Category Archives: UL FSRI
Articles in this category feature research from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI). UL FSRI strives to be the renowned and trusted source of fire safety research and knowledge worldwide, enabling everyone to live in a fire safe world.
UL FSRI Hose Stream Prop Blueprints & Training Video’s Now Available on CFT
CF Tactics will have the UL Hose Stream Prop available for attendees to view and use again in less than a week and February 2022 at CFT Fire School.
Scroll to the bottom of this post to access all the new material released today by UL FSRI

Underwriters Laboratories Fire Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI) sponsored and operated a first of its kind Hose Stream Prop at CF Tactics Water On The Fire Conference in August of 2021.
The UL FSRI hose stream prop brings the laboratory right to the attendees at our conferences and events.

In the words of Eklhart Brass, "Just Because Water is Coming Out Doesn't Mean You're Doing it Right."
UL FSRI Hose Stream Prop News Release
Keith Stakes & Mike Alt, Hose Stream Prop Lecture & Demo at WOFC 2021
Special thanks to Steve Kerber, Keith Stakes, Jennifer Williams, Michael Alt, and Philip Gilman for their work to make this possible and educating hundreds of attendees at WOFC 2021, and future CFT Conferences.
Please continue reading to the bottom of this post. We have included a lot of great training content either as a review of lessons learned at WOFC, or as preparation for your use of this prop in February 2022.
A link to the UL Fire Safety Academy is available in the menu bar right here on CFT under our Training Articles & Links section.
The proper application of water was summed up best by the late Andy Fredericks. The fire “goes as the first line “goes”.
Why is the Hose Stream Prop and Water Mapping important?
UL Statement on Water Mapping
“Understanding this fundamental principle of water dispersion can aid firefighters in understanding how to apply their water during fire suppression operations most effectively.”
UL Water Mapping Online Class
UL Water Mapping in Structures
UL Water Mapping Update
Water Mapping Training Video's
Chief Brush Making the Push
Ray McCormack, Water Mapping
Ray McCormack, Water Mapping in the Hallway on the Advance
Bill Gustin, Water Mapping, Door Frame Deflection & Wetting
HOSE STREAM PROP TRAINING VIDEO'S
Hose Stream Mechanics Promotion Video
Hose Stream Mechanics Introduction
Hose Stream Mechanics Interior Suppression
Hose Stream Mechanics Exterior Suppression
Hose Stream Mechanics Hydraulic Ventilation
Hose Stream Mechanics Attic Fire Suppression
UL FSRI Water Mapping Prop Under Construction at WOFC 2021
CFT CONFERENCE SERIES 2021-2022
CF TACTICS CONFERENCE SERIES VIDEO
🚨 CFT BOX ALARM UPDATES 🚨
Sign up now to be in the know about everything we have going on at County Fire Tactics. Add yourself onto our Box Alarm Updates, and you will receive exclusive first release notifications direct to your e-mail about conferences, seminars, discounts, podcasts, training articles, and more.
CF Tactics Box Alarm Updates
CONTACT CF TACTICS
View a list of CF Tactics programs Chief Isakson can deliver at your next conference, seminar, symposium, or in house event. Utilize the links provided to reach Curt and Jessica for more information about booking Chief Isakson or our Pensacola Beach conference series.
HROC 2021 THANK YOU SPONSORS
County Fire Tactics is thankful and appreciative of the continued support from our sponsors. These sponsors allow CFT to keep the costs to attend our events lower and still deliver firefighters a world class education at our conferences.
Our sponsors contributions reach firefighters from across the United States to include Alaska and Hawaii, and from north of the border in Canada who have attended our conference series hosted at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Side Convention Center.



Click the photo's below to reach our sponsors.
HROC 2021 Countdown Update
HROC 2021 Countdown Update

The countdown to HROC 2021 is underway. If you are attending read this post from top to bottom.
- Below you will find information on ground transportation shuttles from the Pensacola International Airport to the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Side Convention Center.
- All HOT Sessions will require full structural turnout gear. NO SCBA will be required due to ongoing COVID-19 best practices and mask/regulator sanitation.
- Conference check-in will start Monday afternoon in the White Sands Room, first floor gulf side at the Hilton.
- Conference presentation descriptions are also now available below.
- Use the buttons below to contact Chief Isakson.
FREE PNS AIRPORT SHUTTLE
County Fire Tactics sponsored airport shuttles will get attendees to and from the Pensacola Airport (PNS) on Monday, and Friday only.
The shuttle registration app is now live and can be accessed with the button in this section.
- Monday, 12/6/2021, arrivals will locate a Dream Catcher Shuttle outside Baggage Claim 3 at Pensacola International Airport.
- Shuttle service will operate from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Monday.

HROC 2021 LECTURE & H.O.T.
HROC is The Only Annual High Rise Operations Fire Conference. Firefighters, Fire Officers, and Fire Chiefs will receive the latest tactics, trends, and lessons learned for operating at fires in both high-rise and standpipe-equipped buildings through our lecture and hands-on training tracks.

Our instructors will prepare you to accomplish fireground tactical priorities and deliver significant amounts of water on the fire in these challenging occupancies.
Nearly 50% of all high rises in existence today are not equipped with fire protection sprinklers systems and the other 50% experience documented incidents of suppression system failure, ineffectiveness, or both.

