Department Training

The department provides fire, rescue, hazardous materials operations and EMS response to the University as well as the University Fire Service Area and EMS district. Training and education is thus a continuing process in order to protect the areas we are responsible for. We strive to be on the leading edge of operational protocols, technology, and systems when it comes to emergency response in the services we provide.

Driver’s Training

Once the students have completed their basic recruit training they start their driver's training.  Student firefighters drive and operate all department apparatus ranging from smaller pickups to the large aerial ladder trucks.

The drivers training program is a valuable educational opportunity which would take years to experience in other departments. In most professional fire departments it can take up to five years before a firefighter begins training on half a million dollar fire apparatus. The goal of the UFD program is to produce safe and proficient Driver/Operators that can perform under the stresses of multiple emergency situations. Firefighters at UFD are given the opportunity to train on all fire apparatus after completion of our rigorous recruit academy. Driver’s training is incorporated into every shift and encompasses a central role in training priorities. After training is completed on an apparatus a firefighter is expected to be proficient in all operations and capabilities of that particular engine. That firefighter is then expected to train his/her fellow firefighters in operating that apparatus.