Bristol Kendall Increases Hands-On Training Time with Vector LMS

 

"The less time I spend inputting stuff on the computer, the more time I can spend outside doing hands-on training." 

— Assistant Chief Jeremy Messersmith, Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District

The Challenge

Dating back to the 1930’s, Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District has a long and storied history serving residents in northern Illinois. Today, the district is comprised of approximately 65 part-time and full-time firefighters and three stations spread throughout its 78-square mile territory.

Like many fire agencies around the country, the district is feeling the squeeze from staff shortages and has incorporated strategies and tools that boost efficiency in areas traditionally bogged down by paper-driven, manual processes.

The Choice

In 2017, the district implemented Vector LMS training management system and Check It after seeing it in action at another local department. Assistant Chief Jeremy Messersmith was the driving force behind the early set up of the LMS and incorporating it into their existing training program.

“I’m glad we went with this platform. The platform that our EMS uses is just not as user friendly as this one is. [Vector LMS] just makes our jobs so much easier,” Chief Messersmith said.

The Change

Through Vector LMS and Check It, Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District has:

• Identified equipment-related training opportunities based on maintenance records from Check It.
• Made training convenient by offering courses online, ensuring both full-time and part-time crew members receive the training they need without incurring overtime costs.
• Simplified meeting state recertification requirements with built-in learning tracks through the Credential Manager.
• Increased training and asset management efficiency to mitigate the impacts of staffing shortages.

“[Vector LMS] is basically my training assistant that takes care of the paperwork, tracking everything, and making sure people are on track with training and certifications. It’s working out great,” Chief Messersmith said. “And with Check It, having access to the mobile app to do the rig check and submit it is so much easier than filling out the paperwork, scanning it, putting it in the file, and all that.”

Dept. Profile

• Vector LMS and Check It 2017
• Approx. 65 sworn firefighters
• 40,000 population
• 78 sq mi

To read more client testimonials, check out our Success Stories.