Lessons Learned SC Fatal Fire: Tragedy to Triumph

On June 18, 2007, the Charleston (SC) Fire Department lost nine firefighters in a warehouse fire. The engineer of the first - arriving engine at that fire, the instructor, relates how this experience has changed the department forever and has caused it to transition from a department operating with outdated, unsafe practices to a department leading the way in education and training on a national level. This instructor gives a riveting account of what he witnessed that day, including how improper leadership, education, and organizational culture can lead to a senseless tragedy. Attendees will share in not only the pain of this occurrence but also the "triumph," reflected in changes in almost every operation the department performs. The department is committed to keeping the memories of the nine heroes of their department alive ensuring that their deaths have not been in vain. Among the changes addressed are new hiring criteria, fair promotional policies based on performance not popularity, the development of many training programs that are receiving national fire service exposure, such as The South Carolina Survival School - Smoke Diver. The objective of this class is to enable firefighters to see that if they are proactive rather than reactive, they can implement changes in their departments before tragedy strikes. ALL LEVELS $50.00/Participant Includes Lunch and Refreshments