MAFFC Friday
H.O.T. Class Schedule

H12 - Kinetic Passive Entry for Firefighters

4HR AM Friday, May 15th

Matt and Brian - Brass Shamrock Training

Cobb Station 28

We’re taking the old-school “Through the Lock” mindset and cranking it up for today’s fireground. If you ride the truck, you know the deal: access is everything—and smashing isn’t always the answer.

In this class, we’ll break down every door system you’ll face, from basic residential to high- security commercial setups. You’ll learn:

🔥 Size-Up Like a Pro – Read the door, the lock, and the situation before you commit 

🔥 Functional Behavior – Know how it works so you can make it work for you

🔥 Respectful Entry – Get in clean when the job demands it

We’re bringing real-world props, cutting-edge tools, and street-smart techniques so you can train like you fight. When you walk out, you’ll have:

• Advanced truck skills

• Confidence under pressure

• The ability to make entry without making a mess

Truck work is about options. This class gives you more. Bring your gloves. Bring your grit. Let’s get to work.

Brian brings more than 30 years of fire service experience, beginning his career in California before relocating to Seattle. He served 28 years with the Seattle Fire Department, he was a Truckman and A/O with the last 11 years as the A/O on Ladder 11. With over 25 years as an instructor, Brian specializes in Truck Company Operations with a focus on vertical ventilation, forcible entry, and ladder work. He began his instructional career with Firetown Training Specialists and now serves as a Lead Instructor with Brass Shamrock Training.

Matt began his fire service career in 2006 with King County Fire District 2 (Burien, WA). He currently serves as the department’s lead for Ladder Truck Operations, specializing in ventilation, access, and truckcompany decisionmaking. Since 2013, he has been an instructor with the Regional South King County Truck Academy, focusing on vertical ventilation, forcible entry, and lock bypass/passive entry. In 2024, Matt joined the Brass Shamrock Training cadre and now teaches truck operations nationally.

H14 - Search & Rescue: Worst Case Scenarios

8HR Friday, May 15th

Jared Robison

Calhoun

Have you considered some of the more challenging scenarios that you may be faced with on a search and rescue? Morbidly obese victims trapped in a bedroom, hoarder house conditions with victims, multifamily dwellings with multiple victims, TIC failure and other complications that could happen during operations, etc. This class is designed to not only teach but to test your comprehension and ability to shift dynamics when faced with challenging circumstances in realistic based training.

Jared Robison is a 23 year veteran of the fire service. Beginning his career as a volunteer firefighter. Jared was hired in early 2006 as a Full time Career Firefighter at Gordon County Fire Rescue and has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Currently Jared is working at the City of Cartersville Fire Department. Jared has an extensive background in education as well as training. He has obtained his Fire Science Diploma through Georgia Northwestern Technical College, State Office of EMS EMT-Intermediate, is a Georgia FLAMES graduate, Adjunct Instructor for the Georgia Fire Academy. He is the Owner/Lead Instructor for Elite Fire Training and has instructed at MAFFC in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 as well as LIFT Conference in Louisiana in 2023. He has also instructed firefighters across the county in various capacities through Bearers Of The Oath, Nelms Fire Company, and Dagum Fire Conference, and Great Lakes HOT Fire Conference with Fire Maul Tools/Forged Fire and Company.

H15 - The Dialed in Engine Company

8HR Friday, May 15th

Daniel Mishler

Cherokee

In today’s fire service we are consistently asking more from the first arriving engine company, often forcing them to do the work of the engine and truck. Now more than ever we know the importance of setting the tone early on the fire ground. The following class will break down the major functions of a “dialed in” engine company. Whether you work on a 2- or 4-person engine you can be tasked with doing any or all these skills on your next fire.  This class is designed to build proficiency and confidence needed to set the entire scene up for success.

Lead Instructor:

Daniel Mishler is the Division Chief of Training with the Canon City Area Fire Protection District in Canon City, Colorado. He has over 18 years in the fire service and has conducted numerous recruit academies, has taught at fire schools and fire conferences nationwide. He is a member of the logistics team for County Fire Tactics and an Instructor with Rural Fire Tactics, multiple community colleges, 719 FOOLS and the FOOLS of Oz.

