Firefighters across Iowa now have more access to Everyone Goes Home® programs and training thanks to a new partnership between the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau (FSTB). This first of its kind effort ensures consistent messages about safety and personal accountability will be delivered state-wide by qualified instructors.
“We see this as a prime opportunity to get the entire fire service motivated about Everyone Goes Home® courses and elevate the importance of safety and personal accountability,” says Randal Novak, CTO, Iowa State Training Director.
Under the partnership, the NFFF will provide all necessary course materials and instructor training for Courage To Be Safe®, Leadership Accountability, Culture and Knowledge, and Leadership So Everyone Goes Home, as well as materials and resources that promote the messages of the NFFF’s Everyone Goes Home® programs and the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. The Iowa FSTB will hire instructors, provide secondary instructor training, work closely with the Everyone Goes Home® State Advocate Program to deliver training, and issue certificates of completion to all participants.
“This program is a win-win for the entire fire service and illustrates the important role partnerships play in education and training initiatives,” said Scott Lyon, Deputy Chief of the Clive Fire Department and the Iowa State Lead Advocate for the Everyone Goes Home® Program. “It is incumbent upon State Advocates and training coordinators to reach out to each other for the good of the fire service. Reaching more firefighters with consistent and comprehensive training means fewer line-of-duty deaths and injuries,” he explains.
Several other states, including New York and Illinois, have expressed interest in pursuing a partnership with the Foundation and have systems in place for hiring and training instructors. This partnership is similar to the same type of partnership made several years ago by the National Fire Academy and 50 State Training Systems.
“We hope other state training bureaus will look at this agreement as a model and pursue their own partnership with the Foundation,” says Rick Mason, CFO, MIFireE, training and education coordinator for the NFFF.
For information about Everyone Goes Home® programs and the State Advocate Program visit www.everyonegoeshome.com. For information about training partnerships with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, contact Rick Mason at rmason@firehero.org.
