MSFCA 4th Annual Fire Officers School
February 7 & 8, 2015
Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center
Alexandria, MN
Classes and Class Descriptions (all 12 Hour Classes)
1) The First 5 Minutes – Chief Ulie Seal – Bloomington Fire Department Max 45 Students
The goal of the First 5 Minutes is to provide the firefighter sitting in the right-seat of the first due apparatus an opportunity to develop the skills
necessary to make the right decisions based on the application of the initial functions of Incident Command. A combination of presentations, case
studies, and scenarios with class participation will be used to assist the participant in developing these skills. The primary goal/function of a hazard
zone management/command system is providing for the safety of the firefighters who are performing the tasks that stabilize the incidents problems.
Most of the time this work takes place in a highly volatile, fast paced, IDHL atmosphere (a hazard zone). We are summoned to solve a problem and
we usually create solutions to the problem through action. The initial size-up produces the information that becomes the basis for the incident
strategy and action plan (IAP). Investing a small amount of time evaluating the critical factors is extremely important to both beginning and on-going
command and operational success as well as firefighter safety. Current, accurate, and relevant information obtained by the IC in the front end of the
event will generally provide the information foundation for initial and on-going effective action.
2) Fire Investigation Skills for the Fire Officer – Casey Stotts -Deputy State Fire Marshal Max 30 Students
This 12-hour course addresses the necessary skills needed to conduct initial basic fire cause determinations. Upon successful completion of this
course, fire officers will be better prepared to make observations and gather information that will assist in identifying area(s) of origin, and assess the
need for additional assistance to accurately determine the cause of a fire. Subjects include, but are not limited to, behavior of fire, determining area
of origin, accidental and incendiary fire causes, fire scene examinations, motives of a fire setter, legal aspects (court testimony), and handling/
preservation of evidence.
3) Leadership & Management for Today’s Fire Service Leader – Nyle Zikmund – SMB Fire Department Max 40 Students
This course will offer an in-depth exploration of the various styles of leadership successful organizations use, the role management plays in leadership
and when to know whether you should lead or manage. Fire Chief Nyle Zikmund, 33 year fire service leader, will share his experience and battleobtained wisdom using a combination of case studies, guest speakers, and class discussion to provide students with the tools and skills they need to
recruit, retain, motivate and manage the diverse highly complex organizations we call fire departments.
4) Critical Thinking for Fire Ground Operations –Lance Ross – Emergency Preparedness Resource Group Max 45 Students
This course is a hands-on course that will move you through many scenarios on the Incident Command City. Back by popular demand, this course is
sure to cause you to think through many different scenarios that you could see as a firefighter or fire officer. The course will discuss tactics; discuss
scene management, and safety. Sign up early as this class fills quickly!!
New Fire Officer Primer – Bruce West – State Fire Marshal – Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division Max 40 Students
Whether you’re a new officer, Lieutenant, Captain, Training Officer, Assistant Chief or Chief, or a veteran officer, this course is for you. Attendees will
gain critical knowledge regarding local, state and national resources; legal issues and liability, human resources, leadership, fire department
administration and management. Speakers/Instructors include Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) Executive Director,
Steve Flaherty, discussing MBFTE Training Reimbursement Programs, minimum training standards, OSHA requirement. Robert Boe from the League of
Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust will be discussing firefighter risk and injury. Teresa Zikmund from the Minnesota Fire Certification Board will be on
hand to talk about testing and the certification process. Tim Oland from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be discussing DNR
resources available to the Minnesota Fire Service. Bruce Roed from the State Fire Marshal’s office will be presenting information regarding the Shared
Services studies from around the state. Pat Donovan, Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety Senior Engineering Specialist, will be presenting Pipeline
Awareness for Chief Fire Officers and other presentations will address leadership vs. management, Youth Firesetter Intervention, fire and life safety
education and other topics of interest.
5)
“10 Minutes and Beyond” – Scott Gerber – Excelsior Fire Dept/Andy Anderson – Parkers Prairie Fire Dept Max 20/Limit 2 Per Dept.
NEW CLASS Class participants must have already attended “The First 5 Minutes”.
6)
The overall goal of the course, “10 Minutes and Beyond,” is to build on the training obtained in the previous MSFCA Fire Officers School class: “The
First 5 Minutes.” The purpose of this training will emphasize the behaviors necessary to ensure safe incident ground operations through lecture,
demonstrations, individual, and group activities. The course will attempt to provide the first arriving firefighters/fire officers an opportunity to further
develop the skills necessary to make the right decisions and operate effectively as an initial Incident Commander and to provide the skills to start the
fire attack plan (IAP-incident action plan) not only for your own unit but for the other responding units as well.
The course is anticipated to provide the following:
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To define and explain fireground expectations for the first arriving FF/FO.
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To explain the responsibilities of identifying the what, where, when, who and how of incident management (functions of command).
•
To provide a good knowledge base for all personnel who find themselves in charge (however briefly).
•
To influence changes in strategy and tactics due to changes in the current fire environment.
The course will be scenario-driven and will attempt to focus on fireground operations, crash incidents, search incidents, and natural disasters.