Assistant Instructors:

Nick White is a Battalion Chief with the Hutchinson Fire Department, boasting over 21 years of fire service experience, including 2 years in wildland firefighting and 19 years with Hutchinson. An active member of the FOOLS of OZ, he has presented at the Wichita HOT Conference for six consecutive years and at the Atlanta Fire Conference. Chief White is the lead designer and builder of Hutchinson Fire Department's regional training grounds. He played a pivotal role in introducing the Rescue Strike Team and ACE Triage to the department, enhancing their response capabilities in critical incidents.

Cameron Meier is a Training Captain with the Hutchinson Fire Department with 21 years of experience. He began his career with Sedgwick County Fire District #1 where he made his way to the rank of Lieutenant, assisting with multiple recruit academies before jumping ship to the true Land of Oz. Meier brings a ton of experience and passion to all his classes.

James Cook is a career firefighter and Training Officer with the Decatur Fire Department in Texas, with over 20 years in the fire service. His experience centers on engine and truck company operations, firefighter development, and building training that translates directly to real fireground work. He focuses on standards-based training, repeatable fundamentals, and practical decision-making under stress, with an emphasis on doing the basics well and holding the line on expectations.

Jessica Middleton is a firefighter with Sedgwick County Fire District #1 in Sedgwick County, Kansas. She has a passion for training, teaching, working out and attending conferences. She enjoys doing jiu-jitsu and loves the life lessons it brings on and off the mat. On top of all that, she is a dedicated mom who enjoys spending time with her family.

H16 - A RIT State of Mind 🔥 LIVE FIRE 🔥

8HR Friday, May 15th

Christopher Newman

Cobb

A RIT STATE OF MIND focuses on critical rescue techniques for firefighters, emphasizing live fire training and window rescue scenarios. Participants engage in hands-on drills simulating real-world conditions, including navigating smoke-filled environments and operating under live fire. A key component involves practicing the extraction of a victim from a second-story window, utilizing specialized equipment and teamwork. Students learn essential skills such as situational awareness, communication, and safe rigging techniques to ensure effective and efficient rescues while maintaining safety protocols. The class aims to enhance responders' readiness and confidence in high-pressure situations.

Christopher Newman has dedicated eleven years to the fire service. He and his team are preparing to embark on their third year of instruction at MAFFC. Presently, he serves as an engineer with the Cobb County Fire Department.

H17 - Capt Gustin's Suburban Standpipe Ops

8HR Friday, May 15th

Clark Lamping

Cobb

This class will introduce/reinforce the skill sets for the firefighter to operate in the different models of standpipe operations for both a vertical and/or horizontal types of buildings. Each firefighter will rotate through different skill stations that will cover off the essential aspects of standpipe operations in a suburban environment.

Clark Lamping is a 26 year employee with the Clark County NV Fire Department. He has been a captain for 15 years. He instructs Highrise, Large Commercial Fires, and Building Construction in several venues across the country, Europe, and Canada. He has a Masters Degree in Crisis and Emergency Management from UNLV (Las Vegas).

