LIFT
CONFERENCE
March 12-14 2020
C O U R S E S
course enrollment is multiple days
The Nozzle Forward
3 Day Course (H.O.T)
The one thing that every fire department in the country has is fire hose. The one event that happens on every single fire is a hose-line gets pulled and water gets flowed. The Nozzle Forward is a class for engine company crews. It is not a collection of technique; it is an adaptable system of hose line management and fire attack. It is focused around fighting fire, interior offensive firefighting, aggressive firefighting, for which we will never apologize.
Aggressive firefighting is not the problem, it is the solution.
For today’s nozzle-person, the art of hose and fire suppression often has been obscured and put to the side in favor of other “hot topic” training. How to attack fire and move the line has been ignored and forgotten by many engine companies. “The fire goes as the first line goes,” so Go Dog Go.
It is the ongoing development of an in-depth study of all things engine. It is not a “what if” class, it is a program designed to engrain the nozzle team to make the right choice and be able to accomplish whatever task is necessary for a successful interior attack. It is not theory; it is proven on fire-grounds around the country. Adapted from a variety of sources, but reconstructed to be based around simple principles that maximize mechanical advantage.
The class answers the “whys,” not just the “what’s,” and quickly creates a system that can be adapted to fit any engine company from the urban to the rural.
The goal of the “The Nozzle Forward” is to help craft more efficient Engine Companies by increasing the individuals’ competency with their tools and expanding on the conceptual aspects of the fire environment.
The course will integrate the three major components of engine company work; fire behavior, hose management, and fire attack.
The class is 3 days, with the morning of day one being a lecture.
Now let’s go do good work…
VADO CANIS VADO
Aaron Fields
Aaron Fields is a firefighter for the City of Seattle and the OG of the Nozzle Forward. Between his dad, brother, and himself, there is nearly always a Fields member on watch somewhere in the 5th battalion. His aspiration has always been to ride on the back of Engine 28, allowing him to work in the neighborhood he grew up in (98118 shout-out). After time at 28’s, Aaron moved to his dad’s spot on Engine Company 13, Battalion 5 headquarters. He is known for his dislike of “The Man”, tendency to question authority, and zealous belief that good basics win. Aaron developed the skills shared in the Nozzle Forward in an unrelenting pursuit of all things engine. The skills are adapted from many sources, but reconstructed to be based around simple principles that maximize mechanical advantage. At the request of folks who wanted to see how he was going about hand-line use the Nozzle Forward was born as a program and has been slap’in lines around since 2008.
When all else fails, give ‘em a West Coast Salute……
Chief Officer Program
3 Day Course (Classroom)
Company Officer Academy
Days 1 & 2 (Classroom)
The program, “The Company Officer Academy” is the result of numerous requests and discussions the chiefs have had with chief and company officers across North America concerning company officer training and preparedness. Many departments simply promote a new company officer and send them to a new assignment with no formal training. This often results in creating a more stressful and challenging situation for the new officer and the unit.
Chiefs Salka and Lasky have put together a dynamic multi-day program that addresses the many skills and abilities that company officers need to have to be effective in the firehouse and on the fireground. This program is designed for new company officers, current officers and future officers.
John Salka
Battalion Chief (ret.) John Salka served 33 years with the New York Fire Department (FDNY), rising from firefighter to the rank of battalion chief and holding assignments in some of FDNY’s most active and specialized units: Rescue Company 3 in upper Manhattan, Squad 1 in Brooklyn, Engine 48 in the Bronx, and the 18th Battalion in central Bronx where he attained the designation battalion commander.
Rick Lasky
Chief Rick Lasky (ret.) a 35-year veteran of the fire service, served as chief of the Lewisville (TX) Fire Department for 12 years, prior to that as Fire Chief in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. Rick followed in his father's footsteps beginning his career as a firefighter in the suburbs on the southwest side of Chicago and while in Illinois received the 1996 International Society of Fire Service Instructors "Innovator of the Year"award for his part in developing the "Saving Our Own" program.
Throughout his 30-plus years in the fire service he has served as a career and volunteer firefighter. He served as the co-lead instructor for the H.O.T. Firefighter Survival program at FDIC for over 10 years, is a long-standing editorial advisory board member for Fire Engineering Magazine and also serves on the FDIC advisory board.
