MABAS response requirments

[FF2426]

Can somebody tell me the requirments to go out of state with a MABAS Division? What is the age limit, what training, what rank?

Thanks

[trainer]

Actually a good question. To the best of my knowledge, you need to be a member of MABAS and a member in good standing with a fire dept. As for rank, when a unit is requested there are specific requirements, I have that info somewhere but not going to look for it, example an engine is to have 1 officer and 3 FF. Now with that said, if you have little experience, or can’t stay the required time, don’t go especially if you are a vol. During Katrina some vols made asses of themselves, bitching and whining, enough so no more were deployed, and prompted a statement that came with this deployment. This was a case of a few bad apples did spoil the whole bunch. I need to be fair here and say it was not just the rookies; some white hats did not like what they were told to do. You need to be prepared to do anything, from applying FEMA roof’s to removing bodies to sweeping floors, and please don’t complain. The move is on now, and this will take some time, to credential everyone, and this is just my opinion, but FF II will be the min requirement.

[FF2426]

But FFII is not a requirment yet?

I am Asking because I would like to go down and help with IKE if we are called. But I have not been able to get into a FFII class that would work with my schedual. I have the experience and the work ethic just not the FFII certificate.

[trainer]

No, you do not need to be FF II.

[trainer]

No, you do not need to be FF II.

Well I was wrong. With the orginal request came stipulations that you need to be FF II and the officer needed to be fire officer I. However if you were with some certified guy's and they stood up for you, then it was ok. The ones that showed up and not certified, were interveiewed, and some were allowed to go. Get your FF II if you ever want to go, I believe MABAS will set this policy in the near future.

[FF2426]

Yes, I pretty much found out the same thing from the MABAS office. Which sucks because the next free FFII class probably won't be held for until next winter.

[pmed19]

FF2426 where are you from?

[FF2426]

Central IL. South of Champaign.

[pmed19]

Oh, was going to say that we have a FFII class starting thurs and another one starting in a few weeks down south here.

[FF2426]

That would be great but driving two and a half hours wouldn't be to fun.