Chris Naum

Les Lukert Winter Conference

     The 27th ANNUAL LES LUKERT WINTER CONFERENCE hosted by the NEBRASKA SOCIETY OF FIRE SERVICE INSTRUCTORS (NSFSI) will be held Feb. 3-5 2017, at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center in Kearney, NE. There will be “H.O.T” (hands on training) classes along with a mix of 4, 12, and 16 hour classes offered. Please go to www.facebook.com/NeFireInstructors, for more information and any changes. Some of the classes and instructors will be:

     At the Conference there will be a raffle for a free registration to the Fire Department Instructors Conference FDIC.

     New this year: “THE FIREGROUND LEADERSHIP ACADEMY” Presented by Chris Naum and Doug Cline

     The Fireground Leadership Academy is a high focused and high impact program that assimilates three key functional areas that affect today’s emerging and practicing company and command officers and firefighter in the areas of Station Leadership, Training and Preparedness and Operational Leadership on today’s evolving fireground. Today’s demanding fireground leaves negligible margin for errors or omissions requiring new skill sets, proficiencies and high accountability and tactical deployments executed with the highest degree of proficiencies and skill sets under the most challenging of operational demands and personnel risks. Leadership starts at the station and transitions to the streets and incident scene requiring new skill sets, awareness, insights and operational adaptiveness. Leadership and Operations are integral and are fundamental to all facets; on and off the fireground.

     Key Program Modules: · The Dynamics of Leadership: Putting the Organization First · The Role of the Company and Command Officer in 2017 and Beyond · Leadership: From the Station to the Streets: Key Insights on Effective Leadership · Building Construction and Occupancy Risk: Managing Risks and OPS · Adaptive Fireground Management: Leadership on Today’s Evolving Fireground · Tactical Disciple and Command Resilience: The New Standards · Understanding Modern Fire Dynamics: If You’re going to Lead, You Better Learn · Developing a Training Program for Tomorrow’s Fire Service · Redefining Combat Fire Engagement for the Company and Command Officer · Today’s Evolving Fireground: Are You Ready to Make the Necessary Changes? · Operational Excellence: Developing New Skill Sets & the Next Generation of Leaders.

     This program presents insights into emerging concepts and methodologies related to today’s unique challenges for both station operations and fireground engagement requiring new redefined principles, practices, models and insights for firefighters, company and command officers. CLASS LENGTH 16 HOURS on Friday and Saturday

     Doug Cline has over 37 years of Fire and Emergency Services experience serving in small volunteer departments to metro size organizations.  He has been in a leadership/officer position for over 30 years of his career. 
A well-known international speaker and instructor presenting dynamic power packed /high intensity programs on leadership, instructor development, officer development, fire ground tactics, rapid intervention team training and firefighter safety and survival. Cline is a highly published author of articles, blogs and textbooks for both Fire and EMS. In 1999, Cline was honored by the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) by being awarded the prestigious George D. Post International Instructor of the Year.  Chief Cline has been actively involved with the fire dynamics research conducted by ISFSI and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). As a Strategy and Tactics theorist he has worked to help translated the research data into cutting edge operational theories, methodologies instructional programs and fire ground tactical operations focused on the Modern Fire Environment.  Chief Cline is the executive producer of Fire Engineering’s “Fire and Training Blog Talk Radio show and Fire Weekly’s “The Chief’s Trumpet”, the official Blog Talk Radio show for the Southeast Association of Fire Chiefs. Cline is the Executive Editor of the Fire and EMS Blogs “The Fire Officer.”