7) State Fire Marshal’s Office Max 25 Students
*Fire Prevention Education - Deputy State Fire Marshal – Amanda Swenson
The fire service routinely deals with change and has to make adjustments to stay prepared. Fire prevention education should be no exception. Fire
prevention programs also need to adjust with current research and strategies. This course will explore ways to gain support for your fire prevention
program. We will also review the steps in developing a strong fire prevention program. After reviewing the developmental steps, we will go into
practical applications for teaching to different audiences and curriculum resources. We will conclude with covering some basics of evaluation and
how to use evaluations to improve your fire prevention efforts.
*Building Your YFPI Team - Youth Fire Prevention Intervention Specialist - Kathi Osmonson
Learning Objectives:
• Gather accurate local statistics
• Learn why a team approach is necessary
• Identify who your stakeholders are
• Effectively relate the urgency for YFPI to stakeholders
• Speak the languages of Law Enforcement and Mental Health
*Image Trend’s Incident Reporting System - Deputy State Fire Marshal – Scott Radke
Training will be divided into four sections:
Review system administrators’ setup options and defaults to better utilize the system and increase data integrity through systems settings and
controls.
1. Image Trend’s Product Road map, review last year’s changes and what’s planned in the next iteration of Image Trend’s “MNFire”.
2. Report Writer for Beginners then followed with Advanced Report Writer.
3. Review of remaining modules available for the Fire Services in Minnesota.
Please bring a computer device capable of connecting to a WiFi network. We learn better by doing so it is encouraged to try some of the items
learned on your Fire Incident Reporting site or our training site during this session.
“Transforming your organization, Creating a Responsive Organization” Chief Michael O’Brian – Brighton Area Fire Authority, Michigan –
NEW CLASS
This dynamic course will look towards utilizing our technical training in firefighting and how to apply it to meeting the needs and expectations of the
community. The program will challenge participants to develop strategies that will aid in reducing the impact of fire on the communities they serve.
The program will look at traditional non-emergency programs and how to transform them to meet the needs of the community based on data
analysis and good fire protection. The class will utilize real examples of how a fire department can exceed the expectations of the community.
In order to achieve these goals, the program will talk about staff development, strategic planning, blending of traditional responsibilities, nonoperational mutual aid and developing comprehensive goals beyond traditional firefighting goals. The intent is to aid company and chief officers in
developing strategies that are dynamic and fluid to meet growing demands. A focus on this program is community risk reduction in a manner that is
non-traditional. Creating an organization that works collectively to reduce emergencies and their impact (trust me it’s more than smoke alarms) is a
major goal of the fire service that is often overlooked.
8)
9) Fire Officer II Certification Review/Test – Minnesota Certification Board – Theresa Zikmund/Dan Roeglin Max 25 Students
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to review for the Officer II exam! Saturday’s course will serve as a review/study-session for those taking the
Fire Officer II certification exam. Practice exams will be given along with curriculum review and discussion on the practical exam which is a “take
home” written project. Participants will find a big difference from the Officer I curriculum as much more emphasis is put on the administrative,
budgetary, and planning tasks of a fire officer. Dan Roeglin will be conducting the course.
Participants should bring a current Fire Officer textbook, Jones & Bartlett OR IFSTA will work, along with writing materials. It is also
recommended that participants have taken a Fire Officer course and be familiar with the duties of a Fire Officer II.
Please register for Sunday’s exam with the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board (MFSCB). The course is posted on their website
www.mfscb.org or you may call 866-566-0911. This is also an opportunity to take an Officer I, an Instructor I or an Instructor II exam.
Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association
Fire Officers School
$190 Registration
(You do not need to be a member of the MSFCA to attend this school)
 WE ACCEPT VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER
 MBFTE REIMBURSABLE CLASSES
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BELOW IS REQUIRED INFORMATION
STUDENT NAME ________________________________________________________________________
HOME ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT_____________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT BILLING ADDRESS __________________________________________________
CREDIT CARD INFORMATION ___VISA ___MASTERCARD ___DISCOVER EXP DATE _________
CREDIT CARD NUMBER __________________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH ______________________________________
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER ___________________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS (for confirmations) ________________________________________________
CLASS CHOICE #1 _____________________________ #2 ___________________________
Additional Meals Requested
If your spouse/significant other and/or children want to eat at the Saturday evening meal, we will need to know for
headcount purposes. Please indicate number of additional meals needed.
_______ Spouse/Significant other ($10 per person)
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_______ Kids under 16 ($5 per person)
Saturday evening meal cost for spouses $10, kids 16 and under $5 can be paid at the registration table
when you pick up your registration packet.
Checks should be made payable to Alexandria Technical & Community College, 1601 Jefferson Street,
Alexandria, MN 56308. Or Fax this completed registration form with Credit Card info to 320-762-4634.
If you have questions about registration, please contact Sandy Larson at 320-762-4406 or email at
sandyl@alextech.edu. Or register on-line at www.alextech.edu/customizedtraining Click on Public and
Workplace Safety.