2010 Conference Program

FIREHOUSE EXPO 2011 WILL TAKE PLACE JULY 19-23 IN BALTIMORE, MD. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR EVENT DETAILS.

CLICK HERE FOR A 4-PAGE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE.

Conference sessions are 90 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Program subject to change.

July 22, 2010
8:30 AM	Are You A Survivor? John J. Salka, Jr., Battalion Chief, FDNY CATEOGRY: SAFETY Why are some firefighters able to get themselves out of critical and dangerous situations while inside a fire building and others are not? Why are some firefighters able to control their reactions to extreme situations and others panic and die? We are constantly examining the technical and tactical reasons for firefighter injuries and fatalties yet we rarely look at the physiological impact that critical situations produce and how this may affect the chances that a distressed firefighter has to survive. This class reviews research that has been conducted on how and why humans react to distress and panic and how we may be able to apply some of this information to our own firefighter fatality training.
8:30 AM	Developing Exceptional Fire Officers…Critical Areas of Focus Dennis Compton, Chief (ret.), Mesa, AZ, FD; IFSTA CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP This session explores key areas of focus and critical leadership concepts that will contribute to the success of fire officers and simply improve their performance. It is well established that fire departments cannot outperform the capability of their leaders. Current and aspiring fire officers of all ranks will find this session unique and practical.
8:30 AM	Driver Training With Your Eyes, Head, Hands and Feet!! Richard Bowers, Fire Chief; Mike Clemens, Assistant Chief; Deerrell Walker, Captain & Driver Training Coordinator; All with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, MD; Mike Wilbur, Lieutenant, FDNY CATEGORY: SAFETY This class will provide driver training classroom instruction techniques, actual "hands on" driver simulator techniques, and exposure on an apparatus skills driver course. All of these interactive components will provide the participant with the opportunity to establish basic, intermediate and advanced driver training techniques and programs for fire, rescue and EMS apparatus in their departments.
8:30 AM	Fire Dynamics for Firefighters Daniel Madrzykowski, PE, FSFPE, Fire Protection Engineer CATEGORY: FIRE BEHAVIOR This presentation will cover how building geometry, materials, furnishings, ventilation and firefighting tactics can influence fire growth and spread leading to untenable conditions for firefighters. Fire behavior will be described using a combination of videos, data and LODD case studies to characterize the thermal environment that firefighters may be exposed to.
8:30 AM	Fire Safety Solutions for People With Disabilities Nancy J. Trench, Assistant Director, Fire Protection Publications Oklahoma State University CATEGORY: FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION This presentation will highlight home fire safety education materials and a model smoke alarm installation project for people who are blind or have low vision, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with mobility impairments, and people with mental retardation or other cognitive disabilities. Included will be a videotape presented in American Sign Language produced for people who are deaf. "People First Language", accessible formats, selection of residential smoke alarms that meet the needs of people with disabilities, and identifying program partners will all be included. The project Implementation Guide which includes an etiquette guide for firefighters working with people with disabilities will be part of the handouts.
8:30 AM	Fire Service Thermal Imagers Robert Athanas, FF, FDNY and President of SAFE-IR, Inc. Robert Knabbe, FF, FDNY and Vice President of SAFE-IR, Inc. CATEGORY: THERMAL IMAGING This class will provide you with what to expect from the new NFPA 1801 Standard; what it means for the manufactures; what it means for the cameras; and what it means for the users. Revolutionary changes for manufactures and simplification for users so that they can focus on tactical applications.
8:30 AM	Fireground Command Situation Awareness Richard B. Gasaway, Ph.D., EFO, CFO, Gasaway Consulting Group CATEGORY: COMMAND Some think that situation awareness is as easy as paying better attention to what's going on around you. If it were that simple, commanders would pay better attention and firefighters would not get hurt or killed fighting structural fires. This program focuses on the process of establishing and maintaining your situation awareness, how it is lost, and how to regain it. Participants will learn the four essential ingredients to making effective command decisions, five ways commanders get into trouble, and ten best practices commanding safe emergency incidents.
8:30 AM	Introducing the Contemporary Fireground Mark Emery, Battalion Chief, Woodinville, WA, Fire & Life Safety District CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS During the last 40 years the North American fire service missed a number of significant changes to the traditional fireground. These changes represent a call to action for the fire service to adapt strategically and tactically. You will learn what these changes are and contemporary tactical alternatives that will achieve traditional strategic outcomes.
8:30 AM	Operational Networks for Effective Response: A Case Study of the Shootings at Columbine High School Bill Pessemier, Fire Chief (ret.), Littleton, CO CATEGORY: MASS CASUALTY The presentation on the shootings at Columbine High School details the response of fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services to what at the time the worst school shooting in American history. Participants will learn about what went well during the response and what did not go so well. The presentation is an open and straightforward appraisal of what happens when fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical service departments fail to develop strong operational relationships. The presentation will also inform participants about how to develop regionalized operational networks for effective response to large scale incidents.
8:30 AM	Search Operations for Today’s Standard & Complex Structures Jeff Seaton, Department & Recruit Academy Instructor, San Jose, CA FD CATEGORY: SEARCH OPERATIONS Today's fireground is a dynamic environment that can become deadly in a matter of seconds. The Unites States fire service reports that "Fire Fighter Disorientation" is a leading cause of close calls and LODD'S in our nation. Firefighters are in desperate need of ensuring that safe, effective, and coordinated search operations are practiced daily in today's standard and complex structures.
8:30 AM	The Challenge of Extrication Involving Vehicles with Advanced Steel Structures Ron Moore, Training Chief McKinney, TX FD CATEGORY: AUTO EXTRICATION Fire departments are reporting an inability to cut through common structural areas such as the B-pillars of late model vehicles. Normal rescue cutting tools, whether hydraulic, electric, or air-powered are stalling out. They may be essentially out-gunned by new ultra high-strength steel alloys called advanced steels, such as Boron, which can be found in the roof pillars, roof rail, or rocker channels on a wide array of late-model vehicles. Find out how rescue teams can prepare themselves to meet the challenges presented by the presence of advanced steels. Also learn about new alternative extrication techniques for departments that do not have advanced steel cutting capabilities to implement when faced with an advanced steel vehicle rescue incident.
8:30 AM	Thinking Outside the Box Warren Fuchs, Senior Dispatcher (ret.), FDNY CATOGORY: TRAINING The presenter has 37 years of dispatch experience. He will focus on the everyday dispatching operations from processing an alarm (911 calls, street boxes and verbal walk ins) dispatching apparatus (through a CADS System or manual method) radio operations (for the radio operator and the field units), radio prioritization (when to talk and when to listen), and radio terminology (knowledge of what certain terminology is and not just repeating what you are told)by taking this course you will have better understanding of fire dispatch operations from "start to finish".
8:30 AM	Understanding and Creating Fire Department Budget Proposals James Kirsch, Lieutenant, Bergenfield, NJ, FD CATEGORY: INNOVATIVE FUNDING This course discusses common budgeting terms and budget types, as well as how to correctly use and spend your existing department budget. The second part of this class deals with how to put together and present a budget proposal that will increase your chances of success in getting your budget proposal accepted by the town administration.
8:30 AM	Using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Mapping to Analyze Response Times and Manage Resources James Potteiger, Special Assistant to the Fire Chief, Peter Hanna, Firefighter/Paramedic Both with Baltimore City FD CATEGORY: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS This presentation will discuss how fire departments can use GIS and mapping to analyze their department's response times (NFPA 1710 & 1720) and how they can use GIS to manage resources, particularly during a time of decreasing budgets. Over the last year, the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) has been using ArcGIS along with CAD data to analyze their response times as they relate to NFPA standards. These results were mapped using a GIS and used to argue against budget cuts and for decision making after budget reductions. Additionally, the BCFD is using ArcGIS to develop maps for shift supervisors to dynamically monitor suppression coverage on a daily basis. This presentation will demonstrate these techniques and provide information on how they can be done by other jurisdictions. The subject of the discussion will be informative for those without GIS knowledge and for those with experience.
8:30 AM	What the……!!!! We Can Do Better at Structure Fires Steve Bernocco, Lieutenant, Seattle, WA FD, Phil Jose, Captain, Seattle, WA FD CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS This is a dynamic, 100% video-driven presentation that focuses on the tactics of the first due companies at structure fires. Students will watch videos of structure fires and then discuss the various Engine and Truck tactics that could be used to fight these fires. This class will add to your experiential slide tray, and will give you looks at fires that you need in order to be successful and effective at structure fires. This is a critical decision-making class like no other, brought to you by the "Seattle Guys."
