Training

Goal

The Training Division's goal is to insure that all Walton County Firefighters are prepared to respond to an emergency, while keeping up with current code requirements and the latest fire service technology, to provide consistent and effective emergency service to the citizens and visitors to the County.

Changing Roles & Responsibilities

In contrasting today’s Fire Service with what it was 10 to 15 years ago, Firefighters are constantly being called upon to take on an ever expanding role in providing for the safety of the community. As a result of this expanding role, the educational and training level of today’s Firefighters has become much more demanding. 

Walton County Fire Rescue feels that dedicating this significant portion of the day to training helps keep our Firefighters knowledgeable in the methods and techniques required to keep themselves as well as their community safe. 

Training Activities

Training activities, which may be either classroom or practical application, include, but are not limited to:

  • Preparation for severe weather, tornado's and other natural disasters, as well as terrorist type incidents.
  • Rescue Operations for: 
    • Firefighter survival
    • Fires
    • Hazardous material
    • Medical aide
    • Vehicle extrication
    • Water rescue
  • Review of and / or site visits to special hazards such as high risk areas and hazardous materials storage.
  • Reviewing procedures for the safe use and operation of all firefighting equipment, personal protective clothing, and breathing equipment.
  • Study of street and fire hydrant locations within the County. This segment also includes the study of locations and operation of Fire Sprinkler and other Fire Protection Systems within the county.

During training activities, as also noted during a Firefighter’s meal time, these activities are accomplished in addition to responding to emergencies. If an alarm comes in while Firefighters are training, they will halt the training operations and immediately respond to the alarm.

Training Topics

Firefighters train approximately 10,000 plus hours each year, covering such topics as: 

  • First Responder
  • Search and Rescue
  • Tools and Equipment, which includes:
    • Driver training
    • Extrication training
    • Policies and guidelines
    • Ropes and knots
    • Self rescue
    • Technical rescue
    • Water rescue

We own, maintain, and operate a rescue / dive boat which provides emergency support for rivers, lakes and reservoirs in our area.