SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – The annual Fire Expo in Syracuse is currently hosting hands-on training sessions at the Syracuse Fire Department training grounds.
This year, the event has ignited passionate discussions about proposed federal guidelines from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that could significantly increase the required training hours for volunteer firefighters.
While some fire departments are concerned about the impact on volunteer numbers and the additional expenses, many experts and participants at the Expo highlighted the crucial need for more extensive training.
Paul Melfi, a retired fire chief and the coordinator of the Expo, said the proposed changes are important.
“The ability to stay alive in this dangerous business is directly linked to the amount of training we receive,” he said.
Currently, volunteer firefighters must complete 150 hours of training. However, the new guidelines suggest doubling this to 300 hours.
Volunteer firefighters are particularly excited about the potential guidelines, recognizing that increased training could greatly enhance their skills and safety.
“Despite financial challenges for some departments, this training is essential to keep firefighters from getting injured or killed and to ensure they are proficient in their duties,” said Ed Tracey, an instructor at the Fire Expo.
As the Fire Expo continues, the debate over these new guidelines is set to remain a hot topic among the firefighting community.