     Chief Christopher J. Naum, SFPE A 40-year fire service veteran and a highly regarded national instructor, author, lecturer and fire officer, he is a distinguished US and international authority on building construction issues affecting the fire and emergency services. He is the Chief of Training for the Command Institute and served as a Vice President with the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and a past member of the Board of Directors, IAFC Safety, Health & Survival Section. A Contributing Editor with Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com where he authors the Buildings on Fire column and Buildingsonfire series, he served as an adjunct Instructor with the National Fire Academy and is a National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, Everyone Goes Home Firefighter Safety Advocate.  A former architect and fire protection engineer he was the 1987 ISFSI George D. Post National Fire Instructor of the Year and is a Technical Consultant to the NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program and Firefighter LODD Reports. He is a well-respected Tactical Theorist, researching and developing emerging and cutting edge strategic and tactical operational methodologies, concepts and practices based on fire research to improved fireground operations and firefighter safety. Naum is Executive Producer of the Buildingsonfire Series and Productions that include Buildingsonfire.com, FiregroundLeadership.com and TheFireOfficer.com.

Pre-Conference on Friday

     “Extreme Leadership – The Next Generation of Leading Coaching and Mentoring” Presented by William Greenwood

Extreme Leadership (8) hr. program will empower the attendee at a whole new level. We honestly build better leaders from within! Yes that is right, we use introspection to identify YOUR personal beliefs, habits and traits. We are all products of the environment we were raised in. Regardless if that was functional or dysfunctional. We will look at your leadership strengths as well as your weaknesses, then show you how to create a professional development plan to become a better leader.  It is too easy for an instructor to just list out all the things a leader should do. And often many attendees struggle with implementing that type of information for personal change. The difference with our program Extreme Leadership, is we understand Perception vs. Reality.

Engagement – Today’s fire service has 4 different generations of firefighters in the firehouse. Through the use of interpersonal dynamics, we have developed a class that will provide the user with a way to gain greater respect, yield increased production and motivation by simply understanding your personnel better. You will learn how to READ, MAP and COMMUNICATE with them all differently. We call it “Personality Based Effective Communications”. The fire service traditionally is based from a “one order fits all” paramilitary culture. For the younger generation that hasn't been subjected to a military culture, they often find this leadership style toxic. So if you are struggling to engage the newest generation of firefighters or even the oldest in the firehouse, this program will provide you with a new way to look at capturing the leadership edge by communicating from the personality side of building relationships, gaining confidence and obtaining trust. Have you ever asked yourself, “What was that guy thinking?” Well this program will identify why certain people do what they do.

     Instructorship Game - Do you provide training at the individual, company or academy level? Well Extreme Leadership will introduce you to the 8 types of intelligences. Using our reading and mapping information, we will show you how to engage the student to achieve greater comprehension and retention in the educational field.

     The afternoon session we will discuss the leading causes of negative behaviors in the firehouse and provide ways to correct it. Learn how to break down identify a root cause or compensating behavior. Learn our conflict resolution model as a strategy to provide behavioral modification. We will look at internal and external influences of negativity. Dealing with a work issue that is in reality at personal life issue. Learn what is available to you for assistance. This will include your rules, regulations, federal laws, use of EAP, CISD and possibly PTSD.

     The Extreme Leadership program will wrap up with a Leadership by Example module. We will show you that leading in today’s service delivery organizations require the right attitude for personal growth. This is a widely popular class that yields some amazing feedback. Please consider joining us! Class length 7 hours.

     Billy Greenwood is a (24) year student of the fire service, currently holding the rank of Assistant Fire Chief of Training with the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and a Lieutenant with the City of Keene, NH. Fire Department. He is a Pro-Board Fire Instructor 3; Senior Staff Instructor with the New Hampshire Fire Academy and owns FETC Services. FETC delivers advanced level firefighter and leadership seminars throughout the United States. Billy has been an FDIC International presenter for the past 6 years; he has also presented at the ISFSI Fall Fire Conference and been published in Fire Engineering and Fire Rescue Magazines and hosts a radio show called Tap the Box on Fire Engineering Radio.

Hands On Training

     “Firefighter Down!!! Real World RIT Scenarios” Presented by Chris Hartford and Jake Hoffman

     “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” there are no words that firefighters dread more than these. Is your department prepared? Many departments have trained their personnel in Firefighter Rescue and RIT but rarely get to practice these skills in a realistic, high speed/high stress environment. This fast-paced hands-on class will put your skills to the test with multiple scenarios that you will respond to as the rapid intervention team. The class will start with a discussion regarding how RIT is conducted at your department, roles/responsibilities of the rapid intervention team, and how RIT plays an integral role in overall fireground safety.  After this discussion, attendees will be split into crews and the remainder of the class will be spent “responding” to and mitigating MAYDAY calls as a member of a rapid intervention team.  The instructors will allow the scenario to play out, interrupting only for safety reasons.