Rick is the author of the best-selling books "Pride and Ownership-A Firefighter's Love of the Job" and "Five Alarm Leadership: From the Firehouse to the Fireground" published by PennWell Books and is the co-host for the radio show "The Command Post" heard on Fire Engineering Talk Radio. Rick holds an AAS Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and was selected as the CSU 2012 Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) Outstanding Graduate. He was also honored in 2011 as an inductee into the Chicago Softball Hall of Fame.
John
Salka
Rick
Lasky
Nuggets From The Right Seat
Day 3 (Classroom)
This class is designed to give legitimate, time proven practices that the company officer can implement immediately and see instant results. All subjects discussed in this class have been originated from on the job trial and error. Simply put, this class was derived from failure....and out this experience of failure we have found many critical practices that actually work! Regardless if you work in a large or small department, from urban or suburban, company officers face the exact same challenges. This class will give you tons of “Nuggets” on how to deal with the many challenges you will face as a front line combat company officer.
Shannon Stone
Shannon is a 26 year veteran of the fire service working his way through the ranks and is currently an operational battalion chief with the City Fort Walton Beach Fire Department, located in the panhandle of Florida. He holds multiple degrees and State certifications and has been a Florida State Paramedic since 1997. Shannon spent 8 years as a firefighter, 1 year as an engineer, 9 years as a captain assigned to a busy truck company, and the last 8 years as a battalion chief. Additionally, he works
as a firefighter for Escambia County Fire Rescue, a 23 station combination fire department located in Pensacola Florida. Shannon teaches at various events to include the Orlando Fire Conference, the Atlanta Fire Conference and FDIC. He specializes in engine company operations and officer leadership development.
Shannon Stone
Incident Safety Officer
2 Day Course (Classroom)
Incident Safety Officer 2-Day Academy
This course is an in-depth, fast paced class that focuses on the knowledge and experience-elements required of an effective ISO. It gives participants the opportunity for situational exercises and scenario practice. The ISO Academy is an excellent tool to help participants prepare for the FDSOA ISO Certification Exam. The course is ideal for any fire officer who has been newly appointed as a Safety Officer or is likely to fill the Incident Safety Officer role.
Recommended Text – Incident Safety Officer, 3rd Edition. David W. Dodson
(Available for $85 through FDSOA Shop)
Upon completion of the 16-hour Academy, you are eligible to take the exam for National Certification onsite, or by using an approved local proctor at a later date. Exam fee included in Academy registration.
This is a two-day course derived from Dave Dodson’s book: “Fire Department Incident Safety Officer” (Jones & Bartlett, 3rd edition, 2015) and addresses ISO components of NFPA 1521 (2015). The course is a realistic, street-applicable approach to performing the functions of the Incident Safety Officer at fires and other working incidents. The class serves as an excellent study tool for those challenging the ISO certification test for the National Professional Qualifications Board administered through the Fire Department Safety Officers’ Association. This class is far more detailed and “street-practical” than the National Fire Academy’s two-day ISO field course and is driven by incident scene video footage and group activities/discussion.
Who are we?
The Fire Department Safety Officers Association was established in 1989 as a non-profit Association, incorporated in Massachusetts. In 2013, the offices moved to Michigan. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. The Association is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and has a small staff to handle the day to day operations. It is the Association dedicated to the issues that affect your critical role as Safety Officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities you have to your department, your community and yourself. In fact, so critical is the role of the Safety Officer in every department in the country, that in a very short time in order to be a qualified Safety Officer, certification may be required. FDSOA works to help you achieve proficiency, promote the recognition of your skills and secure your future.
C L A S S E S
class enrollment is hourly and per day in some cases
Burn & Learn | Thermal Imaging
8 Hour Class (Interactive)
This course offers the students the advantage of an in-person classroom interaction along with a live fire demonstration that allows them to see and comprehend the key attributes of thermal imaging that are taught in the course. Video recording is strongly encourages during these sessions as students will wish to play back some of the moments, concepts, and fire behavior phenomenon they witness.
