The Training Division coordinates the training necessary to continue the department’s ability to handle and improve upon the tasks and daily operations in an effective, efficient, and safe manner. This training includes reviewing the basics, exploring new techniques and ideas, and learning to apply these lessons in the field. This is accomplished by classroom sessions and practical hands on application on the training field.
The Training Division thrives in firefighter mastery of hoses, ladders, self-contained breathing apparatus, hands-on training, and firefighter survival/rescue. Personnel train to master these topics to the level of muscle memory, becoming instinctive throughout the firefighter’s career. The department maintains a minimum of 240 hours of training per person annually required by the Insurance Services Office.
Training Classes
The Training Division coordinates classes for the Lewisville Fire Department and other state-wide personnel. Some of the classes include the annual “All Saws” training, dive training, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System approved wildland classes, and Truck and Engine Operations classes.
Link to view current training classes available.
Training Facility
The Lewisville Fire Department’s training facility allows practical application of the curriculum covered in the classroom. The facility has various simulators and props to replicate situations the firefighters will encounter throughout their careers when venturing into the most hazardous of environments.
The training facility is a Texas A&M Engineering Extension host site, which allows training to be attended by individuals from around the globe. The training facility has been used by approximately forty entities including fire departments, fire academies, police departments, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The facility has a three and half story commercial training prop which allows departments to simulate fires in commercials buildings as well as multi family scenarios. Adjacent to the new commercial prop is a two story residential unit. Both of the buildings be clean burning propane fueled props allowing for a realistic training environment without creating any toxic by products of class A combustion.
Health and Safety Division
This division acts as risk management for the department. The Division works in conjunction with the City’s Risk Management Division toward being proactive in all areas of health and safety for fire service personnel. All injuries and accidents are reviewed to determine cause and future prevention. Safety is stressed whether in the station, during training, or on the incident scene.
The Lewisville Fire Department’s most valuable asset is our personnel. Their physical and mental fitness to carry out the demands of this profession is a primary concern. Workout equipment is available at each firehouse for fire and police personnel. There are times when the emotional impact of the daily exposure to traumatic events impacts a firefighter’s mental health. At these times, the department debriefs the personnel soon after the occurrence and follows up with the Critical Incident Stress Management Team.
Our hope is that a member is both physically and mentally healthy when they retire, and that they are capable of fulfilling the challenges and rewards in the next step of life’s journey.
For any questions for the Training Division, contact Battalion Chief Jeremy Seese at jseese@cityoflewisville.com or 972.219.3594.
