Blogs

Featured Blogs

ISFSI Member Spotlight: Amanda Hoade

By Emily Stephens posted 07-31-2024
1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to join the fire service I joined the fire service at the age of 14. I joined the Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department as a junior firefighter as something to do with my dad and fell in love with it. July will mark 20 years for me as a volunteer, where I currently serve as President and Chief Engineer. Professionally, I am currently the Rescue Training Coordinator at the Montgomery County Fire Academy. 2. Who or what has inspired you as a fire instructor My background is in education. I taught in the special education field for 5 years. I realized that being in the school system wasn’t where I wanted to ...

Incoming President's Message From Brian Zaitz

By Brian Zaitz posted 04-25-2024
It is hard to believe we just wrapped up FDIC 2024! It was great to see so many ISFSI members throughout the week; our members were showcased as instructors for various lectures and hands-on trainings, we provided instructional deliveries at the newly developed “Drill Yard” in Lucas Oil Stadium, a contingency of our 1403 instructional group met to redesign portions of the ISFSI NFPA 1403 Live Fire Course, coupled with great networking that was had by all that attended the ISFSI annual membership social and annual membership meeting. I have to say FDIC 2024 was a huge success!! As we look forward, I could not be more excited for the future of the ISFSI. As ...

Fifteen Years with ISFSI: A Personal Reflection on My Journey

By Leigh Hubbard posted 03-27-2024
Fifteen years. It's a significant milestone by any measure, and as I reflect on my journey with ISFSI, I'm filled with a multitude of emotions - gratitude, nostalgia, pride, and excitement for the future. I remember the day I met the leadership team at the National Fire Academy in 2009, much younger and eager, ready to embark on a new chapter of my professional life. Back then, I had no idea of the impact that ISFSI would have on me, both personally and professionally. In those initial years, I spent countless hours developing a keen knowledge, honing my relationships, and immersing myself in the culture of the industry and the team that held the Society ...

Considerations When Implementing a Mandatory Training Program

By Cameron McCamley posted 02-28-2024
As instructors, we are always looking ahead and most of us are currently planning for the next calendar year's training cycle. Occasionally instructors are tasked with developing and implementing a training program department wide. While developing the topic and determining the training requirements are straightforward, several unforeseen pitfalls such as time, logistical concerns, and cost need to be examined beforehand to ensure the training is successful and the costs incurred are within the budgeted amount. Each fire organization and employee is different. The time requirements for an instructor-led class vary based upon the complexity of the training, ...

February 2024 Leadership Message From the ISFSI President: Seth Barker

By Seth Barker posted 02-28-2024
Passion When I first started as an instructor for our department, I was underqualified, with very little experience, and not very confident in my skill set. However, I had passion. I had passion for the fire service. I had passion for firefighters. Most importantly I had passion for the job. These things made me want to be better every day. There was not a day that would go by that I did not want to come to work. I still remember the feeling of walking into work transitioning from a volunteer to a career firefighter in my organization. I remember looking at the engine I passed so many times and feeling an incredible sense of pride. Reflecting now it was not ...

Fire Department Response to Chimney Fires

By Emily Stephens posted 01-31-2024
Article by: Michael A. Wieder One common fall, winter, and spring nemesis that faces firefighters in many parts of the United States and virtually all of Canada, is the chimney or flue fire. The terms "chimney" and "flue" tend to be used interchangeably in many jurisdictions; however, they really do not mean the same thing. The term "chimney" is properly used to describe the entire structure designed to route heat, smoke, and vapors from a heating device to the exterior. The term "flue" is properly used to describe the internal portion of the chimney through which the products of combustion flow to the exterior. For ease of presentation, throughout the rest ...

ISFSI Member Spotlight: Nathan Hollway

By Emily Stephens posted 01-31-2024
Tell us about yourself and why you decided to join the fire service. My name is Nathan Hollway, and I am the Assistant Chief of Training for Fort Walker Garrison Fire and Emergency Services, a United States Army Installation Fire Department near Bowling Green, Virginia. I joined the fire service in 2000 while enlisted in the United States Air Force and have spent most of my time in the fire service working abroad for or with the Department of Defense. I grew up in Massachusetts, surrounded by old industrial communities, mainly old textile mills. I remember going to massive fires at old factories with friends and family to watch the local fire ...