Andy Starnes
Instructor Andy Starnes is a lifelong student of the fire service and has been involved with the fire service as a volunteer since 1992 and as a career firefighter since 1998. He is a fire service website contributor on the topics of thermal imaging, fire behavior, leadership, behavioral health, and faith-based devotions. He also is the founder of www.bringingbackbrotherhood.org, a nonprofit organization designed to encourage and provide guidance for firefighters in the area of behavioral health, counseling, and more. He is passionate about Fire Behavior and assisting in instructing others on understanding the complex terminology of modern fire behavior on a regular basis.
He has been featured on the Firefighter Training Podcast, moderfirebehavior.com, and presented tactical thermal imaging courses at numerous fire service conferences across the US, Germany, and Canada. He has trained and/or assisted departments with Thermal Imaging Training in the 32 states and three other countries. Our Tactical Thermal Imaging Curriculum is in use in Canada as an integral part of the From Knowledge to Practice Fire Dynamics Program. Our instructor cadre are fire service veterans and are Level 1 Thermography Industrial Certified from Infrared Training Center and we are a vetted craftsman for Project Kill the Flashover (an applied fire science research organization).
Andy currently serves as a Chief in a large career department in NC, as the Deputy Chief for KTF Burns Division, and holds a Level 1 Thermography Certification, consults & teaches in the areas of Tactical Thermal Imaging. He is a certified NC Fire Officer III and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science Administration.
Shawn Bloemker
Shawn is a 23 year veteran of the fire service. He developed the Illinois Fire Service Institute's Fire Behavior and Smoke curriculum and was recognized by the IFSI as Instructor of the month in November 2013. He has also served as coordinator of the Fire Fighting Program at Lewis & Clark Community College. Shawn developed the Max Fire Box, as a way to help further educate fellow firefighters in a safe, effective manner, which has been shown to be extremely vital as an instruction tool as well as used with research activities. Shawn has been traveling the United States and Canada, teaching fire behavior and thermal Imaging utilizing the Max Fire Box. Shawn is a career firefighter at the Godfrey Fire District and is President of the Max Fire Training, Inc., Home of the Max Fire Box
Andy
Starnes
Shawn
Bloemker
Rig To Door: Engine Co. Operations
8 Hour Class (H.O.T)
This program will explore all capabilities of the first due from the rig ot the door. From single firefighter forcible entry, making the stretch with 1.75" (modified minuteman, the big line 2.5" knock down and follow up, 24' &14' ladder capabilities with the rescue in mind, and the quick mask out to make sure no time is wasted to make entry. With a full eight hours we will hone each skill throughout the day and then bring it all together within the last hour and a hlaf with full run scenarios and even some rescue being made.
Skill set honed:
1. One/two firefighter conventional inward forcible entry
2. Quick mask out (goal everyone under 25 seconds)
3. Single firefighter 24' and 14' ladder carries and throws
4. Introduction to the capabilities of the Modified Minuteman Stretch and follow up off the 2.5" line
5. 2.5" attack line deployment and handling
All skill levels are accepted in class
Justin Mann
Justin Mann
Justin has 16 years in the fire service from volunteer in Amarillo, TX to his current career department in Edmond, OK where he serves as an Engineer and formerly served 3 years as a Training Officer. Mann has been an instructor for the past seven years with his current department, Mid-America F.O.O.L.S. and time as an adjunct instructor with Fire By Trade. He has a passion for all things to do with Engine operations, attack package research, and a partner with
Wood's Forcible Entry Door Kit.
Beyond the fire service faith and family rule Mann’s time along with living a country life in Oklahoma.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."(Hebrews 12:11)
Lessons Of Supreme Sacrifice
4 Hour (1st Half Interactive)
When a firefighter dies in the line of duty time stands still in more ways than one. A firefighter's death leaves a very tragic and special legacy that is timeless. In some cases, the lesson's learned from such a tragedy are very unique, and sadly some are a repeat of history. This seminar combines a review of various line of duty death scenarios from past to present era's using first hand investigative information, NIOSH results, some reenactment, and lessons learned that can be applied to your fire department.