HROC 2021 INSTRUCTOR LINEUP

Dave McGrail
District Chief
Denver, CO
Day 1 – 4:30 PM

Ray McCormack
Lieutenant (Ret.)
F.D.N.Y.
Day 1 – 4:30 PM

Mike Ciampo
Lieutenant
F.D.N.Y.
Day 1 – 4:30 PM

Dennis LeGear
Captain (Ret.)
Oakland, CA
Day 1 – 4:30 PM

Steve Robertson
Lieutenant
Columbus Fire
Day 1 – 4:30 PM

Andy Plofkin
National Sales Manager
Elkhart Brass
Day 1 – 4:30 PM

Bill Gustin
Captain
Miami-Dade, FL
Day 2 – 4:30 PM

Clark Lamping
Captain
Clark County, NV
Day 2 – 4:30 PM

Bob Morris
Assistant Chief
Stamford, CT
Day 2 – 4:30 PM

Eric Tollund
Captain
Denver, CO
Day 2 – 4:30 PM

Mike Terpak
Deputy Chief (Ret.)
Jersey City, NJ

Tim Klett
Lieutenant (Ret.)
F.D.N.Y.

Jerry Herbst
Product Specialist
Elkhart Brass

Chris Martin
Product Manager
Elkhart Brass

Keith Stakes
Fire Protection Engineer
UL FSRI

Curt Isakson
Battalion Chief
Escambia County, FL

Todd Edwards
Captain (Ret.)
Atlanta Fire Rescue

Michael Alt
Firefighter
Prince Georges County, MD

Kyle Romagus
Captain
East Montgomery Co. TX

Howard Rinewalt
Chief
East Montgomery Co. TX

Mo Davis
District Chief
Houston, TX

Clyde Gordon
District Chief
Houston, TX

John Nanninga
Captain
Houston, TX

Jim McCormack
Lieutenant (Ret.)
Indianapolis, IN

JJ Casetta
Lieutenant
Orlando, FL
DAY 1 - SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
High-Rise Fire Ops: It’s All About the Process | McGrail
Chief McGrail will utilize his 40-years of fire service experience, from nozzleman to incident commander to outline and explain some of the critical components necessary to successfully combat a high-rise fire, while managing the risk to firefighters.
The central theme of Chief McGrail’s training program is a proper fire fighting mindset, emphasizing the need to continually fight the deadly disease of complacency. This is achieved through the daily process of building good operational habits.
A discussion of engine company operations, with an emphasis on “proper weapon selection” will highlight the critical tools necessary for successful standpipe operations along with the fundamental techniques and procedures to make these operations extremely user friendly. Chief McGrail will also address some of the essential truck company (support) functions, with an emphasis on RECON and Door Control.
The choreography of the entire operation rests with the incident commander and a solid command structure to achieve overall command and control. Chief McGrail will provide a recipe for success outlining the essential areas of command and control utilizing the incident command system (ICS) / national incident management system (NIMS).
This seminar will provide some of the essential components necessary to achieve success at high-rise operations. Attendees of this training program will leave armed with vital information, and become re-energized to accomplish our most important mission, fire suppression, in our most complicated fire environment, the high-rise building.
Standpipe for Engine Officers | McCormack
This class lays out the basics for a successful fire attack operation from a standpipe. Using the method I taught to thousands of firefighters, you will learn how to get your line into operation quickly and effectively.
More about Ray McCormack
Ray McCormack recently retired as a Lieutenant after 38 years. He holds a BA from the New York Institute of Technology. He was the chair and lead author for FDNYs new Engine Company Operations Manual.
He developed and taught Back to Basics Standpipe for all FDNY firefighters. He was the co-founder and editor of Urban Firefighter magazine. He sits on the FDIC advisory board and FireEngineering editorial board.
He was a panel member for two consecutive Underwriters Laboratories (UL) studies. Impact of Fire Attack Utilizing Interior & Exterior Streams on Firefighter Safety and Occupant Survival Study and Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures. He lectures on Engine and Ladder Company Operations, Leadership and Improving Extinguishment Culture.
Truck Company Issues at Hi-Rise Multiple Dwellings | Ciampo
This lecture will go over issues and tactical problems truck companies will face at compactor, electrical, wind-driven and vehicle fires inside hi-rise multiple dwellings. The lecture will point out some tactical tips and procedures from actual fire scenes encountered from the hi-rise capital of the world.
More about Mike Ciampo
Michael Ciampo joined the fire service in 1979 as a volunteer and began his professional career in 1985, he is a lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). Previously, he served with the District of Columbia Fire Department and Wyckoff, NJ VFD. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, NY.
He is the lead instructor for the FDIC Truck Essentials H.O.T. program and teaches at numerous seminars around the country.. He wrote the Ladder chapter and co-authored the Ventilation chapter for Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II. He has a monthly column on the back page of Fire Engineering magazine, ON FIRE.
Mike is also featured in Fire Engineering's popular video series “Training Minutes” truck company videos. His video Bread & Butter Portable Ladders DVD is available from Fire Engineering Books & Video's.
A Pragmatic Approach to Standpipe Hand-line Attack Package Design | LeGear
This presentation will take a brief Look at these Considerations. Standpipe Jurisdictional Infrastructure Survey Pre & Post 1993 - What to Look For. Building Types Commercial vs Residential. Compartment Dynamics from Hose Size, Kink Radius, Needed Fire Flow, Impacts to Staffing Models. The Solutions Single Diameter and Hybrid Diameter Hose and Nozzle Standpipe Systems.
More about Dennis LeGear
Dennis is a retired Captain of the Oakland, CA Fire Department. During his career Dennis was an integral part of the team that implemented a new engine configuration for Oakland Fire Department as the water supply officer.
After his retirement he continued to pursue this role but as a consultant for other fire departments. Dennis has provided technical advice to some of the largest fire agencies in the nation including, Portland, Seattle, Boston and the City of New York. Dennis consulted with water municipalities assisting in the development of emergency response plans for a variety of water infrastructure problems related to seismic events and other disasters.
Dennis also has played a key role for the fire service on a national level participating in UL studies on fire streams, providing technical knowledge for Pennwell publications and NFPA standards.
Standpipe Valves 101 | Robinson & Plotkin
More about Steve Robertson
Steve has been in the fire service for 33 years, the last 29 of which has been with the Columbus Ohio Division of Fire. Steve currently serves as the Lieutenant on Engine Company 18 in the South Linden neighborhood of Columbus. Steve has been a classroom instructor at FDIC for the past several years teaching engine company operations.
Additionally, Steve is the lead instructor of the FDIC HOT program Stretching For Success. Steve is an instructor for County Fire Tactics and has taught engine company tactics nationally. He has also instructed at the High Rise Operations Conference and Command Officers Bootcamp, Water on the Fire conference all in Pensacola Beach, Florida. For the past 26 years Steve has also been a state certified Fire Safety instructor. He is also a past member of the State of Ohio Fire Training Committee.
More about Andy Plofkin
Andy is the National Sales Manager for the SafeFleet Fire and EMS division responsible for distribution in the US. He manages a team of 10 regional sales managers across the country and participates as an instructor at multiple fire colleges and training events across the country.
