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SD State Fire School 2026 (140th Annual) Sessions

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Certified Fire Instructors Class

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

Speakers
  • South Dakota Fire Marshal Staff
Summary
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.

Moral and Spiritual Injury: Implications for First Responders

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

Speakers
  • Ed Hatcher
  • Rodney Veldhuizen
Summary
Moral injury (MI) refers to the enduring psychosocial and spiritual harms that can result from exposure to situations or events that occur in high stakes situations that involve transgression of one’s deeply held moral convictions of right and wrong, and perceived betrayal by those in positions of authority. First responders are routinely, asked to make life and death decisions in the course of their career. This class covers the distinction between moral and spiritual injuries , and other stress related injuries, how to assess such injuries, and ways to address such injuries. This class is particularly relevant to chaplains, peer support, mental health, and leadership.

Truckless Truckie

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

Speakers
  • Pheasant Country FOOLS
    The Pheasant Country FOOLS instructor cadre is made up of firemen from Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Watertown and Yankton. We’ve had the opportunity to instruct at SD State Fire School every year since 2015 and have had opportunity to instruct at Rushmore Fire Conference, Lex Lukert Fire Conference, Pheasant Country Firemanship Conference and numerous SD District Fire Schools. While our instructors come from a variety of departments through a variety of ranks, they all share in common their passion for the fire service and sharing what they have learned in their careers.
Summary
There are certain tasks that must be accomplished on every fireground. Traditionally these tasks are broken down between engine company tasks and truck company tasks, yet, the majority of the American Fire Service do not have designated truck companies. The Truckless Truckie is a two day class that allows participants to learn how we efficiently and aggressively perform these essential tasks while operating from an engine and with limited staffing. Day 1 of the 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. Day 2 we bring the heat. Participants will put the skills from day 1 to the test in live fire scenarios. Participants will be confronted with real smoke and heat as we put them through a variety of scenarios of increasing difficulty as the day progresses. 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 application. • Reinforce and apply new knowledge and skills through application during realistic scenarios while increasing perceived stress levels with application of live fire scenarios. 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. Participants need to come to each day well rested, well hydrated and willing to push themselves to the limit. It is strongly suggested participants are in good physical shape Participants MUST be at a minimum SD FF 1 certified, or an equivalent. Participants must provide their on structural firefighting PPE including SCBA and a suggested spare cylinder. On day 2, all participants MUST be clean shaven to allow for proper fit of SCBA mask. Any participant that does not meet the requirements, will not be allowed to participant in the live burns.

Advanced Vehicle Rescue/Extrication

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • MIKE ELIASON
    Mike Eliason is a Lieutenant with the City of Aberdeen Fire/Rescue and has been on the department for over 23 years. Prior to his employment with Aberdeen Fire/Rescue, Mike received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Fire Science from Northland Community and Technical College in E. Grand Forks MN. He is an active SD State Fire Instructor, having taught various Fire/Rescue classes at several SD Sate and District Fire Schools. Mike also teaches the SD State Certified Firefighter and Driver/Operator programs to local fire agencies, usually administering multiple classes each year.
Summary
This class will cover advanced vehicle extrication using struts, cribbing, hand tools and hydraulic tools. Heavy rescue techniques will be demonstrated and performed. Students will be doing lots of cutting and heavy work. Scenarios with semi-trailers, heavy farm equipment, tractors and lots of tunneling into cars. Be prepared for who-knows-what type of accidents you might be working, Students should have the basic vehicle extrication completed. PPE- full structure or rescue gear including helmet, steel toed boots, gloves, eye protection.

Basic Vehicle Extrication

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Jeremy Scott
Summary
This course provides basics hands-on training for fire and rescue personnel in size-up, stabilization, hazard control, patient access, disentanglement, and scene control techniques at automobile accidents. The course will begin with a PowerPoint presentation & classroom discussion. This classroom section will cover the different types of vehicles which rescuers may encounter and the techniques employed for a successful rescue. The afternoon portion of the class will focus on hands-on training utilizing various extrication tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed on proper choice, placement, and use of equipment available locally. NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, fire boots or leather safety toe boots, safety glasses, gloves, coveralls, or turnout gear for the hands-on portion of the class.

