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SD State Fire School 2024 (138th Annual) Sessions

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National Fire Academy Courses

NFA Fire Investigation: First Responders F0770

2 Day Classes (All Day Friday & Saturday) -~16hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Sedric Ketchum
    I have been in the fire service for the past 33 years and I am currently retired and was the departments Lead Fire Investigator for the past 16 years. I have served as the regions Arson Task Force Coordinator, a position that I have held for nine years. Currently I am also retired as the Sacramento Valley Youth Firesetter Chairperson, a position I have held for 4 years. Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist & Program Manager course work completed. I have attended youth firesetter training throughout the country. I have qualified as an expert in the following fields, debris analysis, youth firesetter, fire investigations and a arson profiler. I bring several fields of expertise, handling youth firesetters and coordinating youth firesetter programs in the Sacramento region.
Summary
This 2-day course presents a basic overview of a fire investigation. Students will review the basics of fire chemistry and develop an understanding of the role of the first responder in relation to fire suppression and fire investigation. The course will stress the importance of fire scene awareness, evidence identification, preservation and the basics of a fire investigation. Students will develop an appreciation for the convergence of suppression, investigation, science and law. Pre-course materials and course syllabus Course Syllabus: https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/ax/syll/syllabus_f0770.pdf Continuing education units 1.4
National Fire Academy Courses

NFA Introduction to Unified Command for All-Hazard Incidents F0609

2 Day Classes (All Day Friday & Saturday) -~16hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Patrick Butler
    I was involved in the Operation and management of the Kalamazoo Township Fire Dept. for 18 years as a Deputy Chief. This involved manageing 70 firefighters, working with many other local agencies within the area on mutual aid, and other issues involving our agencies. I was invovlved with the IAFC committee on credentialing and equipment typing. This was a national effort.
Summary
This 2-day course is designed to provide Company Officers (COs) with a better understanding of multiagency needs and a Unified Command structure. This course will provide the attendees with an understanding of the requirements of a Unified Command organization and provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate effectively in complex incidents. Pre-course materials and course syllabus: https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/ax/syll/syllabus_f0609.pdf Continuing education units 1.2

Truckless Truckie

2 Day Classes (All Day Friday & Saturday) -~16hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Pheasant Country FOOLS
    A Fraternal Order of Leatherhead Society (FOOLS) chapter representing eastern South Dakota
Summary
There are certain tasks that must be accomplished on every fireground. Tradition-ally these tasks are broken down between engine company tasks and truck com-pany tasks, yet, the majority of the American Fire Service do not have designated truck companies. In this two day class we will discuss how we efficiently and ag-gressively perform these essential tasks while operating from an engine and with limited staffing. This class will have stations covering the essential truck company functions to include: forcible entry, window and door based searches, victim removal, and the many applications of ground ladders. We will also work on developing efficiency in many essential skills of good firemanship, such as mask ups and and fire ground tempo. This class will be two days full of hands on learning on the drill grounds with skills being reinforced through scenarios of increasing difficulty as the week-end progresses. Participants should come expecting to work hard, and be prepared to be confronted with live fire with realistic heat and smoke conditions. This class is not for the faint of heart. We want students who are prepared to push their physical, mental and emotional boundaries. Objectives: • Review basic skills and concepts of forcible entry, ground ladders, search and victim rescue. • Teach intermediate to advanced level skills noted above with real world appli-cation. • Reinforce and apply new knowledge and skills through application during real-istic scenarios while increasing perceived stress levels with application of live fire scenarios. This class PPE Requirements: Full Structural PPE & SCBA (Spare SCBA Cylinder Recommended) Class Limit - 26

Grief Following Trauma

2 Day Classes (All Day Friday & Saturday) -~16hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Ed Hatcher - Chaplain
    Chaplain Edgar Hatcher is a retired Air Force chaplain with 42 years of pastoral experience, and 11 years of clinical experience. He is an approved instructor with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and holds all ICISF Certificates of Specialized Training. He worked 5 years as a child therapist and school counselor with Lutheran Family and Children Services and is lifetime member of the National Organization for Victim Assistance. He currently works with fire, emergency medical, law enforcement and faith-based disaster response agencies promoting stress management, peer support, behavioral health, and disaster mental health. Academic: EdD Argosy University: Community Pastoral Counseling: focus on trauma, theodicy, moral and spiritual injury. MSHS: Capella University: Mental health counseling MDiv: Wartburg Theological Seminary BA: California Lutheran College: Political Science with minors in history, philosophy, and literature. Licensure/Certification: Licensed Professional Counselor Missouri National Certified Counselor Certified Play Therapist Certified EMDR Therapist Diplomate, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress Certified, Critical Incident Stress Management; University of Maryland - Baltimore County
  • Rodney Veldhuizen - Chaplain
    Chaplain Rodney Veldhuizen is a veteran of the Fire Service, having served with four different departments since 1984. He has served with departments in Eddyvillle, Iowa; Canton, and Yankton, SD and currently serves as the Chaplain of Custer Volunteer Fire Department. Chaplain Rod is also the Director of the Dakota Territory Fire Chaplains Association and a member of the Black Hills Fire Chaplain’s Association. Chaplain Rod holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Philosophy and Psychology, has earned a Master of Divinity, a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as a Dr. of Ministry. Chaplain Rod is an ordained Minister, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and holds Master Chaplain standing with the Federation of Fire Chaplains.
Summary
Course Description: In the course of one’s career, it is inevitable that professionals will encounter traumatic death and loss issues both personally and professionally. Professionals often feel ill prepared to provide effective care throughout the grief process. This course will cover key grief and loss concepts relating to trauma and traumatic death. Participants will increase their knowledge of how trauma impacts the grief process and will gain skills for evaluating and supporting persons who have experienced traumatic death and loss. This course is designed for anyone who works with people who experience grief and loss following a traumatic event. Target Audience: Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians and Chaplains Purpose of Training: To familiarize personnel with traumatic grief, better enabling them to families in a variety of circumstances. Type of Certification: 1.3 (13 hrs) continuing education units granted by the University of Maryland Baltimore County

SD Certified Fire Instructors Course

2 Day Classes (All Day Friday & Saturday) -~16hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • South Dakota State Fire Marshal
    SD Fire Marshal Staff
Summary
This class is only available to students who have met the requirements and have been pre-approved. Do not register for this class unless you have been nominated and accepted. The South Dakota Certified Fire Instructor course prepares future instructors to train members of their own organization as well as traveling to other departments. This course begins with pre-course work at home, plus one weekend of classroom study and presentations.   Student Prerequisites:  The candidate(s) must be nominated in writing or email by their Fire Chief, to the Fire Marshal’s Office by April 15 The candidate(s) must have been a member of a fire department for at least five years. The candidate(s) must have passed the Certified Firefighter Course with at least an 80% on both written tests. (Test results will be verified by the Pierre Office.) Pre-Course work must be completed prior to attending the class! Class Limit - 21

General Aviation Response for Small Departments - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Greg Klein - Aviation Dept Supervisor - RETIRED
  • Joe Foss Field - South Dakota Air National Guard CFR
  • Tony Wiegman - Aviation Dept Supervisor
    Tony was introduced to flying by his uncle in Graceville, MN, where he grew up and helped on his father’s farm. With a knack for being mechanical and loving the wind in his face, an ultra light was purchased and “tested to its limits” for years to come. After high school, Tony attended and graduated from Wilmar Votech studying and working in diesel mechanics until he discovered his true passion, aviation. It was then that he attended Lake Area Technical College from 1987 to 1989 studying airframe and power-plant and graduating with the D. D. Miller award.
Summary
This class will cover what a responding agency should do, and, should not do, when responding to an aircraft incident. Local military, general commercial and small frame aircraft response will be discussed. Basic extrication on an aircraft, and, collection and securing the scene of a crash site. Common military aircraft and probable/possible components and hazards associated; What a volunteer department needs to be aware of when arriving on scene and working around a downed aircraft.

