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Marc Scheipe brings more than 20 years’ experience strengthening software services for existing customers and expanding into new markets.

SAN DIEGO – Vector Solutions, a leader in eLearning and performance support, is excited to announce Marc Scheipe has been selected to lead its public sector business unit and oversee the TargetSolutions brand. Scheipe, who most recently served as president for Sage Software NA, will focus on strengthening and expanding TargetSolutions’ industry-leading training management applications for public entities. With Scheipe at the helm, TargetSolutions is poised to continue its exceptional growth and increase its service offerings to meet the needs of all public-sector agencies.

“As a veteran, I am passionate about the mission to help save lives here at Vector Solutions, and I know the importance of the tools and training we provide to help achieve this. I am excited to share my expertise and passion to help the TargetSolutions tools reach the people who need it most,” said Scheipe, who holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

In his new role, Scheipe is responsible for building on the strong foundation of TargetSolutions’ core public safety business, as well as expanding into new markets and developing partnerships with government agencies seeking to streamline and maximize training and performance with innovative technology. Scheipe has held senior leadership roles in software, payments and financial services while consistently increasing revenue, implementing new business strategies and executing complex integrations.

Scheipe, an Atlanta resident, is a natural fit at TargetSolutions because of his previous military and business experience. TargetSolutions serves more than 200,000 emergency responders and Scheipe’s background as a TOPGUN graduate, experienced Lieutenant Commander, and FA-18 strike-fighter pilot, means he’s perfect for the job of serving those who work in the public sector.

“I am certain that Scheipe’s insight as a naval officer, along with his professional expertise, will prove to be a powerful combination and asset for strengthening the TargetSolutions brand,” said Jeff Gordon, CEO with Vector Solutions. “He understands our business and our mission – he understands what it means to serve. He sees our vision and knows how to get us there.”

About TargetSolutions

TargetSolutions, a Vector Solutions brand, delivers award-winning, real-time training and record-keeping solutions to the fire services, emergency medical services, risk pools, cities and municipalities, law enforcement and public works industries. The company provides engaging, accredited online training courses, cutting-edge software applications, and dynamic performance management solutions to help make organizations safer, more capable, and more compliant. For more information, visit www.targetsolutions.com. Follow us on Twitter @TargetSolutions and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/TargetSolutions.

About Vector Solutions

Vector Solutions, a leader in eLearning and performance support, provides award-winning SaaS solutions for the architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), industrial, facilities management, public safety, IT and education industries. Its brands, RedVector, TargetSolutions, and SafeSchools, deliver continuing education (CE), training, technology and performance management solutions using the latest innovations in learning and technology to create safer, more capable, more compliant organizations. Its extensive online and mobile learning library exceeds more than 5,000 courses written by 200 subject matter experts and reaches more than 5 million professionals worldwide. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.vector-solutions.com. Follow us on twitter @VectorPerform and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/VectorPerformance.

TargetSolutions’ NFPA 1410 Evolutions training series has been honored with a Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Learning Award.

SAN DIEGO – TargetSolutions, the leading provider of e-Learning applications for the fire service, is proud to announce its NFPA 1410 Evolutions training series has been awarded the prestigious Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Learning Award, taking home Silver honors for the “Best Use of Video for Learning” category.

Commonly referred to as the “Academy Awards” by learning, talent and business executives, the Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards Program debuted in 1994 as the first of its kind in the learning industry. Per Brandon Hall’s website, the Excellence Awards “recognize the best organizations that have successfully deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems, and tools that have achieved measurable results.”

Shot on location in St. Charles, Mo., and Land O’ Lakes, Fla., the production was aided with the full cooperation of the St. Charles Fire Department and Pasco County Fire Rescue to bring the series to life.

Vector Solutions, the parent company of TargetSolutions, assembled a team to storyboard the series, capture the drills on video, and then develop the 14-course training package that was formally released this past March. The final product is a series of stunning training courses driven by groundbreaking video demonstrations of the most commonly encountered fireground evolutions.

We asked some of the key players in the series’ development to reflect on the experience as well as what this award means:

PAUL COSTELLO, FF/EMT-P, SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT

Paul Costello wrote and directed the NFPA 1410 Evolutions series while also serving as an onscreen instructor for each of the 14 installments. “From the project onset I felt this was a unique angle on training that hadn’t been successfully accomplished before. Our team’s work brought multiple dimensions of learning to the student that hadn’t ever been attempted in the industry. The end product is a learning platform that transcends jurisdictions and is also a primer for the seasoned officer as well as a tight how-to for the newer firefighter in the agency.”

