by W. Edward Buchanan, Jr., Bobby Drake, and John M. Buckman III

The Training Officer’s Handbook is the definitive guide for training operations in the modern fire service.

All firefighters, whether volunteer, combination, or career, need in-depth, realistic training. This book replaces the trial-and-error and “school of hard knocks” approach for training officers, deploying the authors’ many decades of combined experience to fill the gaps between instructor credentialing and managing a training system.

As a training officer, you’re tasked with leading and managing a training system that includes curriculum design, program scheduling, leading an instructor cadre, and mastering the technology required to meet your students where they are: in the classroom, on the drill ground, or remotely. This book helps you connect all the critical components of a highly efficient Fire & EMS training system in one place. It’s a book you will keep on your desk at the training academy, fire station, or even at home.

Recommendations in this book include:

• Honing your craft as a fire instructor to ensure an impactful instructional delivery
• Bringing a systemic approach to managing your training operations
• Mastering technology and instructional methodologies
• Networking and expanding your reach and impact as an instructor
• Real-world drills, props, and instructional development tools