From The Classroom To The Kitchen
4 Hour (2nd Half Interactive)
New and experienced company officers alike end up sitting at the firehouse kitchen table at some point during their tour of duty whether fully paid, combination, or volunteer. In many fire departments the kitchen table is where ‘the judge, jury, and trials’ take place regarding life in the firehouse. Aside from a cup of coffee or wholesome meal, it is also a place where much laughter takes place and many arguments take off as the company officer is often left to intervene.
This seminar combines the art of leadership, coaching, and refereeing as a company officer using a mix of instructor presentation with an interactive firehouse kitchen table to re-enact actual events that will test any good company officer.
Each managerial and leadership challenge will be based on an actual occurrence experienced by the instructors. Each challenge will have a brief presentation outlining recommended behaviors for the company officer when confronted by certain types of individuals and/or behaviors, followed by a corresponding kitchen table challenge for willing participants who wish to not only learn, but also gain experience!
Rick Kolomay
A second generation firefighter starting his career in 1979 spanning 37 years as a career firefighter. Working 23 years with the Schaumburg (IL) FD as a firefighter, firefighter/paramedic, lieutenant, captain, and acting battalion chief assigned to engine and truck companies, however, a majority of his career was on a heavy rescue responsible for firefighting, Special Operations (High-Angle Rescue, Collapse, Trench, Confined Space, Rigging Operations) and Haz-Mat Technician incidents locally, within MABAS Division 1, and Statewide response. In 2008, he was promoted to deputy chief with the Carol Stream FD (just south of Schaumburg) and in 2010 became fire chief. He was also the Task Force Leader for MABAS Division 12 and had responded on disaster task force incidents. Throughout his career, Rick has instructed for community colleges, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, the Illinois Society of Fire Instructors, the Illinois Fire Service Institute, Firehouse Expo/World, FDIC, and County Fire Tactics / HROC. He has had the experience of instructing major cities and states such as Dallas, Phoenix, San Antonio, Burlington, Sacramento, Dayton, Austin, Ft. Worth, St. Paul, Alameda Cty CA, Oakland, Chicago, San Jose, Tucson, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, State of Massachusetts, and the State of Illinois in firefighter rescue and company officer operations. Presently retired from active service, Rick instructs with the Northern Illinois Public Safety Training Association (NIPSTA), Romeoville (IL) Fire (Regional) Fire Academy, the Illinois Fire Service Institute, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, and Fire Training Resources, Inc. In 2003 Rick co-authored a best-selling book, Firefighter Rescue & Survival (PennWell Publishing). He was a IDPH Paramedic, received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration. He presently instructs and consults in the areas of leadership, fireground strategy & tactics, and consults in line officer and chief officer development. Rick is from a generational family of firefighters; his father and two uncles were members of the Chicago Fire Department, and his son Brandon is the 3rd generation who is also a Chicago firefighter.
Rick Kolomay
Hoarder Homes: Piles of Hazards for Firefighters
8 Hour (Classroom)
Fighting fires in hoarded homes is rapidly becoming a familiar occurrence in today’s fire service. While the mission is still the same, the tactics used when fighting these fires need to change to make for a safer environment. This presentation will put you in the first due unit arriving at a reported structure fire inside a Hoarded home. From hoarder recognition to salvage and overhaul students will be exposed to the different thought process used while fighting fires in hoarded homes. “Hoarder Homes: Piles of hazards for firefighters” will return you to quarters with the knowledge and tools to come home safe!
The intent of this presentation is to expose the students to the ins and outs of fighting a structural fire inside a house with a hoarder type conditions. Multiple variables will complicate the use of normal tactics when faced with areas that are no longer able to be used for their intended purpose. The learning objectives will be to identify factors such as hoarder front yards, tactical changes used while fighting these types of fires, and overhaul techniques used on massive amounts of belongings. This program hopes to introduce new ways of thinking when engaged in fire operations inside hoarded homes.
The target audience of this program is from the chief level to the street level firefighter. Knowing your stuff when faced with a hoarder fire is valuable to everyone on the department. During the program all aspects of a hoarder response will be covered. The knowledge gained can benefit everyone who attends, no matter what rank or level.