He has worked in the fire industry over 35 years in various positions for OEMs and a dealership in the Midwest as VP of Sales. His knowledge of distribution, apparatus and hydraulics brings value to all the customers he works with. He is a 39 year veteran of the fire service and has served on departments in Connecticut and Indiana. He is currently a member of the Greenville Fire Protection District in Illinois.
DAY 2 - SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Standpipe Firefighting Tactics & Strategy | Gustin
This classroom session will examine why tactics for stretching and advancing hose lines from standpipes is often the best way to facilitate the strategy of protecting the occupant's lives. It will examine conditions taking harm away from occupants by rapidly controlling a fire and protecting them in place can be more effective than taking occupants away from harm by evacuation.
Those attending will learn why in order to control a fire in a high rise building firefighters must gain control of its systems; sprinkler, standpipe, HVAC, smoke management/control and elevators. The program will examine differences in residential and commercial high rise building design and construction and why the lack of compartmentation in commercial high rise buildings may require operation of portable master stream devices connected to standpipes.
Similarly, it will examine how to operate more than one hose line from a standpipe. Those attending will also learn how to operate from dry standpipes, manual wet standpipes, and conditions when it is better to stretch hose directly from apparatus rather than from a standpipe.
More about Bill Gustin
Captain Bill Gustin is a 49-year veteran of the Fire Service. He began his career in 1973 as a volunteer firefighter in the Chicago area. He is a third generation firefighter; his Dad and Grandfather were officers on the Chicago Fire Department. He began his career with the Miami-Dade Fire/Rescue Dept. in 1978, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1983 and to Captain in 1986. Captain Gustin instructs firefighter recruits and newly-promoted fire officers as a lead instructor in Miami-Dade’s Officer Development Program. He has taught fire science classes, industrial fire safety and shipboard firefighting for Miami-Dade College. He also conducts training programs for firefighters throughout the United States and Canada. Additionally, Captain Gustin has taught forcible entry techniques to local and federal law enforcement agencies. He is a contributing editor and a technical editor for Fire Engineering Magazine and an advisory board member for the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference.
Captain Gustin has worked as an instructor and advisor for the U.S. Agency For International Development and has conducted training programs for fire brigades in several Caribbean countries. He was also a member of Miami-Dade’s international Disaster Response Team and participated in the rescue of people trapped in collapsed buildings resulting from earthquakes in the former Soviet Union in 1988 and in the Philippines in 1990. He was also a member of the FEMA working group that established the organization and standards for Urban Search and Rescue Teams that respond to domestic and international disasters. Captain Gustin was named Florida’s firefighter of the year in 1990 for rescuing a women and her child who were trapped between a fire and iron burglar bars on the windows and doors of their home.
The 8 Initial Assignments Necessary to Conduct A Highrise Firefight | Lamping
This class will explore the 8 initial assignments that need to be made to conduct a fire attack in large, complicated high rise buildings. The assignments are Fire Attack, Lobby, Above the Fire, Staging, RIT, Fire Control Room, and Base. We will discuss the order of the assignments, how many personnel are necessary at each position, where the firemen should enter the building and stage, expectations of each assignment, and pitfalls that could potentially occur. This class was developed around the Southern Nevada Fire Operations Guide and the 17 years experience I have working on Las Vegas Boulevard.
More About Clark Lamping
A 21-year veteran of the Clark County (NV) Fire Department, where he has been a captain for 10 years and is on the technical rescue team. He is assigned to Firehouse 11 and is a rescue specialist for NV-TF1. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in crisis and emergency management.
Operations on the Fire Floor: Forcible Entry-Search- Vent and Hallway Management | Morris
More about Robert Morris
The Engine Officer and the Standpipe Fire; Size Up, Recon and Mindset | Tollund
The Engine Officer and the Standpipe Fire; Size Up, Recon and Mindset goes deep into the rolls and responsibilities of the Engine Company officer going to work at a fire in a standpipe equipped building. Focusing on the pre incident duties of pre-planning, training and preparation we work up to the incident Size Up.
This is rapidly followed up by the Recon and the dynamic nature of the fire environment and stretching from the cabinet on the floor below. Lastly, we dive into the Mindset necessary to create a high performance Engine Company that is ready for the complexities and challenges of today’s ever changing world, the fire environment and specifically, fires in standpipe equipped buildings.
More about Eric Tollund
Eric Tollund is a 25 year veteran of the fire service. He began as a volunteer in Durango, Colorado and now serves with the Denver Fire Department as Captain of Engine Co. 23 He has a passion for engine company operations, specifically fires in high rise and standpipe buildings and has instructed nationally on this subject.
DAY 3 - HOT SESSIONS
All HOT Tracks Require Full Turnout Gear, None Require SCBA
HOT | Suburban High Rise Meeting Time & Location to be announced Wednesday afternoon or sooner.
HOT | Urban High Rise Meeting Time & Location to be announced Wednesday afternoon or sooner.
HOT | FDNY Engine Operations Meeting Time & Location to be announced Wednesday afternoon or sooner.
HOT | FDNY Truck Operations Meeting Time & Location to be announced Wednesday afternoon or sooner.
HOT | FDTN: RIT & Survival Meeting Time & Location to be announced Wednesday afternoon or sooner.
HOT | Back to the Basics Meeting Time & Location to be announced Wednesday afternoon or sooner.
HOT | ULFSRI Hallway | Stakes & Alt In this class we will take a practical look at where our water goes, and how our choice of stream and advancement pattern affect our environment. Where does our water go? It’s rare that we actually get to see what our water does when it hits a surface during a fire. Conditions are typically too obstructed by smoke or other things to get a good picture of what our water is doing when it leaves our nozzle. Does it create a sprinkler and fan out in hundreds of little droplets? A lot of us were taught that if we find ourselves in a bad spot, to put our heads down with the nozzle pointing straight up at the ceiling and keep it open until the situation gets better. Is that really the best way? In this class we will help answer those questions and more. The next piece in your fire attack is your advance. We have all heard many different debates on whether or not you can push fire…can you? Can you as a nozzle operator push heat and smoke with your nozzle? If you could, are there times when you shouldn’t? In this class we will go over if and how you can move air with your nozzle, also talking about times it can be beneficial, and when it might not be. The purpose of this class is to give you the practical knowledge gained by research, to help you be more effective with the nozzle and have a better awareness of your actions at your next fire. This class truly takes science to the streets.
CLASS | Command & Control Mid & High Rise Fires Meeting Time & Class Location to be announced Wednesday afternoon or sooner.
Contact Chief Curt Isakson
Hilton Hotel Map