     After each scenario is completed, the crew will discuss how the scenario went, what went well, what could have gone better, and tips to make things work smoother. This will be a fast paced class that will give you an accurate assessment of your firefighter rescue skills and some tips to take back to your department.

     Jake Hoffman is a firefighter for the Toledo (OH) Fire/Rescue Department assigned to Rescue Squad 7, the second busiest heavy rescue in the country. He currently serves on the technical advisory panel for the UL fire attack study. Jake is also a part time firefighter with Perrysburg Twp. Fire/EMS, in charge of the technical rescue equipment and training program. He is also a member of the Northwest Ohio Region 1 HAZMAT and US&R teams. Jake is a lead fire instructor for Four County Career Center and an adjunct fire instructor for Owens Community College.  He is a co-owner of Squad 5 Fire Training, LLP.

     Chris Hartford is a firefighter for the Toledo (OH) Fire/Rescue Department assigned to Engine Co. 21 in Toledo’s South End. Chris started his fire service career as a volunteer with the Providence Twp. Fire Department in rural Lucas County, OH where he worked before getting hired by the Springfield Township Fire Department. Chris was assigned to Station 52 and spent time on both engine and truck companies. Since he was hired by the Toledo Fire/Rescue Department, Chris has worked at various assignments across the city including Stations 7, 11, and 21.  He is a hazmat technician and member of the Northwest Ohio Region 1 HAZMAT team. Chris is also a volunteer firefighter with Perrysburg Twp. Fire/EMS where he is a member of the technical rescue team and instructs fire and rescue related topics. Chris is a lead fire instructor for Four County Career Center and an adjunct fire instructor for Owens Community College

Instructor Development

     Instructor I -  Nebraska Fire Marshal Training Division

     This course is designed to give the student the knowledge and ability to teach from prepared, predominately skills oriented, materials. Areas covered include: communication, learning concepts, human relations in the teaching-learning environment, teaching methods, organizing the learning environment, records and reports, testing and responsibilities, teaching techniques, and use of instructional materials. An additional weekend of class (March 5 & 6) is required to complete Instructor I certification.

Conference on Saturday and Sunday

Saturday and Sunday

Hands On Training

     Aggressive Fireground Search and Rescue: Train-the-Trainer - Jake Hoffman, Joe Hoffman, and Chris Hartford

     Search and rescue, while one of the most basic firefighting skills, is a perishable skill that we as a fire service must place great emphasis on. We are the last hope for civilians trapped by fire. This class will be a fast-paced, hands-on program that begins with a review of search size-up, search techniques, and tools/equipment.  Students will then break into small groups that will rotate through stations where they will review and perform oriented search, Vent-Enter-Isolate-Search (VEIS), rope assisted search, and victim removal. The skill stations will start with a demonstration, followed by practice by the attendees, and finishing with full speed evolutions under stressful conditions. The weekend will culminate with realistic scenarios that will require you to utilize the skills learned throughout the class. This class will be taught by firefighters with experience in both small, volunteer departments and larger, career departments. Attendees will leave this class with the knowledge, skills, and materials necessary to return home and train their own department in aggressive fireground search and rescue. Class Length 12 hours

     Joe Hoffman is a firefighter/paramedic for the Toledo (OH) Fire/Rescue Department assigned to Engine Co. 19 in Toledo’s Old Polish Village.  Prior to working in Toledo, Joe was a firefighter/paramedic with the Springfield Township Fire Department where he was assigned to Engine Company 53.  He is a Lieutenant with the Monclova Twp Fire Department where he regularly conducts training. Additionally, Joe is a member of the local technical rescue team where he assists with training. Joe is a fire instructor for Four County Career Center and a co-owner of Squad 5 Fire Training, LLP.

