Train-The-Trainer for PGFD Drivers Training Class

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

The Prince George’s County, MD, Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department is currently providing a train-the-trainer program enabling instructors to conducts a driver’s training class. The Administrative Services Command, under the direction of Acting Lieutenant Colonel Steven L. Hess, is demonstrating the Fire/EMS Departments commitment to have the Training Academy provide the best training for our career and volunteer personnel by looking at all available resources.


The Department has collaborated with VFIS, the largest provider of insurance, education and consulting services to Emergency Service Organizations, to provide a train-the-trainer class that will assist career and volunteer personnel to teach a driver’s training class designed for all personnel, including remedial purposes.  The Fire/EMS Department already provides an Emergency Vehicle Operators Class (EVOC).  This new class will be used to reinforce skills learned during EVOC and for remedial drivers training geared towards at-risk drivers or those that may have had a preventable accident.This class will provide the training and instruction prior to testing personnel for an emergency vehicle operators card in lieu of a Maryland non-commercial driver’s license to drive/operate fire apparatus requiring at least a Class “B” license.

The first train-the-trainer class was held on August 3rd and 4th, 2010, and was comprised of about 10 career personnel. The class includes both classroom and practical evolutions.

Lt. Col. Hess and Major Leroy Smith, Commander-Fire/EMS Training Academy, met with the Volunteer Fire/Rescue Association President, Bill Smith, and the Volunteer Chief’s Council, to introduce the program and explained the need to have a contingent of volunteers available to provide training at night and weekends.

The practical portion of the class was conducted in the parking lot of Fed Ex Field in Landover. A course was laid out that required the vehicle operator to successfully negotiate narrow lanes, stopping, parking, backing and basic driving skills.

Lt. Col. Hess stated, “I am very proud of the accomplishments of the FETA and being able to collaborate with the Volunteer Association in a way that will provide very worthwhile and needed training to fulfill requirements and needs for responsible and safe drivers for the entire Department.”

For additional information on the driver’s training class contact the Fire/EMS Training Academy at 301-856-3410.