BRYAN FITZGERALD, CONTENT MANAGER

Bryan Fitzgerald, who led the charge in developing these courses in post-production, praised the level of teamwork that was displayed to make this project a reality. “It’s excellent to see a project that required so much teamwork be recognized for this award. From the courses’ author, to the videographers who filmed the footage, to the editors and graphic designers who created the content, the developers from the Harbinger Group, everyone involved in this massive undertaking always held their work to the highest standards. This resulted in some of the most outstanding courses TargetSolutions has ever produced.”

GREG BALDWIN, MARKETING CONTENT SPECIALIST

Greg Baldwin was one of two videographers on location in St. Charles and is also credited with producing the TargetSolutions introductory fire logo in each of the 14 courses. “It’s humbling to see how our hard work is being recognized in the same category as globally known brands and companies. The field of competition really helps to put it all into perspective. Facebook took home a Bronze in the same category that the NFPA 1410 Evolutions took home a Silver.”

CHRIS ANDREWS, VIDEO PRODUCER

Chris Andrews was one of two videographers to capture the action on location and also edited the raw footage down to the bare essentials in post-production. “I feel like we had the perfect team out there and at the end of the day we put out a really good product that’s unmatched in the industry. It’s a great honor for our whole team to take home such a recognized and valuable award.”

JOHN HEINDEL, CONTENT DEVELOPER

John Heindel starred in post-production where he collected the edited catalog of video and images and developed a bulk of the courses in the series. “It’s encouraging to receive recognition for the NFPA 1410 course series, as it proves how effort, dedication, and teamwork lead to a successful product. These courses fuse evolution demonstrations with real-world scenarios, keeping today’s firefighters prepared, and it’s an honor to have participated in a project of such scope and magnitude.”

MICHAEL SCHREINER, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

Michael Schreiner helped organize and oversee the entire production. He was also on location to capture the beautiful overhead drone shots seen in the courses. “One of the major advantages of combining our companies is the integration of the strong competencies each company brings to the table. Our TargetSolutions and RedVector content teams brought video production expertise that was filmed in creative ways like the firefighter industry has never seen.  Leveraging the strengths of both teams, paired with the additional subject matter expertise and actors from the St. Charles Fire Department made for the perfect blend of content and innovative video production.”

For more information about our award-winning NFPA 1410 Evolutions training series, please contact TargetSolutions today at (800) 840-8046.

TargetSolutions has amassed a treasure trove of new course accreditations in 2017 for firefighters, paramedics, and public works employees. 

SAN DIEGO – Behind-the-scenes at TargetSolutions, we’re always working diligently to bring you the newest, freshest content available. To accomplish this, our team feverishly garners accreditations for brand new courses and aims to deliver new content and training packages as frequently as possible.

“TargetSolutions is committed to continuously growing its content, especially in regards to premium training content,” said Jennifer Jones, TargetSolutions’ Director of Product & User Experience. “The Product, Content, and Accreditation teams work in conjunction to develop these courses and get them accredited in as many states as possible.”

Here is an accumulated list of TargetSolutions’ 2017 new course accreditations, with more on the way:

For the fire service, 22 new courses comprising 27 hours of training content have been accredited so far in 2017. This includes 14 hours from our award-winning NFPA 1410 Evolutions series. The following lessons are now available through TargetSolutions:  

• NFPA 1410 Evolution 1
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 2
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 3
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 4
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 5
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 6
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 7
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 8
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 9
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 10
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 11
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 12
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 13
• NFPA 1410 Evolution 14
• NFPA 1041 Part 1
• NFPA 1041 Part 2
• NFPA 1041 Part 3
• Fire Service Health and Safety Part II
• NFPA 1 & 101 Module 1
• NFPA 1 & 101 Module 2
• NFPA 1 & 101 Module 3
• NFPA 1 & 101 Module 4

Five new courses comprising of five hours of training content for public works employees have been accredited thus far in 2017:

• Lead Contamination of Public Water Systems
• Rehabilitation of Water Distribution Systems: Current Technologies
• Rehabilitation of Water Distribution Systems: Selecting Rehab Methods
• Rehabilitation of Water Distribution Systems: Designing Renewal Projects
• Water Industry Aquifer Remediation

For EMS, two hours of brand new training content accumulated from two courses has been accredited in 2017:

• EMS Pediatric Airway Management
• EMS Child Abuse: EMS Roles & Responsibilities

About TargetSolutions

TargetSolutions delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999 and today there are more than 4,000 organizations across the country using TargetSolutions’ innovative technology to solve their training challenges. For more information on TargetSolutions, check online at www.targetsolutions.com.

