Strategic Fire Training: The Engine Company

The Engine Company: An Aggressive, Offensive Approach to Firefighting" is a dynamic training program that combines hands-on experience, tactical strategies, and the cultivation of an aggressive fire suppression attitude. By participating in this course, the students will strengthen their skills, enhance teamwork, and gain valuable insights into engine operations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the conclusion of the class, the students will successfully execute the course objectives:

1) Cultivate an Aggressive Engine Company Culture: by applying explanation and demonstration will reinforce the fundamentals of firefighting that often get overlooked as firefighters progress in their careers. Through a series of interactive drills and exercises, the students will develop an aggressive mindset to overwhelm and eliminate fire swiftly and decisively.

2) Emphasize Teamwork and Company Concept: attribute critique and evidence based cognitive thinking will highlight the importance of teamwork and the cohesive operation of an engine company. By fostering a strong company concept, firefighters will learn the tactics and strategies necessary to excel in engine company roles, regardless of department size.

3) Simplify Engine Operations: Actively participating and engaging to demonstrate the ease and effectiveness of developing and maintaining an aggressive engine culture while operating costly fire engine equipment. The class aims to simplify complex firefighting techniques, ensuring firefighters have the skills and experience required to handle various structures types.

4) Engine Hose and Nozzle Proficiency: Adaptation of skills strongly developed and modified in different situations will provide students with multiple opportunities to practice and master hoseline operations. The key being to keep the nozzle in the hands of the students, allowing them to enhance their confidence and proficiency in controlling and killing the fire.

Instructors:

Micah Hydeman, Kansas City Kansas Fire Department,

Micah Hydeman is a former captain of the Manhattan Fire Department (KS), from 2006-2021. He recently discovered his true calling... a traditional blue-collar firefighter and joined the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT, since 2021. His transition from a moderate size city to a large size city will be a testimony to the disciplines and skills that the SFT group practices. He is assigned to Pumper 1, working downtown KCK. He is a certified fire investigator, 1403 Live Fire Instructor-Fixed, and a Haz-Mat technician. He is passionate about being a welldiscipline and aggressive engine company firefighter.

John Matier, City of Cleveland Fire Department,

John Matier is with the Cleveland Fire Department (OH), since 2000. He is a Lieutenant. Most recent assignment, he was in the Fire Training Academy Division as a Lead Instructor. He rode tailboard on Engine 11 for over a decade at Firehouse 11, the home for Engine 11 and Truck 11. Together, the two companies work between 400 to 500 working structure fires annually. His experience on Engine 11, allowed him to practice what SFT teaches in the real work environment. Jeff Shupe was John's 'Senior Man' on Engine 11. As a student and teacher of the trade, John is a committed disciple of Shupe's lessons. Not a day goes by that he does not play with his hose. Which is truer than ever…currently, he is assigned to the CFD training academy as a Lieutenant. He is a perfect role model for every engine company firefighter both in skills and looks.

Chad Gruver, City of Addison Fire Department

Chad Gruver is with the Addison Fire Department (TX), since 1999. He is a native Texan who has been a firefighter/paramedic for over 25 years. Currently, he is a Captain and has over 15 years on an Engine. Although he is a Captain by title, he is a true firefighter at heart. Addison is densely packed with several high-rises and large apartment buildings. He applies the SFT's philosophy and big city tactics to his suburb of Dallas fire department. He is true in his spirit and passion for the trade, including his thick southern accent.

Info: After a hard day of training, come unwind and share in the brotherhood with the Wheat State FOOLS and Strategic Fire Training instructors.

Locations: To Be Announced.

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