Flashover Simulator/Live Fire Training - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Customized Firefighter Training
    Customized Firefighter Training Inc. was established in 1998. Founder, Jim Carpenter was seeing a need to give quality hands on training that comes to the department. Carpenter is a 30-year veteran of the fire service. His company now travels to 5 states performing classes on interior attack and Flashover recognition along with a wide range of topics. All our staff is seasoned Firefighters that have or are rising through the ranks in both volunteer and career fire departments. Most of them have been with us for 10 years or more. We pride ourselves in trying to have the most up to date training, taught in a thought provoking and interactive class with real-life hands-on training.
Summary
This trailer lets the firefighter witness the awesome life cycle of an unfriendly fire from ignition to flashover. Learn to recognize the conditions leading to Flashover—how it happens, how to recognize the rapidly developing fire, dense smoke, high heat, and rollover which are all present in the unit. Learn to use defensive techniques. Who would send a Firefighter to face a situation in the real world that he has not seen in training? – Students must be competent in nozzle operation and SCBA usage. PPE: Full Structural PPE and SCBA, spare Cylinder Recommended Class Limit - 30

SCBA Confidence Course - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Dalton Axelsen - Firefighter/Paramedic
    Dalton Axelsen firefighter paramedic with Watertown Fire Rescue. He has been with Watertown Fire for just over 5 years now. He started in the fire service as a volunteer with the Aurora Fire Dept. Currently a member of the Pheasant Country FOOLS. Is a rope rescue tech, confined space tech, and hazmat railcar specialist. He also is an adjunct instructor for the Med/Fire Rescue program at Lake Area Technical College.
Summary
This class is designed to help build confidence with SCBA usage. This class will benefit entry level firefighters as well as a seasoned veteran. Students will be using many different training props thought out this course. Upon completion of this class students will walk away with an increased level of SCBA usage. PPE Required: Full bunker gear with SCBA. An additional air tank would be helpful. South Dakota Approved EMS Training Hours - 8 (8 hours Operations). Class Limit - 20

Grain Entrapment / Rescue - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Agtegra Cooperative Technical Rescue Team
    Our Technical Rescue Team (TRT) is made up of a team of Agtegra employees who are trained and certified in high angle technical rescue. Training throughout the year, this team is equipped and ready to respond to a grain bin engulfment or any other scenario that may require a high angle rescue.
Summary
Students will be provided with information from size up to termination of a grain bin incident, including the number of rescuers needed and the dangers that grain bins present to rescuers. PPE/Equipment Requirements:  Light PPE (Gloves & Helmet) & Safety Glasses Student Prerequisites:  NONE. Class Limit:  25

Creating a Culture of Craft - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Stone Face FOOLS
    A Fraternal Order of Leatherheads (FOOLS) chapter representing Western South Dakota.
Summary
You cannot expect organizational success without buy-in from the membership. In this class we will address buy-in, culture and mindset with an emphasis on the importance of clearly defining expectations up front. All members are leaders. Commonly referred to as “informal to formal” leadership, we will discuss leadership in all aspects and how to apply them to YOUR organization. Students will be asked to complete a pre-class questionnaire and should come to class prepared to participate in discussion. This class is appropriate for all levels of experience and rank

No Gimmicks Handline Management - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Stone Face FOOLS
    A Fraternal Order of Leatherheads (FOOLS) chapter representing Western South Dakota.
Summary
Often, we are taught how to pull the hose and hit the fire, but not taught everything in between. This class will include handline management and proper body mechanics, as well as hose advancement techniques with an emphasis on limited staffing scenarios. Students will learn to combine their knowledge of fire behavior, water application and hose advancement to achieve rapid extinguishment. The hands-on training site will simulate a common layout found during interior attack. Full structural firefighting PPE (excluding SCBA) required. This will be a physically demanding “all day” class. A high level of physical fitness is recommended. Attendees will be expected to have working knowledge of and comfort with PPE and SCBA. This class is appropriate for all levels of experience and rank

Rural Firefighting Tactics - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • David Radtke
    Dave is a southern Minnesota native, being born and raised in the Minnesota Lake area. Dave is a fulltime EHS manager with over 10 years of experience in the EHS arena working for companies such as American Crystal Sugar Company in the Red River valley of Minnesota and North Dakota as well as Pinnacle Foods- Birds Eye Division. Dave has a background in training and emergency response and is an active volunteer firefighter, celebrating his 15th year of service. Prior to becoming an EHS Manager Dave worked fulltime in Emergency Medical services for North Ambulance and Allina Health EMS with a combined tenure of over ten years of ALS care. Dave is an adjunct instructor with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities- MNSCU, instructing in Fire/Rescue, EMS, OSHA, and MSHA. Dave is passionate on training his fellow firefighters on solid tactics and strategies to ensure an aggressive, safe outcome for all involved.
  • Derek Petersen
    Derek Peterson has been in the fire service since 1991. He retired a Captain and Paramedic from the Saint Paul (MN) Fire Department in January of 2022. Derek has been a certified fire instructor with various technical colleges and training institutions for the last 27 years. He currently acts as a lead instructor for Century College’s Continuing Education Program and other various Leadership Courses. Derek has developed courses on modern fire attack, rapid intervention, company operations, incident command for technical rescue, advanced strategies and tactics, and leadership.
Summary
This course is an informational discussion of the “New” fire chemistry, a review of hostile fire events, descriptions of the on-going NIST/ UL studies, and the attack methodology that can be used to solve the problems that arise in the rural and urban settings of today’s fire ground. Focus will be placed on water supply and the first 10 minutes of on-scene actions at a working structure fire. This offering is for any rank within the fire service that deals with suppression duties, especially interior attack fire personnel and command officers. The overall focus of this class is to show the need for fire ground commanders to re-evaluate what tactics are being used by their personnel during initial attack operations. This course meets components of the NFPA 1021 Standard.

