My Chief sent me this email today. Contact info is at the bottom if you're interested.

Fire Service Company Officers face great challenges not just in the calls they answer, but also in responsibility for leading and directing shift or crew members. Providing the necessary leadership to accomplish department objectives can sometimes be more challenging than handling a complex fire or EMS call. And the problem is shared by Fire Company Officers nationwide.

To help deal with this issue, Fire Department Company Officers as Leaders is being offered by the Collinsville Fire Department October 10, 2009 at the Gateway Center. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The instructor will be nationally-recognized leadership trainer Howard Cross. He has been an instructor at the National Fire Academy for over 20 years, having helped develop the Executive Fire Officer Program. Howard just conducted multiple sessions at the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire-Rescue International in Dallas. He has taught for numerous other fire service organizations, but also trains for groups ranging from small not-for-profit agencies to Fortune 500 corporations. Howard is also currently facilitating workshops nationwide on the “16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives” for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

When: Saturday, October 10 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville
Cost: $75 (Approximate, final cost based on number of participants.)


Pre-registration is required. For further information please Contact Chief Pete Stehman at (618) 346-5022 x 140 or e-mail pstehman@collinsvilleil.org