The Safety and Training Division oversees the continued training, health, and safety needs of the organization. The delivery methods include a three-year Joint Apprenticeship Training Program (JATC), multi-company drills, multi-agency drills, online learning management, classroom studies, and professional development programs. These programs help to ensure the continued competent and professional services that our customers have come to expect.
Behavioral Health Services
Fire Rescue personnel routinely face situations that can impact their behavioral health. Emergency personnel are vulnerable to mental health concerns including PTSD, stress, anxiety, addiction, suicidal thoughts, and depression. SPFR is working to create an environment where behavioral health is recognized as being just as important as physical health. By eliminating the stigma that prevents people from seeking assistance for these risks and providing a broad range of resources and services to its members, SPFR strives for the continued behavioral health of its members. Active members, retired members, and family members seeking assistance can locate available resources at Firestrong.
Human Resources
The Safety and Training Division also conducts a ten-week orientation process for all newly recruited St. Petersburg Fire Rescue firefighters. The orientation process encompasses an advanced level of training to best prepare the candidate for a career with St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.
Driver Training
All apparatus drivers for the department have completed a minimum of a 40 hour hands-on operators course. Most of them are state certified pump operators which is an 80 hour course (Florida State Fire College). Drivers are required to complete 12 hours of annual training that includes hydraulic calculations, pumping evolutions and driving skills. Ladder truck operators have specific training for the hydraulic lifts and capabilities of these specialized units.
JATC Program
The Joint Apprenticeship Training Curriculum is a three year training program which included 6,000 hours of specific training for the fire service. Members begin the program with their first year of employment (probationary period) and are evaluated quarterly for proficiency in each category.