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Just a simple and basic presentation done as a webinar for basic size up. This was done to keep it very simple for those that registered can take it to their departments and insert their unique needs into the program.

This episode is a question answer discussion about search and rescue.  The bottom line is that we aren't good enough at searching and we need to pay particular attention to our techniques.  Additionally, we need to ensure that we are supporting the search at every fire, assume there are victims until WE prove otherwise.  

In this episode Mike Torres brings on a group while driving around in Homewood, IL.  Great discussion on the remainder of vertical ventilation and then they shift gears into overhaul. Be sure to rate us on iTunes an leave a comment.  

  In this episode the group discusses vertical ventilation on peaked and flat roofs, including commercial versus residential.  Tim and Jeff have guests on this episode with great information and experience on ventilation.  Tai Rondeau and Beau Espinosa join us with some valuable information and tips on conducting vertical ventilation.

  This episode we discuss the challenges of victim removal and large area search with our panel.  Please listen in and share!

In this episode the gang is back with a good discussion on tools and equipment we use to supplement our search skills and techniques. Be sure that whatever you use, you understand and know its capabilities and limitations of those tools.   TIC's are tools and don't bury your face in these tools, use it as a supplement.

  In this episode the group discusses some basics of search and rescue. As you can guess, this is a topic that provides a great many avenues and options.  The critical nature of this tactic is why we do what we do--to save lives. What may seem simple and easy is really a skill that must be practiced and trained on as often as possible. Take a listen and share if you like what you hear!

 Join us again with Part 2 on ground ladders. The group will discuss deployment, ladder choice and some common sense ideas for using ground ladders, no matter the size or location of your department.    

This is part one of the use of ground ladders.  In this episode we discuss the challenges of where we store them, deploying them and some of the small nuances that can make all the difference in your ground ladder uses. No matter how large or small your department, you will be faced with the need to deploy ground ladders and this discussion will give you some things to consider when developing your SOG’s and deployment models. We talk about apparatus and how we order and store ground ladders. placement on the building number to deploy angles and reach VES and search inspection tie the halyard or not?

    The gang is back for part three--Forcible entry.   They discuss tool selection and uses along with types of challenges that can be faced from truck company members during working incidents and how to overcome them.

  This episode discusses the transitioning from an engine or other company to the truck company.  Your panel discusses the differences you can expect when operating on a truck company as opposed to the engine. The experience of the panel offers a unique perspective that can be applied to any department.  Remember, it's not the apparatus that makes the truck work, it's the assignment and tasks performed. Be sure to check out Mike Torres of the Chicago FD at FDIC 2018 teaching in the HOT class "It's All About the Saws" Catch Captain Arthur Ashley in his FDIC 2018 classroom session "Truck Company Operations without the Truck" on Thursday at 3:30 in room 231-233. If you have questions, feel to contact us at enginehousetraining@gmail.com and we look forward to seeing you soon.

This is the first in a series of podcasts from Engine House Training, LLC that will discuss Truck Work.  We will be creating these series of podcasts on everything operational over the next several weeks and months.  So, be sure to stay tuned in for many more informational and fun podcasts on all things firefighting! This episode is dedicated to a brief introduction about truck work. The panel discusses, in general, what truck work is and why it is so important.  It's not about the apparatus, it's about the tasks completed to facilitate extinguishment and rescue. Today, Mike Torres, Tim Schultz, Jeff Weffelmeyer and Jason Hoevelmann offer their options and experiences in this podcast and will be regular contributors to this series. The next podcast will be live and will allow you to ask questions and to get real-time answers to your questions. All of the members will be happy to respond to your emails or messages. So, be sure to share this podcast and the rest of them with your friends and departments--definitely use these for training..that's the whole idea!!

  In this episode Chief Reilly and Chief Hoevelmann talk with Tom Goran of the Columbia Missouri Fire Department on his evolution as a leader and creating content for his site Flashover Leadership.    

This episode Jason discusses sub-level challenges with Adam Hansen from Milford, CT.  Adam has written two recent  articles with Fire Engineering and we discuss some of the content.   Be sure to check it out and share.

    The Double Edge Sword of Loyalty There are bad leaders out there, no doubt   “Management reserves the right to manage poorly”  What you should expect: Fair & consistent treatment   Genuine concern for your wellbeing & development   The tools & support you need to do your job   To be challenged and to be made to demonstrate your proficiency   What your leaders should expect For you to do your job (Mark Von Alpen Fully Involved)   For you to be engaged in the organization   For you to respect our craft & our profession   For you to respect the right of the leader to make decisions   To ask questions So when the leaders are not “loyal” ask Why do I think that?   Exactly what did they do to make me say that?   Can I help to make things better?   How are my skills, it is easy to be critic in the recliner.   Link to Mark Von Appen and Fully Involved

Chief Dennis Reilly and Jason Hoevelmann discuss leadership for firefighters and fire officers specifically regarding being a consistent leader and officer using the Leadership Triad. It comes downs to a strong moral compass and the firm foundation based on ethics and doing what's right.   THE MORAL & ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS OF BEING AN OFFICER: Your decisions and actions need to be driven by your own moral compass Your compass needs to be in line with that of the organization There should be no question where you stand among your subordinates, your peers, and your superiors. Moral & ethically driven people bring consistency and stability to their work place. EXPECTATIONS: If you do not lay out your expectations there is no guarantee on what you will get Expectations need to be in writing, invest the time now to avoid the “Well I didn’t know what you wanted” in the future. At the task level positions, expectations need to center around tasks, at leadership positons expectations need to include attitudes & behaviors. MODELING: You will get what you display as your normal operating mode What you model is the future for your organization. As an officer, you have a Moral & Ethical Obligation to leave your organization better than what you found it. Chief Lasky once aid “Follow ugly kids home and you will find ugly parents”. What you model is what they will do when you are not around. ACCOUNTABILITY: This can be quite uncomfortable but as an officer you must be comfortable with being uncomfortable. You have a Moral & Ethical obligation to correct unsatisfactory or counterproductive behaviors. We didn’t promote you because you look good, we expect you to do your job. If you fail to hold your members accountable there is a good chance that your boss will hold you accountable. In some organizations, this is known as “failure to supervise” and can lead to demotion and/or termination.   Link to additional file on Leadership Triad    All driven by the Moral & Ethical obligations of being an officer Mission First * Do Your Job

Chief Joe Pronesti and Jason Hoevelmann discuss three fires that happened on, or near Father's Day.  The fires had a huge impact on many families, as all line of duty deaths do and we felt it appropriate to discuss the lessons and stories of these fires.   Chief Pronesti also has a recent article about these fires in Fire Engineering and the link is below.   Article   Here are some additional links for more information about these fires. Vendome Article from Fire Engineering Boston Fire History FDNY Father's Day Fire Article on Kids of Father's Day Fire Charleston Sofa Fire

This podcast is for all of us that struggle from time to time with the opinions of others.  In most cases, when we put ourselves out there in any format, whether be as an engaged, energetic firefighter or officer to posting and blogging and writing and teaching, there are those that go out of their way to try and knock us down.   This is my response and therapy.  I hope is keeps you going!  Do NOT allow those that will never put themselves in a position to be challenged and criticized to affect your motivation.   Keep pushing!