This lecture will discuss some previous incidents that Shae responded to while working for FDNY. They will also discuss why safety and training prevented those incidents from becoming deadly. This lecture will also discuss how sometimes ego in the fire service may get in the way of seeing the big picture.

In "Combat-Based Small Unit Leadership Applied to the Fire Service," Cody Carroll explores the principles of effective leadership within the context of the fire service, drawing parallels from military combat tactics and strategies. This insightful discourse delves into the unique challenges faced by small units operating in high-stress, dynamic environments and examines how the principles of military leadership can be adapted and applied to enhance performance and safety within the fire service.

Carroll begins by discussing the critical importance of leadership in both combat and firefighting scenarios, emphasizing the need for clear communication, decisive decision-making, and cohesive teamwork. Drawing from his own experiences and research, Carroll identifies key leadership traits such as adaptability, resilience, and integrity, and illustrates how these qualities are essential for guiding small units through complex and hazardous situations.

Carroll explores specific tactics and strategies employed by military leaders to effectively manage small units in combat, such as decentralized command, mission-oriented planning, and situational awareness. He demonstrates how these principles can be translated to the fire service context, offering practical insights and recommendations for fire officers and commanders seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities

As questions continue to arise into how fire department interventions affect fire dynamics, firefighter safety and victim survivability in structure fires, UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) is working to address these knowledge gaps through firefighting tactics research. FSRI has now completed a suite of projects covering suppression, ventilation and search and rescue operations on the residential fireground. This presentation will be a summary of the ideal execution of suppression methods and how to coordinate these efforts with both ventilation and search tactics to maximize firefighter safety and victim survivability. This culmination of research studies into the residential fireground has led to the gold standard of how these fire department interventions should be implemented on your fireground. The results from these studies will be shared in the form of tactical considerations for you to take back to your department and adapt and adopt as you see fit based on your response model, your staffing,
and specifics of your local area.

Full Disclosure: all the details are still in the works.  However, the spouses track is an opportunity for your spouse to attend High Plains Fire Conference with you.  The spouse will be able to attend their own portions of a HOT track on both Saturday and Sunday to get their own insight on fire conferences.  There are a few goals here.  This track will give your spouse an opportunity to meet the spouse of others who attend fire conferences allowing them to build friendships and be able to network amongst each other.  High Plains Fire Conference is looking at finalizing a class or two that will be geared specifically towards spouses and presenting at some point during the 2 days.  On top of that, each spouse will get the opportunity to participate in as much or as little as they want of their own HOT stations, forcing doors, flowing a line, searching a room, removing a victim.  Our conference is on mother’s day this year, so no better time than to roll out a spouses track!  We are working on a “mothers day brunch” that will happen for all of the spouses attending on Sunday morning.  While their significant other is out getting after it in their HOT class the wives will be enjoying a mothers day together before visiting the HOT sites in the afternoon.  We are still working on details to finalizes everything but we’ll assure you of this, you wont be disappointed.

This class is all about Irons work and it's so much more than access, it's addressing the main paths of egress! Upon completion of this course firefighters will be able to dress and set up their tools for success, perform a rapid size up to identify and defeat multiple forcible entry challenges, perform initial interior size up, account for door control, effectively use commands to enhance communication, develop good striking techniques, and perform the appropriate standardized techniques while working alone or as part of a team. Seconds do count, we will be able to mask up quickly, make the force and make the grab, NOT EXCUSES! To effectively mitigate a high stress, unpredictable event, we must be able to communicate to all rescue members our intent and predict each other's actions based on standardized training and techniques.

Skills & Topics Covered: 1 & 2 FF Inward and Outward Opening Doors, limited access and dead end hallways, bottom of the stairs, limited/zero visibility forcible entry, additional leverage/limited tools, dirty drags, and masking up skills.

This class is designed to build confidence on one of the most often neglected tools found on nearly every fire apparatus, the 2 1/2 gallon water extinguisher. The "Can" can be an extremely effective lifesaving tool by allowing a well-trained firefighter to quickly apply water between fire and victims. Attendees will learn proper filling and pressurization steps, how to build homemade carrying straps and other useful "Can" modifications. The class will also cover valuable skills on carrying and searching with the "Can" and confining fire with it. Students will cycle through a "force an interior door off its hinges" prop and use this door to hold back live fire and smoke. Finally, attendees will perform live fire attacks with nothing more than a "Can" and witness the effect of the "Can" on pre-flashover conditions.

