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The fire inspector certification allows firefighters to conduct inspections on local businesses to ensure there are no fire code violations, Miller said. The goal is to inspect every business in Springfield on an annual basis. The grant will cover costs including overtime, instruction and books for the certification program, he said.
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“It’s not so much because we want to ding people but we want to prevent fires,” Miller said. “Part of our fire prevention effort is to keep businesses from suffering a fire loss.”
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The AFG program supports fire departments across the country to ensure the safety of both first-responders and the public. The program provides funds for supplemental training, upgrades to protective equipment, facility modifications, and other supplies that protect firefighters and first-responders in moments of crisis.
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Several years ago, every firefighter received the inspector certification once they completed basic training. But that proved to be expensive and unnecessary, so the certification is now provided to firefighters ranked lieutenant or higher.
Moving forward, Miller said it’s likely the certification will be a prerequisite for promotion.
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