New Bedford Fire Department awarded $189,547 to enhance skills, knowledge, safety

“Fire Chief Scott Kruger and Deputy Fire Chief Brian Medeiros are pleased to announce the New Bedford Fire Department has been awarded $189,547 in funding through FEMA’s FY23 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

The funding will be used to facilitate NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1521 Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer training for all Department fire officers and members of the command staff.

The NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Course is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of fire officers. The role of a company officer includes responsibilities such as incident scene strategy and tactics, supervisor and leader, teacher, fire prevention officer, and public fire educator. The company officer’s role also includes understanding and working within the framework of an Incident Command System.

NFPA 1521 Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer contains the minimum requirements for the assignment, duties and responsibilities of a health and safety officer and an incident safety officer for fire departments.

Over the past few years, many senior fire officers and District Fire Chiefs have retired creating a large number of newly promoted fire officers and District Fire Chiefs. These training classes will provide them and all of our supervisors an excellent opportunity for professional development.

Fire Chief Kruger and Deputy Fire Chief Medeiros thank #L841newbedfordfirefighters for their support in successfully obtaining this funding.”-City of New Bedford Fire Department photo.