Keith Stakes - Fire service research highlights the importance of well-placed initial handlines applying fast water to the fire effectively, either from the interior or the exterior of the structure. Several recent studies by UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute examined the mechanics of hose streams to better equip firefighters with the knowledge for how hose line and nozzle selection, hose stream type, and advancement method affect the fire dynamics and victim survivability during suppression efforts on the fireground. Understanding the fundamentals of hose stream mechanics is vital to the success of fire suppression operations on the fireground. This includes knowing when and how to utilize air entrainment to your advantage, understanding when air entrainment can be your enemy, and understanding how to best apply the water through various application patterns, stream angles, and deflection methods to successfully map the compartments inside a structure.

The objective of this class is to improve the safety and effectiveness of structural firefighting and the survivability of potentially trapped occupants by providing both lecture and hands-on training for suppression-based skills to be employed on the fireground. This training goes above and beyond the very basic training typically provided in introductory firefighting courses by providing a more in depth understanding as to the mechanics of interior, exterior and attic suppression along with hydraulic ventilation and the use of specialty nozzles. This training is vitally important as effective suppression operations are the basis for a successful coordinated fire attack in today’s fire environment.

FOOLS of Oz - Working Off the Bulk Bed –
This class will focus on the deployment of handlines for setbacks past our standard 200’ stretch.  Having the long line option is just as important for the busy urban pumper as it is the rural one.  Long setbacks are in everyone’s district, along with a wide variety of obstacles.  We will demonstrate and drill on loading and deploying from the hosebed using the minuteman load in both the 50’ and 100’ bundles, working stairs and obstacles, and deploying the 100’ nozzle bundle.

The fire service is changing culturally and tactically, and its trajectory is often sporadic. But our core mission remains the same and is dangerous. Explore the common challenges we all face and engage in multiple leadership tenets from the company officer perspective that will inspire discussion on creating, maintaining, and improving motivated individuals and teams.

The class is interactive and its success hinges on group discussion and the open exchange of ideas. Leaders are not defined by position; they are framed by their knowledge, passion, tenure, and experience.
The foundation of the class is centered around the successes and failures of a career infused by powerful mentors and two decades in the company officer ranks.

Class Description:
Join us for an immersive Roof Top Rescue training session led by legendary rescue expert Kevin Shea, in conjunction with Peak Rescue. This class will equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to execute successful rooftop rescues in various scenarios. From urban environments to remote locations, the techniques taught in this class are essential for any rescue team.

During the training, participants will learn about the specialized equipment and tools required for rooftop rescues, as well as the procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of both rescuers and victims. Kevin Shea, renowned for his expertise in rescue operations, will share insights gained from years of experience in the field, providing invaluable tips and strategies for handling challenging rescue situations.

Key Topics Covered:
1. Introduction to Rooftop Rescues: Understanding the unique challenges and considerations involved in rooftop rescues.
2. Equipment Overview: Exploring the essential equipment needed for rooftop rescues, including harnesses, ropes, pulleys, and anchor systems.
3. Safety Protocols: Learning the importance of safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks during rescue operations.
4. Techniques and Strategies: Mastering various techniques and strategies for accessing, stabilizing, and extracting victims from rooftop locations.
5. Hands-on Training: Engaging in practical exercises and simulations to reinforce learning and develop proficiency in rescue techniques.
6. Case Studies: Analyzing real-life case studies of roof top rescues to understand the decision-making process and lessons learned.


Whether you're a seasoned rescue professional or a novice responder, this Roof Top Rescue training with Kevin Shea promises to enhance your skills and preparedness for conducting successful rescue operations in challenging roof top environments. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best and elevate your rescue capabilities to new heights!

This class is all about Irons work and it's so much more than access, it's addressing the main paths of egress! Upon completion of this course firefighters will be able to dress and set up their tools for success, perform a rapid size up to identify and defeat multiple forcible entry challenges, perform initial interior size up, account for door control, effectively use commands to enhance communication, develop good striking techniques, and perform the appropriate standardized techniques while working alone or as part of a team. Seconds do count, we will be able to mask up quickly, make the force and make the grab, NOT EXCUSES! To effectively mitigate a high stress, unpredictable event, we must be able to communicate to all rescue members our intent and predict each other's actions based on standardized training and techniques.