 

Lecture/Classroom

     “The Art of Dealing With Negativity” Presented by William Greenwood

     The fire service like most other agencies isn’t exempt from workplace negativity. The problem with traditional fire service training is there is very little focus on how to deal with people. But the reality is the fire service is all about the people business. Therefore dealing with problems in the firehouse whether on duty or off, and even on the fire ground is the job of the leadership team. The problem is most leadership classes focus on command and control of incidents and management qualities that assure systems or policies are being adhered to.  This class will discuss how to instill interpersonal dynamics and introduce the attendee to our personality based effective communications for greater positivity and engagement.  Learn what the leading causes of negativity are and we will provide the attendee with ways to correct those problems. Leaders should understand and have the ability to break down the issue(s) through identifying the root cause or compensating behavior(s). We will provide strategies that will enhance behavioral modification through the use of internal and external sources of assistance. This will include rules, regulations, federal laws, use of EAP, CISD and PTSD. This presentation includes a module on how to lead by example and show the members that personal development is an attitude and choice. The Art of Dealing with Negativity will provide a better opportunity for not only company success but department wide progressiveness. Class length 4 hours

     “Recruitment & Retention: Rescue, Recovery or Reboot?” Presented by Tiger Schmittendorf

     Are your recruitment and retention efforts ready to be rescued? Is your program recovering from years of neglect or are we too late and this is now a recovery effort, left with the remains of a volunteer organization in need of a total reboot?

     Utilizing facilitated conversation, “Recruitment & Retention: Rescue or Recovery?” addresses the challenges of today’s fire and emergency services leaders and offers real-world solutions in attracting and retaining the appropriate quantity and quality of firefighters they need to support the delivery of emergency services in their communities.

     This conversation engages all generations towards a common goal to change the mindset of the fire service as to how we address recruitment and retention, redirecting our focus towards our most important asset: our people. Until we change our outlook about both the challenge and the solution - our training and organizational leadership tactics and strategies will remain predictably ineffective.

     Outlining my three-tier strategy to the survival and success of the volunteer fire service, this presentation shares personal insights, toolkits and other resources. 

     This three-prong attack to address what I call recruitment and retention rescue and recovery operations include the “The Clearinghouse” level; “T&E: Tools and Education”; and lastly the “Trench Work” – where the hand-to-hand combat of recruitment and retention is won and lost.

     The clearinghouse is the command center for all recruitment and retention efforts. This centralized approach can be accomplished at the regional, county, state or federal levels of government and/or the fire service. Effective Tools and Education can come from the clearinghouse or outside sources.

     The clearinghouse can build awareness, provide resources and bring prospective candidates to the fire department’s door. But ultimately, it is the fire department’s responsibility to do the trench work – the ability to get them in the door and keep them there. No one can do that for them.

     Our success depends upon our ability to effectively plan for, lead and manage volunteers, whether you’re flush with people – or you’ve flushed your good people and are desperate for more and better volunteers. The possibilities for their involvement are only limited by our imagination. Class Length 4 hours

     Tiger Schmittendorf is an author, emergency manager and frequent presenter on the subjects of leadership, safety, incident command, training, and volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. He has been a volunteer firefighter since 1980 and serves the Erie County Department of Emergency Services as Deputy Fire Coordinator: leading 50 instructors, three training academies and the training and mutual aid operations of 97 fire departments and more than 6,000 first responders. His primary focus is on the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and he created iVolunteerFIRE.org – a county-wide recruitment campaign and clearinghouse that netted nearly 2,000 new recruits for Erie County Volunteer Fire Departments just since 2012. He collaborated with the New York National Guard to form a joint-recruitment partnership which focuses on connecting returning veterans with their local volunteer fire department at the web site: SoldierFirefighter.com. Tiger is also the editor of four of his own web sites: TigerSchmittendorf.com, FireRECRUITER.com, RuntotheCurb.com, and TrainYourReplacement.com – and manages the web presence and social media channels for Erie County Emergency Services and several non-profits he is associated with.