For any questions on our 2017 new course accreditations, please contact your account manager or give us a call at (800) 840-8048 today. 

SAN DIEGO – TargetSolutions, the leading provider of e-Learning applications for the fire service, will unveil game-changing enhancements for managing fire department training at the International Association of Fire Chief’s (IAFC) 2017 Fire-Rescue International in Charlotte, N.C.

TargetSolutions will unveil new platform updates at the IAFC’s 2017 Fire-Rescue International.

TargetSolutions will be at booth No. 1237 during exhibit hall hours July 27-29 to answer questions and showcase recent updates to the industry’s most dynamic online firefighter training technology.

In 2016, more than 16.5 million training and compliance tasks were completed by thousands of agencies utilizing the platform. New upgrades will make that process even more user-friendly, said TargetSolutions’ Director of Product & User Experience Jennifer Jones.

“TargetSolutions is focused on releasing time-saving updates that reduce the number of clicks it takes to get where you want to go,” Jones said. “Our most recent set of updates were designed with busy training officers in mind.”

Here are some of TargetSolutions’ new capabilities that will be on display during FRI:

• The ability to manage and deliver custom activities with fewer steps when tracking training and compliance
• The ability to efficiently assign activities directly from the activity build page
• The ability to effectively control file versioning inside the system, as well as upload pictures and other documents on mobile devices

In addition to enhanced usability, attendees of the annual conference can learn more about TargetSolutions’ latest training courses, including the all-new NFPA® 1410 Fireground Evolutions Series.

Soon fire departments will be able to create their own competency assessment to test firefighters’ knowledge and fill training gaps, Jones said. New functionality will enable training officers to set test questions and automatically assign TargetSolutions courses and their own activities to explain concepts behind missed questions.

“New courses and platform functionalities like this are a part of TargetSolutions’ goal of continuous improvement. Upcoming TargetSolutions product enhancements will continue to make it even easier to create, deliver and track through the platform.”

Jennifer Jones, Director of Product & User Experience, TargetSolutions

Additionally, a TargetSolutions representative will attend the IAFC’s Volunteer & Combination Officers Section’s (VCOS) annual meeting where Michael Accardo III of the St. Tammany Fire District 9 will be honored as the 2017 Training Officer Recognition Award winner. Accardo, a chief of training and safety for the combination department in Bush, La., was selected for the prestigious honor because of his unmatched commitment to delivering innovative firefighter training.

This marks the fourth year in a row TargetSolutions and the VCOS are teaming up to present the prestigious honor, which is designated each year for an individual who displays exemplary conduct befitting of a training officer. Capt. Chip Everett of Oshtemo Township Fire Department (Mich.), Asst. Chief Brad Pinsky of Manlius Fire Department (N.Y.) and Deputy Chief Steve Malone of the Manhattan Fire Protection District (Ill.) won the award in previous years.

About TargetSolutions

TargetSolutions delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999 and today there are more than 4,000 organizations across the country using TargetSolutions’ innovative technology to solve their training challenges. For questions about TargetSolutions, please check online at https://www.targetsolutions.com or contact us today (800) 840-8048.

SAN DIEGO – TargetSolutions, the leading provider of computer-based training management applications for fire departments, and the International Association of Fire Chief’s (IAFC) Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) announced today that Michael Accardo III of the St. Tammany Fire District 9 (STFD9) has been selected as the winner of the 2017 VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award.

2017 VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award Winner Michael Accardo III

Accardo, a chief of training and safety for the combination department located in Bush, La., never expected to receive this type of recognition for his work. After years of dedicating himself to the betterment of his department, he reacted with the sort of humility you would expect from a 20-year veteran of the fire service.

“I don’t think I do more than anyone else does. I enjoy what I do. I enjoy helping people,” said Accardo, who is scheduled to accept the honor July 27 during the annual VCOS meeting at Fire-Rescue International in Charlotte, N.C.