10:15 AM	Haiti Earthquake: Response of American US&R Task Forces and the Rescue of Deeply Entombed Victims Larry Collins, Battalion Chief, USAR Task Force 103, LA County F OPENING CEREMONY When the island nation of Haiti was hit with a catastrophic earthquake on January 12, 2010, locating survivors trapped in the rubble was a primary consideration. Within 30 minutes of the quake, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) activated the two U.S. government international USAR Task Forces, USA-1 (Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Virginia) and USA-2 (L.A. County Fire Department). USAID and the Department of Defense worked to get USA-1 and USA-2 on the ground in Haiti ASAP. USA-1 arrived first and established a Base of Operations (BoO) within the walls of the U.S. Embassy compound outside of Port au Prince. USA-2 arrived several hours later and convoyed to the BoO. Within hours of touching down, the teams were conducting structure triage and rescue. They were joined by three other American US&R task forces that were deployed under other arrangements: New York Task Force 1 and Florida Task Forces 1 (Miami-Dade) and 2 (Miami). Together, they accounted for nearly 50 of the 150 rescues of deeply entombed victims in Port au Prince.This presentation will discuss that operation, including some of the most harrowing rescue operations.
12:00 PM	Analysis of Two Live Fire Training LODD Incidents Daniel Madrzykowski, PE, FSFPE, Fire Protection Engineer CATEGORY: SAFETY Two very different fire training incidents resulted in the loss of three firefighters. One incident occurred in an acquired structure and the other occurred in a training tower. In both cases, NIST conducted real scale fire experiments to gain insight into the thermal conditions that may have existed during the incidents. The results of the experiments will be presented and discussed. Methods of assessing training fuel packages will be discussed so that future incidents of this type can be avoided.
12:00 PM	Company Drills for Acquired Structures James Kirsch, Lieutenant, Bergenfield, NJ, FD CATEGORY: TRAINING This program deals with how to properly inspect, and then train in acquired buildings using non-fire scenarios. Training subjects including utility emergencies, building construction, mask confidence, overhaul, ventilation, and others will be discussed. Also being presented is the vital step of acquiring the proper paperwork that allows your department to operate in such structures, as well as reviewing the NFPA 1403 standard as a tool to assist in safely preparing the structure.
12:00 PM	Dealing with Personnel Issues Don Abbott, Owner, Command Emergency Response Training CATEGORY: ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES This program will provide various types of situations a company officer may have to deal with and the techniques used in handling the problems. The actions required include verbal and written responses.
12:00 PM	Fire Service Law Update John Rukavina, Director, Public Safety Service, Wake County, Raleigh, NC CATEGORY: FIRE LAW In 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court closed out its season with Ricci v. DeStefano. But the law never sleeps. Ricci has been followed by a significant number of court decisions that directly affect firefighters and fire departments. The objective of Fire Service Law Update is to provide firefighters and fire officers with the latest on fire service law, including discussion of new information on the legal side of firehouse social networking, image-sharing and related technologies, new cases that continue to redefine firefighter hiring and promotion practices, and the latest on free speech in the firehouse.
12:00 PM	First Due Size-Up Reports for Company Officers Leonard Carmichael, Jr., Battalion Fire Chief,, Trenton Division of Fire & Emergency Services Department, NJ FD CATEGORY: COMPANY OFFICER TRAINING This course covers the initial on-scene size-up for the first arriving officer at all incidents that they respond to and sets up the framework for the entire fireground experience from assessing the incident scene arrival information and setting up an IMS organization. Thru lecture and individual scenario assessment, the student will use a systematic mental checklist using the CASH acronym, (Command, Actions, Size-Up, and Help) for on-scene size-up reports which can be used at all incidents. Topics include the establishment of command, the 13 point size-up factors, actions of the first due companies, and additional resources that will be needed; a plus for promotional exams.
12:00 PM	High-Rise Firefighting Part One: Reverting Back to the Basics Curtis Massey, Massey and Associates, Virginia, Beach, VA CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS Choosing the correct air supply, hose and nozzle is a must and what you currently use may be the wrong equipment for the job. What kind of fire flows are you REALLY achieving coming off standpipes? How much "operational air" do you REALLY have? Are you REALLY operating elevators correctly in Phase 2 override? (Over 95% of firefighters are doing things unsafely and incorrectly.) Do you REALLY understand how to feed a building's water supply system? The best methods of establishing lobby command; gaining control over the FCC and building occupants; choosing the correct "attack" and "search/evacuation" stairwells; best methods of deploying the initial attack line and back-up line; why tracking the path of deadly CO while the fire assault is underway is so important. Why do so many multiple-fatality fires involve victims far removed from the fire floor? Can you have serious fires in modern "fully sprinklered" buildings? (YES) This class reinforces the basics in ways most departments completely overlook and studies why things go terribly awry because of key issues easily missed.
12:00 PM	Know Your Crew and Build a Better Team Kimberly Alyn, Best-Selling Author International Fire Service Speaker CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP Teambuilding in the fire service is more important than any other industry. Understanding the people you work with in the fire service is the first step to building better teams. This humorous and insightful session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to understand why you get along so well with some people and butt heads with others. Topics will include: understanding social style in your teams, why certain people annoy you, why you annoy others, and how to adapt to get along with anyone. This session is appropriate for all levels in the fire service.
12:00 PM	Lightweight/New Construction and it's Effects on the Fire Service Michael M. Dugan, Captain, FDNY, Ladder Company 123 CATEGORY: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Every fire department in America is seeing an influx of lightweight construction. Are you ready to fight a fire in one of these buildings? Do you know the risk and the dangers? If not then this class might help your department.
12:00 PM	Responding to Everyday Emergencies Mickey Conboy, Lieutenant, FDNY CATEGORY: SPECIALIZED RESCUE Firefighters across the country respond to an increasing number of rescue emergencies each year. Learn invaluable lessons from recent incidents such as workers buried in a trench and tanks, children impaled on fences and occupants trapped in a building collapse.
12:00 PM	Structural Collapse Rescue Operations Fred LaFemina, Battalion Chief, Rescue Operations, FDNY , FEMA/USAR Task Force Leader NY-TF1 CATEGORY: COLLAPSE This class will cover the methods and techniques used at structural building collapse operations in any type of structure at any place in the USA. Study the issues, problems, concerns, and remedies when operating at these incidents. Review case studies of actual collapse operations that have occurred in NYC.
12:00 PM	Teaching & Interacting With Children and Adults Who Have Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities Bill Cannata, Captain, Westwood FD, Westwood, MA CATEGORY: LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION This workshop will provide fire and life safety educators and first responders with an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Growth rates, theories, common characteristics, effective communication methods, and some practical skills on how to effectively interact and teach this audience will be discussed. Capt. Cannata will provide information on how first responders and educators can recognize an individual with ASD, and discuss how actual incidents were handled. Bill will also discuss the unique learning styles of children with ASD, common components of effective teaching programs, and how to use these techniques to teach safety skills to children and adults with ASD.
12:00 PM	The Truck Boss: From the Firehouse to the Fire Floor Robert Pressler, Lieutenant (ret.), FDNY CATEGORY: TRUCK OPERATIONS This class takes a look at the Ladder Company Officer and the operations of a Ladder Company. Starting in the firehouse, personnel concerns, riding positions, tool assignments, and training are all covered. Once on the street, the class looks at responses, operations, and company management. Using the inside/outside team concept, staffing levels from as little as 3 to a full crew of 6 will be covered.
12:00 PM	To Go or Not to Go: Fireground Decision Making Robert Moran, Chief, Englewood, NJ FD, John Lewis, Lieutenant, Training and Safety Division Passaic, NJ FD CATEGORY: INCIDENT COMMAND This session will provide an interactive forum designed to discuss and define the key relationships strategy and tactics, street-wise size-up, and risk benefit analysis have on the critical first few minutes of structural firefighting operations.
12:00 PM	View From The Street-The First 20 Minutes Richard J. Blatus, Battalion Chief, FDNY CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS It's the middle of the night. Your pager goes off -- reporting smoke from a dwelling in a remote area of town. What runs through your mind as you rush to get to the scene? What information have you gathered? If you arrive first, what actions will you take to establish safe and effective operational tactics? This scenario-based program is designed to provide the students with the opportunity to direct fireground operations based on information gathered from the transmission of the alarm. What could/should you rely on if you are unable to obtain the information you need to make safe/sound operational decisions?
July 23, 2010
8:30 AM	Cast a Web on Maintenance Chris Magiera, Assistant Chief, Algoma FD, WI, VP of Sales, FirePrograms Software Roger Sutton, VP, FirePrograms Software, Beverly Hills, FL CATEGORY: MECHANICS Learn how your Records Management Software (RMS) can automatically keep your apparatus, equipment and department operations "in sync" through the use of Machine to Machine (M2M), wireless internet and embedded apparatus web server technologies. This new technology will be explained and demonstrated utilizing data collected from apparatus fielded across the U.S. Learn how your agency can benefit from rapid web access to vehicle operation, performance, vehicle data recorder and critical maintenance information. This dynamic presentation will review the practical aspects and application of this embedded internet technology using live vehicle data.
