BMFA Training and Certification Bonus Program

Implementation Date: June 1, 2012 

LastUpdated: January 22, 2024 

LastReviewed: January 22, 2024

BMFA seeks to achieve a level of excellence in all aspects of our business. In an effort to achieve excellence in this area management has established a training guideline for technicians and employees involved in shop operations. 

Training is categorized as core competencies and specializations. Shop operations core competencies are expected from all employees who work in or around shop operations to include but are not limited to, technicians, parts specialists, and shop assistants. Technician core competencies include knowledge and skills that are expected from all technicians. Specializations are optional areas that technicians may achieve in an effort to provide enhanced service to our customers and achieve personal fulfillment. 

The key elements of a successful technician are attitude, ambition, and ability. Attitude toward learning new skills and the ambition to continue personal development is completely dependent upon the individual and will determine how far and how quickly advancement occurs. BMFA encourages any interested technicians to achieve the highest levels of knowledge, skill, and certification. To that end, BMFA provides training resources, testing fee reimbursement, bonuses, and additional compensation for technicians who pursue additional education, specialization, and certification. See the bonus section below for a complete explanation of this benefit. The primary certification bodies recognized by BMFA are the Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). 

All shop operation employees should satisfactorily complete training and certification (as applicable) on shop operations core competencies within 30 days of the date of hire (DOH). All general technicians should complete training and certification as applicable on technician core competencies within 1 year of DOH. Management in its sole discretion may grant extensions on a case-by-case basis. 

Shop Operations Core Competencies: 

1. 1. Safety procedures / Safety Data Sheets / PPE 

   2. Time-Clocking operations (Level 1 Training)

   3. Shop organization and cleanliness (Level 1 Training)

   4. Forklift / Telehandler (Lull) safety and operation 

Technician additional core competencies:

1. 1. Commercial Drivers License (CDL) - Class B with Air Brake and Tanker Endorsement

   2. Mechanical check-in procedures

   3. Pump testing procedures

   4. ASE T-8: Preventative Maintenance Inspection

   5. EVT F-1: Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing of Fire Apparatus

   6. EVT F-2: Design and Performance Standards of Fire Apparatus

   7. Truck maintenance (fluids, filters, grease points, etc.)

   8. Jack safety and operation

   9. SalesForce compliance: project task notes, time-clocking accuracy, workflows, communication

Bonus Eligible Specializations and Certifications: 

1. 1. Heavy Diesel Engine (ASE T-2 and L-2 Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist)

   2. Heavy Gas Engine (ASE T-1)

   3. Light Vehicle Diesel Engine (ASE A-9)

   4. A/C (ASE T-7)

   5. Transmission (EVT F-6, ASE T-3)

   6. Brakes (ASE T-4, ASE-A4)

   7. Steering / Suspension (ASE T-5, ASE A-4)

   8. Fire Pumps and Accessories (EVT F-3)

   9. Electrical Systems (EVT F-4, EVT F-A4, ASE T-6)

   10. Aerial Fire Apparatus (EVT F-5)

   11. Foam Systems (EVT F-7)

   12. Hydraulic systems (EVT F-8)

   13. ARFF (EVT A-1, A-2, and A-3 certifications)

**An employee who receives a certification bonus and leaves BMFA within 12 months after receiving the bonus, will be be required to return the payout to BMFA.**

Bonus Amounts*: Testing for EVT / ASE Certification beyond the core competencies is optional. Each technician who renews or achieves a new level of certification will be paid in accordance with the gross amounts depicted below: 

• EVT certification - $1,000

• EVT recertification - $400

• EVT master level - $2,000

• EVT master level, ARFF - $1,000

• EVT master level, ambulance - $1,000

• ASE certification - $700

• ASE recertification - $300

*Starting January 1, 2020, technicians must have passed EVT F-1, EVT F-2, and ASE T-8, and have their CDL before becoming eligible for certification bonus payouts. 

If BMFA pays for a class that includes EVT / ASE certification training and tests, then the bonus amounts are: 

• Recertification - $200

• Certification - $500

Each technician is responsible for payment of the testing / registration fees. Present the letter showing the passing score to Operations Control (opscontrol@firetruckmall.com) for reimbursement of the testing / registration fees. Each technician will also be responsible for obtaining their own study materials. Study materials can be found at www.evtcc.org and www.ase.com. Any time missed from the shop for the test  will be classified as either unpaid leave or vacation time. Please provide all certification results to the Operations Manager for employee record updates. Questions regarding this program should be directed to the Operations Manager.