UL FSRI Water Mapping Prop @ HROC Dec ’21 & CFT Fire School Feb ’22, Applying Water Most Effectively


Underwriters Laboratories Fire Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI) sponsored and operated a first of its kind water mapping prop at CF Tactics Water On The Fire Conference in August of 2021.
The UL FSRI prop brings the laboratory right to the attendees at our conferences. In the words of Eklhart Brass, “Just Because Water is Coming Out Doesn’t Mean You’re Doing it Right.”
CF Tactics will have the UL Water Mapping prop available for attendees to view and use in December 2021 at HROC, and February 2022 at CFT Fire School.


Keith Stakes & Mike Alt, Water Mapping Prop Lecture & Demo
Special thanks to Steve Kerber, Keith Stakes, Jennifer Williams, Michael Alt, and Philip Gilman for their work to make this possible and educating hundreds of attendees at WOFC 2021, and future CFT Conferences.
Please continue reading to the bottom of this post. We have included a lot of great training content either as a review of lessons learned at WOFC, or as preparation for your use of this prop in December 2021 and February 2022.
A link to the UL Fire Safety Academy is available in the menu bar right here on CFT under our Training Articles & Links section.
The proper application of water was summed up best by the late Andy Fredericks. The fire “goes as the first line “goes”.
Why is Water Mapping important?
UL Statement on Water Mapping
“Understanding this fundamental principle of water dispersion can aid firefighters in understanding how to apply their water during fire suppression operations most effectively.”
UL Water Mapping Online Class
UL Water Mapping in Structures
UL Water Mapping Update
Water Mapping Training Video's
Chief Brush Making the Push
Ray McCormack, Water Mapping
Ray McCormack, Water Mapping in the Hallway on the Advance
Bill Gustin, Water Mapping, Door Frame Deflection & Wetting
UL FSRI Water Mapping Prop Under Construction at WOFC 2021
CFT CONFERENCE SERIES 2021-2022
CF TACTICS CONFERENCE SERIES VIDEO
🚨 CFT BOX ALARM UPDATES 🚨
Sign up now to be in the know about everything we have going on at County Fire Tactics. Add yourself onto our Box Alarm Updates, and you will receive exclusive first release notifications direct to your e-mail about conferences, seminars, discounts, podcasts, training articles, and more.
CF Tactics Box Alarm Updates
CONTACT CF TACTICS
View a list of CF Tactics programs Chief Isakson can deliver at your next conference, seminar, symposium, or in house event. Utilize the links provided to reach Curt and Jessica for more information about booking Chief Isakson or our Pensacola Beach conference series.
Exponential Engine, Chief Brian Brush, Free Program on CountyFireTactics.com
During Water on The Fire Conference (WOFC) 2021, Chief Brian Brush gave his Exponential Engine training program to firefighters for FREE.
County Fire Tactics is the exclusive host of these materials for you and your crews to access over and over again.
Chief Brush wants you to learn, train, and improve your Engine Company Operations Abilities by knowing your Engine Company Capabilities.
All resources are accessible via the button above or throughout the page below.
FDNY Engine Company Operations Manual, Updated August 2021


Brief Biography about Lieutenant Ray McCormack, FDNY
Ray McCormack recently retired as a Lieutenant after 38 years. He holds a BA from the New York Institute of Technology.
He was the chair and lead author for FDNYs new Engine Company Operations Manual. He developed and taught Back to Basics Standpipe for all FDNY firefighters.