Rope Rescue - Part 1 - BASIC - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Cameron Mack
    Cameron Mack has been a firefighter/paramedic with Watertown Fire Rescue since 2013. He is a certified Rope Rescue Instructor and is also certified as a Tower Rescue Instructor. To further continue his Rope Rescue education, he became certified by the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) as a Level 1 technician in 2020. He also instructs Confined Space Rescue courses and assists with Trench Rescue courses at Watertown Fire Rescue. On his off days from the fire department he is a Paramedic instructor for Lake Area Technical College in Watertown.
Summary
The course he will be teaching will be separated into two classes of eight-hour days, if you wish to take both PART 1 AND PART 2 make sure you register for BOTH! PART 2 Shouldn't be taken unless you have taken PART 1 AND/OR have a good working knowledge of ropes, knots and haul systems. Both days will contain a vast majority of hands on skills. PART 1 will feature a high amount of operations level skills and information. Keep in mind most of this training will be at ground level. During this time, we will cover everything the ground level technician needs to know (the guy who isn’t going over the edge). It will cover everything from basic NFPA standard overviews to lowering systems and haul systems using mechanical advantage. PPE Requirements: Helmet, Gloves, Boots Class Limit - 20

Small Engine BASIC Maintenance, Repair and Troubleshooting - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Greg Kock
    Education and Credentials A.A.S. in Diesel Technology at Lake Area Technical College Diploma in Small Business at Allied University A.A.S. in General Studies at Mitchell Technical College B.A. in Technical Leadership/Management at University of South Dakota Bio: Greg Kock earned a diploma in Diesel Technology & Management from Lake Area Tech and an AAS degree in Technical Studies from Mitchell Technical College. He is ASE Master Certified in Medium/Heavy Truck, holds ESCO A/C Certification Section 608, MACS A/C Certification Section 608, and is also OSHA certified. Kock has more than 20 years of experience in the diesel technology industry including experience as a heavy equipment mechanic, business owner, and instructor.
Summary
Participants will understand the inner workings of a 4 Cycle and 2 Cycle Gasoline engine as well as basic troubleshooting procedures. Does your department have a small engine that’s not running at 100%? Here is your chance to understand how you can troubleshoot and possibly repair your engine. If you have a small engine that isn’t running properly bring it with you, if class time permits the opportunity to fix it in class may be possible. Class Limit - 16 Special Note: Advanced Small Engine Repair will be offered on Saturday only PPE/Equipment Requirements: Safety Glasses

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course - EVOC - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Brad Georgeson - Fire Chief
    I’ve been a member of Hurley Volunteer Fire Department since 1999 and served as Chief since 2009 and a few years as 2nd Asst. Chief previous to that. I was hired as the emergency manager for Turner County in 2013 and have served as Director since that time. I am also currently the president of the Turner County Emergency Services Association. I volunteer on Parker Ambulance as well and have been a certified fire instructor since 2009.
Summary
Every responder hopes they will never be involved in an accident when responding to an emergency. This class and driving course will help to show you what's involved while responding with lights and siren. It may also help if the tragic happens and your driving record is called into question. Completing a recognized EVOC class will give you some information on “where to start” with driving first response vehicles. Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) is a classroom and hands-on class that teaches first responders the necessary skills to operate an emergency vehicle safely. We will cover the basic plus more in the class. Bring sunglasses and be prepared to drive the course! HIPPA is also offered as a part of this course, as patient privacy is a big part of our first responder world. This will also get you another step closer to completing your checklist for the SD Ambulance Driver Competencies if you may need to drive an Ambulance. Class Limit - 24

Best Practice Strategy and Tactics in the Electric Vehicle Era - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Dan Miller
    Dan Miller is a retired fire chief and nationally recognized subject mater expert and educator in firefighting, hazardous materials, technical rescue, incident command, and electric vehicle fire tactics. Dan holds degrees in fire science and electronics technology with over 40 years of fire service experience. He is published in Fire Engineering Magazine. Dan began his fire service duties in 1980 with Yutan (Nebraska) Volunteer Fire Dept. where he served for 38 years. He retired as Bat. Chief with Omaha Fire Department in 2018, and was Fire Chief in Columbus, Nebraska for four years before retiring in 2021. Dan is the founder and CEO of Training Under Fire, LLC, and lives in Mead, Nebraska.
Summary
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is growing in every market segment, including passenger vehicles and light trucks, heavy trucks and fleet vehicles, RVs, mass transportation, material handling equipment, heavy equipment, even farm equipment. EV hazards require firefighters to practice effective and safe tactics when approaching ALL modern vehicle incidents. Best Practice Strategy and Tactics in the Electric Vehicle Era includes EV and other modern vehicle hazard awareness, construction techniques, and emergency response strategic and tactical considerations. Situation-specific fire/explosion hazards, systematic hazard elimination, planning for response, suggested operating guidelines, post-fire handling, and hands-on coordinated tactical skills training are included in the training. Learners in this course will demonstrate recognition of high risk of electric vehicle hazards, high-risk situations, proven technology and procedures to reduce risk while improving effectiveness and safety in approach to every vehicle incident in the EV Era. Session will involve hands-on training but no live fire. PPE Requirements: Structural PPE (all participants). SCBA to participate in hands-on tactical exercises. Prerequisites: Firefighter-I certification or equivalent training and experience. Others will be expected to self-identify as non-firefighting participants.

Water Supply Officer - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Mark Davis
    Mark Davis has been involved in the fire service for over 40 years and is the founder and owner of GBW Associates, LLC. Mark is currently a career Battalion Chief with a county fire/rescue service in Maryland and past Fire Chief with his local, rural VFD in Carroll County, Maryland. Mark has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland where he concentrated on fire science and public administration. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), Master Pond Manager, certified State instructor and has been involved in training for over 35 years.
Summary
Got Big Water's 8-hr Water Supply Officer Seminar covers the duties and responsibilities of the fire department Water Supply Officer in both the emergent and non-emergent setting as described in NFPA 1142 Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Firefighting Ed 2022. The seminar reviews ISO's water supply requirements, the components of municipal water systems, the development of alternative water supplies, the testing and inspection of water supply system components, the use of water supply vehicles, water supply pre-planning, and the Water Supply Group (Officer) function in ICS. The seminar uses a combination of classroom and practical skill activities to develop the participant's water supply knowledge and to prepare folks to serve as a fire department's Water Supply Officer.

Heavy Rescue/Stabilization & Extrication - Fri.

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Austin Lesmann
    Fire Chief in Burlington, ND for 10 years.  FF1 & FF2 Certified.  Courage to Be Safe Instructor, Extrication, Big Rig, Haz-Mat Ops and State Certification Tester.
  • Jayden Casavant
    Fire Chief in Burlington, ND for 10 years.  FF1 & FF2 Certified.  Courage to Be Safe Instructor, Extrication, Big Rig, Haz-Mat Ops and State Certification Tester.
  • Karter Lesmann
    Fire Chief in Burlington, ND for 10 years.  FF1 & FF2 Certified.  Courage to Be Safe Instructor, Extrication, Big Rig, Haz-Mat Ops and State Certification Tester.
  • Ty Uthe
    Fire Chief in Burlington, ND for 10 years.  FF1 & FF2 Certified.  Courage to Be Safe Instructor, Extrication, Big Rig, Haz-Mat Ops and State Certification Tester.
Summary
Karter Lesmann says we are going to have one hell of a good yet hard class. The instructor, Karter Lesmann, Austin Lesmann, Ty Uthe, and Jayden Casavant will be leading more than one scenario at a time. Students will be doing lots of cutting and heavy work. The will run two scenarios at a time with semi-trailers, heavy farm equipment, tractors and lots of tunneling into cars. Be prepared for who knows what type of “accident” you might be working. The will have all the props ready for the students to work their tails off. It will be two 8-hour classes. Proper PPE will be required. PPE Requirements: Structural PPE or Rescue PPE, Helmet, Gloves & Eye Protection.
ISO A Verisk Business

ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) Overview - Fri. AM

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Rob Holso - ISO Sr. Field Representative
    Robert Holso (Rob) lives just outside of Rapid City in Pennington County. Rob has been on the Whispering Pines VFD since 2012 and was the Pennington County Fire Officer of the year 2017. Rob has a bachelor's degree in business management and has been with ISO since 2013 and covers the entire state of South Dakota. Prior to ISO, Rob managed numerous Walgreen's Drug stores in South Dakota and Wyoming for over 13 years.
Summary
The Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) is a manual containing the criteria ISO uses in reviewing the fire prevention and fire suppression capabilities of individual communities or fire protection areas. The schedule measures the major elements of a community’s fire protection system and develops a numerical grading called a Public Protection Classification (PPC®). How the FSRS works The FSRS considers three main areas of a community’s fire suppression system: emergency communications, fire department (including operational considerations), and water supply. In addition, it includes a Community Risk Reduction section that recognizes community efforts to reduce losses through fire prevention, public fire safety education, and fire investigation. Emergency communications A maximum of 10 points of a community’s overall score is based on how well the fire department receives and dispatches fire alarms. Our field representatives evaluate: Fire department A maximum of 50 points of the overall score is based on the fire department. ISO reviews the distribution of fire companies throughout the area and checks that the fire department tests its pumps regularly and inventories each engine and ladder company’s equipment according to NFPA 1901. ISO also reviews the fire company records to determine factors such as: Water supply A maximum of 40 points of the overall score is based on the community’s water supply. This part of the survey focuses on whether the community has sufficient water supply for fire suppression beyond daily maximum consumption. ISO surveys all components of the water supply system. We also review fire hydrant inspections and frequency of flow testing. Finally, we count the number of fire hydrants that are no more than 1,000 feet from the representative locations. Community risk reduction The Community Risk Reduction section of the FSRS offers a maximum of 5.5 points, resulting in 105.5 total points available in the FSRS. The inclusion of this section for “extra points” allows recognition for those communities that employ effective fire prevention practices, without unduly affecting those who have not yet adopted such measures. The addition of Community Risk Reduction gives incentives to those communities who strive proactively to reduce fire severity through a structured program of fire prevention activities. All participating class members will get a copy of the FSRS manual in pdf version emailed to them.

Pump Operations - Fri. AM

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Christopher Noeldner - Firefighter/Paramedic
    Chris Noeldner has been a career firefighter paramedic with Watertown Fire Rescue since 2001. Chris has been teaching pump operations in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota for the last 10 years with the mobile training simulator built by FD International. He started his firefighting career as a volunteer and has worked with many career and volunteer departments to design training for their response.
Summary
This is an operations class for all levels from beginner to advanced. During the classroom portion of the class, students will learn why handlines and hose lays are pumped at designed pressures. They will learn how to react to emergency situations that happen on a fireground, such as a kinked or ruptured line. They will also learn how to figure friction loss. Students will be taught how to operate both electronic pressure governors and pressure relief valve type control systems. Students will then conduct hands-on training on a fire engine to see how to recognize situations that are happening on the hose lines. There will also be discussions on relay pumping, static and pressurized water supplies. Class Limit - 12

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know About Gas Leaks - Fri. AM

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Jerry Knapp
    Jerry Knapp is a 39-year veteran firefighter/EMT with the West Haverstraw (NY) Fire Department and a training officer at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona, New York. He is a member of the technical panel for the Underwriters Laboratories research on interior and exterior fire attack at residential fires. He is the chief of the Rockland County (NY) Hazmat Team and a former nationally certified paramedic. He has a degree in fire protection and is an adjunct professor of fire technology. He authored the Fire Attack chapter in Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II and has had numerous articles published in Fire Engineering.
Summary
You don’t know what you don’t know about gas leaks. This training is based on what I did not know that almost killed me when the routine gas leak caused the house to explode, nearly killing me while operating with my volunteer FD. Natural gas and propane emergencies are very dangerous alarms. Our training and SOPs are often weak so gas emergencies don’t get the respect they require until a response goes bad. Bring your departments 4 gas meter and/or your combustible gas detector for hands on use in our table top explosion chamber to help you understand its uses and limitations. This fast paced class is practical, hands on, interactive, fact filled, reality based, back to basics program that covers what fire officers and firefighters need to know about natural gas and propane emergencies. Focus is on our mission of life safety for civilians, protection of our members using the kill box concept and tactical use of sweeping search procedures in very dangerous conditions. Take homes from this program include: understanding your current gas detector, FD use of new laser gas detectors, new tactics/strategies and sample/model SOPs. South Dakota Approved EMS Training Hours - 4 (4 hours Operations) Class Limit - 26

Reading Smoke for Tactical Decision Making - Fri. AM

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Benjamin Willey - Captain Fargo Fire Department
    I have been happily married since 2002 to my wife, Lacey. She is a paraprofessional working with emotionally disturbed children for an elementary school in the Fargo Public School District. We have two children, Noah who is 18yo and studying nursing at North Dakota State University and Ella who is 16yo and a sophomore in the Fargo Public School District. Ella plans to study forensic psychology with the hopes of becoming a police profiler. I have been in the fire service since 2003. I am currently an engine company captain for the Fargo Fire Department. I previously served as a training captain for the department from 2018 to 2023. I have also been an instructor for the North Dakota Firefighters Association since 2007. I have a passion for learning, especially about leadership, relationship building, and, of course, fire fighting. I have found instructing provides the greatest opportunities to feed this passion while also sharing it with others. I appreciate the opportunity to extend my circle to the brothers and sisters of the South Dakota fire service and thank you all for inviting me to be a part of your learning experience.
Summary
Using the concepts of “reading smoke” developed by Dave Doddson, students will learn to recognize, predict, and prevent hostile fire events and determine where the fire is, where it is not, and where it is going next. Students will also be challenged to understand decision making and how recognition prime decision making affects our ability to act on the fire ground. All of this will lead to the primary course objective, making tactical decisions to reduce life safety concerns, lead to incident stabilization, and preserve as much property as possible.

1st Grade-5th Grade Youth Fire Safety and Intro to Fire Department Profession - Fri. AM

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Brandon Fey
    Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Prevention Staff
  • Robert Small
    Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Prevention Staff
  • Tyler Tjeerdsma
    Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Prevention Staff
Summary
This is a unique class, it is serving as an activity for youth at State Fire School as well as an opportunity for Firefighters/Officers to learn about presenting/offering Fire Prevention and Safety Messages in their community. Youth in the area will be given the opportunity to be a part of the class as well as adult Firefighters from around the State. If you plan on brining a youth to this event please register them as well, there is a SEPERATE EVENT listed on our website EVENT CALENDER titled - Youth Focused Event - Fire Prevention/Safety/Learning about Firefighting. Please register them in that event. There is NO-COST for youth attendees. The purpose of this course is to introduce our youth to some of the fire department job duties and to go over some safety messages. The course will introduce basic concepts of fire fighting in a fun way along with educating them on the different job duties that are assigned to the profession. There will be two sessions offered for different age groups and kids will be required to be physically active during some of the activities. The morning session will be for kids in 1st grade through 5th grade and will run from 9:00am to noon. There will be some classroom time along with some outdoor activities where they could get wet. Please bring sunscreen and dress appropriately. Course Objectives: Introduction to physical requirements of the job Introduction to different safety messages Learn about the different tools and equipment used in the profession Be introduced to basic EMS care Learn how to operate a fire extinguisher PPE/Equipment Requirements: Sun screen, proper attire for outdoor activities

Funding and Grant Workshop - Fri. AM

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Chad Bromenschenkel - Chief Sales Officer
    Chief Sales Officer - Dinges Fire Company
  • Jeff Bryant - Fire Chief Amboy Fire Protection District
    Chief Jeff Bryant has been successful in obtaining over 20 million dollars in grants and funding opportunities for his and surrounding departments. Jeff has built up a vast amount of knowledge on the subject over more than 30 years and wants to pass on and share his knowledge, tips, and tricks with all those that want to learn.
Summary
During these events, Jeff will talk through local, state, and federal funding opportunities and the excess property program. The goal is to help your department or organization determine the next steps to take to gain funding for the equipment you need to protect your citizens and district.