8:30 AM	Company & Command Cohesion – “Are We on the Same Page?” Jeff Seaton, Department & Recruit Academy Instructor, San Jose, CA FD CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP Today's command officers and line companies often lack cohesion. Command officers are inundated with special projects, administrative duties and personnel issues. Therefore, interaction between the company and command staff is often limited to actual emergency responses. This program is designed to bring cohesion between the company and command staff, regarding fireground operations.
8:30 AM	Elevator Emergencies Tony Tricarico, Captain (ret.), FDNY, Squad Company 252 CATEGORY: SPECIALIZED RESCUE This classroom presentation will provide attendees with the basics and terminology of elevator emergencies. The differences and similarities of two basic types of elevators will be discussed: wire hoist and pneumatic. Specifics will include: construction, site safety hazards, steel and wire supports, interlock devices, hoist way door operations, lock-out tag-out procedures, how to gain entry without doing any damage and how to locate an elevator and use the two phases of elevator recall.
8:30 AM	Engine Company Standpipe Operations David M. McGrail, District Chief, Denver FD, CO CATEGORY: ENGINE OPERATIONS Quickly and efficiently placing a handline in operation off a standpipe is one of the most important jobs the engine company will perform. Because standpipe operations are low frequency high hazard events, the engine company must be well prepared, both mentally and physically, for these demanding operations. This interactive workshop will provide attendees with a strong foundation, upon which to build a successful standpipe operation. The recommended tools associated with "proper weapon selection", standard operating procedures, and various types of hoseline (standpipe) stretches will be addressed. Attendees will leave armed with quality information that will help them take their respective organization to the next level.
8:30 AM	Fatal LA Freight Train vs. Commuter Train Joe Castro, Battalion Chief , Commander, Tactical Training Section Los Angeles, CA FD CATEGORY: MASS CASUALTY In September, 2008 a Metrolink passenger train carrying 225 commuters from Downtown Los Angeles crashed into a Union Pacific freight train on a sharp curve in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles, killing 25 passengers and seriously injuring over 100. You'll hear firsthand the account of the first LAFD Chief Officer to arrive at the actual train location. Battalion Chief Joe Castro was the Operations Section Chief supervising all tactical operations in the initial action operation period. Chief Castro's presentation will focus on the case study itself, first arriving officers responsibilities relative to establishing an ICS structure to handle a profound Multi-Casualty Incident, and Unified Command concepts.
8:30 AM	FDNY: Changing the Safety Culture Stephen Raynis, Chief of Safety, FDNY CATEGORY: SAFETY The presentation will demonstrate the measures being taken by the FDNY to help change the safety culture in the department. Two safety programs implemented in the FDNY include an Injury Reduction Program which focuses on personal health and wellness, realistic training, safe apparatus operations, building construction, PPE and the consequences a serious injury or LODD has on the firefighter's family, and an Accident Reduction Program that concentrates on apparatus accident prevention and driver safety. The presentation will also include how the partnership with the NFFF and the FDNY is helping to implement the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. Other initiatives that are helping change the safety culture in the FDNY include Safety webpage accessed via computer kiosks installed in firehouses throughout the department. These computers will provide firefighters and officers access to the FDNY's Safety Command web page as well as internet access to the Everyone Goes Home, Firefighter Close Call, National Near Miss site, the Secret List and more.
8:30 AM	Firefighter Survival, Close Calls and LODD's: Responding to and Operating at Single Family Dwellilng Fires - What Went Wrong? Billy Goldfeder, Deputy Fire Chief, Loveland-Symmes, OH FD, Contributing Editor Firehouse Magazine CATEGORY: SAFETY 3-Hour Class Without question, the most "common" fire response most of us do is to simple single family dwelling fires. Well, at least that's what we often think. After all, it's "just" a simple, single family house fire. What could go wrong? From pre-plan to training...to dispatch, to response, to size-up, staffing and operations, each of these items in the "fire time line" can be the weakest link unless we plan ahead and LEARN from past firefighter injury and death. Join Chief Billy Goldfeder for an extremely in-depth look at the facts that lead to serious injuries as well as line of duty deaths...at seemingly "simple" single family dwelling fires-that turned out to be ANYTHING but simple.
8:30 AM	Firefighting Operations in Basements and Cellars Michael Daley, Lieutenant/Training Officer, Monroe Twp, NJ, Fire District #3 and Rescue Specialist, NJ-TF1 CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS One of the most dangerous assignments is the area above a fire. Basement and cellar fires expose a firefighter directly to the dangers and hazards associated with these assignments. More firefighters are killed and injured battling cellar fires than operating at fires involving any upper floor fire. This class is designed to aid the first arriving company in operating safely at an incident involving a basement or cellar.
8:30 AM	Gas Detectors for Dummies Various Manufacturers CATEGORY: GAS DETECTORS In a continuing series of workshops with fire equipment manufacturers, we are proud to present a compilation of manufacturers that will be on hand to address their individual types of gas detectors: how they work, what gases they detect, how you can utilize them to their full extent and understand all of the technology that is built into them for varying types of responses. All your questions will be answered.
8:30 AM	HazMat IQ – First Responder Operations (FRO) Cris Aguirre, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, HMIQ Joe Gorman, Co-Founder & Co-Owner, HMIQ CATEGORY: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS This presentation will teach firefighters a system of how to respond safely to hazardous material incidents by addressing mission-specific competencies through the use of monitoring instruments. Developed by firefighters for firefighters, this session will also cover the clues of placards, labels, and container shapes and how they can assist with selecting appropriate tactics and evaluating risk. HazMat IQ - FRO will also show how turnouts, SCBA, and monitoring instruments can handle a majority of the hazmat emergencies that occur in your community. Attendees will be amazed at the simplicity of this system and the immediate benefit of its usage once they return home.
8:30 AM	How to Excel at Fire Service Promotional Exams Steve Prziborowski, Battalion Chief, Santa Clara County, CA FD CATEGORY: CAREER ADVANCEMENT This session will assist fire service personnel specifically prepare for their upcoming promotional exam. Participants will be exposed to and offered key points for the most common events within a fire service promotional process: the written exam, the oral interview, the personnel problem, the oral presentation, and the emergency simulation.
8:30 AM	Implementing National Incident Management System (NIMS) for Fires in Single Family Dwellings Leonard Carmichael, Jr., Battalion Fire Chief, Trenton Division of Fire & Emergency Services Department, NJ FD CATEGORY: INCIDENT COMMAND This course covers the knowledge, skills, and abilities, needed to show the students how to manage resources at a structural fire using the NIMS. Scenario based learning will give the student a game plan for resource management during a structural firefighting situation. Thru lecture and many group scenario assessments, the student will develop organization charts using NIMS. Topics include introduction to NIMS, command and general staff positions with an emphasis placed on managing fires in single family dwellings.
8:30 AM	MAYDAY for Mental Health Patrick J. Kenny, Deputy Fire Chief, Western Springs, IL, FD CATEGORY: MENTAL HEALTH The National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation's Life Safety Initiative #13 states that "Firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support." This presentation deals with the challenge of addressing mental health challenges in the fire service and the lack of "tools" to deal with these challenges.
8:30 AM	Thirty Years of Emergency Service Vehicle Training – What Have We Learned? Dr. William F. Jenaway, Chief (ret.), King of Prussia, PA Volunteer Fire Company; Executive Vice President of VFIS CATEGORY: EMERGENCY VEHICLE RESPONSE VFIS Emergency Vehicle Driver Training Program has been used over 30 years, in every state, with tens of thousands of vehicle operators trained. Much has been learned about operator behavior, vehicle design and construction impact, and the influence of accidents and regulations. Learn from the experts what we have learned.
8:30 AM	Understanding the U.S. Fire Problem: A 360 Degree View Michael Love, Division Chief & Fire Marshal, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, MD Division of Community Risk Reduction Services CATEGORY: LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION Investigations have become very much centered only on fire origin and cause. After determining the origin and cause many fire investigation units then are either satisfied with having completed the investigation or as circumstances dictate move in a criminal investigative direction. The 360 Fire Evaluation includes all the usual requirements of a fire investigation but also begins to look at many other factors to attempt to solve the fire problem as opposed to just solving the cause of an individual fire. It also brings in the whole range of resources to understand the fire including code enforcement, engineering and public education. Police departments throughout the U.S. have been using a much more finite and intense process to analyze vehicle collision over the last 20 years. The 360 Fire Evaluation uses the same principle of an all out effort to pin point and document what really causes fires. This process may meet resistance as it is not yet well known. For more information or to answer questions please contact Mike Love at (301) 633-8511, or by email at bbl_44@msn.com.