He was the co-founder and editor of Urban Firefighter magazine. He sits on the FDIC advisory board and FireEngineering editorial board.
He was a panel member for two consecutive Underwriters Laboratories (UL) studies. Impact of Fire Attack Utilizing Interior & Exterior Streams on Firefighter Safety and Occupant Survival Study and Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures. He lectures on Engine and Ladder Company Operations, Leadership and Improving Extinguishment Culture.
Articles from Lt. Ray McCormack on CountyFireTactics.com
FDIC 2009 Keynote Speech - Lt. Ray McCormack, FDNY
Pushing Fire - Lt. Ray McCormack, FDNY
Can you push fire? Pushing fire has been a decades-long fire behavior during fire attack debate. When will it happen? How will you learn more about it? Read on and we will tell you.
Now that we have you drawn in with a slight play on words, Lieutenant Ray McCormack (FDNY) and Chief Erich Roden (Milwalkee) have recently launched a new “fire service project” entitled pushing fire, we think its a catchy title, we hope you will too.
Pushing Fire is the genesis of an entirely new place to find not just journalism, but all things content, expertise, academics and research in the fire service. We won’t refer to Pushing Fire as a “website” or “magazine,” rather, we prefer to call this a project, as we hope to see what organically grows out of it.
The article below “For Some Firefighters its Always Less Murky” has been authored and reposted with the permission of Lt. Ray McCormack. Posted under this article is even more fire service nuggets and knowledge from Lt. McCormack to include several articles he authored here on CountyFireTactics.com and his FDIC Keynote Speech from 2009.
Lt. McCormack will be presenting a keynote address at CF Tactics Water On The Fire Conference in August 2021.
Be sure to read even more on PushingFire.com and their Facebook Page.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to be around someone at a fire that is pulling in more information than you are that could be troubling. You can’t always be the one on top however some firefighters seem to excel at it. I have had the opportunity to work with many firefighters over the years that seemed to have a better vision (literally and figuratively) then me of what was or would occur.
The ability to gain understanding of what’s going on many would call enhanced situational awareness and that’s true but it more than that. Having a fire sense and knowing the environment is the key component. I’ve seen young firefighters with little experience do it. Was it just lucky? Once perhaps but consistently no, they were learning building on their inner desire to be outstanding firefighters. Some firefighters just have a knack for this job, they possess a quality that pushes them forward and squeezes all the experience out of the fires they attend.
How is it possible that some firefighters can search faster or go deeper than others to explore? Its feeling comfortable in the environment. Firefighters that feel comfortable at fires are a tremendous asset and they tend to see things first and know better what’s going on. I worked with nozzle firefighters that literally had a keen sense of where the stream belonged and what was occurring around them. I’ve worked with burn instructors who would predict exactly what would occur with a fire set (real furniture) in a home. This all revolves around people who get it, not the brotherhood theme of getting it rather the actual business of fire.
This will often translate to aggressive firefighting and that makes sense. Aggressive firefighting is conducted by people who get it. They understand what needs to occur and those insights when coupled with a sound tactics allow us to get the job done at a higher level. I was lucky to have them with me as I’m sure you are too, emulate them, become one of them. They are truly impressive and while some seem to always have it going on, you can do it too. If you desire to engage at this level start by paying attention.
Keep Fire in Your Life
PushingFire.com
- In Your Corner
- LODD, Summed-up in a Sentence
- In-Line Nozzle Placement
- Roll Call Tips: Shafts
- FDNY Division 7 Training and Safety Newsletter
- 2021 Fireground Civilian Rescue Research Project – January 1st through February 28
- 2021 Fireground Civilian Rescue Research Project
- Twelve Years and Counting
- Never Put The Can Ahead of The Nozzle
- Hallway Inclusion
Brass Tacks Hard Facts Ray McCormack
Cooling the Hallway for the Advance (Episode 42)
Water Mapping of a Smooth Bore Fire Stream (Episode #45)
The Well Equipped Standpipe Bag (Episode #51)
The Bounce
(Episode #53)
The New York Fold
(Ep #64)
Deploying the New York Standpipe Fold (Ep #65)
What It Takes to be a Good Nozzle Firefighter (Ep #69)
Overhaul Tips
(Episode #70)
WOFC 2021 THANK YOU SPONSORS
County Fire Tactics is thankful and appreciative of the continued support from our sponsors. These sponsors allow CFT to keep the costs to attend our events lower and still deliver firefighters a world class education at our conferences.
Our sponsors contributions reach firefighters from across the United States to include Alaska and Hawaii, and from north of the border in Canada who have attended our conference series hosted at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Side Convention Center.

Click the photo's below to reach our sponsors.
CONFERENCE SERIES 2021-2022
CF TACTICS CONFERENCE SERIES VIDEO
🚨 CFT BOX ALARM UPDATES 🚨
Sign up now to be in the know about everything we have going on at County Fire Tactics. Add yourself onto our Box Alarm Updates, and you will receive exclusive first release notifications direct to your e-mail about conferences, seminars, discounts, podcasts, training articles, and more.
CF Tactics Box Alarm Updates
CONTACT CF TACTICS
View a list of CF Tactics programs Chief Isakson can deliver at your next conference, seminar, symposium, or in house event. Utilize the links provided to reach Curt and Jessica for more information about booking Chief Isakson or our Pensacola Beach conference series.
WOFC 2021, Speakers, Lecture & HOT Session Descriptions


WOFC 2021 KICK OFF
The week of learning will focus primarily on Engine Company Operations. But since a coordinated effort between the Engine and the Truck is essential as evidenced through the UL Fire Safety Research Institute studies.
We have included a lecture and two HOT sessions on Truck Company Operations and how they also aid in putting out fires. Even if your agency doesn’t have a Truck, there are still truck functions that need to be performed.


Scroll below for a comprehensive list of the educational opportunities you are about to immerse yourself into in only a few days.

Keep tuned in to the page where we are compiling all the updates together here WOFC 2021 COUNTDOWN & UPDATES.
Additional information regarding airport transportation will be posted Friday at the latest.
Before the first to know in your e-mail by registering for our “Box Alarm” notifications down below.


