Firefighters working

Agency Profile

The Fire Services Training School (FSTS) is the state level agency charged with providing professional development for community fire and rescue services. For administrative purposes, the FSTS is attached to the Extension Service of Montana State University.

Purpose

The objectives of FSTS as specified in Section 20-31-103 MCA are to:

1. Provide fire service personnel with professional training
2. Identify new methods of fire prevention and suppression and disseminate information about them
3. Provide a resource center for use by local fire services
4. Provide testing and certification for personnel and apparatus
5. Coordinate fire services training in the state.

Mission

The mission of the FSTS is to build capacity in local governments for protecting the life safety of citizens, their property, the tax base and infrastructure from harm caused by unwanted fires, accidents, injuries, hazardous materials incidents and other emergencies.

Scope of Services and Philosophy

The FSTS serves all of Montana's fire departments, companies and districts. This audience consists of an estimated 11,000 members in 467 fire companies, 96% of which are volunteers. The FSTS develops and operates programs which make local government effective in their mission of providing quality fire and rescue service to the public. FSTS supports and promotes:

(a) "standard of care" operations, 
(b) self-sustained training programs within local organizations, 
(c) sharing of resources between organizations, and 
(d) individual growth of emergency service personnel through training.

Advisory Council

FSTS works closely with its Advisory Council which is appointed by the Montana University System Board of Regents. The Council is active in providing direction for FSTS programs, and its members are also involved in leadership roles with other organizations.

 

Services Provided by the Fire Services Training School

Curriculum Development

FSTS has developed an innovative approach for training fire fighters which has received national acclaim. The program is gaining popularity and was especially designed to meet the needs of Montana's fire services. Additional levels are under development, as well as revisions to existing units.

Training

FSTS has Regional Training Managers strategically located across the state. FSTS staff assists local agencies in developing and executing training programs. We strive to deliver training in person at local agencies and operates a fleet of mobile training equipment to help fulfill our mission.
 

Professional Certification

FSTS offers a testing program which recognizes demonstrated professional competence. Fire service personnel are tested against standards for various levels and specialties and recognized with a certificate for success. The program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the National Board for Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board).
 

Coaches Network

FSTS identifies and trains experienced fire fighters to be coaches. These individuals then train personnel within their own or other departments. Coaches make major contributions to the development of training materials and provide instruction at agency sponsored courses.
 

National Fire Academy/FSTS Partnership

FSTS operates in partnership with the National Fire Academy to bring NFA Courses to Montana.

Local Fire Departments can contact the FSTS Office or their FSTS Regional Manager to request NFA Courses.