Alabama Fire College Attends the AAVFD 30th Annual Conference

 Larry Jarvis, Field Training Director, Jerri Ayers, Public Education Specialist, and Rena Jarvis attended the AAVDF Conference in Mobile August 3–4, 2007. 

As in the past when it has been held in Mobile, the conference was well attended and well organized. Congratulations and thanks to the Mobile County Fire Fighters Association for a job well done.

 During the conference, lot of training-related questions were asked and hopefully answered. Many of the questions were about the new Volunteer Fire Fighter Bridge Program. This program will allow the 160-certified volunteer fire fighter to use his prior training to count toward a paid fire fighter certification. The fire fighter attends a four-week, 160-hour school to reach the required minimum of 320 hours for a paid fire fighter certification. The first Bridge course will be delivered at the Fire College in January 2008. Further information on the program will appear on the AFC web site soon.   

The AFC staff spent time at the conference in fellowship with fire fighters from around the state. The conference is a great place to meet fellow fire fighters and vendors. It is also a great time to become informed about and work on the issues of the fire service in Alabama. I would encourage all fire fighters to get involved in their respective associations.

The 2008 annual AAVFD Conference will be held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Stay tuned for more information about dates and location.