CPA to start training Pacific firefighters at new facility

The Commonwealth Ports Authority will now begin accepting registration from Pacific island firefighters for training at its new Pacific Region ARFF Training Center.

CPA will be holding a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 15, at 10am, for the completion of the last phase of the training center, which is the Live-Fire Training Facility, equipped with an aircraft mockup.

This event will mark a great moment in the CNMI history, as Saipan becomes center in the Pacific for aircraft rescue and firefighting training for all fire fighters in the Western Pacific region.

The Pacific Region ARFF Training Center was fully funded by FAA with three grants in the total amount of $5,004,153. This project comprises a classroom with a capacity of 30 to 40 firefighters to teach on related courses and an aircraft mock-up facility for hands-on training using live-fire scenario. The FAA requires this training at least once a year for all airport firefighters.

Firefighters from the CNMI, Guam, Palau, FSM and the Marshall Islands who are governed under FAA requirements will be utilizing this training facility at least once a year at a nominal fee of $300 per person.

“In the past, many Pacific firefighters had to travel…as far as Hawaii to receive this required training at such high cost. Now, one can be certified and remain certified throughout his or her career by simply coming to Saipan,” said by ARFF chief Stanley Torres.

The FAA is fully supporting the Pacific Region ARFF Training Center both technically and financially because of the federal requirement imposed on fire fighters including those at Pacific island airports.

“The FAA has obviously realized that such a facility is needed if we all expect the island airports to be in compliance with the federal aviation regulation. We are just so fortunate that Saipan was selected to be the official site of the training center as it could have gone anywhere in the Pacific,” said CPA executive director Carlos H. Salas.

CPA intends to also attract and draw firefighters from other Asian countries such as Japan, the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Korea and Thailand.

RNV Construction built the classroom, while the live-fire training facility was constructed by GPPC Inc. starting in August 2003 under the engineering design of ESB Consulting Engineers and construction management services of SSFM Engineers, Inc.

In addition to the ARFF course, the training center will also conduct other fire service courses such as Basic Firefighting, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, and Hazardous Materials Emergency response courses. Upon completion of training, students will receive official certificates through the local U.S. accredited college and the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualification, also known as the Pro-Board.

Classes and training schedules will be advertised and posted on CPA’s website when available. Anyone interested in attending training session with the CPA ARFF Department should contact the airport fire station at 664-3542 or email at cpa.arffadmin@saipan.com.