January 11, 2011

Command Training Center finally a reality

      After 14 months of planning, designing and building the White River Township Fire Department's Command Training Center is finally a reality.  The center was completed on January 4th and is expected to host its very first class in the coming weeks.  Special thanks to Chief Mark Hart, Capt. Jeff Smith, FF Mike Ridge and Engineer Mike Combs for helping with the project.  The WRTFD CTC utilizes equipment like:  Acer Computers, Sigtronics Headsets and Motorola Radios to make the practical portion as close to real as it gets.  The center features 3 separate rooms:  A room divided into individual workstations with each position representing a single piece of apparatus, a command room where the responding Battalion Chief will be along with his Aid and a control room where the radio dispatch traffic and simulations are controlled. 

    The WRTFD CTC teaches the Blue Card Program developed by Chief Alan Brunacini, a 48-year veteran of the Phoenix Fire Department serving as Chief of the department since 1978.  Chief Brunacini and his two  sons, Chief Nick Brunacini and Chief John Brunacini developed this program designed to make the everyday incidents that we encounter easier to manage with better communication styles.  Chief Alan Brunacini, better known to everyone in the fire service as the Chief who wears Hawaiian shirts, spent time with us last year at a gathering with other firefighters during FDIC 2010.  Chief Brunacini talked about his most important concept of the fire service, customer service and how it relates to our jobs in the communities we serve everyday.

    If you or your department would like more information about the Blue Card Program, click HERE.  For more information about the White River Township Fire Department Command Training Center, click HERE.  If you are ready to schedule your classroom or practical portion of the Blue Card Program, please email Chief Mark Hart by clicking HERE.  
 

                                    

                                                          
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