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course - EVOC

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Brad Georgeson
    I've been a member of Hurley Volunteer Fire Department since 1999 and had served as Chief for 15 years as well as Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief and training officer positions. I have been the Director for Turner County Emergency Management since 2013 and have recently added Hutchinson County Emergency Management as Director in 2025. I am also currently the president of the Turner County Emergency Services Association. I also volunteer on Parker Ambulance and Menno Fire Department. I 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

Flashover Simulator/Live Fire Training

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

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

Grain Entrapment / Rescue

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

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

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires-An Overview

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Webster Marshall
    Firefighter since 2001. Work experience in different sized municipal fire departments. Retired from full time shift work in Jan 2025. I am formerly a full time Lieutenant at the Gwinnett County Fire Department and currently a Captain at the Jackson Trail Fire Department also. I serve as Director of Research for the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation and sit as a principal voting member of NFPA 1970 and NFPA 1850. I Co-Founded Command and Control in 2021 with my father-My Idol. I most recently became the VP of Business Development and Research for Full Circle Lithium in Feb 2025 where I conduct research into energy based fires as well as teach on the dynamic changes they present to the modern fire service.
Summary
In this course, we present information on battery chemistries and construction/architecture, as well as emerging applications where responders may encounter this technology. We also examine what occurs when lithium-ion batteries are exposed to fire, either directly or indirectly. The course further proposes and demonstrates a range of fire suppression techniques for effective response and mitigation. In addition, we discuss remediation processes that can be implemented once a fire has been successfully controlled and extinguished. The hands-on demonstration portion of the course includes live fire suppression scenarios involving operational lithium-ion batteries. During these scenarios, batteries are intentionally driven into thermal runaway and extinguished using various suppression techniques. After each burn, we examine and discuss the actions taken, along with the components identified in each battery system. Finally, the course covers on-scene operational considerations, with a focus on exposure reduction through appropriate on-scene decontamination techniques.

No Gimmicks Handline Management

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Stone Face FOOLS
    The StoneFace F.O.O.L.S derive from like-minded individuals that are determined to be a catalyst for fire service, progression, proficiency and professionalism. We do this through upholding the tradition and passion of those who came before us, both career and volunteer alike.
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. Over the past 4 years, this Class has been taught to over 300 firefighters in the state of South Dakota. Register and come see what all the fuss is about!

