NASHVILLE – All systems are go as preparations are finalized for Firehouse Expo 2016, in a new location with a new distinction.
Monday was a flurry of activity as cars were overturned for an extrication class and banners were hung to let everyone know Firehouse was in town.
Crews worked on preparing an acquired structure for high-rise training conveniently located directly across from the Music City Center where the conference is being held. Attendees were beginning to stream in to the city and taking in the sights before the hands-on training started today.
The booths were being created and carpeting laid in the two exhibit halls the Firehouse Expo vendors will soon fill with tools of the trade and apparatus for attendees to view and learn about.
Even the instructors are excited about the new venue.
One long-time Firehouse instructor, Ron Moore, said everyone is working diligently to make the new venue a smash hit.
Moore, who is the author of University of Extrication, will be the lead instructor for a class called “Advanced Scenario-based Vehicle Extrication." It’s an eight-hour program featuring scenario-based extrication challenges using a wide variety of rescue tools, equipment and vehicles.
“I am going to be cutting up cars and the city has provided an excellent venue,” Moore said. “They have gone out of their way to help in any way they can. Everybody is excited and it’s thumbs up all around.”
John Lewis, a retired lieutenant with the Passaic, NJ, Fire Department, is in Murfreesboro where he has prepared a two-story garden-style apartment for live fire training. Participants will be trained in complete company-level assignments and will be placed in a variety of engine and ladder company roles.
"We're very excited to be here," Lewis said, noting that all the instructors, who had previously taught in Baltimore, came back together for the training in Nashville. "We're excited to be here in Murfreesboro."
Lewis said there are firefighters from all over middle Tennessee who have dedicated themselves to helping teach the class. "They're great guys and they're treating us just like family," Lewis said. "We're excited to give these students a chance to fight some fire. They don't always have that opportunity and we can give it to them."
It’s the first time Firehouse Expo has been hosted in Nashville and Firehouse expects a great experience both during the show hours and training, as well as during off hours with all that the Music City has to offer within walking distance of the exhibit and conference rooms.