SDFA MLFTU - LEAD Level Train the Trainer - Fri. AM

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Summary
Participants must have a minimum 3 years of experience as a SD or other Accredited Fire Service Instructor and must be a current member of the South Dakota Society of Fire Service Instructors. Class will be roughly 4 hours in length. If you have taken the SENIOR Level class you do not need to take the LEAD level class. The SENIOR LEVEL covers all material contained in the LEAD LEVEL Class Day will start with classroom session covering Overview, SOGs, Best practices, MINOR Theory of Operation and Safety Following the brief classroom session their will be hands on training with the trailer. Participants will be given the opportunity to operate the unit, and participate in some basic fire suppression evolutions to experience behavior of the fire props Recommend work boots and gloves as well as Full Structural PPE with SCBA and spare cylinder.
ISO A Verisk Business

ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) Overview - Fri. PM

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Rob Holso - ISO Sr. Field Representative
    Robert Holso (Rob) lives just outside of Rapid City in Pennington County. Rob has been on the Whispering Pines VFD since 2012 and was the Pennington County Fire Officer of the year 2017. Rob has a bachelor's degree in business management and has been with ISO since 2013 and covers the entire state of South Dakota. Prior to ISO, Rob managed numerous Walgreen's Drug stores in South Dakota and Wyoming for over 13 years.
Summary
The Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) is a manual containing the criteria ISO uses in reviewing the fire prevention and fire suppression capabilities of individual communities or fire protection areas. The schedule measures the major elements of a community’s fire protection system and develops a numerical grading called a Public Protection Classification (PPC®). How the FSRS works The FSRS considers three main areas of a community’s fire suppression system: emergency communications, fire department (including operational considerations), and water supply. In addition, it includes a Community Risk Reduction section that recognizes community efforts to reduce losses through fire prevention, public fire safety education, and fire investigation. Emergency communications A maximum of 10 points of a community’s overall score is based on how well the fire department receives and dispatches fire alarms. Our field representatives evaluate: Fire department A maximum of 50 points of the overall score is based on the fire department. ISO reviews the distribution of fire companies throughout the area and checks that the fire department tests its pumps regularly and inventories each engine and ladder company’s equipment according to NFPA 1901. ISO also reviews the fire company records to determine factors such as: Water supply A maximum of 40 points of the overall score is based on the community’s water supply. This part of the survey focuses on whether the community has sufficient water supply for fire suppression beyond daily maximum consumption. ISO surveys all components of the water supply system. We also review fire hydrant inspections and frequency of flow testing. Finally, we count the number of fire hydrants that are no more than 1,000 feet from the representative locations. Community risk reduction The Community Risk Reduction section of the FSRS offers a maximum of 5.5 points, resulting in 105.5 total points available in the FSRS. The inclusion of this section for “extra points” allows recognition for those communities that employ effective fire prevention practices, without unduly affecting those who have not yet adopted such measures. The addition of Community Risk Reduction gives incentives to those communities who strive proactively to reduce fire severity through a structured program of fire prevention activities. All participating class members will get a copy of the FSRS manual in pdf version emailed to them.

Pump Operations - Fri. PM

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Christopher Noeldner - Firefighter/Paramedic
    Chris Noeldner has been a career firefighter paramedic with Watertown Fire Rescue since 2001. Chris has been teaching pump operations in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota for the last 10 years with the mobile training simulator built by FD International. He started his firefighting career as a volunteer and has worked with many career and volunteer departments to design training for their response.
Summary
This is an operations class for all levels from beginner to advanced. During the classroom portion of the class, students will learn why handlines and hose lays are pumped at designed pressures. They will learn how to react to emergency situations that happen on a fireground, such as a kinked or ruptured line. They will also learn how to figure friction loss. Students will be taught how to operate both electronic pressure governors and pressure relief valve type control systems. Students will then conduct hands-on training on a fire engine to see how to recognize situations that are happening on the hose lines. There will also be discussions on relay pumping, static and pressurized water supplies. Class Limit - 12

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know About Gas Leaks - Fri. PM

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Jerry Knapp
    Jerry Knapp is a 39-year veteran firefighter/EMT with the West Haverstraw (NY) Fire Department and a training officer at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona, New York. He is a member of the technical panel for the Underwriters Laboratories research on interior and exterior fire attack at residential fires. He is the chief of the Rockland County (NY) Hazmat Team and a former nationally certified paramedic. He has a degree in fire protection and is an adjunct professor of fire technology. He authored the Fire Attack chapter in Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II and has had numerous articles published in Fire Engineering.
Summary
You don’t know what you don’t know about gas leaks. This training is based on what I did not know that almost killed me when the routine gas leak caused the house to explode, nearly killing me while operating with my volunteer FD. Natural gas and propane emergencies are very dangerous alarms. Our training and SOPs are often weak so gas emergencies don’t get the respect they require until a response goes bad. Bring your departments 4 gas meter and/or your combustible gas detector for hands on use in our table top explosion chamber to help you understand its uses and limitations. This fast paced class is practical, hands on, interactive, fact filled, reality based, back to basics program that covers what fire officers and firefighters need to know about natural gas and propane emergencies. Focus is on our mission of life safety for civilians, protection of our members using the kill box concept and tactical use of sweeping search procedures in very dangerous conditions. Take homes from this program include: understanding your current gas detector, FD use of new laser gas detectors, new tactics/strategies and sample/model SOPs. South Dakota Approved EMS Training Hours - 4 (4 hours Operations) Class Limit - 26

6th Grade-12th Grade Youth Fire Safety and Intro to Fire Department Profession - Fri. PM

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Brandon Fey
    Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Prevention Staff
  • Robert Small
    Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Prevention Staff
  • Tyler Tjeerdsma
    Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Prevention Staff
Summary
This is a unique class, it is serving as an activity for youth at State Fire School as well as an opportunity for Firefighters/Officers to learn about presenting/offering Fire Prevention and Safety Messages in their community. Youth in the area will be given the opportunity to be a part of the class as well as adult Firefighters from around the State. If you plan on brining a youth to this event please register them as well, there is a SEPERATE EVENT listed on our website EVENT CALENDER titled - Youth Focused Event - Fire Prevention/Safety/Learning about Firefighting. Please register them in that event. There is NO-COST for youth attendees. The purpose of this course is to introduce our youth to some of the fire department job duties and to go over some safety messages. The course will introduce basic concepts of fire fighting in a fun way along with educating them on the different job duties that are assigned to the profession. There will be two sessions offered for different age groups and kids will be required to be physically active during some of the activities. The afternoon session will be for grades 6th through 12th grade from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. There will be some classroom time along with some outdoor activities where they could get wet. Please bring sunscreen and dress appropriately. Course Objectives: Introduction to physical requirements of the job Introduction to different safety messages Learn about the different tools and equipment used in the profession Be introduced to basic EMS care Learn how to operate a fire extinguisher PPE/Equipment Requirements: Sun screen, proper attire for outdoor activities

Funding and Grant Workshop - Fri. PM

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Chad Bromenschenkel - Chief Sales Officer
    Chief Sales Officer - Dinges Fire Company
  • Jeff Bryant - Fire Chief Amboy Fire Protection District
    Chief Jeff Bryant has been successful in obtaining over 20 million dollars in grants and funding opportunities for his and surrounding departments. Jeff has built up a vast amount of knowledge on the subject over more than 30 years and wants to pass on and share his knowledge, tips, and tricks with all those that want to learn.
Summary
During these events, Jeff will talk through local, state, and federal funding opportunities and the excess property program. The goal is to help your department or organization determine the next steps to take to gain funding for the equipment you need to protect your citizens and district.