8:30 AM	View From The Street-Commercial Building Operations Richard Blatus, Battalion Chief, FDNY CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS Decisions made by the incident commander are based on the information provided from the company officers and firefighters inside of the structure. Commercial buildings complete with complex floor plans, unreported renovations, and in some cases large open areas, often present some of the most difficult operations for the incident commander. What information is paramount? What should you be looking for? Discuss the hazards, obstacles, and potential dangers present in commercial occupancies and how they will impact the operational decisions made by the incident commander.
10:15 AM	Aerial Ladder & Tower Ladder Placement and Operation Mike Wilbur, Lieutenant, FDNY, Tom Shand, Contributing Editor, Firehouse Magazine CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS Topics covered will be the characteristics and operating features of rear-mount, tractor drawn aerials, platforms and quint apparatus. Special emphasis will be made on truck company placement for various types of occupancies, rescue and life safety strategies and tactical work of quint apparatus. Finally strategies and tactics will be discussed in the operation of and proper position of aerial ladders and tower ladders and how to successfully deploy both at the scene of a fire. Students will then employ this knowledge in a series of outside hands on demonstrations.
10:15 AM	Chiefs Commissioners Panel James Clack, Fire Chief, Baltimore, MD FD, Alvin Benson, Fire Chief, Memphis, TN Mark McLees, Fire Chief, Syracuse, NY CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP This session is open to all attendees who want to hear what chiefs and commissioners from across the US have to say about important topics concerning today's fire service.
10:15 AM	Developing Great Leadership in the Fire Service Kimberly Alyn, Best-Selling Author, International Fire Service Speaker CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP Leadership issues are not just for the chiefs and company officers. Great leadership needs to be developed all the way to the front line. When you take care of the leadership development in your department, you will take care of most other issues as well. This session is for all levels in the fire service and will cover important topics like real leadership versus positional leadership, taking responsibility, how to get people to want to follow, raising morale in the department, and developing your future leaders.
10:15 AM	Firefighters Charged with Manslaughter!! Curt Varone, Director, Fire Service Division, LLRMI CATEGORY: LIABILITY Firefighters criminally charged with manslaughter. It sounds unbelievable and is enough to unnerve even the toughest among us that firefighters who have devoted their lives to saving others could be charged with such a serious criminal offense for a line of duty action. Chiefs, officers, instructors, apparatus drivers, and even fire inspectors have been charged, and in some cases convicted of manslaughter. How can this happen? Is it a new trend? Are you at risk? This informative lecture will look at a number of actual cases and common scenarios that have given rise to manslaughter charges against firefighters.
10:15 AM	Fireground Strategies: Private Dwellings Anthony Avillo, Deputy Chief, North Hudson Regional, NJ Fire & Rescue CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS This course covers various types of private dwellings from both a fire spread and structural problem viewpoint. Also discussed are both firefighting concerns and life safety concerns inherent in this type occupancy. Strategic considerations and interior fire control factors are discussed, with the point of entry rule of thumb explained in detail to assist the fire and command officer in proper decision-making on the fireground. Engine and Ladder Company tactics are discussed as well as tactical considerations common to these occupancies.
10:15 AM	Fitness for Your Crew Rich Meyer, Firefighter, Nashua, NH Fire Rescue and CSCS CATEGORY: FITNESS Training at the company level is a necessity in the fire service. So why should fitness at the company level be any different? Fitness facilities at firehouses are just as varied as fitness programs. However, this seminar will discuss how a company can get fit together in a short amount of time in any facility. We'll discuss ideas on circuit training, cardiovascular exercise, and nutritional choices to keep your company healthy and fit.
10:15 AM	Haiti Earthquake Discussion Panel Larry Collins, Battalion Chief, USAR Task Force 103, LA County F, Joe Downey, Battalion Chief, FDNY, Task Force 1 Dave Downey, Battalion Chief, Miami-Dade Fire & Rescue Dept CATEGORY: MASS CASUALTY The intent of this panel session is to consider the potential for a Haiti level earthquake (or other cause) catastrophe that levels buildings and traps people for many miles, exceeding the normal levels of response capability. One goal is to improve understanding among firefighters about the challenges posed by widespread collapse disasters, and how to deal with them at the first responder/and USAR team/Rescue Company level. The emphasis of this panel session will include discussion of strategy and tactics, equipment, structure triage, wide-area search, sustained rescue operations in a disaster setting, and other operational issues "on the ground" in major disasters of this nature.
10:15 AM	House Fires - Common Fireground Mistakes Robert Pressler, Lieutenant (ret.), FDNY CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS This class, through the use of both PowerPoint and videos, examines our everyday fires and some of the recurring mistakes that lead to unsafe and inefficient operations. The class will identify the problems and will offer possible solutions to help address your everyday operational problems.
10:15 AM	NFPA #1911-Apparatus Maintenance, Documentation & Records Ben Brown, Head Mechanic, Lisle-Woodridge, IL, Fire District Al Conkle, Territory Manager, FoamPro and Captain, Lake Township CATEGORY: MECHANICS Once the new apparatus is delivered and accepted, NFPA 1901 goes away and the normal service, tests and checks fall under NFPA 1911, The Standard for Inspection, Maintenance, Testing and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus. This program will outline what 1911 covers, how you can get the most benefit from following the recommendations in 1911 and what records you should be keeping to be able to compare performance from year to year. Also, our speakers will discuss the importance of record keeping especially when determining the possible causes for an accident.
10:15 AM	Passenger Rail Emergencies: A Comprehensive Look at Passenger Rail Systems and the Potential They Pose to First Responders Al Mullins, Battalion Chief, Fairfax County, VA FD, Jim Forgo, Battalion Chief Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, VA CATEGORY: RAIL EMERGENCIES This presentation will look at what can happen when a passenger rail emergency occurs. Many fire departments in the United States have railroads that run through their areas of responsibility. In this presentation, we will give them a look at what they can expect if that nightmare event occurs.
10:15 AM	Start Safe-A Report on Progress and Challenges in Advancing Family Fire Safety for Our Youngest Children Angela Mickalide, Ph.D., CHES, Director of Education and Outreach Home Safety Council CATEGORY: LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION A new Home Safety Council resource for community education funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Come learn how to partner with Head Start and other preschools to implement this free, highly-received, well-evaluated program in your own community. In addition, the Expert Network Academy, an online injury prevention course for fire and life safety educators, also will be showcased at this workshop.
10:15 AM	The Engine Company Officer from the Firehouse to the Fire Floor Timothy J. Klett, Lieutenant, FDNY Engine 88 CATEGORY: ENGINE OPERATIONS This lecture will cover the day-to-day duties of the company officer from training and breaking in new members to actual fireground decision making. It extensively covers how we come about our decisions and how we implement them into sound fireground strategies.
10:15 AM	VES-Ventilation, Entry and Search Mickey Conboy, Lieutenant, FDNY CATEGORY: VENTILATION Three vital functions must be performed on the fireground in America today. This class will discuss in detail these essential firefighting functions and how they are linked together and should be performed. Using a multimedia presentation we will show how you can successfully save lives or contribute to serious injuries and death to civilians and firefighters.
10:15 AM	“It Takes More than Plastic Fire Hats!” Taking Public Education to Another Level Daniel Byrne, Lieutenant, Fire Marshal, Beaufort FD, SC CATEGORY: LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION The sharp decline in fires and fire deaths we enjoyed in the 1970s has stopped; in fact, overall residential fires are again on the rise. Society has evolved, along with how we learn and what we value, yet many departments continue to approach fire prevention the same as they did over three decades ago. This program is designed to get students rethinking their department's current approach to public education, as well as "outside the box" thinking and ideas to developing new programs and finding new non-traditional partners to make your public outreach more dynamic and effective, along with reshaping the fire service's message to influence change. If you want to do more for fire prevention than hand out plastic fire hats, this is the class for you.
12:00 PM	Common Threads in Firefighter Tragedies - MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY! Richard Bowers, Fire Chief, Montgomery Cty, MD, Jennie Collins, Battalion Chief, Prince William County, VA CATEGORY: SAFETY The transmission of those three words sends a chill down every incident commander, officer, and firefighter's spine. Too many firefighters are injured and killed in the line of duty during operations at single and multi-family dwelling structure fires. What commonalities emerge when these types of incidents are reviewed? What can the industry learn from this? Firefighter injuries and line of duty deaths need to be examined to understand what has happened, what is occurring, and what can be done to try and prevent additional firefighter tragedies. Common Threads in Tragedy will be an interactive review of six fire incidents that occurred at single family homes and multi-family dwellings where firefighters were engaged in fire attack, as well as search and rescue operations.
12:00 PM	Connecting the Pieces of Firefighter Safety and Fire Safety Education…Is Our Culture Killing Us? William D. Hayes, National Advocate Program Manager , NFFF and Dir of Public Infor and Com Affairs For the DC Fire and EMS CATEGORY: LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION Every year in the United States, the fire service encounters approximately one hundred firefighter line of duty deaths, and in most cases, these deaths are preventable. While we tend to focus our attention on operational issues on the fire ground that may have lead to this tragedy, we overlook the cause of the event that initiated the response. This presentation will examine the culture towards prevention and the many factors as to why it may exist, as well as discuss how fire and injury prevention may be the answer to making a significant reduction in firefighter line of duty deaths and injuries. In the end, we must ask ourselves if our culture truly is killing us and is the fire service prepared to make a culture change?
