N.Y. Executive Law § 158: Firefighting training

§ 158. Firefighting training. 1. For the purpose of this section, the

term fire fighter shall mean a member of a fire department whose duties

include fire service as defined in paragraph d of subdivision eleven of

section three hundred two of the retirement and social security law.

2. In addition to the functions, powers and duties otherwise provided

by this article, the state fire administrator may promulgate rules and

regulations with respect to:

(a) The approval, or revocation thereof, of fire training programs for

fire fighters;

(b) Minimum courses of study, attendance requirements, and equipment

and facilities to be required for approved fire training programs for

fire fighters;

(c) Minimum qualifications for instructors for approved fire training

programs for fire fighters;

(d) The requirements of minimum basic training which fire fighters

appointed to probationary terms shall complete before being eligible for

permanent appointment, and the time within which such basic training

must be completed following such appointment to a probationary term;

(e) The requirements of minimum basic training which fire fighters not

appointed for probationary terms but appointed on other than a permanent

basis shall complete in order to be eligible for continued employment or

permanent appointment, and the time within which such basic training

must be completed following such appointment on a non-permanent basis;

(f) The requirements for in-service training programs designed to

assist fire fighters in maintaining skills and being informed of

technological advances;

(g) Categories or classifications of advanced in-service training

programs and minimum courses of study and attendance requirements with

respect to such categories or classifications;

(h) Exemptions from particular provisions of this article in the case

of any county, city, town, village or fire district, if in the opinion

of the state fire administrator the standards of fire training

established and maintained by such county, city, town, village or fire

district are equal to or higher than those established pursuant to this

article; or revocation in whole or in part of such exemption, if in his

or her opinion the standards of fire training established and maintained

by such county, city, town, village or fire district are lower than

those established pursuant to this article; and

(i) Education, health and physical fitness requirements for

eligibility of persons for provisional or permanent appointment in the

competitive class of the civil service as fire fighters as it deems

necessary and proper for the efficient performance of such duties;

3. In furtherance of his or her functions, powers and duties as set

forth in this section, the state fire administrator may:

(a) Recommend studies, surveys and reports to be made by the state

fire administrator regarding the carrying out of the objectives and

purposes of this section;

(b) Visit and inspect any fire training programs approved by the state

fire administrator or for which application for such approval has been

made; and

(c) Recommend standards for promotion to supervisory positions.

4. In addition to the functions, powers and duties otherwise provided

by this section, the state fire administrator shall:

(a) Approve fire training programs for fire fighters and issue

certificates of approval to such programs, and revoke such approval or

certificate;

(b) Certify, as qualified, instructors for approved fire training

programs for fire fighters and issue appropriate certificates to such

instructors;

(c) Certify fire fighters who have satisfactorily completed basic

training programs and in-service training programs, and issue

appropriate certificates to such fire fighters and revoke such

certificates;

(d) Cause studies and surveys to be made relating to the

establishment, operation, effectiveness and approval of fire training

programs;

(e) Cause studies and surveys to be made relating to the completion or

partial completion of training programs by video or computer to the

maximum extent practicable; and

(f) Consult with and cooperate with the state university of New York

and private universities, colleges and institutes in the state for the

development of specialized courses of study for fire fighters in fire

science and fire administration.