WOFC 2021 SPEAKERS & INSTRUCTORS








Daryl Liggins
Captain
Oakland, CA










DAY 1 - August 24 | Session Descriptions
The Risk in Training, Tim Klett
Tim Klett is a 30-year veteran of the fire service and recently retired from his position as a Lieutenant with FDNY serving on 88 Engine, located in the 7th Division in the Bronx. As an FDNY firefighter, Tim spent 12 years on 69 Engine, one of the FDNY’s busiest Engines located in Harlem, prior to his promotion.
Tim developed the Engine Company Operations course for the Fire Department Training Network and serves as the lead engine instructor at the FDTN Academy. In addition to being a frequent contributor to FDTN’s Fire Training, Tim has written many articles for Fire Engineering, Firehouse, Firehouse.com, the New York State Fire Chief’s Association Size-Up. Tim is also the author of Stretching and Operating the First Line and the upcoming Standpipe Operations for Engine Companies, both part of FDTN’s FireNotes series of training manuals.
The Brass Tacks and Harder Facts, Jerry Herbst & Chris Martin
A deep dive into the gamut that is the engine company discipline specifically heightening awareness to the various types of equipment that create fire streams.The student will gain a comfort level to go back to their own department and evaluate and test their own fire flow system.
More about Chris Martin
Chris has been in the fire service for 20 years and is a certified Indiana State Fire Instructor II/III. He worked as a student firefighter at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, majoring in Marketing. He holds the rank as Engineer and serves as a Field Training Officer with the Clay Fire Territory in South Bend, Indiana where he has worked positions from firefighter up to Captain. Chris has worked for Elkhart Brass since 2000, functioning in Regional Sales Manager positions both domestically and internationally. Currently he is the Municipal Product Manager. In this role he focuses exclusively on new product development, technical training, and extensive interaction with end users and distribution to ensure that the voice of the customer is heard and understood.
More about Jerry Herbst
Jerry is a 37 year veteran of the Fire Service and is a New York State certified Training Officer. With over 25 years on the line Jerry has served in all rank positions including 6 years as Chief of Department in his local volunteer FD and ten years as a paid Deputy Chief Coordinator at the County Level. He is still an active Firefighter and Apparatus Operator. He has been with Elkhart Brass since 2006 serving as a Regional Manager, National Account Manager and Strategic Development Manager for Municipal Markets.
The Exponential Engine: From Theory to Application, Brian Brush
This class presents a comprehensive, yet simple, approach to planning for the first-arriving engine fire attack when faced with exponential fire growth, limited staffing, or rapidly changing fire conditions. All departments should evaluate their fire stream systems from the source to the nozzle.The foundation of this concept consists of our three most common tools: the 1.75'-inch attack line, the 2.50'-inch attack line, and the deck gun.
More about Brian Brush
BRIAN BRUSH, a 20-year veteran of the fire service, is a Training Division Chief at Midwest City (OK) Fire Department. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency services administration and a Fire Officer designation from the CPSE. He instructs on a national level and writes for Fire Engineering.
Trucks Do Put Out Fires, Mike Ciampo
Although the truck is second fiddle when it comes to extinguishing fire when we switch over to master streams they’ll play a pivotal part of extinguishment.When we switch over, firefighters must realize we are trying to limit our exterior streams so we can get back inside to extinguish the pockets of fire that still exist. This lecture will also cover trucks duties from using the can to delivery of water to the truck and then from the aerial or bucket of a tower ladder into a structure. At the end of this lecture the students will understand the trucks put out fires too.
More about Mike Ciampo
LT. Michael Ciampo joined the fire service in 1979 as a volunteer and began his professional career in 1985, he is a lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York. Previously, he served with the District of Columbia Fire Department and Wyckoff, NJ VFD. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, NY. He is the lead instructor for the FDIC Truck Essentials H.O.T. program and teaches at numerous seminars around the country.. He wrote the Ladder chapter and co-authored the Ventilation chapter for Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II (Fire Engineering, 2009) and is featured in “Training Minutes” truck company videos on http://www.FireEngineering.com. His video Bread & Butter Portable Ladders DVD is available from Pennwell. His monthly column ON FIRE is on the back page of FIRE ENGINEERING.
The First Line in Hoarder Occupancies, Tim Klett
Fires in Hoarder houses can present a multitude of problems on the fire ground, from access and egress, water application to the searches for possible victims. This lecture will discuss the common, and more over the uncommon signs indicating the possible presence of hoarding conditions.
It will cover the initial operations such as when encountering the 3 main types of conditions we can expect to find and also how to manage each condition individually. This lecture will also list some of the serious dangers these fires represent to firefighters operating in and around areas with hoarding conditions, and how to effectively do our jobs while safely evaluating each problem.
We will also cover the information chain, which is critical for the incident commander to constantly monitor the progress or lack of, there-by requiring an immediate change in tactics.
More about Tim Keltt
Tim Klett is a 30-year veteran of the fire service and recently retired from his position as a Lieutenant with FDNY serving on 88 Engine, located in the 7th Division in the Bronx. As an FDNY firefighter, Tim spent 12 years on 69 Engine, one of the FDNY’s busiest Engines located in Harlem, prior to his promotion.
Tim developed the Engine Company Operations course for the Fire Department Training Network and serves as the lead engine instructor at the FDTN Academy. In addition to being a frequent contributor to FDTN’s Fire Training, Tim has written many articles for Fire Engineering, Firehouse, Firehouse.com, the New York State Fire Chief’s Association Size-Up. Tim is also the author of Stretching and Operating the First Line and the upcoming Standpipe Operations for Engine Companies, both part of FDTN’s FireNotes series of training manuals.
DAY 2 - August 25 | Session Descriptions
Firefighting Is An Inside Job, Ray McCormack
Ray McCormack recently retired as a Lieutenant after 38 years. He holds a BA from the New York Institute of Technology. He was the chair and lead author for FDNYs new Engine Company Operations Manual.
He developed and taught Back to Basics Standpipe for all FDNY firefighters. He was the co-founder and editor of Urban Firefighter magazine. He sits on the FDIC advisory board and FireEngineering editorial board.