12:00 PM	Economics 101: FD - $$$ = ??? Don Abbott, Owner, Command Emergency Response Training CATEGORY: INNOVATIVE FUNDING This program will examine the issues facing many departments: loss of funds, people, equipment and stations. What do we do with the money we have? Where do we go from here?
12:00 PM	Firefighting Ethanol-Blended Fuel Incidents Joel Hendelman, Battalion Chief (ret.), City of Fairfax FD, VA Richard Miller, Captain, Fairfax, VA FD CATEGORY: ETHANOL OPERATIONS This session will provide an overview of the Northern Virginia approach to flammable-liquid firefighting and the mitigation of an ethanol-blended fuel incident. Attendees will review current information regarding ethanol and its effect on available flammable-liquid firefighting foam concentrates. Students will review the process of determining resource needs and developing an action plan to mitigate a spill or fire involving ethanol blended flammable liquids.
12:00 PM	Fireground Orientation - The Most Critical Skill John J. Salka, Jr., Battalion Chief, FDNY CATEGORY: TRAINING Take a look at the firefighter fatalities for any given year and you will find that there are many different causes of death listed. Even when you examine the NIOSH firefighter fatality investigation reports you will see numerous causes of death including smoke inhalation, thermal burns and crushing injuries. If you take an even more careful look at these reports you will also see that many of them begin with a statement such as "A 40 year old male career firefighter dies after becoming lost inside a commercial building..." One of the most common denominators concerning firefighters that die inside burning buildings is that they get lost! Once you are lost, then you run out of air and die. Or get trapped in an area that flashes over and you die. Or before you can find your way out, the building falls down and you die. Getting lost, or staying orientated is the MOST IMPORTANT SKILL for interior structural firefighters. Join FDNY Battalion Chief John Salka as he describes his fireground orientation training program which includes skills such as "counting the corners" and "mapping the room" and how it can increase you chances of survival at your next structural fire.
12:00 PM	High-Rise Firefighting Part Two: Understanding the Theater of Operations Curtis Massey, Massey and Associates, Virginia, Beach, VA CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS Breaking down the complexity of base building systems and how best to use them to your advantage; reviewing core and stairwell configurations; smoke towers (how they can work both for and against you); tenant stairs (how they can fool the alarm and smoke purge systems); raised floors (the fire may be beneath you); understanding the vital importance of managing "stack effect"; addressing dewatering issues; best methods of removing smoke if HVAC systems won't; setting up the staging floor - what goes there?; alternative communications sources; wind-driven fires; atrium fires; a study of Curtis' own Rapid Ascent Team concept; brand-new Stairwell Tactical Unit, Lobby Intel Unit and Systems Specialist concepts; and cutting edge ideas in firefighter safety and survival if trapped on an upper floor with no air.
12:00 PM	Improving Response and Roadway Safety in the Police and Fire Services Mike Wieder, Assistant Director, IFSTA/Fire Protection Publication Oklahoma State University CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CATEGORY: SAFETY Law enforcement officers and fire service personnel face very similar challenges in terms of response and roadway scene safety. Much research has been done on this topic by each discipline, but the results have typically not been shared between the two. This presentation will highlight a project that was jointly funded by the USFA and the U.S. Department of Justice and was performed by the IAFF whose main goal was to bring together information on these important issues from the fire and police disciplines into one place. Information that will be addressed in this presentation includes response procedures, vehicle conspicuity, incident management procedures, and avoiding police and fire service conflicts at the incident scene.
12:00 PM	Keep 'Em Safe: Shave Every Day - The Chief Officer's Approach to Incident Safety John Sullivan, Deputy Chief, Worcester FD, Worcester, MA CATEGORY: SAFETY This is an entertaining look into the chief's role in modeling safe behaviors. Deputy Chief John F. Sullivan leads this interactive session with a light-hearted approach to develop the quality of honest self appraisal. Accountability and safety begins and ends with personal responsibility. This class will challenge officers of all ranks to become more aware of how their every day actions and inactions can translate into a safer fireground, and ultimately reduce the likelihood of injury or death on the fireground.
12:00 PM	Managing Your Fleet Repairs: Preventative Maintenance in Today's Economy Moderator: Tom Shand, Contributing Editor, Firehouse Magazine Invited Speakers: Donn Gutshall, Superintendent, Fleet Division, Hampden Township, Mechanicsburg, PA; Ed Rice, Captain, DCFD; Daniel Benedetti, Prince George's County, MD CATEGORY: MECHANICS In today's economy it is more important than ever to "keep your fleet on the street" with adequate preventative maintenance and testing of your apparatus. Life cycle replacements will increase under budget restrictions and the panel of Maintenance and Apparatus Supervisors will discuss their strategies for coping with reduced resources to maintain their fleets of units.
12:00 PM	Matchbox City Allen Baldwin, Chief, Gettysburg, PA FD CATEGORY: PREPLANNING Students will be shown how to develop and use basic table top scenario based training for their department. They will be given the chance to play out various response scenarios in a table top atmosphere. Incidents will range from single resource responses to multijurisdictional responses using various levels of the command structure including unified command. Skills and topics will include command, communications, vehicle placement, tactical decision making, operations coordination, patient triaging, EOC operations, command and control of a variety of incidents and incident related activities. Students will be required to make quick on the scene decisions to prepare them for life out on the street. Other audio visual aids will be used to help create the atmosphere.
12:00 PM	New Apparatus: Be Sure Your Body Has What You Need! Bob Barraclough, President, The Best Fire Apparatus Resource, Plano, TX Alan Saulsbury, President, Fire Spec Services, Inc., Homer, NY CATEGORY: PURCHASING Body material, body designs and the dress out are important parts of your apparatus specifications. The presenters will explain the "pros" and "cons" of galvaneel, aluminum, stainless steel, GRP and plastic material, what options you should consider with compartmentation, shelving, lighting and how the major components should be placed for maximum safety, balance and usage. You need to see this fast moving Power Point to understand how all of the above will impact dealers, manufacturers and fire departments.
12:00 PM	Operations at Private Dwelling Fires by First Due Fire Companies Michael M. Dugan, Captain, FDNY, Ladder Company 123 CATEGORY: PRIVATE DWELLINGS This class is a review of the jobs of both the engine and truck company at fires in private dwellings. These are our most common fires and yet we are still losing firefighters at them. This class will review operations and studenst will learn about common mistakes made during fires in private dwellings.
12:00 PM	The Engine Company Essentials Dan Shaw, Captain, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Doug Mitchell, Lieutenant, FDNY CATEGORY: ENGINE OPERATIONS This dynamic and interactive program will discuss the most vital unit on the fireground, the Engine Company. While the ultimate job of getting water to the fire has not changed, building construction, staffing levels, and much of our equipment has changed. This presentation will teach sound tactics and tips for success in the modern day Engine Company.
12:00 PM	Where are You and Where do You Want to Go? Russell Merrick, BPS, EMT, Captain , Rochester, NY FD CATEGORY: CAREER ADVANCEMENT This program is intended to help the student determine where they are right now within the fire service and what the future might have in store for them. Fire chiefs are looking at their departments and saying, "We want our officers to have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in supervisory, management, administrative and executive positions." Is this where you're heading and will you be successful? Better yet, will you be prepared? This course will identify some of the areas that our future leaders are going to have to know if they really want to be successful.
12:00 PM	Winching Operations for Rescuers Billy Leach Jr., Developer and Sr. Presenter, BIG RIG RESCUE™ CATEGORY: SPECIALIZED RESCUE Suppose you're facing a big rig that has struck an auto and needs to be moved to perform extrication. Will your winch do the job? Is any of the winching gear overloaded beyond its WLL? Most rescue squads are equipped with a winch, however it is used infrequently. This can lead to dangerous operations when winching actually occurs, due to a lack of knowledge. This presentation will begin with the basics such as types and power systems for winches and progress to calculating resistances and determining the lines to the load, plus the use of snatch blocks. It is an effort towards improving the safety of everyone operating during a winching job. Learn how to use the tools you already possess safely and effectively when you attend this offering.
