Join us in Columbus, OH, next month for the 38th annual Firehouse Expo. We’re excited to be back in Columbus and to once again showcase all that the city has to offer. The city is protected by the world-class Columbus Division of Fire (CFD), and the department works hand in hand with surrounding cities, using a no-borders approach to getting the closest fire and EMS resources to the scene as quickly as possible.
In addition to the CFD, Firehouse is working with fire departments in Franklin County to provide hands-on training and other educational opportunities.
A variety of topics will be covered in dozens of hands-on trainings, pre-conference workshops and classroom sessions, from search and hoseline operations, to incident command and the latest in EMS technology.
Here, we wanted to highlight other must-attend activities during Firehouse Expo.
The Bronx Twin Park Fire
New special sessions and social events were added to the Firehouse Expo schedule in the past few weeks since we last provided information to Firehouse readers.
On Wednesday, Sept. 28, learn about the heroism that was shown at the deadly Bronx tragedy in January 2022.
Firehouse Expo keynoter Frank Leeb will return to the big stage that evening to speak about the bravery that FDNY members displayed and to share the lessons learned from the massive fire that claimed 17 lives. Leeb, who was FDNY’s Citywide Tour Commander, took over as incident commander (IC) upon his arrival.
The session, “The Bronx Twin Park Fire: Strategic and Tactical Considerations for Large-Scale Incidents,” begins after the “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” reception on the exhibit floor.
Leeb will share how the department’s training and operating policies led to the successful rescue of more than 70 victims via interior stairwells and properly positioned aerials and ground ladders. He will provide his first-hand experiences as the IC for the tragic blaze, where valor and heroism happened over and over.
Join the Big Room session Wednesday at 5:15 p.m.
Firefighters and Their Families
Often, firefighters have two separate families: the family who is at home and the family who is at the firehouse. As lifestyles change, both families are fighting for the attention of their firefighter, which creates increased stress for all parties, including the children.
Join fire service veteran Todd Edwards and his wife, Kathy, as they bring their Fire Life Training program to Firehouse Expo to close out the week of firefighter education. The couple will focus on several principles to employ for navigating our unique life, including the importance of having a marriage blueprint, developing effective communication and understanding the importance of compromise.
The Edwards also will explain the importance of bringing both families together and how to do that successfully. The two-hour interactive program on Friday, Sept. 30, is free of charge to firefighter spouses.
Remembering the 343
The Firehouse Expo 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb returns to Huntington Park baseball stadium on Friday morning, Sept. 30.
Join other firefighters, first responders and area residents who will honor the steps that were taken by FDNY’s fallen 343 while raising money to support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation survivor support efforts.
You can register as an individual, or we encourage you to bring a team to take part in the symbolic climb.
FireFest: Fellowship, Fun, Food
Join us for the second annual FireFest, which is sponsored by Columbus Fire Fighters Local 67. The event brings together Firehouse Expo attendees and Columbus firefighters for a great evening of fun, music, memorable conversations and the start of new friendships, building on the great time that we had at the inaugural FireFest in 2021.
Hop a free shuttle from the Convention Center or navigate a scooter over to Station 67 for free food, terrific live music and a chance to reconnect with old pals and to chat with friends you haven’t met yet. It’s an intimate event that provides a great view of downtown Columbus while everyone unwinds.
This year’s FireFest takes place on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. and is free to all attendees and exhibitors.
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
After classroom sessions end on Thursday, and before the Big Room session on the Bronx Twin Park fire, join attendees and sponsors for a welcome reception on the exhibit floor. Drinks and food will be provided as you make your way around the show floor to talk about your equipment and technology needs with exhibitors.
Get full details on all of these activities and more at FirehouseExpo.com.
