2011 Preconference

Conference sessions are 90 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Check back often for updated information. Program subject to change.

February 26, 2011
8:00 AM	PRE1 - Command Officer Training Academy Presented by: Ed Hadfield, Deputy Chief, Coronado, CA FD; Anthony Kastros, Battalion Chief, Sacramento Metro Fire District, CA; Mike Alder, Battalion Chief, San Bernardino City FD, CA; and Wes Kitchel, Fire Captain CATEGORY: INCIDENT COMMAND 2-DAY, 16-HOUR CLASS: This program is a designed to provide the students with the skill sets necessary to be successful command officers. Students will be placed in realistic training environments and taught how to maximize and develop leadership skills, team-building qualities, handle disciplinary processes, and establish strong fundamental fireground command operations for today's fast-paced changing fireground. This program is highly interactive and taught by four of the nation's most recognized experts in the development of command officer training programs.
February 27, 2011
8:00 AM	PRE2 - California State Certified: Command and Control of the RIC Deployment Steve Cavallero, Battalion Chief, Redwood City FD, CA CA STATE CERTIFIED CATEGORY: RAPID INTERVENTION You are in command of a structure fire and your worst fear is realized when you hear one of your personnel call "MAYDAY." What are you prepared to do? This course is designed to give command officers solid guidelines to help them manage and lead during the most difficult incident of their career. Incident commanders need to understand the dynamics of RIC deployment and how to control the event for a successful outcome. The course will cover RIC deployment prevention strategies, recognition of fireground factors that indicate when the potential for a RIC deployment is imminent, and RIC deployment management protocols. While the emphasis for this class is for incident commanders, firefighters of every rank are welcome to attend and get a better understand of the dynamics of preventing and managing a RIC deployment.
8:00 AM	PRE3 - Calm the Chaos! Mastering Fireground Command (Simulator Workshop) Anthony Kastros, Battalion Chief, Sacramento Metro Fire District, CA CATEGORY: INCIDENT COMMAND The NIOSH top 5 line-of-duty-death causes on the fireground surround size-up, command, communications, accountability and SOPs. Students will review radio traffic and video of actual incidents. In addition, simulation software will be utilized to size-up and organize commercial, residential, garden/center hall apartments and wildland fires. This intense, hands-on and interactive workshop will simplify the components of tactics and strategy, SOPs and ICS. We synthesize these three key ingredients to help students drastically improve the way they command their next incident or handle their upcoming assessment center.
8:00 AM	PRE5 - Truss Truce: Time to Make Peace with an Old Nemesis Mark Emery, Operations Battalion Chief Woodinville, WA Fire & Life Safety District CATEGORY: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Trusses are not dangerous; fire officers that don't factor the presence of trusses are very dangerous. Trusses are strong, efficient, reliable, and, once you get to know them, pretty cool. BC Emery will ensure that you know and understand the "anatomy and physiology" of the truss.
8:00 AM	PRE6 - How to Excel at Fire Service Promotional Exams Steve Prziborowski, Battalion Chief, Santa Clara County, CA FD CATEGORY: PROMOTIONAL A fire service promotional exam is a stressful process that virtually everyone dreads. Going into the process without having thought out how you will perform and what to expect in the various events is recipe for disaster. Class participants will be exposed to and offered key points for the most common events within a fire service promotional process: the written exam, the oral interview, the personnel problem, the oral presentation and the emergency simulation. The key points contained within this session will help increase your final score and may make the difference between getting promoted or not getting promoted and having to take the test the next time. Topics covered include: - Understanding what you're getting into. - Overview of a typical promotional process. - Promotional assessment centers. - Resume preparation. - Application completion. - Oral interview. - Teaching demonstrations. - Oral presentations. - In-baskets / writing exercises. - Personnel counseling - ICS review. - Strategy and tactics review. - Simulation practice on various types of incidents.
8:00 AM	PRE7 - Engine Company Fireground Operations: The Water Delivery and Fire Suppression Specialists David M. McGrail, District Chief, Denver FD, CO CATEGORY: ENGINE COMPANY OPERATIONS The engine company firefighter who chooses to dedicate himself to excellence by preparing physically and mentally with an ongoing program of comprehensive training is truly a "water delivery and fire suppression specialist." This comprehensive presentation will take participants from the basics to the battle, including a discussion of all the essential components necessary for safe, effective, and successful engine company fireground operations. Chief McGrail will utilize the concept and application of "proper weapon selection" to help attendee's hone their fireground decision-making skills. He will also emphasize the importance of fighting the deadly disease of complacency, while developing and maintaining a strong firefighting mind-set. Various case studies, fireground slide photos and videos will be utilized during the presentation to illustrate and reinforce the essential procedures and appropriate weapons necessary for successful engine company fireground operations.
1:00 PM	PRE4 - Solar Electric Safety for Firefighters Matthew Paiss, Captain, San Jose FD, CA CATEGORY: STRATEGY & TACTICS Generating electricity from the use of rooftop solar modules is gaining the attention of many, including the fire service, and with good reason. With up to 600 vdc involved in these systems, and limitations of vertical ventilation space, your tactical approach must include knowledge of these new generating systems. It is vital that firefighters understand what is above them, what can hurt them and how to stay safe. In this innovative session, students will walk away with a solid understanding of the principals of solar electricity generation, confidence in how to safely fight fires in PV-equipped (photovoltaics) structures, as well as some hands-on time with a prop-mounted PV system.