8 Colo. Code Regs. § 1507-3-1
The "Voluntary Certification Program for Fire Fighters" began on June 21, 1979, when House Bill 1243 was signed into law. The general purpose of the certification program is to measure the level of knowledge, skills and abilities possessed by firefighters and first responders and to attest that these individuals meet nationally recognized standards.
The "Hazardous Materials Responder Voluntary Certification Program" was created by HB89- 1223 which was enacted effective July 1, 1989. The general purpose of the certification program is to measure the level of knowledge, skills and abilities possessed by responders to hazardous materials incidents and to attest that these individuals meet nationally recognized standards.
These programs are voluntary, meaning that there is no statutory requirement that firefighters or hazardous materials responders become certified. The certification programs establish a means to judge the proficiency of firefighter and hazardous materials responders, irrespective of their organizational affiliation and regardless of whether they are career or voluntary. These competency-based standards permit evaluation of training programs and promote uniformity in firefighter and hazardous materials responder training.
Colorado Fire Service Training and Certification Advisory Board
Section 24-33.5-1204, C.R.S. creates the Colorado Fire Service Training and Certification Advisory Board, the general purpose of which is to:
* Advise the director on establishing the fire service education and training programs;
* Advise the director on setting minimum standards for training and certification for the programs;
* Advise the director on establishing procedures for determining if firefighters and hazardous materials responders meet these minimum standards; and
* Advise the director on certifying applicants who meet the established minimum standards.
The Colorado Fire Service Training and Certification Advisory Board is comprised of fourteen (14) members, eleven (11) of whom are voting members appointed by the Governor, and represent the major stakeholders associated with firefighting and hazardous materials responder communities.
Fire Service Training Program
The State of Colorado Fire Service Training Program, previously under the supervision of the State Board of Community Colleges, and Occupational Education, was transferred to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control on July 1, 1986.
8 CCR 1507-3-1