Ryan Pennington
Ryan Pennington
Ryan Pennington is the Lieutenant-Paramedic currently serving with the Charleston WV. Fire Department. Ryan is assigned to Ladder 456 in the Kanawha City area of Charleston. He has over 22 years of fire-EMS experience serving in various types of departments and has been serving the Charleston WV Fire Department for 12 years. Ryan has lectured and trained thousands of firefighters and fire departments from across the United States and internationally both at their departments and at large con-ferences like Firehouse Expo,FDIC, Firehouse World, and FDIC Atlantic (Cana-da). He has been published in FireRescue Magazine, Fire Engineering, Firefighting in Canada Magazine,Firehouse, among others and has been interviewed on the top firefighter training podcasts and radio shows in the country. He is the founder of ChamberofHoarders.com which is the leading Heavy Content Re-sponse Online resource or first responders worldwide.
Ryan blogs and podcasts about the views of a street level firefighter at JumpseatTrain-ing.com and hosts a weekly podcast at Jumpseat Radio. To Learn more about Heavy Content Firefighting and options for training your fire de-partment, go to ChamberofHoarders.com or Contact Ryan at and on social media at @jumpseatviews
Ground Ladders
8 Hour (HOT)
Ladders are one of the most misused and misunderstood tools in the Fire Service. In this class you will learn how to conserve your energy, throw ladders effectively, and utilize them as a means of survival. When handled properly and with confidence your ground ladder program can run smooth.
OJ Kolodziej
OJ Kolodziej
OJ is a 19 year member of Birmingham Fire and Rescue. He is currently assigned to one of the downtown truck companies. He holds a Bachelors in Fire Administration but is currently furthering his education. OJ Has articles published in Fire Engineering, and is the owner of Magic City Truck Academy,LLC.
Engine Company Nuggets
4 Hour (Classroom)
This 4 hour class focuses on our highest priorities of successful engine work. It is essentially a HOT class put into lecture with tons of videos of training and real responses utilized to reinforce teachig points. In this class we will discuss "weapon selection", understanding the hose & nozzle package, standard industry established fire flows, practical nozzle positions, critical nozzle techniques, fire streams- advantages and disadvantages of both fog and solid bore application, hose stretches to include the "vertical stretch" & "hook stretch", extending beyond the pre-connect-play books on building attack lines, and various methods to deploy attack bundles and much more. Everything discussed is experienced and is utilized daily with great success.
Nuggets From The Right Seat
4 Hour (Classroom)
This class is designed to give legitimate, time proven practices that the company officer can implement immediately and see instant results. All subjects discussed in this class have been originated from on the job trial and error. Simply put, this class was derived from failure....and out this experience of failure we have found many critical practices that actually work! Regardless if you work in a large or small department, from urban or suburban, company officers face the exact same challenges. This class will give you tons of “Nuggets” on how to deal with the many challenges you will face as a front line combat company officer.
Shannon Stone
Shannon is a 26 year veteran of the fire service working his way through the ranks and is currently an operational battalion chief with the City Fort Walton Beach Fire Department, located in the panhandle of Florida. He holds multiple degrees and State certifications and has been aFlorida State Paramedic since 1997. Shannon spent 8 years as a firefighter, 1 year as an engineer, 9 years asa captain assigned to a busy truck company, and the last 8 years as a battalion chief. Additionally, he works
as a firefighter for Escambia County Fire Rescue, a 23 station combination fire department located in Pensacola Florida. Shannon teaches at various events to include the Orlando Fire Conference, the Atlanta Fire Conference and FDIC. He specializes in engine company operations and officer leadership development.
Shannon Stone
Vehicle Extrication
8 Hour (HOT)
This class is geared toward fire/rescue personnel interested in obtaining vehicle extrication training. This event will consist of a classroom session and practical skills workshop on in vehicle extrication using hand tools and hydraulics. This class will consist of scenario based evolutions.
Jeff Holt
Jeff, from Harrison, Arkansas is a current Regional Sales Manager with AMKUS Rescue Systems and has been with the company for over 13 years working in both Sales and traveling the country as a instructor in Vehicle Extrication.
Jeff Holt
LOCATION