12:00 PM	“Turbo Charge” Your Citizens Emergency Response Team Mark R. Nugent, Battalion Chief, Director of Community Relations, C. E. “Gene” Reams, Paramedic Battalion Chief/Division Commander Chesterfield, VA, Department of Fire & EMS CATEGORY: LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION Simply stated, the impact on your community from acts of nature is directly affected by your geographic location across our great nation. Subsequently, the activity seen by your Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) is directly proportional. Where Chesterfield County, VA, has the potential of east coast hurricanes, as well as an occasional snow storm, beyond this, we are blessed with mild weather. This lack of activity can have a negative affect on maintaining the interest and usefulness of your organization's CERT team. Chesterfield, VA, Department of Fire and EMS, is working to turn this trend around, as they have "Turbo Charged" a portion of their CERT team to be utilized throughout the year, as opposed to waiting for a tsunami that may never occur. CERT members are receiving additional training in areas such as fire and life safety public education, smoke detector installation, logistical assistance and operations division assistance.
July 24, 2010
8:30 AM	A Progress Report: Charleston, SC Fire Department “Culture of Change ” Pete Piringer, Director Public Information & Chief Spokesperson , DC Fire & EMS Department, Washington, D.C. Mark Ruppel, Public Information Officer and Emergency Manager, CATEGORY: PIO Immediately following the June 18, 2007 tragic Sofa Super Store fire, Pete Piringer, a member of the Post Incident Assessment and Review Team, was instantly involved in assisting with media relations for the City of Charleston FD. As the community and media focused on the aftermath and resulting fallout of the fire, one of the first recommendations was the need for a Public Information Officer. Mark Ruppel was hired for the position in October of 2007. At the time, the department was under a national microscope and changes were developing at an astonishing rate of speed, including the appointment of a new fire chief, training officer, operations chief, plus development of new procedures and implementation of dozens of other recommendations many of which were brought forward by the Post Incident Assessment and Review team. Listen as Pete and Mark walk you through the first year or so of media relations both at the national and local levels and at the same time get a firsthand account of the extraordinary and ongoing progress.
8:30 AM	Apparatus Rebuilding: Is this the Answer to Your Replacement Problem? Mike Wilbur, Lieutenant, FDNY, Tom Shand, Contributing Editor, Firehouse Magazine CATEGORY: PURCHASING This program will review the cost advantages of apparatus rebuilding, review the NPFA 1912 standard on rebuilding and explain the life cycle costs to help your department decide whether rebuilding is the right program for your department to consider.
8:30 AM	Are WE weakening our own Fire Service? Walter Lewis, Lieutenant, Orlando, FL FD CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP As today's fire service works to provide a safer and better work environment, some misguided attention is being focused on the safety aspect of firefighting and directing it away from the core missions of our expected duties. This presentation will bring forth challenging thoughts and consideration of where the American fire service is headed and what potential direction is needed.
8:30 AM	Emergency Service Reputational Risk Dr. William F. Jenaway, Chief (ret.), King of Prussia, PA Volunteer Fire Company; Executive Vice President of VFIS CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP "Reputational Risk" is a developing area of real world problems for emergency service organizations. Whether created by harassment situations, financial mismanagement, substance abuse, media mis-management, computer security, or something else, the areas of people management, policy implementation, training, supervision, and discipline become critical business components for fire departments to implement.
8:30 AM	Extinguishing the Flames of Liability (aka: Top Ten Ways to Keep Your Firefighters Alive, Yourself out of Jail and Your Department out of Negative Headlines) Bill Tricarico, Fire Commissioner, Cortland, NY FD; Director of Loss Control Services for McNeil & Company Emergency Services Insurance Program David Denniston, Loss Control Training Specialist, McNeil & Company Insurance, Cortland, NY and Executive Director, National FARMEDIC Training Program CATEGORY: LIABILITY An alarming number of firefighters across the country are being charged, injured or even killed while performing duties which were intended to protect the public. This fast paced multi-media seminar will explore fire service leaders' roles in protecting our firefighters and EMT's. Fire service leaders also have an obligation to the firefighters to provide a safe working environment and to the public to protect the interests of the tax payers and to limit liability that may be imposed on the district or department. The no holds barred seminar will review the leading causes of injury, death and liability issues facing fire service organizations and provide sample policies and procedures to help limit these exposures.
8:30 AM	Fire Fighter Near Miss: A Tool to Enhance Training and Improve the Safety Culture in Your Fire Department John B. Tippett, Jr., Deputy Chief of Operations,, Charleston FD, SC CATEGORY: TRAINING The target audience of this presentation is company officers, training officers and safety officers - the change agents of the fire service. However, firefighters and chief officers will benefit from the cultural assessment, exposure to the concept of Near Miss and the tie-in to enhancing training and safety through the use of www.firefighternearmiss.com. The relevance here is emphasis on modifying risk-taking behaviors, and improving experience and knowledge through lessons taught by living firefighters that submitted near-miss reports. A second relevant point is the value of using best practices since many near-miss reports reinforce how best practices minimized risk and exposure to injury. The target audience will get to walk through the system with the presenter as they assess their own cultural norms, saving them valuable time when the attendees get on the system themselves. Presented materials will include: interactive and visually stimulating PowerPoint, a brief overview of a free software package that can be downloaded and used to create computer imaged reproductions of near-miss reports and a copy of the PowerPoint presentation in notes form.
8:30 AM	Flammable Liquids: Firefighting Operations with Less than 50 Gallons of Foam Concentrate Richard Miller, Captain, Fairfax, VA FD CATEGORY: FOAM OPERATIONS This session will be conducted as an open forum to discuss the challenges facing responders given the real world issues of limited foam supply. Emphasis will be placed on safety, quick foam size-up, operational modes, rapid intervention for flammable liquids incidents, and crew recourses management issues surrounding these type incidents. "Basic" foam incident command. Real incidents will be utilized to emphasize key points of the discussions.
8:30 AM	High-Rise Firefighting: East Meets West - Developing a Recipe for Success Gerald A. Tracy, Battalion Chief (ret.), FDNY David M. McGrail, District Chief, Denver FD, CO CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS 8:30 AM - 11:45 AM -- In this interactive workshop, Chiefs Tracy and McGrail will provide the groundwork for successful high-rise firefighting operations. Although Chief Tracy is from the east, and Chief McGrail is from the west, they are two like minded fire officers, who understand that there is a correct way to successfully combat a high-rise fire. Based on their collective experience, the instructors will address a wide range of high-rise firefighting strategy and tactics; from the critical components of fundamental Engine Company Standpipe Operations, to the more complex alternative strategies used during wind driven fires. There may be some subtle differences in their respective operations, but ultimately, attendees will be given a "recipe for success." Participants will have the opportunity to work through high-rise scenarios, provide solutions, and receive advice based on real world operations. Attendees of this workshop will leave energized and prepared for their next high-rise operation.
8:30 AM	How to Excel at Promotional Exams – The Fireground Simulation Exercise Steve Prziborowski, Battalion Chief, Santa Clara County, CA FD CATEGORY: CAREER ADVANCEMENT This session will provide numerous tips for success when faced with your next fireground simulation exercise. Learn how to go from just "checking the box" to being more organized and actually understanding what needs to be completed on the fireground, in a simulation and more importantly, in real life.
8:30 AM	Hybrid Vehicle Safety Train the Trainer Ron Shaw, Lt. (retired), Plymouth, MA FD; Doug Sato, Alternative Fuel Vehicle-Automotive Engineer, Toyota Motor Sales; and Craig Blake, Firefighter/Paramedic, Norton Fire Rescue Department, Norton, MA CATEGORY: AUTO EXTRICATION 3-Hour Class This class is designed for trainers, company officers and other personnel responsible for providing vehicle rescue information to responders and tow/wrecker personnel. The program includes a standalone model hybrid vehicle safety program as part of the student handouts on CD.
8:30 AM	L.A.C.K.(Leadership, Accountability, Culture, Knowledge) Ron Siarnicki, Fire Chief (ret.), Prince George County Fire/EMS CATEGORY: SAFETY Does your department LACK the "Right Stuff?" Is your department on the path to a Line of Duty Death? This compelling presentation by the National Fallen Firefighter Foundations examines the root causes of LODD's and the role of Leadership, Accountability, Culture and Knowledge as it impacts the end result.
8:30 AM	Leadership Challenges During Critical Events John Sullivan, Deputy Chief, Worcester FD, Worcester, MA CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP This interactive workshop focusing on the significant leadership obstacles faced by company officers and incident commanders at major incidents. We will focus on the early identification of those incidents which have "critical event" potential; techniques for gaining control and getting ahead of the decision-making curve, and the fundamentals of leadership that are needed to maintain command and control at all levels. Most "critical events" are once-in-a-career type incidents and all are beyond our normal scope of practice. Man-made and natural disaster events are a result of forces beyond our immediate control, yet others are the result of a seemingly "routine" incident gone horribly bad. This earnest and passionate dialogue will focus on those "routine" events that blossom out-of-control and often times lead to tragic consequences.
8:30 AM	The Return of Abbottville -- Is Your Community Ready for a Disaster? Don Abbott, Owner, Command Emergency Response Training CATEGORY: PREPLANNING 4-Hour Class: A dynamic tabletop scenario to help responders at all levels and positions, including fire, police, EMA, utilities, government officials and EMS, learn and practice the various roles and responsibilities needed to rescue the injured and restore order after a major disaster. (This class is limited to the first 40 students that arrive.)
