Florida, Pennsylvania, Missouri, & Tennessee in Early 2026, Where Will You See Chief Ike?

Fresh off his recent retirement from Escambia County Fire Rescue, Battalion Chief, Curt “Ike” Isakson is already charging full-speed into 2026 with three powerful training events across the country in addition to several events in Pensacola Beach Florida.

Known for his unapologetically mission-focused mindset and his ability to translate street-proven tactics into clear, actionable instruction, Isakson continues to invest directly into firefighters, officers, and first responder leaders.

Each of these events provides a unique opportunity to learn, grow, sharpen leadership awareness, and reset the tactical clock for today’s compressed-decision fireground environment.

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Central PA Fire Conference 2026 – Feb 21–22, 2026, Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

Hosted by McVeytown Volunteer Fire Company 18, Chief Isakson will deliver two full days of high-energy instruction at the 2nd Annual Central PA Fire Conference. Topics will include cornerstone themes from his operational playbook such as Gallons Per Second, People Before Water, Tactics Put Out Fires, Death on the Nozzle, and Mastering the Craft.

This program is built for firefighters and fire officers who want tactical clarity, professional edge, and a deeper understanding of what truly moves the needle during structure fires. With full-day sessions, operational focus, and leadership integration, attendees can expect an intense weekend of learning driven by one of the fire service’s most passionate voices.

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Engine Company Operations & Fire Attack – March 3, 4, & 6, 2026, Wentzville Fire HQ – Wentzville, Missouri

Just days later, Chief Ike heads to Wentzville, Missouri for three separate dates of deep-dive engine company operations and fire attack.

These sessions focus on decisive fireground actions for the firefighter, company officer, and chief. You’ll hones the mindset that saves time, places victims first, and shapes positive outcomes.

Whether attending one date or all three, participants will walk away with sharpened tactics and clearer mission intent for the most common—and most dangerous—runs we face.

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Behind the Badge: Mental Wellness Conference – April 10, 2026, Germantown, Tennessee

In April, Isakson joins a powerful panel of national instructors at the Behind the Badge Mental Wellness Conference presented by the Tennessee First Responders Foundation. Alongside respected professionals such as Dan Willis, Jeff Dill, and Derrick Edwards, this event focuses on the psychological, emotional, and relational realities of the job.

Topics include stress reduction, family dynamics, trauma recovery, suicide awareness, and the long-game strategy for staying healthy while serving others. This event reinforces a message that’s gaining ground throughout the fire service: our people—not our apparatus, policies, or procedures—are the most valuable asset in the organization.

By emphasizing resilience, connection, and mental survivability, the conference aims to strengthen the modern first responder far beyond the badge.

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A Strong Beginning to 2026

All three events reflect what has defined Curt Isakson’s career: a commitment to tactical excellence, operational truth, and the human element of fire service culture. Whether the focus is nozzle discipline, leadership responsibility, or mental wellness, Isakson continues to challenge firefighters to think harder, prepare better, and honor the mission with everything they have.

For those looking to improve performance on the fireground, build stronger officer skills, or grow in personal resilience, these 2026 programs offer a powerful head start on the year.