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Commissioner Fergerstrom asked what the duration for EMT training was. <br />Chief Oliveira stated that EMT trainingis 20 weeks. <br />Commissioner Okabe asked if recruits, who passed the Firefighter I <br />portion and then failed the EMT training, would be able to reapply and <br />retake the EMT portion. <br />Chief Oliveira stated that they would need to go through the whole <br />process. <br />Commissioner Fergerstrom asked what the length of time was from the <br />recruitment phase to becoming an independent firefighter. <br />Chief Oliveira answered that it takes 18 months. The first 16 weeks entail <br />Firefighter I training, followed by 20 weeks of EMT class. The remainder <br />of the year involves a drivers competency certificate, and haz-mat <br />orientation and awareness training. Other incidental training needs are <br />completed prior to their one-year initial probationary period. They are then <br />considered Firefighter I, which begins a subsequent six-month <br />probationary period, during which time they are rotated among different <br />stations. A comprehensive evaluation process of their skills and abilities <br />will follow. <br />Volunteer Training Division <br />Chief Oliveira commented that the HCFD is the only department in the <br />state that has a volunteer component. It is a very critical and essential <br />component of the HCFD. The department cannot service every <br />community adequately without the volunteers. There are presently a total <br />of 24 volunteer stations and 325 volunteer firefighters. <br />Regarding the landmass, Commissioner Fergerstrom asked how this <br />county compares with others in response time. <br />Chief Oliveira explained that the HCFD has unique issues. There is a <br />volunteer program, EMS program, and landmass. There is every climate <br />known to man on this island.‚ The landmass does pose some response <br />issues, which is why the volunteer program is a critical component. <br />Commissioner Kudlo asked if there was a committee set up to train the <br />volunteer program. <br />Chief Oliveira replied that there is one Volunteer Training Officer who on a <br />daily basis travels to different stations to train them. Also, each of the <br />10 <br /> <br />