In this presentation, we will discuss 2 major topics:

Hands On Leadership, where we will cover this progressive leadership style as well as the key factors for success, and RIT Operations, where we will examine the many facets of RIT, from the stress response physiology, the command aspect, all the way down to the rescue itself.

In the modern fire service, where nothing is constant except change, one thing must remain paramount, the ability for leaders to connect with and inspire the people in their charge. FULLY INVOLVED is geared toward professionals who wish to expand their abilities in leadership. No matter your level or role in the organization it is imperative that expectations and goals are clarion clear if the team is to succeed. FULLY INVOLVED has its roots in mutual expectations and lays the foundation for teamwork by creating a belief system throughout the organization.

FULLY INVOLVED has worked for over 40 years in professional football, the fire service, and applies to the business world as well. Thousands of fire service professionals have attended the FULLY INVOLVED Leadership Seminars and are now among the involved. “Getting team members to pull towards a common goal is a key component in successful operations. FULLY INVOLVED gives students the tools to create a pact that is applicable to all levels of the organization.”

Today’s structure fires are more dangerous than ever before. Lightweight construction, low-mass synthetics, and open space floorplans have created a perfect storm for rapid, prolific fire growth and extreme behavior. It is imperative for firefighters of all ranks and experience levels to be prepared for this new battle. The Art of Reading Smoke, developed by Dave Dodson and continued by Rob Backer, provides the knowledge necessary for first-arriving firefighters, officers, and chief officers to determine the fire’s location, progression, and future “from the seat” before seeing any flame.

This knowledge ensures that the correct tactics are implemented for the best possible outcome. Through the extensive use of actual fireground videos, first-time students will develop, and return students will refine their knowledge and skills to become INTELLECTUALLY aggressive firefighters, rather than ARBITRARILY aggressive. The next generation of Reading Smoke brings new research, a new library of videos, and discussion on cancer prevention, tactics and strategies to develop the next generation of aggressive interior firefighting!

With adequate staffing becoming more of a fantasy than a reality for many departments, the modern company officer is asked to wear many hats ranging from tailboard firefighter to command level officer. Whether career or volunteer, The Hat Dance aims to guide company officers struggling to balance their responsibilities while operating with the realities of limited staffing. Students will learn how to maximize the effectiveness of their resources by bridging personal and departmental expectations both in the firehouse and on the fireground!

The fire service mission has been and always will be centered on life. Creating an environment where victim focused tactics thrive and a fire company is empowered to change the nature of a scene is imperative. Leaders are needed at all levels, gaining understanding of behaviors which are effective and ineffective will assist anyone looking to stay relevant on the fire ground.

Objectives for this class include:

a. Enhance awareness to the nature of the Fire Service mission

b. Create an environment for students to discover the moral influences which affect tactical outcomes

c. Learn behaviors that lead to combat effective outcomes!

There will be interactive learning modules to accomplish these objectives, bring a pen, pad, and your voice to shape this event for the common good.

In the era of declining fire the devaluation of truck work has become widespread. This class aims to challenge that trend by providing strategic and tactical implications of forming a strong truck centric culture within an organization. Everything from the hand tools to the types of construction and conditions requiring high performance truck work will be discussed.

“Good axemen and good axemanship are important to efficient fire operations. One of the primary duties of the axeman is the search.” -FireFighting Ernest Williams Circa 1936

One of the most physically demanding things a firefighter must do is advance a charged hoseline, on-air, under extreme stress. How do we train for this event? And how do we know we are physically and mentally ready?

The best strategy every first responder has at their disposal is properly using E.M.S. (Exercise, Minding Nutrition, and Sleep) to build resilience and improve fireground performance. This seminar will focus on the physical and mental preparation needed to perform better on (and off) the fireground.

Attendees will learn the six essential components firefighters must incorporate into their training to ensure positive outcomes in high-stress situations. The seminar will provide examples of how to integrate these components into drills, workouts, and daily routines.

This seminar is essential for firefighters, company officers, and chiefs looking to enhance their physical and mental performance on and off the fire/rescue scene. Participants will receive practical guidelines and resources that can be immediately implemented to achieve tangible improvements in their health and mindset.