Firehouse Expo 2019 Preview

Firehouse Expo provides in-depth training education for all ranks—from the rookie firefighter to the chief managing departments large and small. The Firehouse Expo planning committee carefully selected educational sessions focused on today’s trending topics with a variety of sessions dedicated to basic and advanced fireground and EMS skills. With an expanded exhibit hall, valuable networking sessions, and many special events, you’re sure to leave Music City with a host of new contacts and ideas to take back to your department. So join us in Nashville for high-caliber training and education and, of course, the city’s world-famous entertainment and eateries. 

Here is a sneak peek at some of the outstanding educational sessions on tap at Firehouse Expo 2019. 

Searching Beyond the Fire

Thomas Anderson

Fires are reaching flashover in a fraction of the time today as compared to years past, and the problems are only getting worse. Thermal imaging cameras cut our search time in half and give residents the best chance for survival. In this class, the instructors will examine how to incorporate tactical thermal imaging concepts into search tactics and use that information to make critical tactical decisions, beginning with the area of highest threat first, protecting the search and potential victims through hoseline placement and flow path control, and monitoring your crew and the conditions of the fire and structure.

The Unique Fire Risks of "Going Green"

Butch Cobb

Kevin Kuntz

Green building embodies the goal of minimizing the effect of the built environment on the planet and its occupants. With that concept comes new and different risks that, if not managed, can result in increased chance of structural collapse, faster times to flashover and fire events that generate more toxic products of combustion. It’s imperative that members of the fire service understand those risks so they can mitigate them to the maximum extent. This presentation will look at Green building loss experience, preplanning, the changes in strategies and tactics that are necessary.

The Night the Rules Changed

Tami Kayea

Active shooter events (ASEs) are occurring much more frequently and happening in all size communities. It is the responsibility of agencies to try to prepare for violent acts. Based on personal experience from being in command of an ASE, discussions with other systems after an ASE, and study of other events, this lecture will cover lessons learned, preparing for an event, response and command, and recovery from the event. The presenter was in command of operations on July 7, 2016, the night Dallas police officers were ambushed by a gunman who killed five officers and injured several others.

How to Become a Better Fire Chief 

Dr. Harry R. Carter

This session will present an approach to improving chief officer performance by detailing numerous things you can do to become a better fire chief. A PowerPoint program will introduce the ways of understanding, introducing, and managing the skills and abilities as fire chiefs within the fire service. This project has been undertaken for extremely important reasons—change has been identified as one of the primary issues facing the fire service. A review of the literature indicates that in many instances, fire chiefs are not operating as efficiently as possible, owing to lapses in judgment, leadership skills and management operations.

Responding to Industrial Facilities: Your First Visit Needs to be Before the Incident

Brian Gettemeier

Emergencies at industrial facilities present a unique challenge that can quickly test the abilities of responders and overwhelm the local resources. Industrial incidents can be large complex incidents that are unique to any other experience emergency responders have had before. These events require coordinated efforts between the facility and responders to achieve a safe, successful outcome. The key to these coordinated efforts begins long before the incident. It is imperative that responders and facilities collaborate on plans. This class will address both the need for pre-incident knowledge along with some strategy and tactical considerations when it comes to an event.

Modern Firefighting Hoods: Pros and Cons

Richard Kesler

The hood is an essential component of our PPE. With recent concerns of chemical exposure on the fireground, hoods have been developed with various technologies to reduce exposure to soot and other fireground contaminants. The presenter will examine these hoods and their possible tradeoffs related to heat stress, movement and hearing.

Special Events

After a productive day of learning new information, meeting new people and exploring the show floor, join other attendees and exhibitors for special 

events including networking opportunities, workouts and concerts!

IAFF Local 140 Welcome Party

Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Walk of Fame Park

Great food, great drinks and even better company as the IAFF Local 140 welcomes you to Nashville with this fun gathering! Connect with old friends and meet up with new ones while enjoying this social atmosphere. 

9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Friday, October 11, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Nissan Stadium

Participants in the Firehouse Expo 2019 Stair Climb will climb 2,200 steps, symbolizing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center Towers. The Stair Climb is open to everyone. 

Boot Scootin’ Boogie

Friday, October 11, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Wildhorse Saloon

Through your generous support, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation honors the nation’s fallen fire heroes, helps their survivors rebuild their lives and works to prevent line-of-duty firefighter deaths and injuries. 

IAFF Local 140 Concert

Saturday, October 12, 7:00 p.m., Nashville Municipal Auditorium

Come support IAFF Local 140 at their annual fall concert with a performance by country stars Thompson Square. All Expo registrants receive two free tickets.

Exhibit Hall Hours 

Friday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Saturday, O ct. 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

New this year! Firehouse has partnered with vendors to provide on-floor demonstrations of new equipment and technology and various skills including technical rescue operations, downed firefighter gear removal and rapid intervention techniques. Check the board at the entrance to the exhibit floor for each day’s schedule.

Opening Ceremony & Keynote Presentation 

Don’t miss this year’s opening ceremonies and keynote address as the official kickoff of Firehouse Expo 2019 at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10. Celebrate longtime Firehouse Contributing Editor John J. Salka Jr. as he is inducted into the Firehouse Hall of Fame. Firehouse will honor the Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor and Thomas Carr Community Service Award recipients. 

Battalion Chief Curt Isakson will deliver this year’s Keynote Address, “It’s Worth the Risk.” This very passionate presentation is about recapturing the primary mission. We must push for a greater fire service that puts the lives of citizens first, but that also means that firefighters’ lives and property still count. Isakson’s address promises to motivate everyone in the room as they continue their education at Firehouse Expo and return home to their department to pass along what they learned in Nashville.