Accardo was surprised to learn he would be receiving this prestigious recognition. But for Fire Chief Scott Brewer, the selection made perfect sense. Brewer lauded Accardo for his dedication and innovation after leading the charge to transform his department’s training facility from run-of-the-mill into first-class.

“He got the training building donated, moved it here, plumbed and powered it and then filled it with training aids from grants, donations or by buying it himself,” Brewer wrote when nominating Accardo. “He went out every night for a year and learned how to be an EMT instructor. He had STFD9 certified as an ‘institute of higher learning’ so we could teach EMT and EMR to our members and those of local departments at no charge.”

“(Accardo) has worked harder than anyone I’ve ever known to give our small rural combination department the very best training opportunity for its members (and those of our neighbors) at no charge – ever!”

Fire Chief Scott Brewer, St. Tammany Fire District 9

The VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award aims to honor exemplary conduct befitting of a training officer, which Accardo has demonstrated in spades. Nonetheless, he’s quick to return whatever praise he receives back to his crew members.

“I could not have completed the project without help from everyone at our department,” said Accardo, who started as a volunteer firefighter in the 1990s, when firefighter training requirements were far different than they are today.

“I try to make (training) educational and also entertaining,” he said. “Every Tuesday we have a training class and average 20 to 25 volunteers who show up. We just keep adding to it and I try to work around everybody’s schedule. Nights, weekends, whenever.”

Always trying to think of new ways to help his fellow firefighters, it seems the criterion for the VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award was written with Accardo in mind.

“You do what you can with what you got, and if you don’t have it, you try to build it,” said Accardo, who also serves as coordinator for St. Tammany’s Youth Fire Corps (YFC) program, which provides an opportunity to involve the children of the department’s volunteer on-call members. Aiding in public education and community events, such as the annual United Way Red Beans ‘N Rice Cook-Off where proceeds raised support the St. Tammany Suicide Prevention & Crisis Response Program, these rookies acquire leadership, decision-making, and practical hands-on skills while the program develops them into full-fledged St. Tammany firefighters by the time they’re 18. “The Youth Fire Corps members are the future of our department,” said Accardo.

This marks the fourth year in a row TargetSolutions and the VCOS teamed up to present the prestigious honor, which is designated each year for an individual who goes above and beyond to demonstrate innovation in firefighter training. Capt. Chip Everett of Oshtemo Township Fire Department (Mich.), Asst. Chief Brad Pinsky of Manlius Fire Department (N.Y.) and Deputy Chief Steve Malone of the Manhattan Fire Protection District (Ill.) won the award in previous years.

Accardo will receive a trip to Charlotte for FRI, which is scheduled July 26-29, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations, as well as a plaque commemorating the award.

About TargetSolutions

TargetSolutions delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999 and today there are more than 4,000 organizations across the country using TargetSolutions’ innovative technology to solve their training challenges. For more information on TargetSolutions, check online at www.targetsolutions.com.

About IAFC’s VCOS

VCOS provides chiefs and chief officers who manage volunteers within a volunteer or combination fire, rescue or EMS delivery system with information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism. For more information, check online at www.vcos.org/.

Board members will evaluate and provide feedback with the goal of further optimizing TargetSolutions’ online training management system for Cities and Fire/EMS organizations.

In an ongoing effort to provide the most premium quality records management and online training products to Fire and EMS agencies, TargetSolutions is excited to introduce the inaugural Fire/EMS Advisory Board (TFAB).

Composed of a dedicated team of TargetSolutions clients, the key objectives of the TFAB are to provide new product and service ideas, weigh-in on product priorities, provide guidance on the functionality of development projects, and offer information on market trends and insights. The overall goal at the end of the day is simple: Serve as a continued source of expertise and input for TargetSolutions’ technology and content roadmaps.

The inaugural board will be piloted by 16 members from across the country who will partake in virtual or in-person meetings with the TargetSolutions product and content teams throughout the year. This isn’t just a mingling meet-and-greet; this is a full-fledged interactive council assembled to elevate the industry’s leading training platform.

The advisory board had its kick-off meeting in February where we discussed long-term strategy and the vision of TargetSolutions.

“The creation of these boards has been a few years in the making and they will serve as a valuable source of market insight for new ideas as well as the direction of the product as a whole.”

