The Fire Ground Commander: Central Virginia Firefighter Conference

05/15/2024

Finishing up with these three fantastic programs and speakers!

05/14/2024

05/14/2024

Day 2 of the 2024 FireGround Commander Conference. Chief Micah Kiger presenting about the Meadowood Ct. Mayday from 2008.

05/14/2024

After a fantastic day 1, we kick off in just about an hour for day 2 with this fantastic line up!

05/13/2024

Corley Moore from Firehouse Vigilance Kicking off the 2024 FireGround Commander Conference with the 9Ls.

05/13/2024

Metro Richmond Flying Squad always on hand to support us!

05/13/2024

05/13/2024

We couldn’t pull this conference off without our great sponsors! Redline Gear Cleaning Virginia!

05/13/2024

Doors open at 7:15! Don’t miss out on seeing Corey Moore, Nicholas Papa, and John Hayowyk Jr. deliver three outstanding programs.

Then join us just around the corner for tonight’s social, where you’ll have a chance to meet and greet with this year’s lineup of incredible speakers. The social is open to the public!

05/10/2024

Come and meet our 2024 Lineup and attendees. We've reserved the outside patio space, just minutes from the Henrico Theatre. Open to the Public!

05/08/2024

A heavy hitter, Tony Caroll brings over 4 decades of experience to the topic of Mayday in commercial buildings.

Don't miss out on seeing Tony's presentation--Mayday Monday: Fighting the Commercial Building. He joins 8 other fantastic speakers at this year's FGC.

Still Time to Register!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

05/06/2024

When those bugles are pinned on your collar, you’ve ARRIVED right? Unfortunately, that is the thought process in many of our heads when we are placed in Leadership positions. The truth is we are certified, we passed a test and killed the interview, so we become entitled. Just because we have a certification does not mean that we are fully prepared to lead in today’s fire service. All too often our ego gets in the way when we go from taking direction to giving it, and we forget all the lessons (good and bad) we learned while we were riding backwards preparing to wear those bugles. I say this because I am one of these leaders who fell victim to my own hype. I was failing miserably in my role as a leader and had no idea because the calls were answered, and everyone was going home safe after shift. After suffering a near fatal medical issue, I had time to reflect on what I was doing and the impact it was having on my team at work and more importantly at home. Changes made in attitude, priorities and purpose were leading factors in personal, professional and departmental goals coming to fruition for myself but also members of our team. Together we all started to thrive on and off the job. The goal is to share these simple steps so that the next generation of leaders doesn't have to play catch up as they progress in their career. I wish I had listened earlier and not wasted years of not only my career but the careers of the firefighters I was given the opportunity to serve.

Don't miss out on seeing Randy Feltner's presentation--You got the Bugles, now what?? The stuff they didn’t tell you in Officer Class. He joins 8 other fantastic speakers at this year's FGC.

Still Time to Register!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

05/03/2024

We had the pleasure of catching Brent's program, High-Rise Firefighting: “Practical To Tactical”, at this year's FDIC and it was amazing. Don't miss a chance to hear from this international sensation.

He joins 8 other fantastic speakers at this year's FGC.

Still Time to Register!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

05/01/2024

I thought maybe all the keynotes should be shared together in one place...

Chief Rhodes: https://youtu.be/ieAU31y-5qk?si=Y3Vs3I8pIbjKgxc5

Chief Thompson: https://youtu.be/X0dQ7FO6foI?si=fPN60NJ2EHY37fFY

Chief Hoevelmann: https://youtu.be/Zpo9sHNpVGQ?si=fvw2v3q8Vk1eCvQA

Enjoy!!!

05/01/2024

On May 25th, 2008, while operating on a residential structure fire in Leesburg, Virginia, four firefighters from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue became trapped on the second floor while performing interior operations after conditions rapidly deteriorated. Four firefighters received burn injuries and required hospitalization. As the Engine Company Officer that day, I give an ‘inside assessment’ as to the actions of myself and my crew, to include lessons learned and personal development following the incident. A full investigative report was completed on this incident, and I will present incident operations, provide video footage of the incident with respective radio transmissions, our departmental changes/recommendations, and the lessons learned from the company officer's first-hand perspective. This presentation will also cover how training yourself and crew the right way becomes second nature and how you can rely on training when it truly counts. This incident has already been the subject of Firehouse Close Calls articles that was published and appeared in June & July 2009 by Chief William Goldfeder and has been published by FireEngineering in May 2019.

