Wednesday, June 3 all VDFP employees continue to telework

Wednesday, June 3 all VDFP employees continue to telework

In an effort to keep all Virginia state employees safe and free from harm, and in conjunction with direction from Governor Northam, all VDFP employees at Headquarters and Divisions 1-7 will continue to telework on Wednesday, June 3.

Continue to conduct VDFP business by phone and email: https://www.vafire.com/about-virginia-department-of-fire-programs/agency-directory-2/.

Tuesday, June 2 all VDFP employees continue to telework

Tuesday, June 2 all VDFP employees continue to telework

In an effort to keep all Virginia state employees safe and free from harm, and in conjunction with direction from Governor Northam, all VDFP employees at Headquarters and Divisions 1-7 will continue to telework on Tuesday, June 2.

Continue to conduct VDFP business by phone and email: https://www.vafire.com/about-virginia-department-of-fire-programs/agency-directory-2/.

Monday, June 1 all VDFP employees will telework

Monday, June 1 all VDFP employees will telework

In an effort to keep all Virginia state employees safe and free from harm, and in conjunction with direction from Governor Northam, all VDFP employees at Headquarters and Divisions 1-7 will be teleworking on Monday, June 1.

Continue to conduct VDFP business by phone and email: https://www.vafire.com/about-virginia-department-of-fire-programs/agency-directory-2/.

 

VDFP Launches New Learning Management System, Cornerstone OnDemand

VDFP Launches New Learning Management System, Cornerstone OnDemand

April 23, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) announced today the launch of its highly anticipated online, learning management system, Cornerstone OnDemand

Over 40,000 fire service professionals in Virginia have access to the cloud-based system that is equipped with a dynamic search feature and events calendar to easily locate VDFP training offerings throughout the Commonwealth.  

VDFP is taking a phased approach to implementing many features in Cornerstone OnDemand. The system unveiling is Phase 1. Users are encouraged to learn about Cornerstone OnDemand’s self-service features: registration, profile changes, searchable events calendar, and access to student training guides and instructor resources.

Before you log in for the first time, watch our Welcome Orientation Video.

*If you have taken, registered for, or completed a VDFP training from November 2, 2019- April 1, 2020 you already have an account in Cornerstone OnDemand. You will not need to create a new account.

VDFP is encouraging new users to do the following after the initial login: 

  • Check your user name and profile
  • Browse the Cornerstone OnDemand home page to become familiar with its features, and new look and feel. 
  • Review the Terms & Icons guide for a quick overview of the differences between Cornerstone OnDemand and FSTRS.
  • Upload your FSTRS transcript. This step is critical as you begin to register for new courses (sessions) that have pre-requisites. 

VDFP is kicking off CSOD Office Hours – Online next week for stakeholders who prefer a visual walkthrough of Cornerstone OnDemand, followed by a Q&A session. Register on the CSOD page

Phases 2 and 3 of the Cornerstone OnDemand implementation will be determined and announced at a later date. Visit the CSOD Page for updates.

VDFP Earns Pro Board Re-Accreditation with 23 Certification Courses

VDFP Earns Pro Board Re-Accreditation with 23 Certification Courses

RICHMOND – April 16, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) announced today its accreditation renewal with Pro Board, which solidifies 23 certification courses for the state training agency. VDFP is one of 70 agencies accredited by Pro Board throughout the world and is the accrediting body for fire service professionals in Virginia.

Pro Board accreditation is a rigorous process that entails an agency self-study within the submission of an application package. After the Pro Board application review, a committee conducts a site visit to review testing and certification processes. The result is a report that is reviewed for an accreditation decision.

“We are beaming with pride to have earned reaccreditation with Pro Board and add newly- accredited courses to our training program offerings. The news couldn’t have come at a better time, as we are currently working on our post-COVID-19 training recovery plan,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “This is also an achievement that will benefit Virginia’s Fire Service in upskilling or maintaining credentials to enhance performance and service delivery in the field.”

In February, VDFP announced 16 courses accredited by the International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). IFSAC is the accrediting body that recognizes and standardizes competencies in fire and emergency services programs worldwide.

Re-accredited Courses Newly-Accredited Courses
1. NFPA Standard – 1001: Edition – 2013, Chapter 5 Fire Fighter I
2. NFPA Standard – 1001: Edition – 2013, Chapter 6 Fire Fighter II
3. NFPA Standard – 1002: Edition – 2017, Chapter 5 Apparatus Equipped with Fire Pump
4. NFPA Standard – 1002: Edition – 2017, Chapter 6 Apparatus Equipped with an Aerial Device
5. NFPA Standard – 1003: Edition – 2015, Chapter 4 Airport Fire Fighter
6. NFPA Standard – 1005: Edition – 2014, Chapter 4 Marine Fire Fighter
7. NFPA Standard – 1021: Edition – 2014, Chapter 4 Fire Officer I
8. NFPA Standard – 1021: Edition – 2014, Chapter 5 Fire Officer II
9. NFPA Standard – 1021: Edition – 2014, Chapter 6 Fire Officer III
10. NFPA Standard – 1021: Edition – 2014, Chapter 7 Fire Officer IV
11. NFPA Standard – 1031: Edition – 2014, Chapter 4 Fire Inspector I
12. NFPA Standard – 1031: Edition – 2014, Chapter 5 Fire Inspector II
13. NFPA Standard – 1033: Edition – 2014, Chapter 4 Fire Investigator
14. NFPA Standard – 1035: Edition – 2015, Fire and Life Safety Educator I
15. NFPA Standard – 1035: Edition – 2015, Fire and Life Safety Educator II
16. NFPA Standard – 1041: Edition – 2012, Chapter 4 Instructor I
17. NFPA Standard – 1041: Edition – 2012, Chapter 5 Instructor II
18. NFPA Standard – 1041: Edition – 2012, Chapter 6 Instructor III
1. NFPA Standard – 1072: Edition – 2017, Awareness
2. NFPA Standard – 1072: Edition – 2017, Operations
3. NFPA Standard – 1072: Edition – 2017, Operations Mission-Specific 6.2
4. NFPA Standard – 1072: Edition – 2017, Operations Mission-Specific 6.6
5. NFPA Standard – 1521: Edition – 2015, Chapter 5 Incident Safety Officer