Reading the Building: Building FACTS and Size-up on Main Streets

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Christopher Naum
    Chief Christopher J. Naum, SFPE Chief of Training, Command Institute, Center for Fireground Leadership Technical Consultant, NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation Program Fireground Command & Operations Consultant A 50-year fire service veteran, a highly regarded national-international instructor, author, lecturer and fire officer, he’s a distinguished authority on building construction issues affecting the fireground operations, command and tactics and has traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally delivering training programs on building construction and firefighting, command and operational safety for over thirty-nine years. He’s the Chief of Training for the Command Institute, served as a Vice President with the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and a past member of the Board of Directors, IAFC Safety, Health & Survival Section. A former command fire officer, architect and fire protection engineer, he was the 1987 ISFSI-Fire Engineering Magazine George D. Post National Fire Instructor of the Year, and is a Technical Consultant, Advisor and Subject Matter Expert to the NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation Program. He has been a Contributing Content Editor and Contributor to Fire Engineering Magazine, FireEnginering.com, FireFighterNation.com and previously with Fire-Rescue Magazine and currently hosts the monthly podcast-webcast program; Buildingsonfire’s Taking it to the Streets on FireEngineering.com. He is the publisher of the new Building Construction video-gram series and the accompaniment Reading the Building Info-grams on the Clarion Event’s Fire Engineering platforms, Buildingsonfire’s A View from the Street Reading Buildings focusing exclusively on Building Construction issued affecting fireground risks, operations and command. In addition. He served as an adjunct Instructor with the National Fire Academy and a National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, Everyone Goes Home Firefighter Safety Advocate. He is a sought-after national keynote speaker, instructor and presenter and has served as an FDIC General Session Keynote speaker. He is highly recognized for his innovative training lecture series, integrating Building Construction Sciences and Fireground Operations taking the classroom onto urban city streets to fully examine and study the built environment with Building Reads and their direct relationship in fireground command, risks, tactics and safety. He been a NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program technical expert contributing in-depth insights on building performance, structural compromise and collapse and operational recommendations to numerous line- of-duty death reports over the past fifteen years. His supporting report graphics and illustrations have added tremendous value to the report findings and recommendations supporting his comprehensive insights and analysis. He has been a contributing author, presenter, and podcast host on numerous fire service websites, publications, and conferences in the United States and Internationally.
Summary
Reading the Building: Building FACTS and Size-up on Main Streets; Watertown, SD Returning again in 2026; Presenting the signature Reading the Buildings program taking the classroom to the streets with insights on building construction for today’s fire service, this program increases awareness and understandings to promote new skill sets in the fundamentals of building size-up, risk assessments and construction that directly impact firefighting and command operations at structure fires. This unique program will consist of a walking tour on select streets and within various buildings in downtown Watertown; Reading Buildings, developing size-up skills while looking at a variety of building types, occupancies, risks and vintage-eras of structures, all while discussing operations, risks and building hazards with curb side conversation. The program will start with a morning classroom lecture incorporating the Buildingsonfire FACTS concept for First-Arriving Construction, Tactics and Safety looking at integrate tactical risks and key considerations for the First-Due Company, Company Officer and Commander affecting and influencing operational risk management, with benchmarks, tactical window protocols based upon occupancy risks, building reads/size-up and adaptive management principles. Followed by the afternoon facilitated walking tour and curb-side conversations on the Streets of Watertown looking at a variety of building types, discussing operations, risks and building hazards with curb-side conversation. This program is for all ranks and experience levels.

Rope Rescue, Basic

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

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

Rural Firefighting Tactics

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • 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.
  • 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.
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.

Rural Water Supply Operations

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Mark Davis
    Mark Davis has been involved in the fire service for 40+ years and is the founder and owner of GBW Associates, LLC. Mark is a retired Battalion Chief from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in Maryland and former volunteer Fire Chief with the Winfield Community VFD in Carroll County, Maryland. Mark has both a bachelors and a master 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
This one-day class focuses on the best practices of hauling water with tenders for structural fire fighting operations. Split between 4 hours of classroom review and 4-hours of practical skill work, the class reviews topics such as fire flow demand, types of water hauling vehicles, rural hitch operations, dump tank operations, fill site operations, and water shuttle considerations. Practical exercises include work on nurse tanker, dump site operations, and water shuttles set-up.

SCBA Confidence Course

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Dalton Axelsen
    My name is Dalton Axelsen, I have been with Watertown Fire Rescue since 2017 and was a volunteer in Aurora prior. I am currently an FAO/Medic with WFR. I'm also a member of the Pheasant Country FOOLS, Firefighter Skill Mastery and an adjunct instructor for the Med/Fire Rescue program at LATC.
Summary
This class is a down and dirty basic firefighter confidence class. We start out slow by just getting comfortable moving in the gear and slowly adding survival skill sets. By the end of the day, you will be crawling through a multi-level maze built into the basement of the WFR smoke house. We will find and test your limits while wearing full PPE and SCBA. While this course is designed for newer firefighters, all skill levels are welcome and encouraged. PPE Required: Full Bunker Gear including SCBA. An additional air tank would be helpful. Class Limit - 15

SDFA MLFTU - SENIOR Live Fire Instructor

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

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 16 hours in length.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know About Gas Leaks

Friday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Jerry Knapp
    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. Class Limit - 26

Reading Smoke for Tactical Decision Making

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Benjamin Willey
    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 20yo and studying nursing at North Dakota State University and Ella who is 18yo and a senior in the Fargo Public School District. Ella plans to study journalism at UND. 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.

