Rigorous Training, High Standards Prepare Fire Fighters For Emergencies

Rigorous training.  A commitment to the highest standards.  These are traits that help firefighters who serve the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District respond to situations that go far beyond more customary responses to structural fires, traffic accidents and medical emergencies. 

Tasked with protecting large homes, multi-acre estates and expansive commercial properties, firefighters commit themselves to a specialized training regimen that equips them to meet these challenges.

“Our firefighters and paramedics are highly trained, motivated professionals with years of experience protecting District lives and property,” Deputy Chief John Feit of the Barrington Fire Department explains.  “Department members have dedicated their professional lives to helping people.  We are constantly studying, reviewing and training in order to maintain the high quality of service our residents expect of us.”

The 48-square mile District is home to many large residential and commercial structures.  Firefighters train regularly for distinctive public safety challenges, including protection of:

• The main campus of the fourth-largest church in the United States, located in South Barrington.
• Multiple equine farms in Barrington Hills.
• A 175,000 sq. ft. sports complex in Lake Barrington that attracts thousands of residents per month.

Training for these unique situations involves organized walkthroughs of the District’s larger facilities on a regular basis.  “On-site training gives firefighters important knowledge of the structures we may one day be called upon to protect,” Feit says.

The fire department devotes extra effort and resources to equine rescue training.  Working closely with Barrington Hills-based Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society (HARPS), firefighters have developed proven strategies to protect farm property and the horses that live there.            

Highly-Trained Professionals

By the time fire department recruits become experienced firefighters, they have successfully completed more than a year of life-saving training.  Applicants – all of whom must be certified paramedics – undergo a series of intensive written, physical and psychological tests.  Those who pass then must complete a minimum of 450 hours of Fire Academy training to achieve the state of Illinois’ “Firefighter II” certification.  

The “Firefighter II” training regimen comprises 23 units of instruction in areas such as fire behavior and control, safety, rescue, building construction, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and emergency medical care.

The majority of the department’s firefighters are certified “Firefighter III,” which requires another 450 hours of rigorous training.

Highly trained firefighters are the backbone of the department.  They ensure its ability to provide excellent fire and emergency medical service.   Many department professionals have also completed certification in Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness and Operations (48 hours); Technical Rescue Awareness and Fire Service Vehicle Operator (12 hours each), Fire Officer II (324 hours); and Fire Officer III (400 hours).

Daily Training Regimen Hones Firefighting, Personal Skills

The department’s daily training scenarios, combined with testing and ongoing equipment maintenance, assures high performance on service calls.  They are essential to maintaining the quality of service provided to District residents, Feit adds.       

Intensive classroom education and field training are vital to the development of a qualified, professional fire service.  Deputy Chief Feit also believes that the department’s commitment to honesty, hard work and strong ethical values are just as important.

“Firefighters come into peoples’ lives at the worst of times,” he explains.  “Whatever the situation, a firefighter’s ability to calm, soothe and aid those in need is just as important as putting out a fire or administering life-saving emergency medical service.”

For more information on BCFPD operations and activities, visit www.bcfpd.org or call 847-304-3600.