VDFP Strengthens Statewide Firefighter Training Programs in Five Years with $1.2 Million in Federal Funding

VDFP Strengthens Statewide Firefighter Training Programs in Five Years with $1.2 Million in Federal Funding

Funding aids in the delivery of cutting-edge and industry compliant firefighter training throughout the Commonwealth.

RICHMOND – February 6, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) has been awarded approximately $1.2 million dollars in federal grants over a five-year span. The grants, which come from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, have been applied towards upgrading turnout gear, specialty rescue equipment, and the development of a training tower utilized by firefighters and other public safety personnel in Virginia.

The most recent funding awarded to VDFP was in October 2019, when the agency received $286,000 to replace equipment utilized for Virginia’s Heavy Technical Rescue training program. VDFP also purchased two tow vehicles to haul mobile training support trailers used to store and protect gear and equipment to various training localities through the state.

“The awarding of over $1 million dollars in grants has allowed VDFP to further serve more than 700 fire departments and has assisted in helping other state agencies reach its training objectives in serving the Commonwealth,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “This partnership with the Federal government will have a lasting impact in enhancing firefighter training and safety on the fire ground.”

The federal funding also empowers VDFP to obtain cutting-edge equipment that merges technology and fire science into its training programs.

This year, the agency will begin using thermal imaging cameras and IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) meters, which will enable training instructors and students to observe and analyze realistic conditions to generate evidence-based data. The data will enhance future training programs packaged by VDFP.

VDFP has provided approximately $187,000 in matching funds since 2015.

VDFP Triples its Accredited Course Offerings for Virginia’s Fire Service

VDFP Triples its Accredited Course Offerings for Virginia’s Fire Service

GLEN ALLENFebruary 4, 2020 – The Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) announced today that it offers 16 courses accredited by the International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). IFSAC is the accrediting body that recognizes and standardizes competencies in fire and emergency services programs worldwide.

In 2019, VDFP offered five IFSAC accredited courses.

Reaccredited Courses Newly-Accredited Courses 
  • (R) Fire Inspector I NFPA 1031 (2014 edition)
  • (R) Fire Inspector II NFPA 1031 (2014 edition)
  • (R) Fire Investigator NFPA 1033 (2014 edition)
  • (R) Fire and Life Safety Educator I NFPA 1035 (2015 edition)
  • (R) Fire and Life Safety Educator II NFPA 1035 (2015 edition)
  • Firefighter I NFPA 1001 (2013 edition)
  • Airport Firefighter NFPA 1003 (2017 edition)
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness NFPA 1072 (2017 edition)
  • Hazardous Materials Ops Core (5) NFPA 1072 (2017 edition)
  • Hazardous Materials Ops MS: PPE (6.2) NFPA 1072 (2017 edition)
  • (I) Hazardous Materials Ops MS: Product Control (6.6) NFPA 1072 (2017 edition)
  • Firefighter II NFPA 1001 (2013 Standard)
  • Driver Operator – Aerial I NFPA 1001 (2013 Standard)
  • Driver Operator – Pumper
  • Incident Safety Officer
  • Marine Firefighter

“The word ‘accreditation’ means a widely recognized measurement that symbolizes quality. Accredited courses are huge incentives for firefighters, particularly firefighters who have invested years into their own education and earning credentials outside of Virginia, for reciprocity,” said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. “By increasing the number of accredited courses we offer, we will attract current and future firefighters who wish to advance to higher positions later in their careers, anywhere in the world.”

See the latest VDFP course offerings by visiting: https://www.vafire.com/course-offerings/.

VDFP Trainings at VFRC 2020

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs is offering NFPA 1031/1033 Continuing Education and Cornerstone OnDemand introduction courses during the Virginia Fire Rescue Conference. To attend these courses, you must register with the Conference to attend. Visit the VFR Conference Registration page to register.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

NFPA 1033 Recertification Training 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Get to Know Cornerstone OnDemand: VDFP’s New Learning Management System 10 a.m.-noon

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Friday, February 21, 2020

NFPA 1031 Recertification Training 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Get to Know Cornerstone OnDemand: VDFP’s New Learning Management System 3 p.m.-5 p.m.