Operational Decision Making - From the Chief to the Back Seat

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Jake Jorgenson
    Jake Jorgenson has served 18 years in the fire service. With 16 years at Watertown Fire Rescue. He is currently serving as a Lieutenant. He also teaches at Lake Area Technical College's Med Fire Rescue Program. Jake has had articles published by Fire Engineering Magazine and Firefighter Nation and has been a guest on the Fire Engineering Podcast Show Tactical Impact.
Summary
When the tones go off, the clock starts. The public expects us to respond quickly, operate efficiently, and make the right decisions under pressure. This course focuses on how to operate effectively and decisively on the fireground—from the Incident Commander to the firefighter on the nozzle. Drawing from research and proven best practices, including UL Fire Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI), Mastering Fireground Command, the Firefighter Rescue Survey, and other sources, this class breaks down fireground operations in a practical, actionable way. We will talk about: What needs to be done Why it needs to be done When and how it should be executed Tactics will be discussed at every operational level, ensuring clarity in roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Once core tactics are understood, we will focus on prioritization and decision making under varying staffing conditions. Some departments have the manpower to perform multiple fireground functions simultaneously, while others must operate sequentially. This course addresses how to prioritize effectively based on your department’s resources and response capabilities. Participants will conclude the class by working through multiple simulated fireground scenarios tailored to their own department’s staffing and response model, reinforcing practical application and operational confidence.

Rural Success: Winning With The Engine You Have, Not The Engine You Want

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Brandon Fletcher
    Brandon Fletcher is the Chief of the Gilt Edge Fire Department in Tennessee and a 25-year student of the fire service. He is a second-generation firefighter with a background as both a volunteer and career firefighter in the rural, suburban, and airport/industrial settings. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee Martin and is a graduate of the Texas A&M Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) program. He is a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy and the Center for Domestic Preparedness, working in the HazMat programs for both organizations. Brandon has also served as a member of the Fire Service Occupational Safety (NFPA 1550) and Fire Officer Professional Qualifications (NFPA 1020) technical committees.
Summary
Building the perfect engine for your department is a challenge that many would love the opportunity to solve! Unfortunately, the opportunity is rarely afforded to departments operating in rural environments. Many rural departments operate with rigs that are 15, 20, or even 30-plus years old. These rigs may have been purchased new by the department, but it’s also common for them to have been built for another department and then purchased used or donated to the current department. In both cases, departments are using rigs that were purpose-built for another department/jurisdiction, or built for their department’s needs 20 or more years ago. Regardless of the situation, the expectation is that we perform with the equipment we have! This class will examine the necessary equipment, strategies and mindset to win with the equipment we have in the rural fire environment. Students will leave class with proven concepts they can take back to their departments to enhance fire attack and water supply training, efficiency, and capabilities.

Bad Leaders, Inherited Teams, and The Wrong People in The Right Positions

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Calen Maningas
    As a Battalion Chief and 17-year member of the Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD), Chief Maningas has been a leadership catalyst with a traditional yet progressive organization. Serving in Fire and EMS Operations, Chief Maningas leads a shift of 46 members operating out of seven stations. He serves as a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy (NFA), including the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program, is a member of the South Dakota State Fire Marshals Advisory Board, and a nationally published author and speaker. Chief Maningas has been featured at Fire Rescue International (FRI) and Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) – Excellence Conference as well as works directly with departments on Strategic Leadership and Visionary Planning. Chief Maningas founded Community Risk Reduction initiatives for the city, lead regional rescue teams, instructs high-risk disciplines, and leads Professional Development.
Summary
We all have different descriptions of what good leadership is but we can all agree upon what bad leadership feels like. What do we do when we are working for a bad leader. How to we navigate, influence, and still affect change when we have all the responsibility to execute on orders without the input on when, why, and how. What about an organization who has the incorrect person in a mission critical position, “wrong person, right seat?” Do they still have value and who is responsible for their actions? What about inheriting a team we did not choose? Do we want the members on that team? Or better yet, do they even want us? Building on the 2024 CPSE session Failure in you KSA’s: Idle Ignorance is Limiting your Organization, this session will actively engage the members through discussion and real-world incidents to understand why how we can use influence, feedback, confrontation, and crucial candor to affect change. (Missed the 2024 session? No worries, this session will catch you up.) Understand how self-leadership plays a role in bad leaders

