IAFF Instructors Meet in San Antonio

December 3, 2009 – More than 140 IAFF Hazardous Materials/WMD, Partnership Education Program (PEP) and Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) instructors are in San Antonio, Texas, this week for the annual IAFF Instructor Development Conference (IDC).

The Conference is an opportunity for instructors from the three programs to jointly practice proven instructional techniques, network and learn from experts and each other to enhance the IAFF’s ability to provide superior-quality, job-specific education across all spectrums of the fire service to its members.

In his welcome remarks, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger noted the important roles IAFF instructors play as ambassadors of the organization.

Schaitberger told the instructors gathered, “No one is more qualified to develop and deliver these programs than our own members, and when we bring you together to share experiences, best practices, talk through real world examples – that’s how we innovate and update curriculum that truly prepares our members for the challenges they face.” He added, “We all should be proud of what we have built. This week is about taking it to the next level.”

Since the last IDC, the IAFF has certified 787 new Peer Fitness Trainers, while the PEP program brought union skills training to almost 1,700 members. In addition, more than 6,900 fire fighters completed HazMat/WMD training last year.

San Antonio Local 624 President Christopher Steele welcomed IAFF instructors and thanked President Schaitberger for his commitment to growing IAFF training programs. San Antonio Fire Chief Charles N. Hood has made training a top priority for his City, and Steele acknowledged the important service IAFF instructors provide to his and all IAFF members.

Throughout the week, the IDC offers workshops presented by training experts, including Dr. Harold D. Stolovich from the University of Montreal and Dr. Judy Jerrell from the University of Cincinnati – who also serves as a member of the IAFF HazMat/WMD Advisory Board.

The IAFF HazMat/WMD training program educates emergency responders about safeguarding their health and safety in hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction response incidents.

The PEP program helps affiliate leaders build their leadership skills and improve labor relations. PEP instructors from across the United States and Canada conduct workshops to state and provincial associations on request.

The PFT program certifies fire fighters to design and implement fitness programs, improve the wellness and fitness of department members and assist with the physical training of recruits. Certified PFTs are crucial to improving fire fighter health, wellness, fitness, safety and performance.