A unique opportunity is being offered to Illinois firefighters with a new Basic Operations Firefighter 1 Blended pilot course.
Instead of the usual course, which runs 40 hours a week for eight weeks, this blended pilot class uses both online learning and weekend hand-on training.
State Fire Marshal spokesperson J.C. Fultz says this will be especially helpful to volunteer firefighters who have a full-time job.
""This is definitely going to be a game changer for the fire service. The program will allow volunteer fire fighters, who may not have a chance to receive the training otherwise, to obtain the certification, knowledge and training needed to be safe, while protecting people in their communities."
Once the next round of the program starts, there will be a few sites selected across Illinois helping prevent students from having to travel more than 150 miles to do their weekend practical training.
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