Training

Training is the backbone to a well-qualified fire department. Thorough and frequent training results in a staff that is always ready to respond to a variety of emergency situations. The Ridgeland Fire Department is proud to perform their duties of prevention and protection from fire and rescue with highly-trained staff.

Continuous in-house training is provided for fire tactics, fire prevention, fire investigation, hazardous materials, rope rescue, dive rescue, confined space rescue, and industrial area concerns. Rope rescue training includes above and below grade situations. Ridgeland’s Dive Rescue personnel are called for assistance in the Barnett Reservoir, local creeks and waterways, as well as other areas in Madison County such as the Big Black River and Lake Caroline.

Since approximately 70% of calls are Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls, every firefighter in the department is an EMT, Basic Level Emergency Medical Technician. In addition to the Department’s EMT’s, several paramedics with more advanced EMS training are on staff.

Ridgeland Fire Department staff receive training through the State Fire Academy at least twice per year. Command level officers participate in National Fire Academy training. Department of Justice Homeland Security training provides bomb response and other terrorist-related response including chemical and biological agents.