Rogers Training Division

To function most effectively, the Operations Division must maintain the highest level of proficiency in accordance with standards and criteria established at the federal, state and local level. The Training Division has the responsibility to monitor these changing requirements, and implement training activities to ensure the department is well prepared.   The development of training programs occurs through the research of new and innovative training practices, and review of departmental curriculum.

The Training Division is lead by the Deputy Fire Chief of Training and Support Services, Jake Rhoades. Assisting Chief Rhoades is the department's training committee. This committee serves an important role in communicating training needs and developing instructors from the Fields Operations Division.  The training committee also assists with the development and implementation of the annual training plan (ATP).

The annual training plan is the blueprint for all training within the Rogers Fire Department, and is developed with input from the annual strategic planning session and command staff.  The training committee establishes the training for the year including topics, timeframes, and hours per subject area. 

• Probationary Firefighter Training;

• Officer Development;

• Emergency Medical Continuing Education and Refresher Courses;

• Future Company Officer Certification Courses;

• Special Operations Team Training;

• Hazardous Materials Training;

• Technical Rescue Training;

• Company Standards Training;

• Advanced Firefighter Training;

• ARFF Training;

• Firefighter Safety and Survival;

• Delivery and development of the annual training plan.

Training Committee

he training committee is comprised of members from all shifts and a variety of ranks. The committee meets monthly at Central Fire Station to review the effectiveness of the annual training plan.  In addition to reviewing the ATP, the committee also helps in the development of minimum company standards and curriculum plans.  , develop minimum company standards, and develop and implement curriculum plans to be utilized for department training.

Probationary Fire Academy 

The twelve week Rogers Probationary Fire Academy (RPFA) is held in cooperation with the Northwest Arkansas Training Officers Association and Arkansas Fire Academy.  The fire academy consists of eight (8) weeks of training meeting the standard requirements of the NFPA 1001 and the Arkansas Fire Academy, and another four (4) weeks of instruction with Rogers Fire Department training officials.  During the four week academy, Rogers Fire Department utilizes a Captain to instruct and coordinate the training of the recruit firefighters.  This process allows a Captain to further develop his or her skills as an instructor by assigning them to the training division for the week period.

• IFSAC Firefighter 1 and 2 Accreditation;

• Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations Certification;

• NFPA 1006 Rescue Operations Level Training;

• NFPA 1002 Emergency Vehicle Operations Training;

• Rogers Fire Department Geography, Polices, Procedures, and History;

• Firefighter Safety and Survival;

• Rapid Intervention;

• National Incident Management System Certification (ICS 100,200,700,800);

Download Academy Schedule HERE

Emergency Training Center

The department's training facility is located at 3001 West Oak Street. The Jessie Combs Training Center is a state of the art building that houses a classroom and various breakout venues for instruction. Named for former Deputy fire Chief Jessie Combs, a long-standing and well-respected member of the department, the building and training grounds are used almost daily for various fire department activities.  Besides being used by RFD, the training center is used by community groups and the Northwest Arkansas Community College's Fire Science Program. In 2010 the training center will undergo an extensive remodel to bring the facility up to date, and to better meet the needs of the Rogers Fire Department.

In 2011, the training grounds will be enhanced through the addition of a burn facility.  While currently in the planning phases, these additional facilities will included a burn building and flashover trainer, as well as facilities to conduct technical rescue training and probationary firefighter training.

Facility Name: Jesse Combs Emergency Training Center (ETC)
Facility Location: 3003 West Oak Street
Constructed: 1997
Size: 6,500 sq. ft.
Architect: Haynes and Associates
Contractor: Oakridge Builders