Special Operations in the Fire Service
November 18-20, 2025 | Pensacola Beach, Florida
Advance your fireground readiness through advanced operational insight. This exclusive lecture-based program explores the most common Special Operations incidents firefighters face—and the modern tactics, coordination, and decision-making required to handle them effectively.
About the Conference
Designed for firefighters, company officers, and command-level leaders, this three-day program provides the latest strategies, lessons learned, and field-tested methods drawn from decades of real-world incidents. You’ll learn how special operations units across the country manage complex rescues, hazardous materials, and high-risk environments through sound tactics and disciplined leadership.
"“Special Operations are those emergency incidents that require specific and advanced training, and specialized tools and equipment.” — NFPA 1710
Special Operations units vary among departments due to the department’s size and/or geographic location. Different types of special operations include HAZMAT, Urban Search & Rescue, Technical Rescue, High-angle Rescue, Extrication, Air Operations Unit, Dive Rescue, Underwater Search & Recovery (Dive Team), Marine Unit, Bomb Squad, Ice Rescue, Search & Rescue, Aircraft Rescue, Structural collapse rescue, Trench and other excavation rescue work.
Conference Topics
The conference will emphasize five major disciplines central to modern Special Operations:
• Vehicle Extrication – advanced stabilization, disentanglement, and patient-centered tactics
• Hazardous Materials Operations – size-up, containment, and air monitoring
• Technical Rescue – system rigging, mechanical advantage, and team coordination
• Confined-Space Entry – monitoring, entry procedures, and rapid retrieval strategies
• High-Angle Rescue – rope systems, anchor integrity, and risk-benefit evaluation
Participants will leave with actionable knowledge they can implement immediately—without the need for hands-on evolutions.
This class will focus primarily on:
Extrication
Hazmat
Technical Rescue
Confined Space Entry
High-Angle Rescue
Meet the Instructor
Battalion Chief Curt Isakson
Escambia County Fire Rescue (Ret.)
Chief Isakson brings 37 years of field experience from Escambia County Fire Rescue and a lifelong passion for Special Operations. Since beginning his studies in 1988, he has responded to some of the most unusual and complex incidents imaginable—including.
• Multiple person-in-garbage-truck rescues
• Grain-silo & confined-space entrapments
• Water rescue during flash-flood conditions
• Industrial extrication & a jail explosion
Registration
Choose the registration option that's right for you. Click below to go to the official registration page.
Venue & Hotel Information
Venue & Accommodations ** New Hotel Discount Button **
Fairfield Inn & Suites — Pensacola Beach, FL
• Enjoy sugar-white beaches, oceanfront views, and walking-distance amenities.
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Discounted room blocks begin at $119 per night for registered attendees.
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Your booking code and link will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
- Hotel Rooms: Discounted room blocks are available at our host hotel starting at $119 per night. Lodging codes now available at button below. Discounted Room Link
- Parking: Free parking is available for all attendees who drive to the conference.
Airport Transportation
Travel to and from Pensacola Airport (PNS)
- Arrival Travel: Attendees are responsible for inbound transportation from Pensacola International (PNS).
- Return Shuttle: Return shuttle transport will be provided on November 21st, starting at or about 3:30 AM.
Key Takeaways
• Understand NFPA-1710 definitions and expectations for Special Operations response.
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Analyze real-world incident data and tactical decision-making.
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Learn leadership lessons that translate to any department size or configuration.
• Connect with peers focused on operational excellence