Misty Pratt, Product Manager, TargetSolutions

Fast approaching in May in St. Petersburg, Fla., is Vector Solutions’ Client Summit, which is shaping up to be an innovation showcase. Kicking off with keynote speaker Elliott Masie, the event will feature client panels, presentations, case studies, roundtables, and other topics pertinent to the industry.

Also set for a maiden voyage is TargetSolutions’ Cities Advisory Board (TCAB), comprising of six industry professionals who will provide their expertise to further develop the platform for the Cities market. With an ongoing mission to constantly adapt to new market training requirements, the TCAB will offer insight into market trends, discuss city practices and training requirements, and provide new product or service ideas that will help improve the system.

“We’re hoping that the board developed for Cities will help us hone in on currently untapped opportunities to develop online training within the market,” Pratt said. “There’s much we can learn with the formation of this board and we can’t wait to see how this will enhance the platform’s features outside of online training as well.”

Both advisory boards are annual commitments and will be evaluated every calendar year to ensure a constant influx of participation and fresh ideas.

For more information, please contact TargetSolutions today at (800) 840-8048.

About TargetSolutions
TargetSolutions delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999 and today there are more than 4,000 organizations across the country using TargetSolutions to solve their training challenges.

SAN DIEGO – TargetSolutions, the leading provider of computer-based training management applications for public safety agencies, announced today it would team up once again with the IAFC’s Volunteer and Combination Officers Section for the 2017 VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award.

This is the fourth year in a row the VCOS and TargetSolutions have worked together on the prestigious honor, which is entrusted each year to a training officer who goes above and beyond to provide personnel with exceptional fire department training.

For both TargetSolutions and the VCOS, the annual award is the perfect time to reflect on both organizations’ primary missions of helping fire service members stay safe and effective when called into action. VCOS Secretary/Treasurer Norvin Collins believes this award is important because it shines a well-deserved spotlight on those who work tirelessly to prepare firefighters for engagement.

“As leaders in our organizations, we should recognize those who not only do their job, but go beyond to influence their membership, the region, and potentially their state to make the fire service stronger.”

Norvin Collins, VCOS Secretary/Treasurer, Chief of the Sauvie Island Fire District in Portland, Ore.

“That’s why both the VCOS and TargetSolutions encourage fire service leaders to take the time to submit on behalf of deserving training officers so we can recognize their work. It is a pleasure, again, for the VCOS to partner with TargetSolutions and recognize the hard work and dedication so many training officers give to their departments. This award gives us the opportunity to give back and say ‘thank you.’”

Applications for the award are being accepted now through May 31. To make a nomination, please click here.

The award is designed to acknowledge exemplary conduct by a training officer for their creativity and effectiveness when delivering training. Nominees should be chiefs, training officers, or others well-acquainted with training and they must be an IAFC member or come from a department where the department or the chief is an active IAFC member.

The winner will receive a trip to the upcoming Fire-Rescue International, scheduled July 26-29 in Charlotte, N.C. Round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations will be presented to the winner.

Capt. Chip Everett of Oshtemo Township Fire Department (Mich.), Asst. Chief Brad Pinsky of Manlius Fire Department (N.Y.) and Steve Malone of the Manhattan Fire Protection District (Ill.) are the last three winners of the award.

In addition to the Training Officer Recognition Award, TargetSolutions is offering VCOS members a discount on the industry’s most robust online training management system. Departments will receive $500 off TargetSolutions’ set-up fee, plus an additional 10 percent off user fees. If interested in this discount, please click here.

For more information, please contact TargetSolutions today at (800) 840-8048.

About TargetSolutions
TargetSolutions delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999 and today there are more than 4,000 organizations across the country using TargetSolutions to solve their training challenges.

About IAFC VCOS

VCOS provides chiefs and chief officers who manage volunteers within a volunteer or combination fire, rescue or EMS delivery system with information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism. For more information, check online at www.vcos.org.

Firefighter training instructors are usually focused on helping crew members train to improve performance. Now, TargetSolutions is launching the NFPA® 1041 Series, built specifically to help instructors improve at their jobs. TargetSolutions will be unveiling this new three-course series, as well as the recently launched NFPA® 1410 series, during FDIC in Indianapolis. TargetSolutions will be at Booth No. 13018 during exhibit hall hours.

SAN DIEGO – TargetSolutions, the leading provider of computer-based training management solutions for public safety agencies, will be shining the spotlight on two new bundles of NFPA®-level training courses during FDIC International 2017.