H18 - High Rise Operations

8HR Friday, May 15th

Christopher Pence

Dekalb

The objective of this training is to enhance operational readiness for high-rise firefighting by conducting hose deployment from a stairwell and executing a simulated fire response utilizing standpipe operations and a hose drop. Crews respond to a simulated fire located at a high-rise structure. The drill includes the following primary components: Hose Drop Evolution from the fourth floor: Crews ascended to the fourth floor and conducted a controlled hose drop evolution. Bundled 1 7/8 hose packs are deployed via side of building stretching hose down to pumping engine. The purpose of this evolution is to familiarize firefighters with managing hose deployment over multiple floors, mitigating hang-ups, and maintaining hose integrity and positioning during vertical deployment. Standpipe Hook-Up and Fire Attack Simulation: This phase of the training requires crews to locate and connect to the standpipe on the fourth floor, in accordance with LOER Guide of connecting one floor below the fire. Personnel execute a complete standpipe operation, including discussing and establishing a water supply to the system, flaking and charging hose lines, advancing hose to the fire floor, and simulating a coordinated interior fire attack on the fifth floor. Crews practiced proper 2 ½ high-rise pack deployment, standpipe valve control, pressure regulation, and coordination of nozzle teams. This included rotations for nozzle control of the 2 ½ with 1 1/8 smooth bore tip. Those assigned to the truck company during the evolution will perform truck duties of recon of the fire floor. Emphasis is placed on communication, floor identification, air management, and tactical decision-making in a high-rise environment. This high-rise training evolution provides valuable hands-on experience with standpipe operations, vertical hose management, and team coordination under simulated fire conditions. Crews will gain confidence and reinforce critical skills necessary for effective response in multi-story occupancies. Continued repetition and refinement of these evolutions will further improve operational performance in high-rise incidents.

Captain Christopher Pence currently serves in the Training Division of DeKalb County Fire Rescue (DCFR), where he plays a critical role in the design, coordination, and delivery of comprehensive firefighter training programs.  With extensive operational experience across engine and truck, Captain Pence brings a deep understanding of fireground tactics, leadership development, and firefighter performance under pressure. His instructional approach combines technical precision with a focus on realism, accountability, and professional growth—reflecting his philosophy: “Start acting like the firefighter you pretend to be.”
Throughout his tenure, Captain Pence has led numerous high-impact training initiatives including:
High-Rise Operations, Engine Operations, Truck Operations, Officer Development series, Acting Officer in Charge, and LOER (Low Occurrence Elevated Risk) implementation.
He has been instrumental in standardizing department-wide curriculum design, safety compliance, and scenario-based evaluations that integrate fireground decision-making, communications, and tactical discipline. Captain Pence is recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between textbook instruction and street-level execution, developing programs that prepare firefighters not only to perform, but to lead. His work continues to strengthen DCFR’s culture of training excellence and operational readiness.

H19 - Thermal Imaging: The Operational Environment 🔥 LIVE FIRE 🔥

8HR Friday, May 15th

Chris Corso

Douglas

Thermal Imaging: “The Operational Environment” is your chance to gain the tactical edge on the fireground. This course goes far beyond basic button-pushing, giving you a deep dive into how today’s thermal imaging technologies truly work and, more importantly, how to use them to your advantage in real-world situations. You’ll learn to connect what you see on the screen to the fire’s actual behavior, sharpen your interpretation skills, and apply that knowledge where it matters most—on the line.

As fire service technology continues to evolve, so must our skills. That’s why Fire Dynamics Training Programs, the exclusive training provider for FLIR Firefighting Technologies, is proud to showcase the newest breakthroughs, including the FLIR K75/K85 series. These devices are designed to transform fireground operations, giving firefighters the clarity and confidence needed to make faster, smarter decisions when the environment turns hostile.

This course isn’t only about mastering tools—it’s about developing the complete package. You’ll build the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills that improve performance under pressure, reduce costly errors, and keep you and your crew safer. Expect to strengthen your tactical intelligence, sharpen situational awareness, and elevate your operational effectiveness in every scenario.

By the end of this program, you won’t just understand thermal imaging—you’ll own it. With a foundation rooted in both theory and hands-on application, you’ll leave equipped to leverage this technology for safer, more effective outcomes on every response.

Command the fireground with confidence. Gain the tactical edge that saves time, saves crews, and saves lives.

Chris Corso, the Owner/Operator of Fire Dynamics Training Programs, commenced his fire service journey in 2003 with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, FL. Currently assigned to Station 19 on the C-Shift, he serves as the Driver Engineer/Paramedic and frequently steps in as Captain when needed. He first started his commitment to nurturing the growth of fellow firefighters while serving as an EMT/Paramedic Clinical Instructor at a local college. In 2014, he transitioned to fire service instruction, contributing to the professional development of his department members. This journey ultimately led him back to where he began his service, taking on the role of a minimum standards instructor at a regional training academy.

