Berlin Fire Department To Host NIMS Training

The Berlin Fire Department will host FEMA/NIMS Training for local Town Board and School Board Members, Administrative Educators, Fire Commissioners and First Responders.
Classes will consist of NIMS 100 on Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:30 to 9:30 pm; NIMS 700 on Thursday, October 15, 6:30 to 9:30 pm and NIMS 200 on Thursday and Friday, October 29 and 30, 6:30 to 9:30 pm. All classes will be conducted at the Berlin Fire Hall, 11 Community Avenue, in Berlin and start promptly at 6:30 pm. The classes are free to attendees and will be presented by Rensselaer County NIMS Instructor Joe Rechen.
Topics include, but are not limited to, the background and history of the disaster management system, the hierarchy and structure of Incident Management, the individual’s role in the incident response effort, practical exercises based on local events and incidents that attendees must resolve applying Incident Management principles.
The classes are required for Town Board, School Board Officials, School and Education Administrators and Fire Commissioners, as well as all First Responders in order for these entities to work together cohesively and perform adequately, efficiently and professionally at large or small events or disaster incidents. While fire fighters are given these courses as part of their initial training, other entities and individuals are not and must acquire training on-line or in classes.
The real value of class attendance is that the exercises presented involve participants working together to resolve a series of local crises in person and face to face, just as they may have to do in real life. It also introduces participants to each other, and assists them in cooperative efforts for required local Disaster Planning.
Persons in business or the construction trades who may be called on in a disaster can also benefit from these classes, as well as persons who are interested in seeking elected office that will require this training. The classes are open to all interested parties in the area, regardless of Township or School District affiliations. Persons in Townships adjacent to the Town of Berlin that comprise the Berlin Central School District are definitely encouraged to be involved and participate.
Pre-registration is not required, but would be appreciated to provide for course materials and refreshments. Please contact or leave messages for Instructor Rechen at 658-2526 regarding attendance.