Member Training

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

Comprehensive Training Startsnow

Every member receives hundreds of hours of classroom and hands-on training. They are nationally certified. Offered advanced certifications. Continuing education. Constant advancement. LEARN MORE

See How We Train

We never know the next emergency.

SO WE PREPARE FOR ANY ALARM

DFD has been called to every major emergency in the Town of Darien for over 125 years. Members are trained to NFPA standards and registered with the Connecticut State Commission on Fire Prevention and Control (CFPC). Their credentials are nationally recognized by IFSAC and Pro Board. All members receive ongoing training, with opportunities for specialized classes and advanced certifications. DFD's rigorous training approach keeps our 100% volunteer staff prepared for any alarm 24/7/365.

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HERE'S OUR SIX FAVORITE

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NATIONAL CERTIFICATION & MORE

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live fire drill area!
hands-on experience!

Training for a Modern Fire Environment

DFD gives members a complete suite of tools designed to increase speed of access to alarm information, seamlessly communicate with dispatch and additional units, and enhance member's quality of information.

6 reasons DFD

Reasons

Why you should join

Darien Fire Dept

To be the best, join the best.

There's many reasons members volunteer with DFD. Put their safety in each other's hands. Trust each other. Care about each other. Make each other better. It's more than just good tools, it's great people. Here's a few more reasons.

1

REAL-TIME DISPATCH ANDIncident Information

Mobile apps with GPS coordinate incident-response, and provide detailed Preplans with building layout and occupant details.

2

BOOTCAMP WORKOUTS WITHPersonal Trainers

DFD places a priority on physical fitness, so we hold regular workouts led by local fitness professionals.

3

ADVANCED FIRE/RESCUECutting-Edge Tools

The fire service equipment we rigorously test, purchase, and upgrade puts cutting-edge technology in members hands.

4

RIGOROUS TRAINING FORNational Certification

Members certified with CFPC, nationally recognized by IFSAC and Pro Board. So training counts - everywhere.

5

OUR LEADERSHIP HASDecades of Experience

Members work diligently to protect you, because they trust leaders with decades of experience are protecting theirs.

6

HIGHEST ANNUALAlarm Volume

Quickly gain experience and put training to work. DFD runs more alarms and mutual-aid than similar departments, combined.

JOIN DFD NOW!

Real-Time Alarm Tracking

911/Dispatch information is passed directly to fire fighter's mobile phones, Chief's cars, and iPads on apparatus. Portable radios for seamless communication. GPS estimates arrival times. It all comes together to coordinate a fast response, with the right equipment, for any type of alarm.

MOBILE APPS FOR 24/7 ALERTS!

Specialized fire fighting apps work perfectly on any screen resolution and mobile devices, so they're accessible anywhere. We continually grow our technology infrastructure to put faster, better, more accurate info in our member's hands. Which means on-scene and off, members have a plethora of info right in their hands.

Advanced Equipment

CUTTING-EDGE FIRE SERVICE EQUIPMENT

Train with the latest and greatest equipment, tools, technologies in the modern fire service.

Constant Upgrade Cycle - Department budget includes regular equipment upgrades.

Hands-On Teaching - Members learn from live simulations with hands-on experience.

Experienced Teachers - Regular trainings held by certified instructors teaching best practices.

HANDS-ON TRAINING

LIVE DRILL AREA

Darien has a fire fighting training area including a two-story and a four-story building replicating commercial and residential occupancies. We regularly light these afire to simulate real-life incidents. The Drill Grounds include a live car fire prop, roof-work practice, oil burn pit, and MVA/Rescue/Extrication on real cars.

Every Monday, DFD fire fighters train on these real structures; honing skills, testing new tools, experimenting with new techniques.

Two burn buildings

Car fire prop + oil burn pit

Vehicles for Extrication Practice

Rappelling, gas-leak, and other simulations.

Member Dashboard

KEEPING MEMBERS CONNECTED 24/7

We don't just ask members to make a commitment, we give them the tools to track performance and compare themselves against peers. Friendly competition and real-time stats on any device, anywhere.

Members Area
THOROUGH AND COMPLETE

Premium Training Your Whole Career

Achieving our lifesaving mission means we start by training smart and safe - with each other. Learning the right way. Diving deep into subjects. Learning advanced scenarios. Honing those techniques so we're safer, faster, better. Until our actions on the fireground become muscle memory. You'll have full access (at no charge) to premium-level training, your whole career.

Fire Apparatus

Our fire trucks are manufactured to our demanding specifications. From the factory, the trucks see every compartment and interior upfit to our custom designs. So every tool, every person, is exactly where we want them. Finally, the truck is loaded with additional fire service and rescue tools - exactly as we've planned from Day 1. Trucks are checked regularly. Members are assigned to each apparatus, and memorize the use and location of every tool - on every truck.

Experienced Leaders

Our officers have decades of experience in the fire service. Ensuring the safety of not just our town, but our members too.

Real-Time CAD

Real-time computer-aided-dispatch on trucks and member's phones. Lowering our response time, increasing member preparedness pre-arrival.

Flexible Requirements

100% volunteer membership means we emphasize balance. It's possible to serve in your spare time; 100+ of us are doing it right now!

Career Advancement

To run for higher office you must both (a) have requisite experience in the immediate-preceding role, and (b) nominated by five members.

New Technology

In-house IT team keeps the latest fire service technology in our fire trucks, and member's hands. Every member uses cutting-edge tech.

Pagers for Everyone

Members issued specialized radios for real-time dispatch; monitoring townwide fire, EMS, and fireground comms channels.

Drill Grounds

Local drill grounds for training in real-life scenarios, like live burns, car fires, and crushed vehicles simulating real accidents.

Bootcamp Workouts

Weekly bootcamp workouts at fire station. Led by trained fitness professionals. From HIIT to Strength and Cardio, you'll get - and stay - fit.

Hydraulic Rescue Tools

We were first dept in the region to carry Hurst "Jaws of Life." Today they're on multiple trucks and Chief's vehicles, saving countless lives.

Lifting/Stabilization

Our apparatus carry a full complement of struts, jacks, air bags, hydraulic tools, pneumatic tools, and more. Lifting 30+ tons with millimeter precision.

Hose Advancement

Thousands of feet of 1-3/4" and 2-1/2" attack hose and 5" supply hose prepacked on our engines. Ensuring a quick attack, fast water.

Regular Promotions

For those with a desire to lead, you'll receive ample training and advancement to become a Fire Officer, leading fellow members.

Assigned to Company

Members are assigned to a Company, representing a piece of apparatus. You'll become an expert on it, all while riding any of our apparatus to alarms.

Creature Comforts

Work areas at the station, kitchen, gym, and lounge to hang out or "work from home." Open 24/7 to members via digital access keys.

Full Kitchen

Share a meal with your fellow fire fighters. Fully-stocked chef's kitchen for any member's use. Swapping stories over a hot meal is tradition!

Benefits

Discount on your local tax bill. A free beach permit. Plus discounts and memberships from local businesses. It's Resident's way of saying "Thank you."

Volunteer with Darien Fire Dept

Apply now!

Join Darien's first and finest. A small commitment, a lifetime of rewards.

BUSIEST IN-TOWN FIRE DEPT
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION
LARGE, HEALTHY MEMBERSHIP
JOIN DFD NOW

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Our History