Chris’s deep admiration for the role of a fire service educator fuels his steadfast commitment to personal growth and advancement in the field. His dedication is exemplified by his work as a subcontracted Lead Simulator Operations Instructor for Dräger U.S., where he delivers specialized courses on the safe and effective management of Vent-Controlled Firefighting Simulator Systems both nationally and internationally. This role marked a significant milestone in his career and paved the way for the establishment of Fire Dynamics Training (FDT) Programs in early 2017.

Enduring focus on individual progression, grounded in a heightened comprehension for the dynamics of enclosure fires, illuminated crucial aspects of thermal imaging technologies. After earning the Level 1 Thermographer certification in late 2019, efforts shifted to examining how thermal imaging devices could enhance firefighting activities. This concentration led to the development of impactful and transformative training initiatives for this vital tool. Supported by accreditation from the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards & Training, Chris and dedicated fire professionals from across the state realized the vision of FDT Programs to build a fire service community where every member, regardless of rank, has a deep understanding of thermal imaging devices and their capabilities for evolving firefighting operations. Furthermore, this ongoing commitment has resulted in the creation of specialized programs for fire service instructors, facilitating the integration of their agency’s devices. 

Chris and the instructor cadre have been honored with the designation the exclusive training provider for FLIR Thermal Imaging Firefighting Technologies. In this capacity, they are committed to equipping fire service professionals with the skills and intelligence needed to maximize the life-saving potential of FLIR’s advanced thermal imaging tools.

In addition to training, FDT Programs is partnering closely with FLIR’s product development team as technical advisors, actively contributing to the ongoing innovation of these essential technologies. This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in firefighter training and technology development, to help shape future advancements, ensuring that FLIR’s thermal imaging solutions continue to evolve to directly support firefighters and enhance safety in hazardous operations.

His dual role, both as a practitioner in live fire training and a trainer of prospective instructors, is underscored by his advisory position for the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. As a subject matter expert, his knowledge and hands-on experience for this specialized area of instruction seeks to improve standards and organizational aspects regarding training evolutions under fire conditions. Notably, significant progress has been achieved in integrating comprehensive education and training for the operation and management of conditions within Vent-Controlled Fire Training Simulator Systems. This undertaking has broadened its scope to provide comprehensive education and training for certified fire service instructors on facility design, construction, and simulator operations qualification courses for various systems. 

As a key member of the Florida Lithium-Ion Training Taskforce, he works alongside leading fire professionals spearheading a pioneering initiative for 2024. Leveraging his specialized knowledge and expertise in thermal imaging technology, he aims to drive research forward and enhance firefighting techniques and safety protocols for lithium-ion battery fires, particularly in electric vehicles. Additionally, this team aims to tackle the unique risks and challenges associated with lithium-ion batteries, providing crucial insights into firefighter health and safety, environmental contaminants, gear decontamination, and the effectiveness of firefighting products. Collaborating with esteemed partners such as the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal’s Office, the University of Miami Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative, the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative, and the Florida State Fire College, they are committed to advancing the field.

The FDT Programs thermal imaging training initiatives have gained recognition at several prestigious conferences and events, both regionally and nationally. Highlights include appearances at the Orlando Fire Conference, the Fire Chief’s Association of Broward County Winter Classes, and the 2024 & 2025 FL Fire Conference. Additionally, their training sessions have been featured at the Georgia Bearers of the Oath Conference, Pennsylvania’s Butler County Fire Chief’s Association Fire School Weekend, the 2024 & 2025 Metro Atlanta Fire Fighters Conference, and the Fire Nuggets: Bay Area Fire Conference.

Chris adopts the perspective that "Knowledge without experience is equally limiting as experience without knowledge," and believes that continuous dedication as a student of the industry to be the most crucial aspect of enhancing the fire service for the future.