     “Lost in the “fog of the fireground" Street Smart Tips for Commanders and Company Officers” Presented by Joe Pronesti

     My mistake of getting “sidetracked” upon arrival could’ve led to a serious problem on one of my fire ground commands, don’t let yourself be sidetracked at your next serious event.

     While not a veteran, I have tons of respect for and consider myself an avid reader and student of military leadership and command, and in one particular book from a former Marine who fought in World War II describes the term “lost in the fog of war”. According to this author, this expression describes both the literal fog created by the dust, smoke, and debris of the battlefield, and more importantly the mental fog of confusion and uncertainty created by lack of knowledge of the enemy.

     As my own worse critic; and in my continuous effort to improve I am always studying fires, both my own and others from around the country, while doing so my mind continues to review the lessons from one fire in particular under my command where I personally became “lost in the fire ground”.

     I would like to share this experience as an example for others with the intent of helping you, the reader or future command officer not make my mistake of getting “lost”.            

     If you are from a smaller department like mine and possibly don’t see the amount of fires a big city department may face the key above all is preparation and practice, prepare yourself mentally as a fireground boss play the ‘what if game” constantly, utilize simulation software read everything from all types of viewpoints and truly engross yourself into NIOSH reports detailing previous LODDs, be open and honest with yourself and always strive to get better, there are NO experts on the fireground. But the fine line between success and failure can be razor thin and an engaged, educated leader makes all the difference sometimes. Class Length 4 hours

     Joe Pronesti  is a Fire Department Contributor TheFireOfficer.com ,FireEngineering.com and Fire Engineering Magazine 27 year member of the city of Elyria, Ohio Fire Department, currently serves as a shift commander. Contributor to several fire service websites including Fire Engineering. Graduate of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Executive Officer Program. Fire Instructor at Cuyahoga Community College Fire Academy. Presenter at FDIC 2015 and a four hour pre-conference presenter at FDIC 2016. Presenting a 60 minute webcast on Fire Engineering October 8th which can be found at http://www.fireengineering.com/webcasts/2015/10/main-street-fires.html

     “Developing Tactical Decision Games” Presented by Brian Ward

     Students will learn to develop Tactical Decision Games for all incident scene operations. We will break down what is required for developing meaningful training and review the Recognition Primed Decision Making mental model. Students will actively participate in various exercises with various levels of development complexity. Students will also learn to add realism and stress factors for the “hot seat” student application upon return to their departments. Students will be given the opportunity and resources to develop their own tactical decision game in class with guidance. Class Length 4 Hours

     BRIAN WARD, Chief of Emergency Operations for Georgia Pacific - has served in departments from the largest metropolitan career department to the one station volunteer department and currently focuses on industrial emergency operations. He has authored over 30 nationally publicized articles and research papers, in addition to speaking engagements across the country on training and emergency response topics. He is the Fire Engineering Training Officer’s Toolbox author and the Managing Editor for Jones and Bartlett’s Training Officer’s Deck Reference.

     He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Safety and Technology Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University. Brian is a Certified Georgia Smoke Diver, a member of the ISFSI Board of Director’s and Founder of FireServiceSLT. Brian has received several honors including: ISFSI Organizational Service Award, Distinguished Service Award, Top 20 CTBS Instructor and National Seal of Excellence for Leadership and Safety from the NFFF and EGH. He is a contributing author for Fire Engineering Magazine/Website and FDIC Instructor.

     “Recruitment & Retention: Rescue, Recovery or Reboot?” Presented by Tiger Schmittendorf

     Are your recruitment and retention efforts ready to be rescued? Is your program recovering from years of neglect or are we too late and this is now a recovery effort, left with the remains of a volunteer organization in need of a total reboot?

     Utilizing facilitated conversation, “Recruitment & Retention: Rescue or Recovery?” addresses the challenges of today’s fire and emergency services leaders and offers real-world solutions in attracting and retaining the appropriate quantity and quality of firefighters they need to support the delivery of emergency services in their communities.