He was a panel member for two consecutive Underwriters Laboratories (UL) studies. Impact of Fire Attack Utilizing Interior & Exterior Streams on Firefighter Safety and Occupant Survival Study and Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures. He lectures on Engine and Ladder Company Operations, Leadership and Improving Extinguishment Culture.
Coordinated Fire Attack, Keith Stakes & Ray McCormack
Over the past ten years, firefighting research into single family dwelling fires has focused primary on ventilation and suppression, independent from one another. With a solid understanding of horizontal, vertical, and positive pressure ventilation alongside both interior and exterior water application, it has come time to put the pieces together.
How do we begin to define coordination on the fireground? What makes for an effective fire attack? The UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute has just completed a study looking at the coordination of ventilation and suppression on the fireground.
The science from the lab was taken to the streets as experiments were conducted in acquired single family dwellings, garden style apartments, and a commercial strip mall. This study, much like all of our other studies, is guided by a technical panel of firefighters from across the country.
This presentation will provide an opportunity for UL FSRI to present the highlights and real world application of the research.
More about Keith Stakes
Keith Stakes is a member of the Underwriters Laboratories – Fire Safety Research Institute. As a Fire Protection Engineer, he studies the effectiveness of fire service tactics as well as advances in firefighter safety and fireground operations. He has both a Bachelor of Science Degree as well as a Masters of Engineering Degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. Keith has over 15 years of fire service experience as a firefighter with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Bethesda, Maryland where he currently holds the rank of Fire/Rescue Battalion Chief. Keith continues to serve on the NFPA Technical Committee for Fire Service Training and the Editorial Advisory Board for FireRescue1 and Fire Chief magazine.
More about Ray McCormack
Ray McCormack recently retired as a Lieutenant after 38 years. He holds a BA from the New York Institute of Technology. He was the chair and lead author for FDNYs new Engine Company Operations Manual.He developed and taught Back to Basics Standpipe for all FDNY firefighters. He was the co-founder and editor of Urban Firefighter magazine. He sits on the FDIC advisory board and FireEngineering editorial board. He was a panel member for two consecutive Underwriters Laboratories (UL) studies. Impact of Fire Attack Utilizing Interior & Exterior Streams on Firefighter Safety and Occupant Survival Study and Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures. He lectures on Engine and Ladder Company Operations, Leadership and Improving Extinguishment Culture.
A Culture Preconnected is Slowing the Advance, Daryl Liggins
There is no greater impact a fire department can have on the outcome of a fire than a well placed and properly operating initial attack handline. The stretch needs to be rapid, simple and appropriately staffed. The equipment needs to be user friendly, easy to use, reliable and durable. We have many of the answers to what equipment in the industry meets these needs however, those of us attempting to make changes back home meet many roadblocks. In this presentation I will walk you through the experiences I have had implementing changes and how culture, pride, history and status quo bias can slow the advance.
More about Daryl Liggins
Daryl Liggins is a 29 year veteran of the fire service. He is currently assigned as the Captain of Training for the Oakland, CA fire department. He previously served as a firefighter/engineer with the Redwood City, CA Fire Department. He instructs engine company operations for the Oakland fire departments fire academies and is the chair of Oakland fire departments hose and nozzle committee. He currently sits on the board of directors for Fire Nuggets which is a non-profit group run by firefighter to bring affordable training across the US. He has served as an adjunct HOT instructor for FDIC, Firehouse world and several other conferences.
Push/Pull Communications, Jay Blake
Fireground communications can be chaotic, and a lack of information can lead to injuries or a LODD. This presentation will provide good information that crews should push to command and what information can wait until command pulls it from crews. The first due engine officer must push good information to those responding, to set the incident up for success.
More about Jay Blake
Jay is currently assigned as a Battalion Chief and back up PIO for Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service in Maryland.
Engine Company Operations During Civil Unrest, Jon Hall
The threat of civil unrest is ever present in our modern society. These events often result from elections sporting events trials perceived injustices or use of force cases. The ensuing fire duty can rapidly tax available resources and present unheard of challenges to responding firefighters.
As a result engine companies must adjust their mindsets, strategies and tactics to safely and effectively respond to these incidents. Attendees will examine security issues, building construction and occupancy features, attack line considerations, water supplies and the effectiveness of past responses.
More about Jon Hall
Jon has more than 19 years of fire service experience. He currently is a captain with the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department assigned to Engine Company 14. Hall also serves as a lead instructor in the department's Training Division; he teaches hands-on skills to members of all ranks.
Hall is the co-owner of Make The Move Training LLC and teaches engine company operations throughout the country.
DAY 3 - August 26 | Session Descriptions
The Art of War, Curt Isakson
The Art of War is really about the Top Priority!!! People Before Water 💦 is about conducting an effective oriented search 🔦 that will produce the best results. We now have DATA that helps us focus on what Tactics will produce the Best Results for our staffing and locale. I have been to, too many fires 🔥 where literally SECONDS MATTER ON LIFE AND DEATH 💀. I personally have not had a Private Dwelling Fire where not catching a hydrant by one of the first two apparatus cost anyone’s life. I have been to a bunch where the first two going straight in saved Lives and Property. Remember it’s 3 minutes and 40 seconds today till FLASHOVER and not 30 Minutes like our Father’s and Grandfather’s Fires. People Before Water 💦 WILL SAVE MORE LIVES!! You can count on it.
More abut Curt Isakson
Curt “Ike” Isakson is a 30+ year veteran of the fire service, with experience working in volunteer, career, and combination departments in urban, suburban, rural, and countywide settings. He is currently a Battalion Chief for Escambia County Fire Rescue in Florida where he has worked for the last 21 years. Curt is the founder of County Fire Tactics, a platform for teaching firefighter accross the country from urban, suburban, and rural settings, because it's all in the county.
