Today’s fireground requires tactics that take today’s fire behavior, building construction, and response models into consideration. We must also use the UL studies, Firefighter Rescue Survey results, and civilian fire fatalities data to better deploy our local fire resources to meet life safety and property loss priorities. When smoke detectors fail, the fire service cannot fail. We are the last line of defense. This class will give attendees a possible approach to getting the annual civilian fire fatality numbers consistently below 2,000 a year. It shows how to use data to assist us in adjusting our fireground assignments in the first five to seven minutes to remove trapped occupants sooner while still using decades of proven fireground tactics that work.

This very passionate and in your face presentation is about pushing to recapture the primary mission of the Fire Service. The very foundation of what has defined the fire service for decades is what built an undeniable trust from the public. We must push for a greater fire service that puts the lives of citizens first, which also means that property still counts. IT’S WORTH THE RISK is about more than just aggressive interior firefighting, it is also about standing strong against all odds to create a better and more effective fire service by putting yourself out there. Stay true to yourself, stay true to the mission, and stay true to the job. AGGRESSIVE does not mean UNSAFE. Political correctness and self serving attitudes are threatening the very fabric the holds this job to the highest of standards. Having a solid character, always doing the right thing, challenging the status quo, and of course continually training go a long way in making the firehouse and the fire service a better place. There is positive value in tradition, culture, and the core values that built the fire service. This means we can take acceptable risks, and make calculated tactical decisions based on your level of training, knowledge, and experience. You must understand that this is a tough and dangerous job that requires mental and physical toughness. More civilians are saved in one week than firefighters die inside structures in an entire year. IT’S WORTH THE RISK. We can and do make a positive impact in saving lives and property. Not all property is replaceable, and not everyone has insurance. With solid training the RISK is truly REDUCED to a manageable level. Bringing back realistic and practical live fire training is needed. Understanding that experience matters, and sometimes no matter how right we do this job, sometimes things can still go wrong. It’s always been said that you can never train too much for a job that can kill you. Those words are very poignant, yet the majority of firehouses have adopted a culture of training less and complaining more about those who do. Stop worrying about what others are saying, and let’s get back to the job of TAKING BACK OUR FIRE SERVICE. Get out of the recliner, get motivated, and make a difference. IT’S WORTH THE RISK.