What is the current appraisal of the recruit training program by fire captains

The problem identified for this research project was that recent training academy

graduates were not meeting the operational expectations of some company officers.

The purpose of the this applied research project was to perform an evaluation

measuring the effectiveness of the current recruit academy program, to research training

trends and innovations used by others, and make recommendations to improve the

Minneapolis Fire Department recruit training academy.

Descriptive research methods were employed to answer the following

research questions:

1. What is the current appraisal of the recruit training program by fire captains

and recent academy graduates?

2. What elements of innovations can the Minneapolis Fire Department learn

from others that would benefit and improve its training program?

3. Would the implementation of a post academy apprenticeship program benefit

the continued learning of new recruits?

The procedures involved a literature review to learn about training program

evaluation. Application of survey tools measuring training program effectiveness, and a

study to determine the relationship between physical conditioning and firefighter injuries.

The results of surveys indicated that the Minneapolis fire department is providing

new recruits with satisfactory to good training in all but two areas. Physical condition did

not meet the expectation of recruit graduates and company officers, and post academy

development did not meet expectation of company officers.

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To address perceived problems with physical conditioning, recommendations

were made to evaluate fitness and wellness requirements that should be introduced in the

recruit academy, and adopt the IAFF/IAFC fitness initiative guidelines for recruit

training.

To address perceived problems with post academy development,

recommendations were made to evaluate the post academy process and identify program

objectives. Design an apprenticeship agreement between the Minneapolis fire

department, Firefighters Local 82, and the Minnesota Department of Labor and industry,

outlining clear and comprehensive objectives in career development.

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