Before his time with Escambia, Curt was a Company Officer with the Pensacola Fire Department assigned to Heavy Rescue 31 for 9 years. His fire service experience started at a young age as a Junior Firefighter with the Midway Fire Protection District and rose through the ranks to Captain.
Hydrants to Nozzles, Dennis LeGear
Hydrants to Nozzles takes a comprehensive look at engine layout, equipment spec (pumps/hose/nozzles) hydraulics, and its direct impact on strategies and tactics on the fire ground. Hydrants to Nozzles takes a comprehensive look at engine layout, equipment spec (pumps/hose/nozzles) hydraulics, and its direct impact on strategies and tactics on the fire ground. Students of all ranks will build a strong foundation for success and be better prepared to make strategic and tactical decisions on the fire ground with a realistic working look at gold standard movement of water from the Hydrant to the Nozzle.
More about Dennis LeGear
Dennis is a retired Captain of the Oakland, CA Fire Department. During his career Dennis was an integral part of the team that implemented a new engine configuration for Oakland Fire Department as the water supply officer. After his retirement he continued to pursue this role but as a consultant for other fire departments. Dennis has provided technical advice to some of the largest fire agencies in the nation including, Portland, Seattle, Boston and the City of New York. Dennis consulted with water municipalities assisting in the development of emergency response plans for a variety of water infrastructure problems related to seismic events and other disasters.
Dennis also has played a key role for the fire service on a national level participating in UL studies on fire streams, providing technical knowledge for Pennwell publications and NFPA standards.
HOT | ULFSRI Hallway | Stakes & Alt In this class we will take a practical look at where our water goes, and how our choice of stream and advancement pattern affect our environment. Where does our water go? It’s rare that we actually get to see what our water does when it hits a surface during a fire. Conditions are typically too obstructed by smoke or other things to get a good picture of what our water is doing when it leaves our nozzle. Does it create a sprinkler and fan out in hundreds of little droplets? A lot of us were taught that if we find ourselves in a bad spot, to put our heads down with the nozzle pointing straight up at the ceiling and keep it open until the situation gets better. Is that really the best way? In this class we will help answer those questions and more. The next piece in your fire attack is your advance. We have all heard many different debates on whether or not you can push fire…can you? Can you as a nozzle operator push heat and smoke with your nozzle? If you could, are there times when you shouldn’t? In this class we will go over if and how you can move air with your nozzle, also talking about times it can be beneficial, and when it might not be. The purpose of this class is to give you the practical knowledge gained by research, to help you be more effective with the nozzle and have a better awareness of your actions at your next fire. This class truly takes science to the streets.
HOT Session, Forcing Doors
More about Mike Ciampo
LT. Michael Ciampo joined the fire service in 1979 as a volunteer and began his professional career in 1985, he is a lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York. Previously, he served with the District of Columbia Fire Department and Wyckoff, NJ VFD. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, NY. He is the lead instructor for the FDIC Truck Essentials H.O.T. program and teaches at numerous seminars around the country.. He wrote the Ladder chapter and co-authored the Ventilation chapter for Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II (Fire Engineering, 2009) and is featured in “Training Minutes” truck company videos on http://www.FireEngineering.com. His video Bread & Butter Portable Ladders DVD is available from Pennwell. His monthly column ON FIRE is on the back page of FIRE ENGINEERING.
More about J.J. Casetta
Has been a career firefighter for over 22 years and is a Lieutenant with the City of Orlando (FL) Fire Department. There he has served for the past 15 years and is currently assigned to Tower 10. He previously served as a firefighter with the City of Cincinnati (OH) Fire Department. JJ earned a BS degree in Fire Protection Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. He is Florida state certified instructor and has taught classes at local and national conferences on Truck Company Tactics.
HOT Session, Can Confidence, Wheaton
A look into gaining can confidence for fire ground success. The 2 1⁄2 gallon water extinguisher, the can, allows the search team to quickly place water between the fire and potential victims.
Unfortunately, due to lack of confidence, it is arguably the most underutilized tool in the fire service found on nearly every fire apparatus. Let’s start the life-saving extinguishment process by applying what could be, the fire’s first interaction with water.
More about Eric Wheaton
Eric Wheaton is the Owner of VentEnterSearch, LLC. He is a second-generation fireman for Winter Park (FL) Fire Department and is currently assigned as a Lieutenant on Truck 61. Eric has spent a majority of his career on the Truck Company. Eric is an instructor for the Truck Company Operations and Special Operations programs at Valencia College's Central Florida Fire Institute.
He holds an associate degree in Fire Science and is an advisory board member on the UL-FSRI Size-up and search & rescue study. Eric has taught at many fire conferences across the country, including FDIC, Portland Firemanship Conference, Orlando Fire Conference, Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo, Metro Atlanta Firefighter Conference and Water on the Fire Conference.
HOT Session, Bluk Bed Stretches More about Daryl Liggins Daryl Liggins is a 29 year veteran of the fire service. He is currently assigned as the Captain of Training for the Oakland, CA fire department. He previously served as a firefighter/engineer with the Redwood City, CA Fire Department. He instructs engine company operations for the Oakland fire departments fire academies and is the chair of Oakland fire departments hose and nozzle committee. He currently sits on the board of directors for Fire Nuggets which is a non-profit group run by firefighter to bring affordable training across the US. He has served as an adjunct HOT instructor for FDIC, Firehouse world and several other conferences. More about Brian Brush Brian is a 20-year veteran of the fire service, is a Training Division Chief at Midwest City (OK) Fire Department. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency services administration and a Fire Officer designation from the CPSE. He instructs on a national level and writes for Fire Engineering.
HOT Session, Hoseline Choices
More about Shannon Stone
Shannon Stone is a twenty-nine year fire service veteran. After eleven years as a Battalion Chief in Fort Walton Beach, FL, Chief Stone is now inthe Deputy Chief of Operations position at nearby Midway Fire District. Shannon teaches often with County Fire Tactics, is a founder of 850 Fireman, and has presented around the country. Along with with brother, DJ, he’s unveiling an exciting new class called Anatomy of a Rescue at FDIC 2020.
More about Todd Edwards