January-February 2012
Why Attend Firehouse Conferences
Firehouse World (San Diego, CA), February 19-23, 2012
Firehouse Expo (Baltimore, MD), July 18-22, 2012
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By Harvey Eisner The Firehouse World Conference will celebrate its 10th anniversary in February. The event has many different segments, all designed to present the latest in fire, rescue and EMS education, training and the latest awareness on safety for the fire service. Firehouse Expo in Baltimore began in 1984. Since then,many key presentations have been featured during the opening ceremonies or other portions of the conference. The fatal 1999 Worcester, MA, warehouse fire was presented by Mike McNamee, first incident commander of the operation; Chief Jay Jonas, trapped in the collapse of the World Trade Center; Black Sunday in New York, by the four survivors; plus the Malibu wildfires, Rodney Kingriots in Los Angeles, Charleston Sofa Superstore fire, Buffalo propane explosion, Boston Prudential high-rise fire, fire chief from Chernobyl, Dupont Plaza Hotel fire in Puerto Rico, Devils Night in Detroit, and many more. Hands-on training is offered at both conferences. Engine Company, Truck Company, Auto Extrication, Live Fire evolutions, Large Area Search and Rapid Intervention, Thermal imaging, Forcible Entry, Roof Operations are some of the more popular classes conducted over an eight-hour period. Attendees gain experience and knowledge at these classes because in many cases in their own fire departments or training academies these sessions may not be available to them. A wide variety of classes are offered for pre-conference sessions. Some classes are four hours long and begin in the morning or afternoon. A few sessions are eight hours long and offer the most valuable and extensive knowledge on diverse topics such as Incident Command, Strategy & Tactics, Leadership and Fire Officer Training. Over the course of three days, in either location, between 80 and 100 classes, usually 90 minutes long, are presented on a wide variety of topics. As an example, here are some of the category areas that are being scheduled for the Firehouse Expo in Baltimore in July 2012:
There is a three-day exhibit floor full of the latest fire and EMS apparatus, EMS units and command vehicles. Manufacturers of a wide variety of personal protective equipment , fire tools, hose, nozzles, radio and computer equipment and the latest in new technology, thermal imaging cameras, computers, safety equipment, uniforms, and anything a fire, rescue or EMS personnel might need. Usually, a networking event is held during each conference. This year in San Diego for the first time a fund-raising event will be held on Tuesday night, February 21, on the aircraft carrier Midway docked in San Diego Harbor. A $20 donation to the San Diego Burn Institute will get you all the food, beverages and entertainment you could want while onboard the historic aircraft carrier. The following night, February 22, another networking event will be held at the San Diego Fire Department Museum located a few blocks from the harbor. These events are great opportunities to meet other fire service members from around the country. For more information go to www.firehouseworld.com or www.firehouseexpo.com .
Publishers Note: Firehouse World and Firehouse Expo are unique and outstanding ways to get the best training offered anywhere in the country. You will come away recharged and refreshed with a renewed commitment to the greatest profession.
The classroom sessions and hands-on training are second to none and the exposure to this level of training will be an experience you will long remember. The networking capability is a benefit that is often overlooked and you will come away with new friends and connections that will last a lifetime.
As an attendee to Firehouse World and former presenter, I highly recommend Firehouse conferences. I have no doubt it will have a positive effect on your fire service career. — Ted Corporandy
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