MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

If you have watched the local news or read the newspapers, you are aware of the budget problems being faced by the State of Tennessee.  A Voluntarily Buyout Program (VBP) has been offered to more than 12,000 state employees, which includes members of TFACA staff.

The seven position classifications identified by TFACA management attempts to meet the request of targeting positions which would have the least amount of impact on service to our customers. 

The TFACA will continue to provide the high quality instruction you are accustomed to receiving. We will work to deliver as many classes as possible, both through our field delivery program and on campus. Tightening budgets call for us to look at options in scheduling, locations and frequency of classes delivered. 

A new class titled “Introduction to Fire and Emergency Services” is scheduled for release in September.  This course is designed as a hand-off to each department’s training officer in a Train-the-Trainer format and is geared towards new volunteers or employees which do not have previous experience.  The course will provide the basic information needed for the target students to operate safely on the scene of emergencies, and to provide support services until more advanced training can be scheduled. 

The Fire Officer II classes are filling up fast.  Get enrolled now to avoid the long wait.

Fire Officer III is in development.  The design team met during the TN Fire Chief’s Conference to adopt a curriculum, which they did.  The target pilot presentation is tentatively scheduled for after the first of the year.   Thanks to our design team for their work to date.  We still have a long way to go, but we couldn’t do it without the team’s help!

I appreciate the support given to our staff and the academy.  The staff works to improve the training received through TFACA, and I am confident they will continue to enhance the program.

Thanks!

- Roger Hawks