Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0360 - Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education Commission
Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0360 pertains to the Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education. This title provides the comprehensive administrative rules that govern the training, certification, and professional standards for both volunteer and paid firefighters across the state.
Overall Purpose of the Tennessee Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education Commission (FFC):
The primary purpose of the FFC, as reflected in its rules, is to enhance the professionalism, safety, and effectiveness of firefighting personnel in Tennessee. This is achieved by:
Establishing Minimum Standards: Setting minimum training and education requirements for all firefighters.
Certification: Developing and administering a rigorous certification program based on national standards (like those from the National Fire Protection Association - NFPA) to ensure firefighters possess the necessary knowledge and skills. The FFC is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the Pro Board Fire Service Professional Qualifications System.
Approving Training Programs: Overseeing and approving training programs, including those offered by the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) and other recognized entities.
Administering Incentive Programs: Managing programs like the Educational Incentive Pay Program for paid firefighters and the Volunteer Educational Incentive Pay Program to encourage ongoing training and professional development.
Ensuring Accountability: Establishing procedures for disciplinary actions, including the revocation or suspension of certifications, to maintain professional conduct and adherence to standards.
Placement within State Government:
The Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education operates under the umbrella of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI), specifically within the State Fire Marshal's Office. This placement ensures close coordination with fire prevention efforts and codes enforcement.
Key Chapters within Title 0360 - Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education Commission:
Title 0360 is structured into several chapters that detail various aspects of the Commission's responsibilities. It's important to note that these rules are subject to updates, with new rules having just become effective on July 1, 2025. Here's a general overview of what you would find:
Chapter 0360-01 - General & Definitions:
General: Outlines the overall scope and authority of the Commission.
Definitions: Provides clear definitions for key terms used throughout the regulations, such as "active fire service," "firefighter" (distinguishing between full-time, part-time, and volunteer), "recognized fire department," "certification," "NFPA," "IFSAC," "Pro Board," and "TFACA."
Chapter 0360-02 - Certification of Training & Education Programs / Instructor Certification:
Certification of Training & Education Programs: Specifies the criteria and process for training programs to be approved by the Commission to ensure they meet required standards.
Instructor Certification: Outlines the qualifications, training, and ongoing requirements for individuals who wish to become certified firefighting instructors in Tennessee.
Chapter 0360-03 - Classification for Full-Time & Volunteer Firefighters:
This chapter likely details the specific requirements, training paths, and perhaps different classification levels for full-time career firefighters versus volunteer firefighters, acknowledging their distinct roles while upholding core standards.
Chapter 0360-04 - Examinations:
Examination Procedures: Establishes the rules for written and practical examinations administered by the Commission for certification. This includes general requirements, application procedures, scheduling, proctoring guidelines (e.g., Commission representatives generally prohibited from testing personnel from their affiliated department), and grading (e.g., 70% passing score).
Prerequisites: Details any prerequisite training or experience required to sit for certification exams, often referencing courses from TFACA.
Live Burn Practical Examinations: Specific requirements for completing live burn practicals, which are a critical component of firefighter training.
Chapter 0360-05 - Revocation of Certification:
Grounds for Revocation: Specifies the reasons for which an individual's or a program's certification may be revoked, modified, suspended, or conditioned (e.g., failure to meet requirements, fraud, misconduct, failure to adhere to the Code of Ethics).
Process: Outlines the due process for such actions, including notice and hearing procedures.
Separation from Active Fire Service: Details what happens to certifications if an individual leaves active fire service, including time limits for maintaining certification without active employment.
Chapter 0360-06 - Miscellaneous Certification Standards:
This chapter likely covers additional or specialized certification standards not explicitly detailed in other chapters, possibly for specific equipment or advanced skills.
Chapter 0360-07 - Educational Incentive Pay:
Eligibility Criteria: Defines who qualifies for state-funded educational incentive pay programs for both paid and volunteer firefighters. This typically involves meeting specific training hour requirements and certification levels.
Program Administration: Rules for how these incentive programs are administered.
In summary, Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0360 is fundamental to the professionalization and safety of Tennessee's fire service. It provides the detailed regulatory framework for the Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education Commission to ensure that all firefighters meet rigorous standards, receive appropriate training, and maintain a high level of competency, ultimately contributing to the safety
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