Stop by booth No. 13018 during exhibit hall hours to receive a firsthand look at 14 new video-based courses written to the NFPA® 1410 standard. The courses deliver step-by-step, high-definition video demonstrations of each evolution. TargetSolutions representatives will be in attendance at FDIC to provide a walkthrough of the bundle, which released to customers in March.

The courses were written and directed by Paul Costello, a training officer at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue in Florida, and produced in conjunction with the St. Charles Fire Department in St. Charles, Mo. and Pasco County Fire Rescue in Land O’ Lakes, Fla.

“The 1410 evolutions are basic single and multi-company evolutions that have been created as a standard for the NFPA,” said Costello, who was recently interviewed by TargetSolutions on the creation of these exciting new courses. “They are representative of some of the most important basic skill sets that fire companies should practice on and master because these are the bread and butter of what we do on a fireground.”

TargetSolutions, which features more than 450 hours of training fire departments, will also be providing live demonstrations of its new NFPA® 1041 training bundle during FDIC’s exhibit hall hours. These courses, scheduled for release in early April, focus on a fire instructor functioning skills and knowledge.

The three levels provide a natural progression for an individual to develop from entry-level instructor to chief of training. Topics explored in this series include preparing and presenting a topic, instructor credibility, curriculum development, instructor selection, and more.

“NFPA 1041 switches things up and approaches the subject matter from the instructor’s perspective. These courses give instructors the tools needed to develop and manage a successful training program.”

Bryan Fitzgerald, Content Manager, TargetSolutions

Also, TargetSolutions is sponsoring a special classroom session, “NFPA 1403: The Fire Instructor’s Risk Management Tool.” Walter Morris, a training program manager with the Maine Fire Service Institute, will be presenting on the topic. The session will be held Friday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m. in Room 132-133. If interested in attending, please click here for more information on the session.

TargetSolutions will be exhibiting its new NFPA® training content, as well as the previously released NFPA® 1403 Live Fire Training Evolutions course, at Booth No. 13018 during FDIC International 2017. If you have any questions, please contact us today at (800) 840-8046.

About TargetSolutions

TargetSolutions delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999, and today more than 4,000 organizations use this innovative technology to solve their training challenges. TargetSolutions is headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information, please check online at www.targetsolutions.com.

Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education Makes Funding Available Now Through June 30

SAN DIEGO — TargetSolutions, the industry’s leading online firefighter training management system, has never been more affordable for departments in the state of Minnesota. And by affordable, we mean up to 100 percent off user fees.

For a limited time, fire departments in the state of Minnesota can sign up for TargetSolutions and potentially incur no costs for the first 12 months. This is the result of the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education’s (MBFTE) reimbursement program, which is available now through June 30, 2017.

The MBFTE’s mission is to promote “excellence in the fire service by funding standardized training” and this year’s top strategic initiative is to move toward having 100 percent of the state’s firefighters trained on NFPA 1001. With that goal in mind, the MBFTE will maintain its training reimbursement funding level of $200 per firefighter in the state, which can be used on TargetSolutions’ computer-based system.

To take advantage of this opportunity, agencies in Minnesota need to contact TargetSolutions or the MBFTE to start the reimbursement process, said Executive Director Steve Flaherty.

“We’ve changed the process from a grant to a reimbursement,” Flaherty said. “We’ve streamlined it to make it easier for the departments. The training needs to be affiliated with the national standard, NFPA 1001 and done by a qualified instructor. This goes for EMS training as well.”

That’s where TargetSolutions comes in. The industry’s most innovative technology for managing training compliance offers more than 450 hours of fire department training, including more than 250 hours of Fire and EMS recertification.

The course catalog for firefighters covers NFPA 1001, NFPA 1021 and NFPA 1500. In addition, TargetSolutions is organizationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) and features robust recordkeeping applications for tracking and reporting EMS recertification and ISO training hours. Departments can also track their 11 core elements with TargetSolutions. The 11 core elements are recommendations from OSHA standards, which provide Minnesota’s agencies with multiple options for designing an annual training program that meets requirements.

“TargetSolutions’ online training platform fits well with today’s firefighters and their schedules,” Flaherty said. “We’re seeing a move from traditional standup classes to online training in addition to hands-on training. Our goal is to get training to firefighters and TargetSolutions offers a way to get that training in the hands of learners.