     This conversation engages all generations towards a common goal to change the mindset of the fire service as to how we address recruitment and retention, redirecting our focus towards our most important asset: our people. Until we change our outlook about both the challenge and the solution - our training and organizational leadership tactics and strategies will remain predictably ineffective.

     Outlining my three-tier strategy to the survival and success of the volunteer fire service, this presentation shares personal insights, toolkits and other resources. 

     This three-prong attack to address what I call recruitment and retention rescue and recovery operations include the “The Clearinghouse” level; “T&E: Tools and Education”; and lastly the “Trench Work” – where the hand-to-hand combat of recruitment and retention is won and lost.

     The clearinghouse is the command center for all recruitment and retention efforts. This centralized approach can be accomplished at the regional, county, state or federal levels of government and/or the fire service. Effective Tools and Education can come from the clearinghouse or outside sources.

     The clearinghouse can build awareness, provide resources and bring prospective candidates to the fire department’s door. But ultimately, it is the fire department’s responsibility to do the trench work – the ability to get them in the door and keep them there. No one can do that for them.

     Our success depends upon our ability to effectively plan for, lead and manage volunteers, whether you’re flush with people – or you’ve flushed your good people and are desperate for more and better volunteers. The possibilities for their involvement are only limited by our imagination.

     Tiger Schmittendorf is an author, instructor, proven emergency manager and a frequent presenter on the subjects of leadership, safety, command, training, and volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. He serves the County of Erie (Buffalo NY) Department of Emergency Services as Deputy Fire Coordinator, managing three training academies and 50 fire instructors in coordinating the recruitment, training and response of 97 fire departments and 6,000+ firefighters.

     He created a recruitment effort that doubled his own fire department’s membership and most recently helped net nearly 2,000 new volunteers countywide. He is a Nationally Certified Fire Instructor and serves on the editorial board of FireRescue Magazine. He has been a firefighter since 1980. Connect with him at: tiger@tigerschmittendorf.com; FireRECRUITER.com; RuntotheCurb.com; TrainYourReplacement.com; at SoldierFirefighter.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

SUNDAY MORNING

     “Fireground Operations at Buildings of Ordinary Construction: Old School Hazards for Today’s Buildings and Risks” Presented by Chris Naum

     A fundamental building type that has profound operational considerations on the fireground that is commonly found in nearly all jurisdictions and response areas throughout the United States. This program goes beyond the cursory discussions of “main street” unreinforced masonry (URM) and reinforced masonry (RM) construction and occupancies, but expands and explores the complexities of this heritage and legacy construction system and their renovations, adaptive reuse, makeovers and fireground operations.

     A comprehensive overview of construction systems, materials and methods, inherent building characteristics, predictability of building performance, operational considerations, strategies and tactics with a focus on operational excellence and firefighter safety. Key Building Anatomy features, design and current architectural and design systems will be explored on this often neglected building system. Collapse zone identification and management with integrated case studies and discussion on adaptive use, integrated engineering components and how to effectively assess and operate at buildings of ordinary (type III) and heavy timber/mill & semi-mill (type IV) construction. Class Length 4 Hours

     “Developing The Next Generation Of Fire Service Leaders” Presented by Doug Cline

     Professional development is the planned, progressive, and lifelong process of education, training, self-development and experience that one gains during their development. In the fire service, professional development is a critical element of being a leader and being a professional. When we step up to accept the responsibility of leadership, we also accept an obligation to continuing our training, education, learning, personal experience and growth as we work to improve our effectiveness.

     Professional development is an excellent tool for meeting that obligation. As fire service organizations we must strive to provide continued guidance to our most valued resource, our personnel, through a carefully crafted professional development plan that meets the specifics of the organization. Class Length 4 Hours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blaze Publications, Inc.

Jeff Gargano - Editor
P.O. Box 122
Humboldt, IA 50548
jeff@blazepublicationsinc.com

News and Advertising: News and advertising deadlines are the 15th of each month for the next month's issue.

 

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