“Within the first hour of instruction, the stories and Lesson Tie-ins had my learning gears turning.”
Completed another Basic FTO Class . The Union Gap, WA class was a great group of students wanting to learn how to be an FTO. Our goal is not just to have students leave as an FTO but strive to become a great FTO—there is a difference.
Not surprisingly, many of the students were unaware of how to properly evaluate student officer performance. Some claimed their agencies utilize the San Jose Model of field training and believed they were trained with the SJM, but admitted they had never seen the SEGs. I have to question—how can that happen? On Friday, during our final video presentations, it was clear to me these new FTOs were now able to view the performance of a student officer, compare that performance to the appropriate SEG, and document the viewed performance accurately.
Attendees from Yakima Sheriffs Office, Yakima DOC, Selah, Ferndale, Union Gap, Port Townsend, Granger, Sunnyside, and Steilacoom Police Departments, as well as Klickitat SO and Washington State Parks, made this a great week. The feeling was mutual too, we think, after we got some student reviews:
“I am mentally prepared for my student officer and how to relate what I learned. Whether you want to be an FTO or not, this course provided me with information that will make me a better officer.” Deputy McNearney, Yakima COSO.
“The whole training was clear, and I learned a lot from this class. Instructor explained everything. I have a different look of training.”
“I wished I would have taken this class earlier in my career. I currently have 11 years of service.”
“Within the first hour of instruction, the stories and Lesson Tie-ins had my learning gears turning.”
We have one more Basic class in Everett, WA September 14th – 18th. This class is filling up fast, so reserve a seat now! If you are located in Louisiana, we will have a Basic FTO class in October in West Monro, LA. Then we’ll close out the year at the North Delta Training Academy in West Monroe, Louisiana later that month.
If you are interested in hosting one of our classes in 2027, let us know soon as we are already in negotiations for dates. You can contact us by phone (425-426-6350), email (ftoschool@gmail.com), or by filling out our online form.