“This funding provides us the ability to reimburse fire departments and municipalities and offset these costs. TargetSolutions qualifies for this reimbursement and is a great way for firefighters to get the training they need. There is a shift in learning and in how students get information. It’s no longer every Tuesday night in the station.”

If you would like more information on this program, please visit the MBFTE’s website at www.mbfte.org or call TargetSolutions at (800) 840-8046.

About TargetSolutions
TargetSolutions delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999 and today there are more than 4,000 organizations across the country using TargetSolutions to manage training. TargetSolutions is headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information, find us online at www.targetsolutions.com.

TargetSolutions Presents Prestigious Awards to LAFD’s Capt. Benjamin Banks, Southern Marin’s Bn. Chief Matt Barnes and St. Charles Fire Department’s Capt. Jamie Young

SAN DIEGO – TargetSolutions, the leader in online training management applications for fire departments, hosted its annual Networking & Training Workshop on Tuesday during Firehouse World in San Diego.

More than 70 attendees from fire departments across the country packed the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter’s Altitude Sky Lounge to meet with TargetSolutions account managers and mingle with other training officers. The highlight of the afternoon was the awards presentation, which honors platform managers who share the same commitment as TargetSolutions to deliver exceptional fire department training.

The Technology Achievement Award

Los Angeles Fire Department’s Capt. Benjamin Banks was the recipient of this year’s Technology Achievement Award, which goes to a platform administrator focused on innovation in fire department training.

Capt. Benjamin Banks of the Los Angeles Fire Department was presented with the Technology Achievement Award for consistently looking to maximize TargetSolutions’ web-based system. Banks’ forward-thinking mindset has helped his metro agency’s training program flourish.

“Our department, in general, is trying to use technology more and more, all the time for everything,” said Banks, who has been managing the department’s training platform for the last year. “That’s really been a directive of our mayor and our fire chief, so this falls right in line with that.”

The ability to measure training hours – as well as other key performance indicators related to training – is critical to LAFD, which has increased its utilization of the TargetSolutions platform since Banks took on his current role.

“Being able to provide metrics, that’s what it’s all about,” Banks said. “I hear that across the fire service. Metrics, it’s the numbers, it’s the totals, really being able to show the work that we’re doing, the training that people in the fire stations and otherwise are doing, it’s all about being able to put those numbers on. Unless you have technology that can support that, it’s going to be very difficult. And then having technology that can make that job even easier, I mean that’s what the goal is. TargetSolutions has definitely helped us in that regard.”

The Vanguard Award

Bn. Chief Matt Barnes of Southern Marin Fire Department (Calif.). was given the Vanguard Award, which goes each year to someone who exemplifies dedication in the delivery of fire department training. Barnes has consistently worked to maximize TargetSolutions and help his agency streamline training and compliance.

“The fire service changes and evolves on a daily basis and the only way to stay current is to research and go out and perform skills based off the information that you’ve gathered and learned from the past,” said Barnes, who has been with the agency for the last 15 years. “We’ve had some significant near misses in our organization. We’ve had two line-of-duty deaths in our organizations due to health, so training is very near and dear to me. I think it’s the fabric of what makes someone become a good, proficient performing individual in the fire service.”

The Helping Hand Award

The final award went to Capt. Jamie Young of the St. Charles Fire Department in Missouri. The Helping Hand is delivered each year to someone who goes above and beyond to assist TargetSolutions or their neighboring agencies who are using the platform. Young’s department hosted a team of TargetSolutions videographers in 2016 for a special training shoot and the footage is being used in TargetSolutions’ upcoming NFPA 1410 training series, which is scheduled for release in March.

Young was not in attendance, but he recorded a video message that was played during the event.

“On behalf of myself and the St. Charles Fire Department I want to say thank you to TargetSolutions for such a wonderful recognition,” Young said. “It’s been a pleasure working with this company to bring such cutting-edge technology to the forefront of the fire service. It’s this cutting-edge technology that is keeping us safer and smarter on the fire ground. TargetSolutions has helped us and countless others across the country and I’m personally looking forward to many future projects.”

About TargetSolutions

TargetSolutions delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999 and today there are more than 4,000 organizations across the country using TargetSolutions to manage training. TargetSolutions is headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information, find us online at www.targetsolutions.com or call us at 1 (800) 840-8048.