Training reduces accidents, helps serve public

Since becoming Jackson's mayor, I have been impressed by the ongoing training programs that the city conducts in all departments. Even though training can be expensive for any organization or business, the additional productivity from well-trained employees can more than cover the cost of the programs. Safety training pays for cost of the programs by reducing the amount and severity of accidents.

The city greatly reduces training costs by taking advantage of training programs offered by our insurance companies and associations to which we belong. A few weeks ago, the Missouri Local Technical Assistance Program recognized five graduates of the scholars program. This program includes training classes in three core classes and five elective classes to meet the individual's area of responsibilities. Those receiving certificates were: Level I, Toby Hendrix, fleet maintenance; Chuck Reed, power plant; J. Stortz, power plant; and Level II, Eric Welch, street department, and Danny Youngerman, street department.

The electrical line department has an extensive training through the Missouri Power Utility Association. This electrical cooperative of which we are a member, has a regional training center in Kansas City, Missouri. The training center includes hands-on practical experience in areas such as pole climbing, bucket and digger truck, grounding, terminating and splicing. The program for apprentice linemen covers four years. It includes training on site at the training center with monthly and year-end tests. The city presently has three linemen in the Missouri Power Utility Association program.

The police department has an ongoing training program that results in officers receiving 1,200 hours of formal training/instruction on a yearly basis. This training includes handling persons with mental health issues, de-escalation, crisis management, critical thinking and social intelligence. Our department has instructors for all areas of police work, including firearms, Tasers, drug recognition, evidence handling and many others. The communication officers/dispatchers receive 60 hours of training annually including recertification on the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System. Finally, our insurance carrier, MIRMA, conducts monthly online training as part of our coverage agreement.

The fire department also has a comprehensive training program. The Insurance Service Office requires that all firefighters conduct a minimum of 192 hours per year, in addition to training for hazmat and driver training. The department's EMT certification process is an important progressive training program. Specialized training for fire instructors, investigators and inspectors is provided to the department's officers.

The staff at city hall participate in multiple training courses in their areas of responsibility. Examples are ICC building codes, flood-plain manager certification, mapping, court administration and customer service. The Missouri Municipal League Official Program and the Missouri Power Utility Association Leadership Training Program are programs that our key city administrators are certified and continue to participate in on an ongoing basis.

All employees in every department received CPR and first aid training. This training has been used several times in the past years when dealing with not only "on the job" incidences but also emergencies with the public. Employees also participate in monthly safety training sessions on various topics.

In conclusion, ongoing training is important in order to learn new techniques and skills for all our jobs. Refresher courses and recertification is vital to keep our previous training fresh. I am proud the city of Jackson has a solid ongoing training program to serve the public better and to reduce accidents in the work place.

Dwain Hahs is the mayor of Jackson.