Mr. Norman Aubert, President
Massachusetts Institute of Fire Department Instructors
c/o 14 Hidden Way
Chelmsford, Massachusetts  01824

Dear President Aubert:

The Department of Fire Services recently initiated a study that will explore the potential  for mandatory training of firefighters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This study is in response to an initiative sponsored by the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts.  The concept of mandatory training for firefighters tracks the increasing complexity of the firefighter’s job with existence of similar requirements for law enforcement officers and emergency medical providers. The mandatory training study will enable the Department of Fire Services to be responsive to the legislative process should it move forward in the future.

This comprehensive study will be conducted by the Department of Fire Services. To assist in the effort, the agency has hired a recognized fire service consultant, Jon Jones, to serve as project administrator. Mr. Jones has experience with the fire service in the Commonwealth, as well as the NFPA Professional Qualifications system and firefighter training on a national basis. The study will explore firefighter training in the Commonwealth including: the current requirements of state and federal and national codes and standards, the resources available for firefighter training, and requirements currently in place in other states that have implemented mandatory firefighter training.

A component of the study will be collecting input from the major organizations representing the fire service in the Commonwealth. We would ask for your participation as a stakeholder in this effort.  It is imperative that your organization, along with the others representing fire service interests, have the opportunity to provide input into the study regarding the views of your constituents.

In the next several weeks, project staff will be contacting you to discuss the project further and set up a meeting with you and representatives of the leadership of your organization. As discussed above, the objective of stakeholder meetings is to provide your organization with the opportunity to provide project staff with input regarding the implications of mandatory firefighter training to your constituents. These sessions will allow project staff to review the project objectives with the leadership of your organization and to obtain their input. Specific topics of discuss related to this project will include:

· The implications of mandatory firefighter training of concern to your constituents
· Job functions that should be included in any proposed legislation i.e. firefighter, driver operator, fire officer, etc.
· Levels for mandatory training – i.e. Fire Fighter I or II for firefighters?
· Methods for delivering firefighter training in the Commonwealth, and what would it take to reach all personnel
· Should existing personnel be grandfathered?
· Timing for completion of training – Before performing any service, within
· Funding issues at the departmental and state level

Should you have any questions about the study please feel free to contact Jon Jones at his office in Lunenburg at 978-582-9945 or Director Hollick at 978-567-3114.

We hope that we can count on your organization's participation.  Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to working with you on this important initiative.

Sincerely yours,
 
 

Stephen D. Coan
State Fire Marshal

SDC/bhs