(PLATTSBURGH, NY – 18 March 2024) The City of Plattsburgh’s professional firefighters have logged more than 2800 hours of training and skill development since the start of 2023. The department achieves this training through the NYS Fire Academy, NYS outreach training, and in house training.
“Having well-trained response crews is vital to the public that we protect. The members of this department are constantly working to improve their knowledge and physical skills, and will continue to train on both the fundamental firefighting skills in addition to gaining new skills to address and adapt to ever-evolving hazards,” said Fire Chief Scott Lawliss.
In 2023, CoP FD responded to Since the beginning of 2023, the City of Plattsburgh Fire Department has responded to more than 4300 calls, an increase of 100 from the previous year,including 23 fire calls and 50 EMS calls from the Town of Plattsburgh and County in accordance with the City’s regional mutual aid agreement.
“The perception that there are a bunch of dudes, feet on the desk, hanging out in the firehouse couldn’t be furthest from the truth. When they’re not responding to alarms and EMS calls, the women and men of the City of Plattsburgh Fire Department work tirelessly to hone, refine, and gain new skills and abilities in their profession,” says Plattsburgh Mayor, Christopher Rosenquest. “Plattsburgh FD not only provides a vital public safety service to our City they are often the first to show up for mutual aid calls outside of the City.”
The City of Plattsburgh Fire Department is an “All Hazards Mitigation Department” capable of handling Fire, EMS, hazardous materials, confined space, and water rescue. Members of the department are constantly training to be capable of handling emergency calls for service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
NYS-appointed Municipal Training Officer (MTO) Assistant Chief DeAngelo leads in- house training with assistance from eight department Municipal Training Instructors. All Plattsburgh FD officers, Captains, and Lieutenants attend the First Line Supervisors training Program (FLSTP) held in Fort Totten in Queens, NY. This 160 hour, 4 week course taught by the Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) certifies these officers as Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1 and Fire Officer 1.
“Our professional fire fighters are vigilant in their day-to-day as well as with regard to seeking opportunities to enhance or expand their capabilities through updated training, integrated technological solutions, and plain old skills improvement,” adds Mayor Rosenquest. “It’s critical that any fire department further bolster their expertise and hone existing skills – in Plattsburgh FD’s case, this is readily apparent in the effort they put into training and the work they do in our community.”
EMS training is completed through both NYS Department of Health approved schools and in-house training. In-house training is completed by the department’s medical director, Tiffany Bombard NRP, MD, FACEP, who has been the City of Plattsburgh’s Medical Director since 2018. Dr. Bombard is assisted by departmental paramedics in the delivery of medical training.
“The success of the Plattsburgh Professional Firefighters is tied directly to the dedication of our membership and the continuous training both on and off duty. The dynamic nature of our work requires our members to be ready at a moment's notice for any serious situation that may arise in the City of Plattsburgh and surrounding areas,” says Plattsburgh Professional 1812 President, Nick Seiden. “That readiness is measured by countless hours of training in house, NYS training, emergency medical certifications, and continuing education. We take pride in our work and honor the trust the public gives us to be there for them in their time of need.”
In addition to the extensive EMS/Paramedic training, fire fighting training includes fire behavior, fire extinguishers, forcible entry, rope rescue, ladder rescue communication, ventilation, and fire prevention. The department will continue to strive to provide well trained personnel to protect lives and property in the City of Plattsburgh.
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