SDFA MLFTU - LEAD Level Train the Trainer - Fri. PM

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Summary
Participants must have a minimum 3 years of experience as a SD or other Accredited Fire Service Instructor and must be a current member of the South Dakota Society of Fire Service Instructors. If you have taken the SENIOR Level class you do not need to take the LEAD level class. The SENIOR LEVEL covers all material contained in the LEAD LEVEL Class Class will be roughly 4 hours in length. Day will start with classroom session covering Overview, SOGs, Best practices, MINOR Theory of Operation and Safety Following the brief classroom session their will be hands on training with the trailer. Participants will be given the opportunity to operate the unit, and participate in some basic fire suppression evolutions to experience behavior of the fire props Recommend work boots and gloves as well as Full Structural PPE with SCBA and spare cylinder.

General Aviation Response for Small Departments - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Greg Klein - Aviation Dept Supervisor - RETIRED
  • Joe Foss Field - South Dakota Air National Guard CFR
  • Tony Wiegman - Aviation Dept Supervisor
    Tony was introduced to flying by his uncle in Graceville, MN, where he grew up and helped on his father’s farm. With a knack for being mechanical and loving the wind in his face, an ultra light was purchased and “tested to its limits” for years to come. After high school, Tony attended and graduated from Wilmar Votech studying and working in diesel mechanics until he discovered his true passion, aviation. It was then that he attended Lake Area Technical College from 1987 to 1989 studying airframe and power-plant and graduating with the D. D. Miller award.
Summary
This class will cover what a responding agency should do, and, should not do, when responding to an aircraft incident. Local military, general commercial and small frame aircraft response will be discussed. Basic extrication on an aircraft, and, collection and securing the scene of a crash site. Common military aircraft and probable/possible components and hazards associated; What a volunteer department needs to be aware of when arriving on scene and working around a downed aircraft.

Flashover Simulator/Live Fire Training - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Customized Firefighter Training
    Customized Firefighter Training Inc. was established in 1998. Founder, Jim Carpenter was seeing a need to give quality hands on training that comes to the department. Carpenter is a 30-year veteran of the fire service. His company now travels to 5 states performing classes on interior attack and Flashover recognition along with a wide range of topics. All our staff is seasoned Firefighters that have or are rising through the ranks in both volunteer and career fire departments. Most of them have been with us for 10 years or more. We pride ourselves in trying to have the most up to date training, taught in a thought provoking and interactive class with real-life hands-on training.
Summary
This trailer lets the firefighter witness the awesome life cycle of an unfriendly fire from ignition to flashover. Learn to recognize the conditions leading to Flashover—how it happens, how to recognize the rapidly developing fire, dense smoke, high heat, and rollover which are all present in the unit. Learn to use defensive techniques. Who would send a Firefighter to face a situation in the real world that he has not seen in training? – Students must be competent in nozzle operation and SCBA usage. PPE: Full Structural PPE and SCBA, spare Cylinder Recommended Class Limit - 30

SCBA Confidence Course - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Dalton Axelsen - Firefighter/Paramedic
    Dalton Axelsen firefighter paramedic with Watertown Fire Rescue. He has been with Watertown Fire for just over 5 years now. He started in the fire service as a volunteer with the Aurora Fire Dept. Currently a member of the Pheasant Country FOOLS. Is a rope rescue tech, confined space tech, and hazmat railcar specialist. He also is an adjunct instructor for the Med/Fire Rescue program at Lake Area Technical College.
Summary
This class is designed to help build confidence with SCBA usage. This class will benefit entry level firefighters as well as a seasoned veteran. Students will be using many different training props thought out this course. Upon completion of this class students will walk away with an increased level of SCBA usage. PPE Required: Full bunker gear with SCBA. An additional air tank would be helpful. South Dakota Approved EMS Training Hours - 8 (8 hours Operations). Class Limit - 20

Grain Entrapment / Rescue - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Agtegra Cooperative Technical Rescue Team
    Our Technical Rescue Team (TRT) is made up of a team of Agtegra employees who are trained and certified in high angle technical rescue. Training throughout the year, this team is equipped and ready to respond to a grain bin engulfment or any other scenario that may require a high angle rescue.
Summary
Students will be provided with information from size up to termination of a grain bin incident, including the number of rescuers needed and the dangers that grain bins present to rescuers. PPE/Equipment Requirements:  Light PPE (Gloves & Helmet) & Safety Glasses Student Prerequisites:  NONE. Class Limit:  25

Building the Fire Officer - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • David Radtke
    Dave is a southern Minnesota native, being born and raised in the Minnesota Lake area. Dave is a fulltime EHS manager with over 10 years of experience in the EHS arena working for companies such as American Crystal Sugar Company in the Red River valley of Minnesota and North Dakota as well as Pinnacle Foods- Birds Eye Division. Dave has a background in training and emergency response and is an active volunteer firefighter, celebrating his 15th year of service. Prior to becoming an EHS Manager Dave worked fulltime in Emergency Medical services for North Ambulance and Allina Health EMS with a combined tenure of over ten years of ALS care. Dave is an adjunct instructor with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities- MNSCU, instructing in Fire/Rescue, EMS, OSHA, and MSHA. Dave is passionate on training his fellow firefighters on solid tactics and strategies to ensure an aggressive, safe outcome for all involved.
  • Derek Peterson
    Derek Peterson has been in the fire service since 1991. He retired a Captain and Paramedic from the Saint Paul (MN) Fire Department in January of 2022. Derek has been a certified fire instructor with various technical colleges and training institutions for the last 27 years. He currently acts as a lead instructor for Century College’s Continuing Education Program and other various Leadership Courses. Derek has developed courses on modern fire attack, rapid intervention, company operations, incident command for technical rescue, advanced strategies and tactics, and leadership.
Summary
This course is designed for the modern-day fire service officer (or those who may work in that role) performing as the supervisor of a fire ground company or crew. The course will provide the student with an understanding of leadership concepts, coaching the best performance out of their crew and creating a task driven fire company that functions in a safe and efficient manner. Building the Fire Officer will help your organization to identify and develop the individuals that will become the officers of tomorrow. Class Limit - 26

Creating a Culture of Craft - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Stone Face FOOLS
    A Fraternal Order of Leatherheads (FOOLS) chapter representing Western South Dakota.
Summary
You cannot expect organizational success without buy-in from the membership. In this class we will address buy-in, culture and mindset with an emphasis on the importance of clearly defining expectations up front. All members are leaders. Commonly referred to as “informal to formal” leadership, we will discuss leadership in all aspects and how to apply them to YOUR organization. Students will be asked to complete a pre-class questionnaire and should come to class prepared to participate in discussion. This class is appropriate for all levels of experience and rank