H21 - Truck Work: The Basics and Beyond 🔥 LIVE FIRE 🔥

8HR Friday, May 15th

Chuck Mindel

Marietta

This class will cover the big 3 of truck work, forcible entry, ladders, and search. This is a fast-paced knowledge driven class that will give you the opportunity to build upon your foundation of skills and then take it to the next level learning from a cadre with real world experience. The class will encompass multiple reps during each rotation followed up by real world scenarios that will give you the opportunity to work as a truck company searching for victims, forcing doors, and throwing ladders under live fire conditions.

Marietta Cadre

H22 - The FAST Class

8HR Friday, May 15th

Bobby Moss

Marietta

This class will consist of four teaching stations designed to emphasize techniques for firefighter rescue. The drills will include the Pittsburgh Drill, Denver Drill/Collapse Prop, Nance Drill (Subfloor Rescue), and a High-Rise Ladder Truck Rescue Drill. These drills will be performed in full firefighting gear and students may be required to perform these drills utilizing their SCBA. This class will be physically and mentally demanding.

Bobby Moss is a 25 year veteran of the fire service and currently holds the rank of Captain with the Marietta Fire Department. Bobby has completed the Georgia Smoke Diver program and is an integral leader of the Georgia Flames program. He has also completed the Smoke Diver programs for Texas, Tennessee and Alabama. Bobby has experience in the Technical Rescue aspect of the fire service having been assigned to Marietta's heavy rescue for many years. Bobby has spent countless hours procuring skills and techniques from attending classes and programs that aid in his passion of firefighter rescue, so as to pass these techniques along to others.

H23 - Dominating the Pin In

8HR Friday, May 15th

John Elliott

Marietta Wrecker

8-hour training session will encompass stabilization, basic extrication techniques, as well as more advanced extrication techniques.  This class will emphasize hands-on training with no classroom time.  The training ground will have 25 plus cars. Students will be broken into groups and will rotate through each workstation, with plenty of cut time.  
Techniques to be addressed:
•Vehicle under-rides, over-rides and overturns.
•The “B-Side Blowout”.
•Marrying vehicles and heavy object isolation.
•“Haloing”.
•…and much, much more.
This is not just your basic class…this will challenge your personal and departmental capabilities.

John Elliott is a 26-year veteran in the fire service. He is currently with Cobb County Fire, GA. John currently assigned to Captain of Squad 16 Heavy Rescue. Captain Elliott has developed and instructed numerous classes on rescue operations, as well as, a variety of technical rescue classes at all levels of the fire service.  He has a passion for Trench Rescue and Vehicle Extrication. He is one of the original creators of the “Dominating the Pin-In” extrication course.

H25 - Maximize Your Extrication

8HR Friday, May 15th

Chris Kessinger

SA Recycling

This course is designed to maximize the capabilities with the limited staffing operations we are facing across the country. With tool selection, tactics and placement we teach the rescuer to be able to accomplish rapid extrication of any victim they will face. The training and scenarios are based on twenty years of rescue experience and real world application. Students from all levels of experience will be able to take the knowledge learned back to their departments and help save lives.

Chris Kessinger has been a student of the craft for 21 years. Chris serves as the lead instructor and owner of Citizens First Fire Training in addition to the role of training officer/instructor for numerous schools, training facilities, advisory panels and departments. Chris has a deep passion for this job and making sure that the blue-collar traditions of our foundation stay alive and well. As an active member for the Central Ohio F.O.O.L.S. chapter, Chris is able to continually spread those traditions and keep our service headed in the right direction. His passion, that one thing on the job that drives his soul will always be with truck company operations. Be aggressive in the search, aggressive in throwing ladders, aggressive in ventilation but most of all be aggressive in LOVING the job! Those core values are what Chris lives by. Chris is a nobody from nowhere that just loves the job and spreading the passion everywhere he goes. Our citizens are our absolute number 1 priority, anything other than that is simply unacceptable.

H26 - The Unbreakable Engine: Breaking Down the Basics

4HR AM Friday, May 15th

Chad Menard

Cobb

There’s no piece of equipment that’s saved more lives on the fire ground than the first line and a nozzle. This class will break down the blue-collar basics of Engine work. Regardless of whether you come from rural, suburban, or urban America, are volunteer or career, this class will provide the attendee with everything they need to be successful as the first arriving Engine. We will discuss apparatus placement, estimating the stretch, look at various hose stretches and methods, line staging and management, nozzle flow and advancement techniques, and everything the Engine is responsible when operating at a structure fire.