The organizational transparency following this event has been paramount in the development of operational changes, firefighter awareness and development, and the management of “moving on” after a significant event that forever changed our system. This class is taught on a level that ranges from the Chief of Department down to the newest Firefighter where everyone will be able to take away information. This program is geared towards telling firefighters what they need to hear, and not necessarily what they want to hear. The time spent in this class will open student’s eyes to how quickly things can deteriorate on a seemingly routine incident and how we need to be prepared for self-survival.

Don't miss out on seeing Micah Kiger's presentation--Surviving a Mayday: The Meadowood Court Incident - A Company Officer's Perspective.

He joins 8 other fantastic speakers at this year's FGC.

Still Time to Register!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

05/01/2024

Last chance for ordering this years swag!

Don't miss your chance to order this year's swag for The Fire Ground Commander: Central Virginia Firefighter Conference, May 13th-15th.

Order now through May 1st at 3pm EST.

All orders will be available for pickup during the event.

04/29/2024

Don't miss out on seeing Nickolas Papa's presentation from one of the newest Fire Engineering Authors! He joins 8 other fantastic speakers at this year's FGC with his presentation--Coordinating Ventilation: Supporting Extinguishment & Survivability

Still Time to Register!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

04/27/2024

In a firehouse there is formal leadership: Fire Chief; Battalion Chief; Captain; Lieutenant. However, there is the informal leadership in the firehouse, the Seniorman. This class we will discuss how to be the Senior man. Wether you have 2 years or 20, this class will talk about being the informal leader in the firehouse, at the kitchen table or even out for an evening with the Brothers and Sisters.

Don't miss out on seeing Jess's presentation--The Senior Man: The Informal Leader of the Fire Service. He joins 8 other fantastic speakers at this year's FGC.

Still Time to Register!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

04/26/2024

Don't miss out on seeing John Hayowyk Jr's presentation about winning on the fireground with an emphasis on the first 30 minutes! He joins 8 other fantastic speakers at this year's FGC with his presentation--Commanding the First 30 Minutes & Beyond.

Still Time to Register!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

04/24/2024

Don't miss out on seeing Corley Moore kick off this year's FGC with his presentation--The 9 L's of Leadership: Impacting the Culture!

Still Time to Register!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

04/23/2024

Don't miss your chance to hear from one of two people that Dave Dodson personally selected and trained to take over his The Art of Reading Smoke presentation. An incredible speaker and subject matter expert, Phil ushers in the next generation of the program.

He joins 8 other fantastic speakers at this year's FGC.

Still Time to Register!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

04/22/2024

Don't miss your chance to order this year's swag for The Fire Ground Commander: Central Virginia Firefighter Conference, May 13th-15th.

Order now through May 1st at 3pm EST.

All orders will be available for pickup during the event.

04/21/2024

Conference Update from FGC Headquarters:

If you had the pleasure of catching Chief Jason Hoevelmann's incredible FDIC keynote, "Adapt and Act", then you knew how much we were looking forward to hosting his class at this year's FGC. Unfortunately, due to competing scheduling, Jason has had to give us a rain check for next time so that he can celebrate his daughter's graduation!

Fortunately however, we have secured two incredible speakers to step in. We are excited to announce the following addition to this year's lineup, totaling 9 fantastic speakers.

Micah Kiger
Program Title: Surviving a Mayday: The Meadowood Court Incident - A Company Officer's Perspective

Randy Feltner
Program Title: You got the Bugles, now what?? The stuff they didn’t tell you in Officer Class

Head over and check out the full lineup and their program descriptions. See you on May 13th!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/fireground-commander-conference

04/14/2024

It’s not too late to join us for FGC2024!
Incredible venue
Incredible line up
Incredible experience
Incredible networking
Snacks and drinks provided all 3 days
Lunch provided all 3 days
All for $175
That’s the best deal in the country!

03/31/2024

I WANT YOU to register for the The Fire Ground Commander: Central Virginia Firefighter Conference

Great line up, great venue, lunch provided everyday, social event Monday night, snacks and drinks provided everyday! All for the low investment of $175 the best value in the country!

https://www.embracetheresistance.com/2024-fgc-registration