Command Officer Boot Camp will take place May 10th-12th, 2022 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Side Convention Center. COBC is a one-of-a-kind family-friendly fire conference offering educational sessions on Leadership, Tactics, & Relationships.

SECURE YOUR SEAT AT COBC 2022

The event will take place in-person at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Side Convention Center in the Royal Palm Ballroom. COBC will feature several nationally recognized leaders.

CF Tactics designed this program for firefighters and officers who wants to increase their personal and professional motivation while creating an opportunity to elevate their career.

The speakers at Command Officer Boot Camp 2022 will present on subjects covering Leadership, Tactics, and Relationships in Life, Marriage, and the Firehouse. COBC is ideal for all ranks and their spouses to connect with colleagues and like-minded people.

The Spouse pass does feature several benefits to include the airport shuttle; Free Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Paddleboards all week. “Over $250 Value”, Wristband & Conference Name Tag for all Discounts; Ability to attend any of the conference classes; Spouse Breakfast with Mimosa’s & Bloody Mary’s, Spouse Roundtable, Nightly Organized Socials with Food & Drink Specials
COBC 2022 INSTRUCTOR LINEUP

Dave McGrail
District Chief
Denver, CO

Gina McGrail
Denver, CO

Curt Isakson
Battalion Chief
Escambia County, FL

Jessica Isakson
Operations
County Fire Tactics

Corley Moore
Battalion Chief
Moore, OK

Eddie Robinson
Deputy Chief
Cherokee County, GA

Dennis Riley
Fire Chief
Pittsburg, KS

Shannon Stone
Division Chief
Midway Fire District, FL

DJ Stone
Battalion Chief
Fort Walton Beach, FL

Mike Terpak
Deputy Chief (Ret.)
Jersey City, NJ
COBC - SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Making It Work, The Struggle Is Real | Curt & Jessica Isakson
More Information Coming Soon
Achieving Balance in a Fire Service Marriage | Dave & Gina McGrail
More Information Coming Soon
People Before Water, It's Worth The Risk | Curt Isakson
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.
Learn more about Curt Isakson
It's Worth The Risk | Curt Isakson
This very passionate and in your face presentation is about pushing to recapture the primary mission of theFire 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. Learn more about Curt IsaksonCommanding From The Sidelines | Curt Isakson
Fireground commanders should have a strong understanding of fire tactics and the necessary strategic goals for each incident. The strategy chosen must be backed up by tactical abilities within the assigned resources. This program will cover tactical command and strategic command and when to use the appropriate command mode based on arrival sequence and overall staffing for each specific incident. This program will compare the stereotypical West Coast command mode with the East Coast command mode and explain why we need both. Learn more about Curt IsaksonStandpipe Operations | Dave McGrail
Chief McGrail's presentation establishes a proper firefighting mindset and promotes maintaining preparedness for the extreme physical and mental demands of firefighting operations in high-rise and standpipe-equipped buildings. Armed with firefighting weapons that would be much more appropriate at a car fire, far too many fire departments are on a collision course with disaster and tragedy, should they encounter a serious high-rise fire. District Chief McGrail draws from his 25 years of experience, along with lessons learned from many other fire service professionals, to provide a foundation for success and safety during high-rise and standpipe operations. The words "Everyone Comes Home" are just words. The actions necessary to ensure that everyone does come home are based on a lifelong commitment to excellence and the consistent application of good fireground habits. Learn More About Dave McGrailDown & Dirty Fireground Decision Making | Corley Moore
Description Of course, no short class can turn someone into the ultimate fireground commander. This, however, provides the tools and a framework to begin the journey to be that kind of commander. It starts on the premise that making deisions is simple when you understand your priorities and then expands from there. Just remember that simple does not mean easy! Methodology While at times the whirlwind presentation pace that Corley uses can feel almost overwhelming, it is very purposeful in design. The rapid-fire delivery makes the sheer amount of information manageable, while keeping the attention of those in attendance. Learning Objectives Understanding priorities on the fireground and applying them to the decision making process. Understanding that priorities drive strategy, which drives tactics, which drives tasks. Understanding that confidence comes from competence which comes from learning. Understanding the difference between reckless and aggressive action. Understanding the purpose and importance of preparation and anticipation. Learn More About Corley MooreWhat Shaped You, Pushed vs. Pulled | Robinson
This class will provide an overview of how we can grow our departments as we bridge the gap between the generations. We will discuss ways the fire service can attract and retain motivated individuals into our chosen profession. We will discuss how the company officer can evolve the firehouse to support future success. The fire service currently has four generations serving the citizens in our communities. Each generation has their own expectations, motivation, values, work ethics and patterns of behavior. We will close the loop with strategies and tactics of leading and building a diverse workforce by utilizing the strengths of everyone, finding common ground and celebrating the victories of a multi-generational team. This class is an interactive presentation designed to enhance personnel at all levels of the fire service. Learn how to improve the performance of your members and their overall effectiveness in this classroom. Learn More About Eddie RobinsonFive Trumpet Firefighting | Dennis Reilly
What I Will & Will Not Tell You:
- What I have found that works for me
- What over the course of time produces positive results
- I am not going to give you the “Silver Bullet”
- I am not telling you to avoid some very important duties
- I am not telling you to break the law.
Nuggets From the Right Seat | Shannon Stone
“Experience Driven Advice” From Failure to Excellence All too often in the fire service we train on the technical aspects of our job, but rarely do we train, teach, coach or mentor our leaders (company officers) on how to deal with the interpersonal side of our job and how to truly lead. This course is designed to give experience proven advice on how a company level officer can strive, reach, and obtain excellence. It is instructed from the perspective of a “High Performer” and reviews critical practices for company officers such as: Building the Foundation, importance of understanding Followership and creating courageous followers, the 4 Levels of Expectations, the 3 Conditions of Leadership Influence and how to create effective influence, methods of effective leadership communication, critical Operational Leadership Practices for the company officer, understanding and implementing 3 Levels of Mentoring Accountability, building Communication Platforms with your bosses and other company officers, motivating and inspiring your firefighters, dealing with problem “employees”, dealing with average to substandard performing employees, common company officer situations the company officer will be faced with, and much more. This class is designed to give legitimate, time proven practices that the company officer can implement immediately and see instant results. All subjects discussed in this class have been originated from on the job trial and error and from this we have found many critical practices that actually work! Regardless if you work in a large or small department, from urban or suburban, company officers face the exact same challenges. This class will give you tons of “Nuggets” on how to deal with the many challenges you will face as a front line combat company officer Learn More About Shannon StoneAnatomy of a Rescue, Chief Shannon Stone and Chief DJ Stone
What is the recipe for success? That is the question the fire service has been asking itself for many years. Success is defined as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.” I contend that success for the business of fire and rescue is of utmost importance. People live and die by our ability to be successful. Although we cannot always guarantee success, we should never give up on trying to better ourselves by chasing the definition of success and applying it to the job of being a firefighter. This is especially important concerning operating at emergencies. For every successful endeavor, there will always be ingredients; framework; or an anatomy, if you will, of that particular success. Learn More about Chief Shannon Stone Learn More about Chief DJ StoneStrategy & Tactics for Garden Apartments | Mike Terpak
Coming Soon Learn More About Mike TerparkPromotional Assessment Preparation | Mike Terpak
Coming Soon Learn More About Mike TerparkDAY 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, Some 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.
COBC CONFERENCE FLYER

The Hilton Pensacola Beach is the venue and host hotel for the CFT Command Officer Boot Camp Conference. The neighboring Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach shares the Hilton property, and the Holiday Inn Resort is next door.
The Surf & Sand Resort is across from the Pensacola Beach Pier, only a short walk away. All of these locations offer discounted rooms and no cost for parking.


Additional Rooms Announced on 4/23/2022 SOLD OUT
Contact Misty Pacheo to book.
850-916-2999 Hilton
Contact Josh Lucking to book.
850-932-6800 Hampton Inn
Contact Katie McPhail to book.
850-916-8082 Direct
850-932-5331 Holiday Inn
DISCOUNTS, NETWORKING, SOCIAL ACTIVITIES & MORE
- Nightly social activities to connect with instructors, and like-minded people.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner discounts.
- Beverage discounts with the CFT Tumbler
- Reduced room rates at two Hilton brand properties.

- Experience the passion of Chief Isakson and his team of CFT Presenters.
- Receive up to date information on tactics, strategy, and leadership.
- Learn from instructors who are shaping the future of our profession.
- Learning for all ranks from Firefighter, to Line Boss, to the Chief.
- Location … Location… Location…
- The ability to network with brothers and sisters from across the country.
- Investment of time in yourself and your department.
- Interaction with instructors where you can ask questions you need answered.
- Our events are organized and students treated like family, not dollar signs.
- Family friendly, so they know why you have your passion.
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.

- Monday, 5/9/2022, arrivals will locate a Dream Catcher Shuttle outside Baggage Claim 3 at Pensacola International Airport.
- Friday, 5/13/2022, departures will locate a Dream Catcher Shuttle outside the Hilton Hotel lobby.

- Shuttle registration will open approximately one week before the conference, registration required.

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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.
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