Embracing the "Cut Once, Measure Twice" Philosophy

By Leigh Hubbard posted 01-31-2024
In the realm of carpentry and craftsmanship, the adage "measure twice, cut once" serves as a guiding principle, emphasizing the importance of precision and careful planning before executing a task. While traditionally associated with woodworking, this mantra holds profound relevance in various aspects of life beyond the workshop. In fact, applying the concept of "cut once, measure twice" to our personal and professional lives can provide insights and foster a mindset of thoughtful consideration and meticulous execution. Life is a series of decisions. The philosophy of "cut once, measure twice" encourages us to approach decision-making with a strategic mindset. ...

Fire Engineering/ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award

By Leigh Hubbard posted 01-05-2024
Captain Bill Gustin of the Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue Department is the 2024 recipient of the Fire Engineering /ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award. In nominating Gustin, Assistant Chief Brian Zaitz of the Kirkwood (MO) Fire Department, incoming president of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI), said: “Captain Bill Gustin has demonstrated a life-long commitment to training and fireground safety. He is a 49-year veteran of the fire service. Since coming into the fire service, he has always been involved in training. Whether it be from his company-level training on high-rise operations and hoseline deployment or his ...

ISFSI Member Spotlight: Patrick J. Kenny

By Patrick Kenny posted 10-25-2023
1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to join the fire service I grew up in Chicago, a few blocks from a Chicago fire station. I was a very uncoordinated, heavyset kid who felt pretty much alone as an only child. I found great comfort in going over there to visit, and when they would catch a run, my heart would just pump as they pulled out of the station. So, I thought someday maybe I'll do that, but I was involved in a bad car accident when I was 14, and it looked like any strenuous physical job would be out of the question. So, I rearranged my life to become a teacher/ coach. Ironically, I really enjoyed coaching, but I didn't enjoy the teaching ...

Unreasonable Hospitality

By James Heisler posted 10-25-2023
On a cold January morning, we were dispatched for a report of an unconscious male, not breathing, with CPR in progress. My crew of three, including myself, arrived on location alongside the BLS unit and immediately began gathering the necessary equipment. It wasn’t until we approached the front door that we were met with screams, barking dogs, and an odor that knocked this city boy right in his mouth. Once the care was initiated by the extremely capable and confident crew, I took a step back to gather some situational awareness and start to anticipate their next moves, as I’ve done as the company officer countless times before. It was at that time that I realized ...

October 2023 Leadership Message From the ISFSI President: Seth Barker

By Seth Barker posted 10-25-2023
Collaboration I recently was fortunate enough to attend the 2 nd U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell assembled an outstanding and impressive group of individuals that are extremely passionate about the fire service. They were tasked a year ago to present recommendations to the American fire service to address problems in our profession. There were six workgroups formed to provide a strategic approach and a sole mission moving forward. Many fire service leaders were invited to the table to participate in the work groups alongside members of the 9 sister organizations. These 9 sister organizations include ...

ISFSI Member Spotlight: Nicol Juratovac

By Emily Stephens posted 09-27-2023
1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to join the fire service I was raised in San Francisco and still reside in the very city that I get to serve. I joined the San Francisco Fire Department because I get to give back to the community that gave me so much. 2. Who or what has inspired you as a fire instructor? All my mentors in the SFFD and those I met on the national level including National Fire Academy, FDIC, etc. have inspired me to instruct. They gave me so much and made me the person I am. It’s the least I can do for others. 3. What are some things you are working on in your department and how can others learn from that? Some ...