8:30 AM	Working Together During a Disaster Ken Bouvier, NREMT-Paramedic, New Orleans EMS – Administrative Liaison New Orleans, LA CATEGORY: MASS CASUALTY Disasters are challenging for emergency responders. Having good emergency plans help, but when disasters strike it is hard to organize the chaos. Today there are programs designed to help responders control and command incidents. Incident Command System (ICS) and NIMS have been created as tools to help mitigate the incident. A Mass Casualty Incident is best described as an incident that places excessive demands on EMS personnel, equipment and the EMS system. Experienced Fire & EMS Commanders will tell you that you must have good communications. We will take a look at how the New Orleans Fire Department and New Orleans EMS worked together during Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina impacted the Gulf Coast of the United States including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. We will discuss how New Orleans Fire Department and New Orleans EMS worked together along with fire departments from across the U.S. that responded to offer assistance. We will show a unique slide show of the fires, rescues and EMS responses to thousands of people who were trapped in their homes by the flood that needed medical attention for injuries and illnesses. During this session we will discuss how the Incident Command System helped and we will also discuss how New Orleans had to adapt when the radio system failed because of the flood.
9:00 AM	National Junior Firefighter Academy – Junior Firefighters Session CATEGORY: JR FIREFIGHTER The National Volunteer Fire Council's (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program has partnered with Firehouse Expo, Spartan Motors, Inc. and California Casualty to provide a course specially developed for junior firefighters. Attendees will receive a curriculum packet, t-shirt, and complimentary one-year NVFC Junior Membership.(Limit: 75 students) * Special Welcome by Jeff Cash * National Junior Firefighter Program Overview with Rachel Higginbotham * Youth Leadership Panel with Michelle Carilli and Jay Stanton * Youth-Led Activity Ideas with Mike Barnett * Your Future in the Fire Service with Steve Carter, UMUC and Bob Timko * Fire Service Legislation for Youth with Dave Finger * Closing Remarks by Jeff Cash
9:00 AM	National Junior Firefighter Academy – Program Advisors Session CATEGORY: JR FIREFIGHTERS The National Volunteer Fire Council's (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program has partnered with Firehouse Expo, Spartan Motors, Inc. and California Casualty to provide a course specially developed for junior firefighter programs. Attendees will receive a curriculum packet and t-shirt. (Limit: 50 advisers) * Special Welcome by Mike Barnett (Elkridge VFD Program Advisor) * National Junior Firefighter Program Overview with Heather Schafer * Building Youth Leadership with Jeff Cash * Getting Youth Involved in the Legislative Process with Dave Finger * Activity Ideas with Mike Barnett * Publicity and Grants with Rachel Higginbotham and Jeff Cash * Closing Remarks by Mike Barnett
10:15 AM	Common Problems that Can Lead to Accidents, Overweight Apparatus, and Dangers Therein Mike Wilbur, Lieutenant, FDNY, Tom Shand, Contributing Editor, Firehouse Magazine Joe Sullivan, NE Regional Manager, Spartan Chassis, Inc CATEGORY: MECHANICS The NFPA 1911 Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus requires that each piece of emergency apparatus be weighted on an annual basis to insure its safe operation. Unfortunately there are many overweight apparatus operating in fire departments throughout the country. This program will cover some of the problem areas of overweight units and how to identify and correct the problem before an accident occurs.
10:15 AM	Company Level Training: Designing a Program to Fit Your Specific Needs Larry Manasco, Captain, Fort Worth FD, TX, Kelby Childers, FF, Tualatin Valley Fire Rescue, OR CATEGORY: TRAINING Walk through a step-by-step process to establish a training calendar for your shift based on the needs of your response area. Firefighters should train during every tour, but choosing the topics and the means to carry them out can often times be difficult. This class will cover the practical applications of training props and offer ideas for both quick and extensive training sessions.
10:15 AM	Drowning & Aquatic Injury Prevention and Management Gerald M. Dworkin, Consultant, Aquatics Safety & Water Rescue CATEGORY: WATER SAFETY This intensive and fast-paced session focuses on the prevention, recognition & management of drowning and aquatic injuries by fire, rescue and EMS personnel, including incident pre-planning, training and preparation of personnel, acquiring resources, public education strategies, collaboration with local lifeguard services, etc. NFPA 1670 Standard for Technical Rescue will be discussed as well as pre-planning for response to submerged vehicles, in-water domestic animal rescue incidents, ice rescue, flood rescue, etc. This session should be of interest and benefit to fire, rescue, EMS, and law enforcement personnel responsible for public safety & education, emergency response, or incident investigation. Affiliated with??Lifesaving Resources Inc., Harrisville, NH.
10:15 AM	Leading the Volunteers Michael Dallessandro, Director, Grand Island Fire Company, Erie County, NY Creator of “RESPONDSMART” Fire Apparatus Driver Safety Workshop CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP Today's all volunteer fire service is facing many challenges. Leaders of these organizations are going to have to wear many hats to keep these organizations heading in the right direction. This workshop will focus on key behavioral points of members that helped make our fire companies of yesteryear grow into the organizations they are today while at the same time identifying new behavioral patterns that are causing concerns for the future. Attendees will take home a positive message and teaching points about dedication to community service, proper behavior in the firehouse and in public, ethics, values and what it means to freely give of yourself to be a volunteer firefighter today.
10:15 AM	Medical Screening for the EMS Provider, Why Not Some Straight Talk Richard Bowers, Fire Chief, Montgomery Cty, MD Jennie Collins, Battalion Chief, Prince William County, VA CATEGORY: EMS Firefighters across the nation have national standards for fitness, health and safety that provide for annual medical screening, fitness evaluations, comprehensive lab screening, audiometry testing, ability testing, behavioral health support, vaccine/inoculations, and rehabilitation support. EMS providers across the nation are not being afforded the same opportunities and the risks and exposures are equally and routinely prevalent as to firefighters. Should there be medical, fitness, health and safety standards for EMS providers? Please join us in discussing the question and exploring ideas on this interesting topic. The session will include ample opportunity for interactive discussion and STRAIGHT TALK about the need to have equal medial, fitness, and health and safety standards for EMS providers. Stand up and be heard - please attend!
10:15 AM	Public Information, Education Resources (PIER) and Media Relations - Real PIER Pressure - A Virtual Reality Pete Piringer, Director Public Information and Chief Spokesperson; William D. Hayes, Director Community Affairs and National Advocate Program Manager, NFFF; Kenneth Crosswhite, Deputy Chief, Public Information and Community Affairs; Dennis Rubin, Fire Chief and Firehouse Contributing Editor; All associated with District of Columbia Fire & EMS Department, Washington, D.C. CATEGORY: PIO Public Information and Education Resources (PIER) are all related but distinctly different no matter where you are located or no matter how large or small your agency. In most respects today's news travels faster than ever before. Breaking news and associated media deadlines occur almost every minute of every hour somewhere in the world. It's a 'Virtual World" and things can go viral in a New York minute or in a DC second. Washington, DC Fire Chief Rubin will discuss the DC F&EMS vision of internal and external customer communication - "The Big Picture". Pete Piringer will talk about the challenges and opportunities of public information and media relations in the DC metro area, with a focus toward the 'new' or social media. Billy Hayes will show ways how to link public education opportunities to emergency incidents and public relations in an effort to educate the community through mass media and other techniques. Deputy Chief Ken Crosswhite will talk about crisis management, reputation management and public relations when the media arrives or "strikes".
10:15 AM	Rapidly Deployable Mobile Medical Assets that Make a Difference Joseph Feldman, MD, FACEP, Chairman, Emergency Trauma Department Hackensack University Medical Center CATEGORY: MASS CASUALTY The Mobile Acute Care Hospital (MACH) System is a unique concept capable of providing an on-scene emergency department at major incidents. Deployed by the on scene incident commander, the MACH responds within 1-4 hours. Built on a modular and scalable concept the MACH components are maneuverable in congested areas and can be operational within one hour of arrival on scene. These mobile medical assets will save lives by providing immediate advanced medical treatment at or near the scene. When infrastructure is taken out, where fixed facilities are overwhelmed, if intelligence indicates an incident is imminent or where expected natural catastrophe is predicted the MACH has the capability of saving lives and greatly enhancing on scene Emergency Medical Operations.
10:15 AM	Reaching The iGeneration: How To Initiate Non-Traditional Educational Outreach Strategies That Are Quickly Becoming Traditional! Bill Delaney, Program Manager, Community Safety Education, Div of Community Risk Reduction Services Montgomery County Fire & Rescue CATEGORY: LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION More and more, people are going on line to get all of their news and information. In addition, they want their information short and to the point. This session will illustrate how to initiate, at little or no cost, educational outreach and information programs geared toward this rapidly growing population. Learn how to utilize your own Blog, Internet Radio Show, Facebook page, Twitter page, and virtual television station to communicate with your community.
