LETA Training
Following a collaborative development effort, Bullard and LETA (Law Enforcement Thermographers’ Association) are proud to announce the first thermal imaging training program for the fire service that results in certification by an internationally recognized public safety organization. LETA, long recognized as the authority on thermal imagers used in law enforcement, is expanding with Bullard’s assistance into the fire service.
Firefighters can be certified by LETA in Basic Thermal Imaging, Advanced Thermal Imaging, and even as a Thermal Imaging Instructor. All of Bullard’s full-time thermal imaging training team are certified as LETA Instructors, making Bullard the only manufacturer who can currently offer certified thermal imager training. Instructor certification and course content certification are required by LETA as a condition of their endorsement and support of student certification.
Answers and Information about LETA and Bullard
What's covered in the Basic Thermal Imaging for Firefighters class?
1. The student shall demonstrate a basic understanding of thermal
imaging principles.
2. The student shall identify the primary limitations of thermal imagers in
the fire service.
3. The student shall demonstrate unit operations, including activation of the
unit, changing and charging the battery, and use of accessories and optional
equipment shipped with the unit.
4. The student shall identify the primary common uses of thermal imagers in
the fire service.
5. The student shall identify the primary risks associated with thermal imager
use in the fire service.
6. The student shall identify essential actions that maintain situational awareness
and address the primary risks.
Each of these primary objectives is achieved by meeting up to 12 secondary
objectives.
What's covered in the Advanced Thermal Imaging for Firefighters class?
The primary program objectives are:
1. The student shall demonstrate an advanced understanding of thermal imaging
theory.
2. The student shall demonstrate the use of various features on the thermal
imager to determine heat levels.
3. The student shall demonstrate an advanced ability to interpret thermal images,
and make decisions based on those interpretations.
4. The student shall identify advanced uses for thermal imaging in the fire
service.
Each of these primary objectives is achieved by meeting up to 12 secondary
objectives.
How long does a class last?
The Basic and Advanced classes each require approximately four hours of classroom time.
How do I get certified in Basic or Advanced thermal imaging?
After a qualifying training session, students will be offered the opportunity to take a written test. A passing score is 80% or higher. Passing students may complete a certification request at the training site.
How much does it cost?
LETA requires a $25.00 (US) processing fee to verify testing information and to issue an official certification.
How can I become a Thermal Imaging Instructor?
To become a Fire Service Instructor, an individual must successfully
complete the Basic and Advanced classes and be invited by the LETA
Board of Directors to become an instructor. In addition, a candidate
for Fire Service Instructor must:
1. Have 20 years of active fire service experience; or,
2. Have 15 years of active fire service experience, including service as a
tested and appointed (rather than elected) company officer; or,
3. Have 10 years of active fire service experience, including service as a
tested and appointed (rather than elected) company officer, and be certified
as a Fire Instructor I (per NFPA standards); or,
4. Have 10 years of active fire service experience and be certified as a Fire
Instructor II or higher (per NFPA standards).
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate to the Board an adequate understanding
of all topics and objectives covered at the Basic and Advanced Fire Service
levels. The candidate will teach at least one hour of Basic or Advanced curriculum
while under the supervision of a LETA instructor. The LETA instructor must
review and approve the candidate's teaching efforts prior to the Board promoting
a candidate to the Instructor level.
What is LETA?
The Law Enforcement Thermographers' Association (LETA), founded in 1995, is a professional law enforcement organization dedicated to promoting the legal and ethical use of thermal imaging in support of law enforcement operations. LETA membership, originally limited to those engaged in or supporting law enforcement, has been expanded to accept all those engaged in providing or supporting public safety. LETA law enforcement training is recognized across the USA, as well as internationally. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a number of state and local agencies currently use LETA for their thermal imaging training.
What is Bullard?
Founded in 1898, Bullard is a leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment and systems worldwide. Product lines include thermal imagers, hard hats, firefighter and rescue helmets, supplied air respirators, powered air-purifying respirators, and air quality equipment. Bullard is headquartered in Cynthiana, Kentucky. Two members of the company's training staff are currently certified as LETA Instructors. Training Specialist Gary Simpson and Training Manager Jonathan Bastian achieved LETA Instructor certification in Spring 2003.
How can I get a training event in my area?
Currently, Bullard is the only organization providing certified
training. To request a training event, contact your local Bullard
thermal imaging distributor (DISTRIBUTOR LOCATOR) and ask him to
request a SET Week. You may be asked to help host a training session,
such as providing an appropriate meeting room or classroom. Training
will provided first for those areas that can coordinate sessions
that will reach a large number of firefighters or organizations.
As additional instructors are certified, new delivery methods should become
available.
You can also click here (CALENDAR) to find open fire service training locations
that may be available. Note that some training sessions may not qualify for
certification and some sessions may not be open to other organizations. Please
email jonathan_bastian@bullard.com to confirm any sessions that are not clearly
marked.
Can I join LETA?
LETA is now open to any individual who is a member of a public safety agency, or to members of any organization actively involved in supporting public safety agencies. Individual membership is $25.00 (US). This is not included in the testing and certification fee.
Is there group membership for fire departments?
Yes, LETA has special group memberships for fire departments. LETA
recognizes that law enforcement officers may need certification to
testify in a trial, and therefore may need greater benefit levels
from membership. Fire departments can join LETA as an organization
based on the number of members in the department. The fee schedule
(in US dollars) is:
25 and fewer members: $100
26-50 members: $200
50-75 members: $300
76-99 members: $400
100-399 members: $500
400-999 members: $750
1000+ members: $1000
Why should I or my department join LETA?
Fire service members receive the following benefits from LETA membership.
Of course, as this program grows, we expect this list to expand:
- Expert witness support and assistance if a fire department's use of a thermal
imager is an issue in a court of law;
- Regular newsletter updating LETA members about changes in law, creative new
applications, additional training, etc.;
- Access to WMD First Responder programs as they are developed;
- Professional interaction with law enforcement agencies across the world;
- Assistance finding other grant sources;
- Access to LETA's national and international training events and conferences.