BALTIMORE – Firehouse EXPO 2013 began this morning with HOT Training and it promises to be one of the best events of its kind since 1984 when Firehouse Expo first arrived in town.
More classes, more free things, including free T-shirts for attendees, free Harley Davidson motorcycle give away, tailgating, concert and demonstrations. Overall, there’s more of everything, especially fun.
This year’s Expo, officially opens on Thursday (July 25) with an opening ceremony and runs through Super Saturday (July 27). It's being held in the Baltimore Convention Center, and features dozens of new speakers and over 50 new programs.
The education conference will also feature a number of panel discussions led by fire service leaders and experts.
Go to www.firehouseexpo.com for a complete schedule and registration information.
There’s also an exhibit hall that’s open longer hours this year with over 300 exhibitors showcasing new and updated products, technology and services.
And, if that isn't enough, Firehouse will have tickets available for the ball game between the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox and a free concert.
A deep water rescue demo in the Inner Harbor is expected to draw a crowd Saturday afternoon after the exhibit floor closes.
The opening ceremony on Thursday is the official kick off of the 2013 Firehouse Expo, and it features two keynote speakers.
First up will be a presentation on FDNY’s operations during Hurricane Sandy presented by Robert Maynes, assistant chief, Queens Borough Command for FDNY. During his presentation, he will focus focusing on four components, the department’s preparedness, preparations for Sandy, storm operations and post storm operations.
After the opening ceremonies, Maynes' entire presentation, illustrated with videos and photographs, can be seen in room 317 at 10:30 a.m.
A former Navy Seal will share his experience after being injured by an IED in Iraq in 2005..
Ryan Parrott will talk about the challenges he faced, and how his friends pushed him to keep going.
Parrott is the founder of a not for profit charitable group called Sons of the Flag that provides critical support to military service members, first responders and civilians who have survived burn injuries.
Hands on training continues Wednesday at several locations.
On Thursday at 10:30 a.m., the exhibit floor opens.
On Friday, all attendees are invited to a free tailgate party on the exhibit floor with beer and light snacks from 3-5. Later, they'll head over to Camden Yard to watch the Orioles and Red Sox.
All three days of the conference will feature mechanics clinics, comprised of eight classes for fire apparatus mechanics taught by industry experts. There will also be free educational sessions on the show floor periodically during the exhibit hours.
Super Saturday also features a 9-11 memorial stair climb from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
At 2:30 p.m., just before the show closes, on Saturday Firehouse Expo and Harley give away sponsor Unication will hold the drawing for the Harley Davidson motorcycle. Participants must be present to win.
As the classes wind down and the show floor closes, the fun and excitement continues with a concert, beverages and a demonstration at the Inner Harbor just a short distance down the street from the convention center.
The free concert features the local favorites Sons of Pirates from 5 to 8 pm. performing favorite music by the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet and James Taylor.
