2011 Indiana Code
TITLE 36. LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE 8. PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 10.5. MINIMUM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTERS

IC 36-8-10.5
Chapter 10.5. Minimum Training Requirements for Firefighters

IC 36-8-10.5-1
Application of chapter
Sec. 1. This chapter applies to:
(1) all full-time firefighters hired or rehired after January 1, 1988; and
(2) all volunteer firefighters elected or appointed to membership in a volunteer fire department after January 1, 1988.
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.1-1999, SEC.84.

IC 36-8-10.5-2
"Education board" defined
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "education board" refers to the board of firefighting personnel standards and education.
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2.

IC 36-8-10.5-3
"Full-time firefighter" defined
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "full-time firefighter" means a full-time, fully paid firefighter employed by a political subdivision.
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2.

IC 36-8-10.5-4
"Volunteer fire department" defined
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "volunteer fire department" has the meaning set forth in IC 36-8-12-2.
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.1-1999, SEC.85.

IC 36-8-10.5-5
"Volunteer firefighter" defined
Sec. 5. As used in this chapter, "volunteer firefighter" has the meaning set forth in IC 36-8-12-2.
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2.

IC 36-8-10.5-6
Minimum training requirements
Sec. 6. (a) A full-time firefighter must successfully complete the minimum basic training requirements established by this chapter before the firefighter may perform the duties of a full-time firefighter for the political subdivision.
(b) A volunteer firefighter who has successfully completed the minimum basic training requirements established by this chapter may be elected or appointed to membership in more than one (1) volunteer fire department.
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.50-1998, SEC.2; P.L.1-1999, SEC.86.

IC 36-8-10.5-7 Training subject matter
Sec. 7. (a) The education board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 establishing minimum basic training requirements for full-time firefighters and volunteer firefighters, subject to subsection (b) and section 7.5 of this chapter. The requirements must include training in the following areas:
(1) Orientation.
(2) Personal safety.
(3) Forcible entry.
(4) Ventilation.
(5) Apparatus.
(6) Ladders.
(7) Self-contained breathing apparatus.
(8) Hose loads.
(9) Streams.
(10) Basic recognition of special hazards.
(b) A person who fulfills the certification requirements for:
(1) Firefighter I, as described in 655 IAC 1-2.1-4; or
(2) Firefighter II, as described in 655 IAC 1-2.1-5;
is considered to comply with the requirements established under subsection (a).
(c) In addition to the requirements of subsections (a) and (d), the minimum basic training requirements for full-time firefighters and volunteer firefighters must include successful completion of a basic or inservice course of education and training on sudden infant death syndrome that is certified by the Indiana emergency medical services commission (created under IC 16-31-2-1) in conjunction with the state health commissioner.
(d) In addition to the requirements of subsections (a) and (c), the minimum basic training requirements for full-time and volunteer firefighters must include successful completion of an instruction course on vehicle emergency response driving safety. The education board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to operate this course.
(e) In addition to the requirements of subsections (a), (c), and (d), the minimum basic training requirements for full-time and volunteer firefighters must include successful completion of a basic or inservice course of education and training in interacting with individuals with autism that is certified by the Indiana emergency medical services commission (created under IC 16-31-2-1).
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.22-1994, SEC.5; P.L.62-2003, SEC.1; P.L.148-2007, SEC.7; P.L.93-2009, SEC.3; P.L.110-2009, SEC.17; P.L.1-2010, SEC.152.

IC 36-8-10.5-7.5
Time to complete training requirements; extensions
Sec. 7.5. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), an individual whose employment by a fire department as a full-time firefighter begins after December 31, 2009, must complete the training for Firefighter I (as described in 655 IAC 1-2.1-4) and Firefighter II (as described in 655 IAC 1-2.1-5) during the firefighter's first year of

employment. The fire department that employs a firefighter shall report to the education board when the firefighter has completed the training requirements established by this subsection.
(b) The education board may grant a firefighter any number of extensions of six (6) months to complete the training required under subsection (a). An extension must be requested by the fire department that employs the firefighter. An extension may be requested for any reason, including the following:
(1) The firefighter has been attending training in accordance with section 8 of this chapter in any of the following:
(A) Hazardous materials.
(B) Paramedic training.
(C) Emergency medical technician training.
(D) Technical training.
(2) The firefighter was unable to complete the training due to economic reasons.
(c) The education board shall determine whether a firefighter receives an extension under this section.
As added by P.L.110-2009, SEC.18.

IC 36-8-10.5-8
Training location and personnel
Sec. 8. (a) The training may be conducted at:
(1) a location within the political subdivision employing a full-time firefighter;
(2) the headquarters of the volunteer fire department where a volunteer firefighter is seeking membership; or
(3) any other facility where the training is offered.
(b) The training must be conducted by personnel certified as instructors by the education board.
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.1-1999, SEC.87.

IC 36-8-10.5-9
Certification
Sec. 9. The education board shall certify fire personnel who successfully complete the minimum basic training requirements.
As added by P.L.49-1987, SEC.2.

IC 36-8-10.5-10
Tests for certification
Sec. 10. (a) This section applies to the following certifications:
(1) Mandatory training (as described in 655 IAC 1-4-2).
(2) Basic firefighter (as described in 655 IAC 1-2.1-3).
(3) Firefighter I (as described in 655 IAC 1-2.1-4).
(4) Firefighter II (as described in 655 IAC 1-2.1-5).
(b) Before January 2, 2012, the board may not mandate that the written tests for the certifications listed in subsection (a) be taken solely using a computer, the Internet, or another online arrangement.
As added by P.L.56-2011, SEC.1.