§ 158. Firefighting training. 1. For the purpose of this section, the
term fire fighter shall mean a member of a fire department whose duties
include fire service as defined in paragraph d of subdivision eleven of
section three hundred two of the retirement and social security law.

2. In addition to the functions, powers and duties otherwise provided
by this article, the state fire administrator may promulgate rules and
regulations with respect to:

(a) The approval, or revocation thereof, of fire training programs for
fire fighters;

(b) Minimum courses of study, attendance requirements, and equipment
and facilities to be required for approved fire training programs for
fire fighters;

(c) Minimum qualifications for instructors for approved fire training
programs for fire fighters;

(d) The requirements of minimum basic training which fire fighters
appointed to probationary terms shall complete before being eligible for
permanent appointment, and the time within which such basic training
must be completed following such appointment to a probationary term;

(e) The requirements of minimum basic training which fire fighters not
appointed for probationary terms but appointed on other than a permanent
basis shall complete in order to be eligible for continued employment or
permanent appointment, and the time within which such basic training
must be completed following such appointment on a non-permanent basis;

(f) The requirements for in-service training programs designed to
assist fire fighters in maintaining skills and being informed of
technological advances;

(g) Categories or classifications of advanced in-service training
programs and minimum courses of study and attendance requirements with
respect to such categories or classifications;

(h) Exemptions from particular provisions of this article in the case
of any county, city, town, village or fire district, if in the opinion
of the state fire administrator the standards of fire training
established and maintained by such county, city, town, village or fire
district are equal to or higher than those established pursuant to this
article; or revocation in whole or in part of such exemption, if in his
or her opinion the standards of fire training established and maintained
by such county, city, town, village or fire district are lower than
those established pursuant to this article; and

(i) Education, health and physical fitness requirements for
eligibility of persons for provisional or permanent appointment in the
competitive class of the civil service as fire fighters as it deems
necessary and proper for the efficient performance of such duties;

3. In furtherance of his or her functions, powers and duties as set
forth in this section, the state fire administrator may:

(a) Recommend studies, surveys and reports to be made by the state
fire administrator regarding the carrying out of the objectives and
purposes of this section;

(b) Visit and inspect any fire training programs approved by the state
fire administrator or for which application for such approval has been
made; and

(c) Recommend standards for promotion to supervisory positions.

4. In addition to the functions, powers and duties otherwise provided
by this section, the state fire administrator shall:

(a) Approve fire training programs for fire fighters and issue
certificates of approval to such programs, and revoke such approval or
certificate;

(b) Certify, as qualified, instructors for approved fire training
programs for fire fighters and issue appropriate certificates to such
instructors;

(c) Certify fire fighters who have satisfactorily completed basic
training programs and in-service training programs, and issue
appropriate certificates to such fire fighters and revoke such
certificates;

(d) Cause studies and surveys to be made relating to the
establishment, operation, effectiveness and approval of fire training
programs;

(e) Cause studies and surveys to be made relating to the completion or
partial completion of training programs by video or computer to the
maximum extent practicable; and

(f) Consult with and cooperate with the state university of New York
and private universities, colleges and institutes in the state for the
development of specialized courses of study for fire fighters in fire
science and fire administration.