In accordance with OSHA requirements, and our constant interest in bettering ourselves, the Lake Shore Fire District offers training all year-round, consisting of many forms of learning.  To become a firefighter, and to retain your current status, you must perform certain duties to the satisfaction of the line officers, ultimately the chief.

     Our active firefighters go through three categories of status: interior, exterior, and "TNG".  If a firefighter were to start from scratch, joining the department with no previous knowledge, they're automatically started with the "TNG" (Training) status.  Once they have completed the required NY State "Basic Firefighting Essentials" training, at the discrepancy of the line officers, the firefighter is moved to "exterior" status.  After the firefighter has proved his/her knowledge with regards to initial fire attack, knowledge of our air packs, and the confidence in fighting interior incidents, at the line officers' discretion, that person will be upgraded to the highest grade level, "interior" status.  Please note the general definitions below:

• "TNG" (training) status - Generally meant for new firefighters, not possessing the knowledge required to work at an incident on their own, without help.  At this grade level, you cannot respond to mutual aid responses outside the fire district, and you cannot participate in scheduled "fill-in's" to other fire departments.  (A "fill-in" can be requested from another fire department when they won't be available to cover their district (ex. banquets, carnivals, etc.))

• "Exterior" status - Firefighter has completed all required courses, and can participate in exterior attack and operations on the fire ground.  They are trained in the fundamentals, but may not necessarily be well-versed in every aspect of firefighting.  This status cannot participate in mutual aid to other districts, or scheduled "fill-in's"

• "Interior" status - Firefighter has completed all required courses, and is now able to perform ANY duties required on the fire ground.  They are knowledgeable on every training topic, and are ready to provide support at any level.

     Soon, this page will contain our training schedule, and a more detailed look at each topic.  Keep checking back!