Skills & Topics Covered: 1 & 2 FF Inward and Outward Opening Doors, limited access and dead end hallways, bottom of the stairs, limited/zero visibility forcible entry, additional leverage/limited tools, dirty drags, and masking up skills.

This class is designed to build confidence on one of the most often neglected tools found on nearly every fire apparatus, the 2 1/2 gallon water extinguisher. The "Can" can be an extremely effective lifesaving tool by allowing a well-trained firefighter to quickly apply water between fire and victims. Attendees will learn proper filling and pressurization steps, how to build homemade carrying straps and other useful "Can" modifications. The class will also cover valuable skills on carrying and searching with the "Can" and confining fire with it. Students will cycle through a "force an interior door off its hinges" prop and use this door to hold back live fire and smoke. Finally, attendees will perform live fire attacks with nothing more than a "Can" and witness the effect of the "Can" on pre-flashover conditions.

Keith Stakes - Fire service research highlights the importance of well-placed initial handlines applying fast water to the fire effectively, either from the interior or the exterior of the structure. Several recent studies by UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute examined the mechanics of hose streams to better equip firefighters with the knowledge for how hose line and nozzle selection, hose stream type, and advancement method affect the fire dynamics and victim survivability during suppression efforts on the fireground. Understanding the fundamentals of hose stream mechanics is vital to the success of fire suppression operations on the fireground. This includes knowing when and how to utilize air entrainment to your advantage, understanding when air entrainment can be your enemy, and understanding how to best apply the water through various application patterns, stream angles, and deflection methods to successfully map the compartments inside a structure.

The objective of this class is to improve the safety and effectiveness of structural firefighting and the survivability of potentially trapped occupants by providing both lecture and hands-on training for suppression-based skills to be employed on the fireground. This training goes above and beyond the very basic training typically provided in introductory firefighting courses by providing a more in depth understanding as to the mechanics of interior, exterior and attic suppression along with hydraulic ventilation and the use of specialty nozzles. This training is vitally important as effective suppression operations are the basis for a successful coordinated fire attack in today’s fire environment.

FOOLS of Oz - Working Off the Bulk Bed –
This class will focus on the deployment of handlines for setbacks past our standard 200’ stretch.  Having the long line option is just as important for the busy urban pumper as it is the rural one.  Long setbacks are in everyone’s district, along with a wide variety of obstacles.  We will demonstrate and drill on loading and deploying from the hosebed using the minuteman load in both the 50’ and 100’ bundles, working stairs and obstacles, and deploying the 100’ nozzle bundle.

This 1 day hands on class is taught by world power lifting record holder Matt Wenning.  Matt will spend the day showing hands on practical applications for the Wenning warm ups, core lifts and how the selection of accessories plays into your workout.  Matt has been very instrumental in many application of life increasing individuals strength while putting an emphasis on injury prevention.  Matt works closely with fire department back home who have saw great improvement in their department fitness levels.  This class will take your lifting abilities, your workout designs and fitness levels to another level.

Class Description:
Join us for an immersive Roof Top Rescue training session led by legendary rescue expert Kevin Shea, in conjunction with Peak Rescue. This class will equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to execute successful rooftop rescues in various scenarios. From urban environments to remote locations, the techniques taught in this class are essential for any rescue team.

During the training, participants will learn about the specialized equipment and tools required for rooftop rescues, as well as the procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of both rescuers and victims. Kevin Shea, renowned for his expertise in rescue operations, will share insights gained from years of experience in the field, providing invaluable tips and strategies for handling challenging rescue situations.

Key Topics Covered:
1. Introduction to Rooftop Rescues: Understanding the unique challenges and considerations involved in rooftop rescues.
2. Equipment Overview: Exploring the essential equipment needed for rooftop rescues, including harnesses, ropes, pulleys, and anchor systems.
3. Safety Protocols: Learning the importance of safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks during rescue operations.
4. Techniques and Strategies: Mastering various techniques and strategies for accessing, stabilizing, and extracting victims from rooftop locations.
5. Hands-on Training: Engaging in practical exercises and simulations to reinforce learning and develop proficiency in rescue techniques.
6. Case Studies: Analyzing real-life case studies of roof top rescues to understand the decision-making process and lessons learned.


Whether you're a seasoned rescue professional or a novice responder, this Roof Top Rescue training with Kevin Shea promises to enhance your skills and preparedness for conducting successful rescue operations in challenging roof top environments. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best and elevate your rescue capabilities to new heights!