No Gimmicks Handline Management - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Stone Face FOOLS
    A Fraternal Order of Leatherheads (FOOLS) chapter representing Western South Dakota.
Summary
Often, we are taught how to pull the hose and hit the fire, but not taught everything in between. This class will include handline management and proper body mechanics, as well as hose advancement techniques with an emphasis on limited staffing scenarios. Students will learn to combine their knowledge of fire behavior, water application and hose advancement to achieve rapid extinguishment. The hands-on training site will simulate a common layout found during interior attack. Full structural firefighting PPE (excluding SCBA) required. This will be a physically demanding “all day” class. A high level of physical fitness is recommended. Attendees will be expected to have working knowledge of and comfort with PPE and SCBA. This class is appropriate for all levels of experience and rank

Rope Rescue - Part 2 - Technical - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Cameron Mack
    Cameron Mack has been a firefighter/paramedic with Watertown Fire Rescue since 2013. He is a certified Rope Rescue Instructor and is also certified as a Tower Rescue Instructor. To further continue his Rope Rescue education, he became certified by the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) as a Level 1 technician in 2020. He also instructs Confined Space Rescue courses and assists with Trench Rescue courses at Watertown Fire Rescue. On his off days from the fire department he is a Paramedic instructor for Lake Area Technical College in Watertown.
Summary
NOTE: YOU SHOULD HAVE TAKEN PART 1 AND/OR HAVE GOOD WORKING COMPETENT SKILLS IN ROPE RESUCE AND HAUL SYSTEMS If you choose to continue your rope rescue education you may sign up for PART 2. This will be a more advanced technician level day (the guy hanging on the rope). We also encourage those who do not plan on hanging from a harness, but wish to learn the process to sign up as well. This course will cover skills that range from Harness familiarization to rappelling off of Watertown Fire Rescue’s 40’ high hose tower. We will also cover patient packaging using a stokes basket. We hope to see you there! PPE Requirements: Helmet, Gloves, Boots Class Limit 10

Small Engines ADVANCED Troubleshooting and Repair - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Greg Kock
    Education and Credentials A.A.S. in Diesel Technology at Lake Area Technical College Diploma in Small Business at Allied University A.A.S. in General Studies at Mitchell Technical College B.A. in Technical Leadership/Management at University of South Dakota Bio: Greg Kock earned a diploma in Diesel Technology & Management from Lake Area Tech and an AAS degree in Technical Studies from Mitchell Technical College. He is ASE Master Certified in Medium/Heavy Truck, holds ESCO A/C Certification Section 608, MACS A/C Certification Section 608, and is also OSHA certified. Kock has more than 20 years of experience in the diesel technology industry including experience as a heavy equipment mechanic, business owner, and instructor.
Summary
The small engines Advanced Troubleshooting and Repair Class will cover field expediated troubleshooting as well as in-depth shop troubleshooting and repair, we will also discuss common wear and replacement items for small engines utilized in fire departments.  Students attending this class should have attended previous small engine repair courses or have a very good understanding of engine operation and theory. If your department has a piece of equipment that isn't running properly, bring it along and if class time allows perhaps it can be repaired during class! Special Note: Advanced Small Engine Repair will be offered on Saturday only PPE/Equipment Requirements: Safety Glasses Class Limit 16

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course - EVOC - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Brad Georgeson
    I’ve been a member of Hurley Volunteer Fire Department since 1999 and served as Chief since 2009 and a few years as 2nd Asst. Chief previous to that. I was hired as the emergency manager for Turner County in 2013 and have served as Director since that time. I am also currently the president of the Turner County Emergency Services Association. I volunteer on Parker Ambulance as well and have been a certified fire instructor since 2009.
Summary
Every responder hopes they will never be involved in an accident when responding to an emergency. This class and driving course will help to show you what's involved while responding with lights and siren. It may also help if the tragic happens and your driving record is called into question. Completing a recognized EVOC class will give you some information on “where to start” with driving first response vehicles. Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) is a classroom and hands-on class that teaches first responders the necessary skills to operate an emergency vehicle safely. We will cover the basic plus more in the class. Bring sunglasses and be prepared to drive the course! HIPPA is also offered as a part of this course, as patient privacy is a big part of our first responder world. This will also get you another step closer to completing your checklist for the SD Ambulance Driver Competencies if you may need to drive an Ambulance. Class Limit - 24

Best Practice Strategy and Tactics in the Electric Vehicle Era - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Dan Miller
    Dan Miller is a retired fire chief and nationally recognized subject mater expert and educator in firefighting, hazardous materials, technical rescue, incident command, and electric vehicle fire tactics. Dan holds degrees in fire science and electronics technology with over 40 years of fire service experience. He is published in Fire Engineering Magazine. Dan began his fire service duties in 1980 with Yutan (Nebraska) Volunteer Fire Dept. where he served for 38 years. He retired as Bat. Chief with Omaha Fire Department in 2018, and was Fire Chief in Columbus, Nebraska for four years before retiring in 2021. Dan is the founder and CEO of Training Under Fire, LLC, and lives in Mead, Nebraska.
Summary
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is growing in every market segment, including passenger vehicles and light trucks, heavy trucks and fleet vehicles, RVs, mass transportation, material handling equipment, heavy equipment, even farm equipment. EV hazards require firefighters to practice effective and safe tactics when approaching ALL modern vehicle incidents. Best Practice Strategy and Tactics in the Electric Vehicle Era includes EV and other modern vehicle hazard awareness, construction techniques, and emergency response strategic and tactical considerations. Situation-specific fire/explosion hazards, systematic hazard elimination, planning for response, suggested operating guidelines, post-fire handling, and hands-on coordinated tactical skills training are included in the training. Learners in this course will demonstrate recognition of high risk of electric vehicle hazards, high-risk situations, proven technology and procedures to reduce risk while improving effectiveness and safety in approach to every vehicle incident in the EV Era. Session will involve hands-on training but no live fire. PPE Requirements: Structural PPE (all participants). SCBA to participate in hands-on tactical exercises. Prerequisites: Firefighter-I certification or equivalent training and experience. Others will be expected to self-identify as non-firefighting participants.

Water Supply Officer - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Mark Davis
    Mark Davis has been involved in the fire service for over 40 years and is the founder and owner of GBW Associates, LLC. Mark is currently a career Battalion Chief with a county fire/rescue service in Maryland and past Fire Chief with his local, rural VFD in Carroll County, Maryland. Mark has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland where he concentrated on fire science and public administration. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), Master Pond Manager, certified State instructor and has been involved in training for over 35 years.
Summary
Got Big Water's 8-hr Water Supply Officer Seminar covers the duties and responsibilities of the fire department Water Supply Officer in both the emergent and non-emergent setting as described in NFPA 1142 Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Firefighting Ed 2022. The seminar reviews ISO's water supply requirements, the components of municipal water systems, the development of alternative water supplies, the testing and inspection of water supply system components, the use of water supply vehicles, water supply pre-planning, and the Water Supply Group (Officer) function in ICS. The seminar uses a combination of classroom and practical skill activities to develop the participant's water supply knowledge and to prepare folks to serve as a fire department's Water Supply Officer.

