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The Vandalia Fire Division provides a wealth of training opportunities to its firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics. Each year the training Captain selects and organizes a variety of trainings. 4 trainings are offered per month for a minimum of 48 training opportunities per year. Personnel are required to attend 10 of 12 fire trainings, 10 of 12 EMS trainings, and other company trainings depending on their certification. In addition to those trainings, personnel are required to attend mandatory trainings on ACLS, CPR, other certification trainings, driver's training, infectious control trainings, live fire training, and the annual standing orders testing. Numerous instructors teach different sessions. Click here for the 2012 EMS training schedule.
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ANDY FOLLICK, CAPTAIN
Captain Follick is a life-long Vandalia resident, a graduate of Vandalia Butler High School, and he holds a Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Criminal Justice. Captain Follick was hired July 6, 2000, as a paid on call firefighter/EMT, promoted to a paid on call Lieutenant on April 15, 2005, and then promoted to a paid on call Captain on April 23, 2007. Captain Follick heads the Division of Fire's Special Operations and Training group. The Special Operation's group is tasked with preparing fire/EMS crews for responses to fire, specialized EMS, technical rescue, hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction, and natural disaster incidents. In addition to preparing crews through training, the Special Operation's group manages and maintains the specialized equipment that is needed during these type responses. Captain Follick is also one of the lead adult advisors of the Division of Fire Explorer's program, and he serves the citizens of Harrison Township as a full time firefighter/paramedic.
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The Fire Explorer's program is a volunteer program designed to train high school students on the duties of a firefighter and EMT. While operating in a safe environment, the students are given duties and assignments that expose them to the tasks that a firefighter or EMS care giver provides on a daily basis. Many of the current firefighters and EMS employees were formerly part of the explorer program and decided to pursue a career in this field. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer explorer click here to provide your contact information or call 937-898-2261.
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SCOTT JACOBS, LIEUTENANT
Lieutenant Jacobs is a resident of Vandalia and was hired on August 11, 2002, as a paid on call firefighter/EMT. Lieutenant Jacobs was promoted to paid on call Lieutenant on October 16, 2007. Lieutenant Jacobs is assigned to the Special Operation's work group under the supervision of Captain Andy Follick. Lieutenant Jacobs plans, coordinates, and instructs fire, EMS and Special Operations (technical rescue/hazardous materials) training. Lieutenant Jacobs is tasked with planning and developing of the Division of Fire's special operations equipment and capabilities. The Division of Fire is a "full service" fire/EMS/rescue service providing initial response to hazardous materials, heavy rescue (auto or machinery extrications), rope rescue, water/ice rescue, confined space, urban search and rescue (lost person searches) events. Lieutenant Jacobs also serves as one of the lead adult advisors to the Division of Fire's explorer program.
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The Vandalia Fire Division has also been provided uninhabitable homes ready for demolition as training
houses where they can conduct live fire training as shown below. This provides personnel with invaluable
opportunities to set up a multitude of training possibilities.
Recently, the Vandalia Fire Division attended a rope class with hands on training provided by David Young
of Waynesville, Oh. The participants were very impressed with the magnitude of the training that provided actual scenarios at the Taylorsville Dam and the Attica Street water tower. Pictures of the training session are shown below.
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Staff at the Attica Street water tower
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Staff pulling the ropes to elevate a person
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Staff member descending the water tower
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Instructor demonstrating the proper procedure
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Staff member completing the climb
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Fire Division members and instructors after the
training session
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Butler Township Fire Department and the Vandalia Fire Division have partnered to provide unlimited training opportunities. If you would like to access the training schedule click on the appropriate month below.
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