMS) provides self-generated customization to best reflect the programs and goals of our department and the members within."
- Chief Andy Dexter, Klein Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 16
These individuals were not compensated to provide their testimonials.