Fire and the Media 101: What to Say when You’re in the Hot Seat

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Steve Long
    Steve Long - During 25 years as a local TV News Anchor/Reporter Steve was honored with 40 awards for journalistic excellence. He is now the PIO for SD Wildland Fire. He has been blessed to learn from PIO teams on fires in multiple states. At a 2025 fire in Minnesota the National Incident Management Team (NIMO) entrusted him with training 2 upcoming leaders for media interviews.
  • Brad Reiners
    Brad Reiners, ABC - Communications Director/South Dakota Dept. of Public Safety Brad is an accredited business communicator with the Intl. Assoc. of Business Communicators. His lengthy career has included roles as a TV Newscast Director and many years working in corporate communications for international companies, specializing in public brand promotions.
Summary
Participants in this hands-on class will learn how to prepare for a media interview including formulating great answers and building confidence in front of the camera. Use what you learn practicing in mock interview scenarios to be ready for the real deal. From writing press releases to posting on social media, participants will take away templates, tips and strategies for succeeding with the media.

Volunteer Fire Department Need to Know

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Douglas Hinkle
    Doug is the State Fire Marshal and also serves on Pierre as the Chief of Pierre Rural
Summary
This Class will be an overview and discussion about the laws, standards and ordinances specifically pertaining to the fire service. Laws, standards and ordinances promulgated at the federal, state and some local levels. Recommended for those personnel that are in management positions with fire department operations, fire prevention/code enforcement or those that deal with building fire and life safety issues as well as the up-and-coming firefighting officers.

Traffic Incident Management, TIMS

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Kenneth Marks
    Kenny Marks is a member of Pierre Rural and City Fire Department for over 20 years. He has been involved in single resident and commercial structure to multi building fires. He has been involved in small wildland fires to very large national grass and forest fires.
Summary
TIMS Traffic Incident Management System, TIMS will help in the coordinated response of multi agencies, and clear traffic incidents so that traffic flow may be restored as safely and quickly as possible. If done right TIMS will reduce the time and length the incident has on other motorists, victims involved and emergency personal that are on scene, allowing you to get home safe to your families.

Pump Operations

Friday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Jack Volz
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

Reading Smoke for Tactical Decision Making

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Benjamin Willey
    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 20yo and studying nursing at North Dakota State University and Ella who is 18yo and a senior in the Fargo Public School District. Ella plans to study journalism at UND. 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.

Operational Decision Making - From the Chief to the Back Seat

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Jake Jorgenson
    Jake Jorgenson has served 18 years in the fire service. With 16 years at Watertown Fire Rescue. He is currently serving as a Lieutenant. He also teaches at Lake Area Technical College's Med Fire Rescue Program. Jake has had articles published by Fire Engineering Magazine and Firefighter Nation and has been a guest on the Fire Engineering Podcast Show Tactical Impact.
Summary
When the tones go off, the clock starts. The public expects us to respond quickly, operate efficiently, and make the right decisions under pressure. This course focuses on how to operate effectively and decisively on the fireground—from the Incident Commander to the firefighter on the nozzle. Drawing from research and proven best practices, including UL Fire Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI), Mastering Fireground Command, the Firefighter Rescue Survey, and other sources, this class breaks down fireground operations in a practical, actionable way. We will talk about: What needs to be done Why it needs to be done When and how it should be executed Tactics will be discussed at every operational level, ensuring clarity in roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Once core tactics are understood, we will focus on prioritization and decision making under varying staffing conditions. Some departments have the manpower to perform multiple fireground functions simultaneously, while others must operate sequentially. This course addresses how to prioritize effectively based on your department’s resources and response capabilities. Participants will conclude the class by working through multiple simulated fireground scenarios tailored to their own department’s staffing and response model, reinforcing practical application and operational confidence.

Shaping Your Volunteer Fire Department to Fit Today's Expectations

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Brandon Fletcher
    Brandon Fletcher is the Chief of the Gilt Edge Fire Department in Tennessee and a 25-year student of the fire service. He is a second-generation firefighter with a background as both a volunteer and career firefighter in the rural, suburban, and airport/industrial settings. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee Martin and is a graduate of the Texas A&M Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) program. He is a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy and the Center for Domestic Preparedness, working in the HazMat programs for both organizations. