Beyond the Firehouse - The Value of Outside Training

in

If you’re reading this, odds are you care about sharpening your skills. You take training seriously, and you know that in this job, complacency kills. But even the most motivated firefighters can fall into routines that lead to stagnation. That’s why stepping outside your firehouse for training isn’t just beneficial—it’s necessary. Exposure to new techniques, tactics, and perspectives makes us sharper, more adaptable, and ultimately safer on the fireground. And if you’re wondering how to find quality training, stick around—there’s a great resource at the end of this article that makes it easier than ever.

If there is one thing I have learned in my career, it’s that there is always more to learn. And a saying I heard some time ago rings true, “Once you get outside the four walls of your fire house, you realize that the fire service has no walls.” Fire tactics, and strategies vary across the country, and being exposed to different approaches help build safer, sharper, and more well-rounded firefighters. Additionally, engaging in outside training on a consistent basis prevents stagnation, enhances skills and knowledge, and ultimately improves emergency response.

Although I believe that everyone has something to teach, and you can learn something from everybody; some of the most valuable insights come from experienced professionals who have dedicated their lives to advancing the fire service. I can personally attest to this, having had the opportunity to learn from fire service legends like Mike Lombardo, Aaron Fields, Bob Pressler, and Dennis LeGear. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained from their classes have been invaluable. As the fire service continues to become younger across the nation, how can today’s firefighters gain access to this wealth of experience and knowledge?

Beyond Your Department’s Walls

We’ve all been there; stuck in a rut, in-house training has become repetitive, uninspiring and everyone is just going through the motions. Outside training can break this cycle, challenge and expand firefighters skill sets and reinvigorate firefighter’s passion for the job. Many firefighters leave outside training feeling motivated and eager to apply and share what they’ve learned. That said, not everything taught in an outside course will fit neatly into every department’s operations. The key is to take what works, discard what doesn’t, and adapt what might be useful down the road.

Another huge advantage? Networking. Attending outside training puts you in the same room with firefighters from across the region — sometimes even the country. These connections become a priceless resource for sharing ideas, solving problems, and gaining fresh perspectives when you need them most. We’re lucky to live in an era where quality training and conferences are available almost everywhere. But with so many options, how do you decide which ones are actually worth your time?

Owning the Learning Process

Firefighters who want to grow can’t simply wait for their department to hand them opportunities—they have to seek them out. When looking for outside training, keep these key points in mind:

Identify training needs – Pinpoint areas that could use improvement. This doesn’t mean the department is struggling, but some skills get rusty without variety. For example, if extrication drills have looked the same for years, an outside class could introduce a new approach to training on it.

Choose relevant training – Choose training that aligns with your department’s goals, and capabilities. While training on a technical rescue discipline like high-angle rescue might sound exciting, it isn’t practical if the department doesn’t have the gear or capability to perform those operations. Stick to training that aligns with real-world needs.

Find budget-friendly options – Training can be expensive, but plenty of free or low-cost opportunities do exist. Government programs, industry-sponsored courses, and online offerings provide solid education without breaking the bank. Additionally, consider seeking alternative funding opportunities like engaging local organizations, or raising money through an event to help sponsor or support training initiatives.

Do your research – This is an absolute must! The fire service is full of self-proclaimed experts, but not all training is created equal. Research instructors, read course reviews, and ask fellow firefighters about their experiences before committing.

Share the Knowledge

A friend of mine once said, “Knowledge is power, but only if it’s shared”

If the department funded your training, it’s not just an opportunity — it’s a responsibility. Maximize the return on that investment by bringing the lessons back home. Take good notes, create handouts, and step up to lead an in-house training to pass along what you learned.

Taking the initiative to build a training plan and handle the prep work eases the burden on the training division, making it far more likely your new knowledge gets shared with the rest of the crew. The more value the department sees from sending you to outside training, the more likely they’ll support future opportunities — for you and others.

A word of caution however, how you share the information often matters more than the information itself. Humbly presenting new techniques as “a way” encourages productive discussion and creates buy-in amongst members. Conversely, arrogantly presenting the same information as “the way” will likely be met with resistance with little buy-in. Additionally, be sure to explain the “why” behind the technique, tactic, etc. and be open to member’s scrutiny–in fact, welcome it! Respectful debates around techniques and tactics lead to better decisions on the emergency scene, and when they hold up to scrutiny, credibility is created.

FireTrainingDirectory.com

As stated earlier, I am a proponent for outside training, but I found that when firefighters asked me, “Where do you hear about all these training events?” my typical response was “social media,” and that wasn’t exactly helpful. That’s why FireTrainingDirectory.com was created—a centralized database designed to make it easier to find upcoming training opportunities.

Building and maintaining a directory like this is no small task, so the project takes a crowdsourced approach.Similar to FirefighterRescueSurvey.com, where firefighters log civilian rescues, this site relies on submissions from the fire service community through the “Submit a Training” form found on the website. Once submitted, each listing is verified to ensure accurate dates, locations, and working URLs before training details go live. With any crowdsourced platform, there’s always a risk of errors, so users can easily report errors they find, no matter how small, allowing them to be fixed quickly.

The directory is up and running now! Currently, it offers basic search filters, but if firefighters find it valuable, more features and functionality will be rolled out over time. I encourage you to peruse the database and if you know of an upcoming training, please submit it.

In conclusion, outside training isn’t just about learning new techniques—it’s a cornerstone of staying sharp, safe, and engaged in the fire service. It prevents stagnation, broadens perspectives, and builds a network of like-minded firefighters who want to keep getting better. Whether just starting out or well into a career, investing in outside training is one of the best ways to stay at the top of the game. And now, with FireTrainingDirectory.com, finding those opportunities has never been easier.

Fire Training Directory

About the Author

Cole Kleinwolterink is a dedicated husband, father, and passionate firefighter/paramedic. After a fulfilling career as a middle school teacher and coach, he transitioned to the fire service in 2019. He now serves full-time with the Waukee Fire Department (IA) as a firefighter/paramedic and Field Training Officer, where he is deeply committed to mentorship, training, and service. Beyond his full-time role, Cole volunteers with the Granger Fire Department and teaches EMT and fire science at Des Moines Area Community College.

The After Action Review: Post-Incident Size-Up

in

The size-up is for all intents and purposes, our game plan or battle plan, if you will, against the structure we are working at. The size-up is where firefighters and fire officers gather information in order to make safe, efficient, and effective fire ground decisions. Fire ground decision making, as we know, is meant to be quick, but with an emphasis on safety and ensuring the tactics are done efficiently and effectively.

One aspect we do not stress enough is the fact we do not consider the culmination of the incident. After fire command is terminated and all units are back in quarters and in service. We must remember the pre-planning is not over just because we cleared the incident and everyone is back in the station and safe. This is where the add-value work is put into place and now it is time for the after-action review or post-incident size-up.

During the after-action review (AAR), firefighters and fire officers can discuss and share information obtained from the alarm and also discuss the success and failures they have experienced during the alarm. This is a time to ask a few question:

• What did we expect to happen?

• What actually occurred?

• What went well and why?

• What can we improve upon and how?

The benefit of asking these questions allow for strengths to be easily identifiable making it easier to uncover areas of weakness. By uncovering areas of weakness, you can develop ways to improve them! If you do not identify what went wrong, how could you ever expect to improve? On the contrary, if you do not understand what went right and why, duplicating that same success in the future will not be easy. Ensure necessary changes discussed in the AAR are implemented sooner than later as the longer it is on hold, the greater the likelihood of any changes being implemented diminish.

The size-up as a whole is a valuable step by step process for all firefighters, to obtain knowledge of their response district, riding assignments, and strategy and tactic implementation. By beginning this process formally or informally early on, it will allow for continual growth for each firefighter and fire officer. The key to success as an individual and team is to get ahead of the game and prevent ourselves from being reactive, rather proactive.

Until next time, work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

 

Attacking and Defeating the Hockey Puck Lock

in

Being a firefighter, we have various challenged consistently thrown at us and as such it is our job to defeat and overcome them.

As businesses and homeowners look to ramp up their security systems with more cameras around the perimeters and such, it is very common for high security locks to be added to various entrance points of the structure. The mindset is to make the structure as different as possible for criminals to enter and this trickles into making it more difficult for firefighters to make entry should an emergency arise that we need to get to.

When we think about gaining entry to a structure, we know it is something we must train on and something we must be proficient in. So, challenge accepted. Since as firefighters, there is no challenge we cannot overcome - or at least think we cannot overcome. The kitchen table is where we solve all the world's problems.

The challenge of this article is to list out various methods of forcible entry in defeating The American 2000 lock also known as "The Hockey Puck Lock".

This lock is found is a variety of places and sometimes may show up when you least expect it. Typically found on roll up doors on commercial occupancies, these locks can also be found on commercial garage doors, basement doors (Bilco doors) and box trucks.

Due to its round shape, this lock puts the keyway and pin & shackle within the body of the lock itself. By this design, it is created to cause difficulties for criminals to cut the shackle and gain entry.

Here are a few ways to attack and overcome the hockey puck lock

Method #1 - Attack the lock (no guard)

The lock could be attached to some kind of heavy-duty door or gate and quickly being able to identify if there is a guard around the lock or not will determine if you will be attack the lock itself or go through other means. For this method, we will go through the lock itself since there is no guard around the lock.

The quickest and most efficient way in attacking the lock is to use a standard pipe wrench (many truck companies have these in the cab or tool compartment of the rig) and get a solid bite on the lock with the wrench. From there, you simply pry downward with the wrench, breaking the hasp eye.

American 2000 (hockey puck) Lock Hasp

Method #2 - Through the Lock (with guard)

Hockey Puck Lock with Guard

Many of these locks will have a guard around them protecting the lock and therefore preventing the use of a wrench or striking down the lock by other means.

In this case, when faced with a guard around the lock, it is best to cut through the lock itself. For this method, it is best to use a rotary saw equipped with a metal blade.

  • Locate the keyway

  • Cut about three-quarters up the lock, opposite of the keyway

  • Cut completely through the lock and guard

This should damage the hasp and enable the lock to be removed from the door or gate.

For those unfamiliar with this type of lock, it could be a daunting task to complete. However, take time during pre-planning and non-fire incidents in occupancies to locate these types of locks and add them to your pre-incident size-up and practice these methods of entry with the crew. A few minutes breaking locks will save precious minutes on the fire ground figuring out how to get through it.

Until next time - work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

Electric Vehicle Fire Considerations for Second Due Company Response

in

Due to the nature and potential duration of a fire involving an electric vehicle, the second due company, whether it be a rescue or squad company play a vital role in the strategies and tactics of fire suppression operations.

Here are a few considerations for second due companies in response to an electric car fire.

  • Upon arrival and not completed, establish a delineated Hot Zone and ensure all personnel are in full PPE and donned with their SCBA and on air.

  • Consider ventilation. The buildup of vapors from an EV are potentially toxic, flammable and explosive. If deemed safe, the second due engine should consider and attempt to open two doors of the vehicle to allow and prevent buildup of vapors.

  • Attempt to shut down the high voltage system of the EV, if it is not already on fire.

  • Provide access for the suppression team to the location of the battery in order for water to be applied directly on it. This will help cool the battery and prevent thermal runaway.

  • Ways to open the vehicle for access to the battery depending its location

    • Remove the doors and rear seat top

    • Open and remove the trunk lid

    • Tilt the vehicle for access to the floor batteries. Consider using air bags, spreaders and cribbing, a comealong or winch to do so.

The main purpose of the second due company for electric vehicle fires is to provide safety for all personnel on scene and work in obtaining access to the EV battery location to help prevent further thermal runaway. Since cooling these batteries could take up to 30 minutes or more, it is vital there is a dedicated company on scene working to identifying and gaining access to this crucial piece of the vehicle.

Key Terms

High Voltage

For automotive applications, any voltage greater than 30 volts alternating current, or AC, or 60 volts direct current, or DC, is considered to be a high or hazardous voltage due to the potential to produce serious injury or death due to electric shock. Electric drive systems on commercial vehicles can operate at voltages as high as 800 volts, both AC and DC, and can produce peak currents as high as 100 amps, which make contact with high voltage components even more dangerous.

High Voltage Cables

Visible orange cables are another indication that a vehicle has a high voltage system. That is because there is a voluntary Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE, recommended practice that specifies that all high voltage cables have an orange outer covering. While voluntary, this practice has been adopted by virtually all manufacturers.

Until next time, work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

The Engine Company Doorman

in

As we know each position on the engine company is an integral role to the success or failure of the job at hand. Each role is unique and plays an important part in the grand scheme. Like chess each firefighter is just as important as the other and how they're utilized is most important. In this case, it's the Door Man. A role that isn't spoken about much and like many departments today, is often times combined with the roles of back-up firefighter due to staffing limitations yet the responsibilities are crucial and play large parts during fires.
Here are some quick tips for the door man.

1. Back-up the hydrant firefighter. Ensure the cross-lay is emptied from the bed or assist with the static lay connection.
2. Know your hose estimates. Should the static lay be used, estimate the amount needed before connecting to the engine (better to go more than not enough)
3. If there is a back-up firefighter, assist in flaking out the line from the front to the back-up firefighter.
4. Prevent kinks in line. Choke doors as the line goes through.
5. Eyes on the structure. Monitor fire conditions at the doorway(s) and/or stairwell(s) and report any deteriorating conditions.
6. Next man up. Should the nozzle firefighter need to be relived, it's your job to step up.

There it is, quick tips for an often overlooked position on the fire ground however a role that plays dividends to the success of the fire suppression team.

Until next time; work hard, stay say & live inspired. 

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.

The Back Up Firefighter

in

As a firefighter riding in the engine we all want to be on the nozzle, fighting the fire head on, producing a solid fire attack to the fire and getting cheers from our fellow firefighters for a quick solid knock. However, not everyone can always be the nozzle man and get to be face to face with the fire. Sometimes we need to be the backup or the setup man if you will. It's not pretty or glorified but in this line of business someone has to do it and at one point in time many of us get that assignment. The assignments may be cumbersome but a solid, ready to fight backup firefighter is critical to a successful and aggressive interior fire attack.  

As the old saying goes, "the fire goes as the fire line goes" and without an experienced backup firefighter, the advancement, fire suppression and a long day at the office will prevail; not to mention a not too happy nozzle man. 

Here's a few tips every backup firefighter on the line should consider.

   1. Ensure there are no kinks in the line, especially the first 50 feet behind the nozzle. Kinks will be detrimental to a sufficient fire flow and delay hose advancement.
2. Hit the hydrant and establish a water supply to the engine. If there is a short crew, this may be the job of the backup firefighter. Ensure your hydrant skills are efficient and ready to go. Timing is everything.
3. Force the door. If the engine is first on scene, ensure the line is stretched and be prepared to possibly force the door if needed.
4. Search off the line. Perform a primary search if no truck company is in place yet. 
5. If needed, be the second or third set of eyes and ears for the nozzle man. Watch the fire's behavior and carefully monitor conditions in the room and update the nozzle man and officer if there's a sense conditions are deteriorating and a flashover and/or collapse is imminent.

If you're assigned as the backup firefighter get ready before the call comes in (physically/mentally)and ensure all PPE and equipment is ready to go. A successful fire attack is counting on it so get ready and stay ready.

Until next time; work hard, stay safe & live inspired.

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 17 years in the fire service in Piscataway, NJ, a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor, a State of New Jersey Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website. A martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete in baseball, Nick is also a National Exercise & Sports Trainer Association Battle Ropes Instructor, Functional Fitness Instructor and Nutrition Coach.  He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University, and a A.A.S in Liberal Arts - Business from Middlesex County College. Nick has spoken at the 2017 & 2018 Firehouse Expo in Nashville, TN as well as at numerous fire departments within NJ and fire service podcasts.