Training Needs of Avocational Firefighters: Current Practices, Methods, and Implications for Programming (Volunteer, Profile, Kansas).

This study investigated the education and training needs of avocational firefighters. Avocational (volunteer) firefighters are responsible for the protection of 80 percent of life and property in the United States. A survey instrument designed to capture both current practice requirements and future training expectations was widely distributed in the field. A r and om sample (N = 1600) was drawn from all volunteer firefighters in the State of Kansas. Twenty percent responded. A descriptive analysis of the data was conducted and a profile of the typical firefighter was constructed. The study revealed avocational firefighters strongly resemble participants in adult and continuing education programs. They are surprisingly well educated, have a keen interest in technological advances in equipment and learning, tend to be lifelong members of communities they serve, and are committed to improving the quality of their performance. Willingness to participate in further training was shown to be constrained by both availability and quality of programs. The needs of avocational firefighters are frequently overlooked by those agencies which determine training programs and allocate training resources. The study concludes with a model curriculum based on the research findings and federally-m and ated st and ards.Ph.D.Adult educationUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/160872/1/8600547.pd