Today's environment (Post 9/11) requires that all emergency personnel learn, train and continually upgrade their skills in order to be prepared to respond to emergencies in a fast, effective and efficient manner. Traning evolutions are completed on a monthly basis involving all fire department vehicles, medical skills, certification for first aid, CPR and defibrillation, water/ice rescue, vehicle extrication and firefighter evolutions.

The Director of Training develops the syllabus for the fire fighters training; the firefighters are updated on the Ontario Health and Safety guidelines, guidance notes and Departmental Operational Guidelines to ensure that their safety is a priority. Other responsibilities include preparing and conducting all examinations for promotions. Any changes to policy and procedures. The division trains firefighters on new equipment purchased by the department and coordinates training sessions with other emergency agencies.

All Firefighters seeking advancement within the department are enrolled in the Company Officer Diploma Program at the Ontario Fire College located in Gravenhurst. The curriculum consists of 21 individual courses followed by a comprehensive exam. To be eligible for promotion successful completion of this program is mandatory.

New firefighters are trained for four weeks with the Director of Training on the departments polices and procedures prior to attending the OFC recruit course. The OFC three-week course involves 'hands on' firefighting training with live fire situations.

The Stratford Fire Department is a partner with Conestoga College for the Pre-Service Fire Program for pre-graduate students under the direction of a preceptor to complete their college course.

The Director of Training and Public Education's office is at Station #2, and is also an educational resource center for the firefighters. Firefighting materials such as IFSTA books, videos, magazines, training manuals and information from other departments are available to all the firefighters.