SDFA MLFTU TRAIN THE TRAINER - SENIOR Live Fire Instructor - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Summary
Participants must have a minimum 3 years of experience as a SD or other Accredited Fire Service Instructor and must be a current member of the South Dakota Society of Fire Service Instructors. Class will be roughly 8 hours in length. This class covers all of the material contained in the LEAD Level Class in addition to detail on trailer operation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. If you take the SENIOR level class you do not need to take the LEAD level class. Day will start with classroom session covering Overview, SOGs, Best practices, Theory of Operation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Safety, Daily Checklists, Sensor Calibration, Etc... Following the classroom session hands on training with the trailer Setup/Operation/Shutdown guided by instructors, after lunch Setup/Operation/Shutdown done by class participants. Participants will be given the opportunity to operate the unit, and participate in some basic fire suppression evolutions to experience behavior of the fire props Recommend work boots and gloves for Setup/Shutdown activities and Full Structural PPE with SCBA and spare cylinder.

Heavy Rescue/Stabilization & Extrication - Sat.

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Austin Lesmann
  • Jayden Casavant
  • Karter Lesmann
    Fire Chief in Burlington, ND for 10 years.  FF1 & FF2 Certified.  Courage to Be Safe Instructor, Extrication, Big Rig, Haz-Mat Ops and State Certification Tester.
  • Ty Uthe
Summary
Karter Lesmann says we are going to have one hell of a good yet hard class. The instructor, Karter Lesmann, Austin Lesmann, Ty Uthe, and Jayden Casavant will be leading more than one scenario at a time. Students will be doing lots of cutting and heavy work. The will run two scenarios at a time with semi-trailers, heavy farm equipment, tractors and lots of tunneling into cars. Be prepared for who knows what type of “accident” you might be working. The will have all the props ready for the students to work their tails off. It will be two 8-hour classes. Proper PPE will be required. PPE Requirements: Structural PPE or Rescue PPE, Helmet, Gloves & Eye Protection.

Pump Operations - Sat. AM

Saturday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Christopher Noeldner - Firefighter/Paramedic
    Chris Noeldner has been a career firefighter paramedic with Watertown Fire Rescue since 2001. Chris has been teaching pump operations in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota for the last 10 years with the mobile training simulator built by FD International. He started his firefighting career as a volunteer and has worked with many career and volunteer departments to design training for their response.
Summary
This is an operations class for all levels from beginner to advanced. During the classroom portion of the class, students will learn why handlines and hose lays are pumped at designed pressures. They will learn how to react to emergency situations that happen on a fireground, such as a kinked or ruptured line. They will also learn how to figure friction loss. Students will be taught how to operate both electronic pressure governors and pressure relief valve type control systems. Students will then conduct hands-on training on a fire engine to see how to recognize situations that are happening on the hose lines. There will also be discussions on relay pumping, static and pressurized water supplies. Class Limit - 12

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know About Gas Leaks - Sat. AM

Saturday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Jerry Knapp
    Jerry Knapp is a 39-year veteran firefighter/EMT with the West Haverstraw (NY) Fire Department and a training officer at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona, New York. He is a member of the technical panel for the Underwriters Laboratories research on interior and exterior fire attack at residential fires. He is the chief of the Rockland County (NY) Hazmat Team and a former nationally certified paramedic. He has a degree in fire protection and is an adjunct professor of fire technology. He authored the Fire Attack chapter in Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II and has had numerous articles published in Fire Engineering.
Summary
You don’t know what you don’t know about gas leaks. This training is based on what I did not know that almost killed me when the routine gas leak caused the house to explode, nearly killing me while operating with my volunteer FD. Natural gas and propane emergencies are very dangerous alarms. Our training and SOPs are often weak so gas emergencies don’t get the respect they require until a response goes bad. Bring your departments 4 gas meter and/or your combustible gas detector for hands on use in our table top explosion chamber to help you understand its uses and limitations. This fast paced class is practical, hands on, interactive, fact filled, reality based, back to basics program that covers what fire officers and firefighters need to know about natural gas and propane emergencies. Focus is on our mission of life safety for civilians, protection of our members using the kill box concept and tactical use of sweeping search procedures in very dangerous conditions. Take homes from this program include: understanding your current gas detector, FD use of new laser gas detectors, new tactics/strategies and sample/model SOPs. South Dakota Approved EMS Training Hours - 4 (4 hours Operations) Class Limit - 26

Pump Operations - Sat. PM

Saturday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Christopher Noeldner - Firefighter/Paramedic
    Chris Noeldner has been a career firefighter paramedic with Watertown Fire Rescue since 2001. Chris has been teaching pump operations in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota for the last 10 years with the mobile training simulator built by FD International. He started his firefighting career as a volunteer and has worked with many career and volunteer departments to design training for their response.
Summary
This is an operations class for all levels from beginner to advanced. During the classroom portion of the class, students will learn why handlines and hose lays are pumped at designed pressures. They will learn how to react to emergency situations that happen on a fireground, such as a kinked or ruptured line. They will also learn how to figure friction loss. Students will be taught how to operate both electronic pressure governors and pressure relief valve type control systems. Students will then conduct hands-on training on a fire engine to see how to recognize situations that are happening on the hose lines. There will also be discussions on relay pumping, static and pressurized water supplies. Class Limit - 12

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know About Gas Leaks - Sat. PM

Saturday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • Jerry Knapp
    Jerry Knapp is a 39-year veteran firefighter/EMT with the West Haverstraw (NY) Fire Department and a training officer at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona, New York. He is a member of the technical panel for the Underwriters Laboratories research on interior and exterior fire attack at residential fires. He is the chief of the Rockland County (NY) Hazmat Team and a former nationally certified paramedic. He has a degree in fire protection and is an adjunct professor of fire technology. He authored the Fire Attack chapter in Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II and has had numerous articles published in Fire Engineering.
Summary
You don’t know what you don’t know about gas leaks. This training is based on what I did not know that almost killed me when the routine gas leak caused the house to explode, nearly killing me while operating with my volunteer FD. Natural gas and propane emergencies are very dangerous alarms. Our training and SOPs are often weak so gas emergencies don’t get the respect they require until a response goes bad. Bring your departments 4 gas meter and/or your combustible gas detector for hands on use in our table top explosion chamber to help you understand its uses and limitations. This fast paced class is practical, hands on, interactive, fact filled, reality based, back to basics program that covers what fire officers and firefighters need to know about natural gas and propane emergencies. Focus is on our mission of life safety for civilians, protection of our members using the kill box concept and tactical use of sweeping search procedures in very dangerous conditions. Take homes from this program include: understanding your current gas detector, FD use of new laser gas detectors, new tactics/strategies and sample/model SOPs. South Dakota Approved EMS Training Hours - 4 (4 hours Operations) Class Limit - 26

SDFA Updates & Happenings - Sat. PM

Saturday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Location
LATC
Speakers
  • South Dakota Firefighters Association
    Discussion will be facilitated by SDFA Board Member(s)
Summary
Join us for a discussion-based roundtable on current and future happenings with the SDFA and the South Dakota Fire Service. Discussion Topics to include, but not limited to: o SDFA Membership Costs/Benefits o SDFA Moible Live Fire Training Units - (MLFTU) - SB51 o GrowthZone Association Management Software, Membership Billing, Event Registration, Members Info-Hub, electronic benefits for Member Departments Class Limit - 26
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