Creating Successful Drills for on Duty Training

By Alex Tanner posted 09-27-2023
The importance of shift training as a crew needs no explanation. For many firefighters, 1-hour training sessions that feature 1 or 2 companies is all they have time to receive. This applies to on duty training led by a Company Officer and weekly training that volunteer departments may organize. It is important to capture this time and use it to its full potential. As instructors, we know that it is much easier to lose an audience than gain one. Keeping your firefighters engaged in the training can be difficult. Given their experience, some senior members feel basic skills are unnecessary. As for junior members, some desire to be shown advanced skills and be ...

Strategic Planning: Navigating the Future with Purpose

By Leigh Hubbard posted 09-27-2023
Amidst the chaos and uncertainty that often surrounds us, there exists a beautiful and purposeful process that is the backbone of success. Strategic planning carries the potential to transform dreams into reality, to breathe life into aspirations, and to chart a course towards a brighter future. But beneath the surface of charts and graphs lies an emotional journey that defines the very essence of strategic planning. As I sit down to pen this article, I cannot help but reflect on the profound impact that strategic planning has had on individuals, organizations, and society at large. It's not just a cold, calculated exercise in setting objectives and devising ...

ISFSI Member Spotlight: Vincent Reynolds

By Emily Stephens posted 08-30-2023
1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to join the fire service I was born in San Antonio TX as the 4th of 8 children in my family. My parents instilled in me a deep faith in God which remains central in my approach to life. My father was a U.S. Army officer, so we moved around quite a bit in my early years. My mother was from St. Louis MO and had a cousin who was a captain in the St. Louis Fire Dept. However, I never met him and had no other ancestral or family ties that caused me to gravitate to the fire service. I've wanted to be a firefighter for as long as I can remember. When I was about 3-4 years old, my father took me to a firehouse where we ...

Water Rescue Essential Training

By Philip Duczyminski posted 08-30-2023
Did you know that drowning is the number one cause of death for children between the ages of 1-4? Approximately 3,400 people drown each year in the United States (Stop Drowning Now, 2023). Many fire departments around the country have continued to expand their response capabilities as the needs arise. Properly addressing and preparing for every type of emergency is an important aspect of being a proactive fire department. As boaters prepare and start heading out onto the lakes for some summertime recreation, it is a good opportunity to look around your jurisdiction and determine if you and your agency are prepared for the possibility of a water-related emergency. ...

August 2023 Leadership Message From the ISFSI President: Seth Barker

By Seth Barker posted 08-30-2023
Listen As instructors we all need to find our voice. We have a passion in our profession to share our knowledge of what we have learned or experienced so others can become better. That voice can be expressed by written words, lecture, or demonstration of a technique. Once we find that voice, it is important to craft it in a way that is digestible. What I mean by this is that the voice has to be easily understood and conveyed in a way that is positive. I have been told this is the “instructor voice”. I have experienced multiple different kinds of “voices” within my career. Some were good, some were bad. One of the times I experienced this was when I was teaching ...

ISFSI Member Spotlight: Springdale Fire Department

By Emily Stephens posted 07-26-2023
"The mission of the Springdale Fire Department's Training Division is to provide comprehensive and realistic training to ensure the safe and competent delivery of emergency services within the community." 1. Describe your department; How many members do you have in your department? Do you represent career, volunteer, or a combination of both? The Springdale Fire Department represents a career department that is geared for an all-hazards mitigation approach with 154 uniformed personnel and 8 non-uniformed. We respond out of 9 stations and cover approximately 50.31 square miles. Station 10 will be breaking ground soon. SFD’s apparatus includes 9 Engines, ...

The Power of Gratitude

By Leigh Hubbard posted 07-26-2023
In our fast-paced and often self-centered world, expressing gratitude is a simple yet heartfelt act that has a transformative effect on our relationships and overall well-being. Two phrases that we are often used to convey this gratitude is "thank you" and "I appreciate you." While they may seem similar, there is a difference in their meaning and impact. I first heard “I appreciate you” at a community event where I was volunteering. The organizer made a profound impression when she bid me farewell with “Leigh, I appreciate you!” I stopped in my tracks and smiled. I had devoted 8-hours of my weekend to her event with no expectation of any gift of thanks. But ...