This class emphasizes the critical role of a designated mentor in the fire service, known as the field training officer (FTO). Unlike general training officers or chiefs, the FTO is a specially trained mentor responsible for ensuring that new hires meet specific standards. Drawing from a model that has been successfully used in law enforcement since the 1970s, this course aims to integrate the proven FTO model into the fire service to enhance the quality and reliability of training. By using structured mentorship and standardized evaluation, the FTO model ensures that new hires are well-prepared and meet the organization’s expectations and to help fulfill recruitment and retention issues.