The second portion of this class will be outside, where we will perform several of the skills discussed in class such as demonstrating various hose stretches, line staging, build and deploy hose bundles, and more so the attendee has something more to take back with them besides notes from class.

Chad Menard is a Deputy Chief of Operations. He's been in the fire service for over twenty years. He is very passionate about the fire service and believes in the blue collar aggressive skills that the fire service was founded upon. He brings experience from the volunteer and career side of the fire service, which helps him present methods that fit departments of all sizes. He has a Masters degree in Public Administration and is a graduate of the two year Managing Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. 

H27 - Flashover Simulator 🔥 LIVE FIRE 🔥

4HR AM Friday, May 15th

Keith Pertschi

Forsyth

Class Description coming soon

Instructor Bio coming soon

H28 - Not Every Workout is Created Equal

4HR AM Friday, May 15th

Bryan Reid

Cobb Safety Village

Not Every Workout is Created Equal…for the Fire Service is a firefighter health and physical fitness presentation. During the class I:

•        Review firefighter fitness standards and the prevalence of obesity and health challenges in the fire service.

•        Define what a “tactical” athlete is.

•        Compare and contrast traditional athletes with tactical athletes.

•        Define fitness for the general public, various sports (wrestling, endurance, bodybuilding, strength competitions, functional fitness) and for the fireground.

•        Examine firefighting as a tactical “sport”.

•        Explain the importance of specificity of training for the fireground.

•        Identify the type of workout most applicable to firefighting activities. 

•        Explain the best way to start a fitness program to avoid injuries and early burnout. 

•        Explain the personal benefits of a firefighter fitness program. 

I intersperse the class with true stories of the co-workers and friends that I’ve lost over my career to sudden cardiac events and strokes. 

Bryan Reid served with Cobb County (GA) Fire & Emergency Services for 27 years, retiring in 2018 as a company officer and in the training division. He has taught on a variety of topics both within the department and at various conferences. He has multiple certifications from the International Sports Science Association in Fitness Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Nutrition and Tactical Fitness Trainer. He is also the author of The Salvage and Overhaul Eating Plan a tactical eating plan for health, performance and longevity. Bryan has been published in multiple fire service trades publications and holds a Bachelor Degree in Fire Service Administration and an Associate Degree in Occupational Safety and Health both from Columbia Southern University. In addition to a career with Cobb County he has served in South Carolina as an Assistant Fire Marshal with the Charleston Fire Department and as a Battalion Chief in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. 

www.eternaldalmatian.com

H29 - Flashover Simulator 🔥 LIVE FIRE 🔥

4HR PM Friday, May 15th

Keith Pertschi

Forsyth

Class Description coming soon

Instructor Bio coming soon

H37 - The Way of the Nozzle 🔥 LIVE FIRE 🔥

8HR Friday, May 15th

Lafontant Dorival

Carroll

The Way of The Nozzle is a back-to-basics class in engine operations. Doubles down on abandoned past practices old timers before us applied and perfected. The focus is on nozzle operator mechanics, nozzle/hose line packages, deployment practices and getting the line in place to make an aggressive push to the seat of the fire. TWOTN preaches moving while flowing and getting the water where it needs to be. Unique emphasis is placed on the doorman, which details the experienced based skills necessary to be a proficient member at the door, while moving a charged hose line and controlling the door. 

Learning Objectives: 

At the end of this course students will: 

• Have a good understanding of air entrainment, water mapping, and identifying stream sounds. 

• Understand and perform sound nozzle maneuvers/mechanics. 

• Understand and perform moving while flowing techniques (making the push). 

• Understand and perform effective communications and good corner work in hose management. 

