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05/11/2008: "SJC Firefighters Take Advance Testing"

(contributed photo)
Firefighters from San Juan Island, Lopez Island and Snohomish County participated in an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter 2 certification test recently held at the SJI Fire headquarters on Mullis St.

The written test and practical skills evaluation are based on a nationally recognized curriculum. This is the same certification undertaken by firefighters in larger departments like Seattle and Tacoma. Firefighter 2 represents an advanced level of skill and ability. It is founded on the basic information and abilities the candidates learn during the Firefighter 1 recruit class. This is the first time this level of evaluation and certification has been available in the county.



San Juan Island Fire Department members completing the two-month review class and participating in the testing included Daven Holzer, Tad Lean and Mark Tompkins. Larry Harris, of Lopez Island Fire, also commuted to San Juan to participate in the class and evaluation.

Other San Juan Island Fire Department members that have previously completed Firefighter 2 certification off island include Kyle Davies, Jerry Henderson, Michael Henderson, and David Howitt. All of the candidates passed the practical skills evaluation and are eagerly awaiting word on the written portion of the test.

The Department’s annual Wildland Firefighter training, which is also based on a nationally recognized curriculum, will begin on June 21. Interested individuals should contact the Department at 378-5334