10:15 AM	Saving Your Crew Tonight – Why Are We Still Losing Firefighters? Jeffrey Pindelski, Deputy Chief, Downers Grove, IL FD CATEGORY: RAPID INTERVENTION Actions speak louder than words - but why do we continue losing firefighters for the same reasons? Generational differences, culture, effects of advancements in technology, the need to do more with less as well as other "hot topics" that can be regarded as obstacles to the safety of today's fire service and what steps we can possibly take in the future to have an impact in decreasing firefighter fatalities will be discussed.
10:15 AM	Special Event Planning Allen Baldwin, Chief, Gettysburg, PA FD CATEGORY: PREPLANNING Does your community have a special event just around the corner that will draw large amounts of people and impact your department and community? Have you written an incident action plan or set up a unified incident command structure? If not, this presentation is for you. Incident action plans and event plans, response management and strategies, use of mutual aid, multiple venue coverage and partnerships will be discussed; statutory requirements and tips on writing them and developing them along with implementation will also be covered.
12:00 PM	Airline Safety David Denniston, Loss Control Training Specialist, McNeil & Company Insurance Cortland, NY and Executive Director, National FARMEDIC Training CATEGORY: AIRLINE SAFETY Both flying and firefighting have inherent dangers and yet one could argue that it is safer to fly in an airplane then it is to respond to an emergency incident in today's environment. This course is based on the article entitled "Airlines and Emergency Services: We Can Learn a Thing or Two?" Attendees will explore the theories and actions taken by the airline industry and how firefighters can learn from these examples and use them to make our own job safer. Students will leave the course with ideas and samples of how to utilize the concepts of risk management, policy development, accountability and near miss reporting. By employing these basic ideas, the participant can enhance the safety culture in their own organization.
12:00 PM	Clandestine Lab Responses – Awareness and Safety Peter Rizzo, Captain (ret.), Rochester NY, FD , President, Tech Rescue Corp CATEGORY: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS This program is designed to provide emergency responders with the knowledge needed to safely respond to Clandestine Lab incidents. Some of the topics covered are a brief history of clandestine drug lab development, identifying types of labs and lab hazards, size-up considerations, security measures/booby traps, first-due responsibilities, common diseases associated with drug manufacturers and users and guidelines to use in the assessment of incident violence due to drug induced effects.Participants will increase their ability to recognize an illicit lab and take steps to successfully and safely evaluate and respond to these types of incidents.
12:00 PM	Effective Search Operations – Private Dwellings Michael Donovan, Firefighter, Bridgeport Connecticut FD CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS Conducting a search of the fire building is one of the most dangerous and challenging tasks on the fire ground. Employing proper search tactics are vital to any successful fire ground operation. Searching a burning building is a skill all firefighters should be competent to perform and one that they need to practice frequently.
12:00 PM	Fire Department Staffing & Funding Harry R. Carter, Ph.D., CFO, MIFireE CATEGORY: INNOVATIVE FUNDING This seminar will discuss the need for creative staffing and funding as the basis for effective municipal fire protection services. The basic concepts of strategic planning will be covered and then blended with the marketing concepts. The importance of marketing in the long-range health of the fire service will be emphasized.
12:00 PM	High-Rise Firefighting Part Three: Advanced Class in New-Age Technology Features Curtis Massey, Massey and Associates, Virginia, Beach, VA CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS Introduction of microturbine and fuel cells that can power a building apart from the city grid; telecom/data center floors; the extreme hazards of battery rooms, Uninterruptable Power Supplies and high-voltage power feeds; exposed ceiling grids; the dangers of roof operations and RF radiation exposure; new Gen2 elevators (the machinery room is now gone); new "touchless"/computerized elevators with hidden FD controls; ceiling plenum wiring fires - all of which directly impact your operational guidelines and procedures; and lastly, a look at the new wave of skyscraper construction and its effects on how fires will be fought in the future (will they be made of plastic?).
12:00 PM	Leading with Attitude W. Edward Buchanan, Jr., Division Chief, Hanover, VA Fire & EMS CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP This program will explore how we, as individuals, can help ensure our departments are on track and ways we can truly make a difference in our organization, regardless of rank. The Leading with Attitude program is a nameless and rankless "gut check" into how we contribute to the fire service. The program offers tangible ways we can improve our job for today and for future generations. The course calls "us" out to be part of the problem or part of the solution! The program will also explore the concept of loyalty alignment. What does it mean to be a good "follower without becoming a yes-man"? Each of us is empowered to make positive change, but we must accept that responsibility and take charge of our lives.
12:00 PM	Local Public Service & the United States Secret Service – A Protective Partnership David L. Lebowitz, Specialist, Technical Security Division United States Secret Service CATEGORY: SECURITY TWO HOUR CLASS: The United States Secret Service will provide an opportunity to discuss the intricacies of the protective mission during a Protectee visit or National Special Security Event (NSSE). During the workshop, we'll explore the advance team's composition and processes, typical requests of the jurisdiction, response plan development, and introduce assets that the agency can provide in order to form a cohesive response partnership. Additionally, mission-specific threats will be discussed in order to demonstrate the additional concerns and challenges that will face local emergency services.
12:00 PM	Specifying Apparatus Today: Critical Factors, Perfomance Bonds and Other Necessary Items for Purchasing Today's Apparatus in Turbulent Economic Times Bob Barraclough, President, The Best Fire Apparatus Resource, In Alan Saulsbury, President, Fire Spec Services, Inc., Homer, NY CATEGORY: MECHANICS The fire apparatus industry is going through some of the most difficult economic times in recent history. When entering into a contract with a manufacturer the fire department needs to protect its financial interests through the use of specific "boiler plate" language and bond requirements. This program will cover the considerations that your fire department should review when developing detailed specifications for your next apparatus.
12:00 PM	Subprime Crisis-Vacant Lightweight Private Dwellings Michael K. Scotto, Lieutenant, FDNY CATEGORY: VACANT BUILDINGS The mortgage crisis has left many private dwellings vacant, especially new lightweight construction types. These occupancies normally have fires. Many departments typically don't deal with these buildings. Therefore, re-examination of this construction will better prepare us for the immediate future.
12:00 PM	The Prepositioned Equipment Program Jerral Rippetoe, Lead, PEP Support Team, Fort Worth, TX, Bernard “Dan” Bickham, Jr., SAIC Project Manager, PEP CATEGORY: FEMA The nation faces a continuing threat of attack with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) weapons of mass destruction (WMD). To prepare for this threat, state and local officials must have resources immediately available to sustain and replenish assets depleted by the initial response to a major incident. To meet this critical need, FEMA launched the Prepositioned Equipment Program (PEP). PEP consists of standardized equipment pods that are prepositioned in select geographic areas to permit rapid deployment to states and localities. Highly specialized equipment and frequently used off-the-shelf items are stored in pods, transportable by land or air after help is requested. This equipment is specifically tailored to sustain and reconstitute the capabilities of local and state first responders. The pods are available to respond to an incident in any major population area across the continental U.S. within 12 hours. PEP provides for immediate ground or air transportation of the first pod, as well as a team of support staff. A mobile communications system is also sent to ensure that first responders have interoperable communications. If circumstances warrant a greater level of support, FEMA may dispatch additional fully-equipped pods.
12:00 PM	Top 10 Exercises for Firefighters Rich Meyer, Firefighter, Nashua, NH Fire Rescue and CSCS CATEGORY: FITNESS This seminar will focus on the 10 exercises every firefighter fitness program should have along with variations. This seminar will discuss proper form and technique as well as how to fit these exercises into any fitness program for maximum results. These exercises have been picked from thousands of others because of the effectiveness, movement patterns, and similarities to firefighter functions.
12:00 PM	US Fire Administration’s Public Education Campaigns and the Prevention and Public Education Exchange Teresa Neal, Fire Program Specialist, USFA Kathy Gerstner, Fire Program Specialist, USFA CATEGORY: LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION The United States Fire Administration, (USFA), as part of its mission, develops and disseminates public education information for use at the local level. This session will help the participant discover how easy it is to access free resources available to them. USFA develops "campaigns" that are aimed at high risk populations or frequent causes of residential fire. USFA's Quick Response program takes advantage of the "teachable moment" after a fire fatality occurs. The Quick Response Media Corps is a special effort to provide resources in dealing with media for fire department personnel. The USFA's Prevention and Public Education Exchange is another resource that can be of great value to fire departments and others. It is a repository of popular and hard-to-find web sites and materials on prevention and life safety topics, including materials created as part of the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants. Anyone with an interest in fire prevention education and public safety will find the Exchange invaluable in assisting them as they prepare and deliver programs that will make a difference for their community or organization.