• Be able to gather and deploy hose to setup for coil hose line tactics 

• Understand and perform the major responsibilities of the door firefighter 

Lieutenant Lafontant Dorival is one of the most motivating individuals you have ever met. A 18-year member of the fire service that bleeds passion and pride as he speaks and motivates. He works for the seventh largest fire department in the nation, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. He is bid into one of the busiest fire houses in Miami-Dade County, firehouse seven. Certified in various aspects of the job such as firefighter/paramedic, technical rescue technician, engineer, and aerial operator. Dorival is also a level 2 fire instructor and a live fire training instructor. The founder of, “The Way of The Nozzle, LLC “or TWOTN, which is a back-to-basics class in engine operations. 

H39 - Thermal Imaging Tactics 🔥 LIVE FIRE 🔥

8HR Friday, May 15

SFD Cadre

Smyrna

This intensive, 8-hour, hands-on course is designed to bridge the gap between owning a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) and commanding it under the stress of a structural fire.Participants will move beyond basic navigation, learning to interpret size up, search and rescue, and VEIS while operating in a Live-Fire conditions.

Instructor Bio Coming Soon

H40 - The Unbreakable Engine: Breaking Down the Basics

4HR PM Friday, May 15

Chad Menard

Cobb

There’s no piece of equipment that’s saved more lives on the fire ground than the first line and a nozzle. This class will break down the blue-collar basics of Engine work. Regardless of whether you come from rural, suburban, or urban America, are volunteer or career, this class will provide the attendee with everything they need to be successful as the first arriving Engine. We will discuss apparatus placement, estimating the stretch, look at various hose stretches and methods, line staging and management, nozzle flow and advancement techniques, and everything the Engine is responsible when operating at a structure fire.

The second portion of this class will be outside, where we will perform several of the skills discussed in class such as demonstrating various hose stretches, line staging, build and deploy hose bundles, and more so the attendee has something more to take back with them besides notes from class.

Chad Menard is a Deputy Chief of Operations. He's been in the fire service for over twenty years. He is very passionate about the fire service and believes in the blue collar aggressive skills that the fire service was founded upon. He brings experience from the volunteer and career side of the fire service, which helps him present methods that fit departments of all sizes. He has a Masters degree in Public Administration and is a graduate of the two year Managing Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. 

H44 - Kinetic Passive Entry for Firefighters

4HR PM Friday, May 15th

Matt Ready & Brian Mattson - Brass Shamrock Training

Cobb Station 28

We’re taking the old-school “Through the Lock” mindset and cranking it up for today’s fireground. If you ride the truck, you know the deal: access is everything—and smashing isn’t always the answer.

In this class, we’ll break down every door system you’ll face, from basic residential to high- security commercial setups. You’ll learn:

🔥 Size-Up Like a Pro – Read the door, the lock, and the situation before you commit 

🔥 Functional Behavior – Know how it works so you can make it work for you

🔥 Respectful Entry – Get in clean when the job demands it

We’re bringing real-world props, cutting-edge tools, and street-smart techniques so you can train like you fight. When you walk out, you’ll have:

• Advanced truck skills

• Confidence under pressure

• The ability to make entry without making a mess

Truck work is about options. This class gives you more. Bring your gloves. Bring your grit. Let’s get to work.

Brian brings more than 30 years of fire service experience, beginning his career in California before relocating to Seattle. He served 28 years with the Seattle Fire Department, he was a Truckman and A/O with the last 11 years as the A/O on Ladder 11. With over 25 years as an instructor, Brian specializes in Truck Company Operations with a focus on vertical ventilation, forcible entry, and ladder work. He began his instructional career with Firetown Training Specialists and now serves as a Lead Instructor with Brass Shamrock Training.

Matt began his fire service career in 2006 with King County Fire District 2 (Burien, WA). He currently serves as the department’s lead for Ladder Truck Operations, specializing in ventilation, access, and truckcompany decisionmaking. Since 2013, he has been an instructor with the Regional South King County Truck Academy, focusing on vertical ventilation, forcible entry, and lock bypass/passive entry. In 2024, Matt joined the Brass Shamrock Training cadre and now teaches truck operations nationally.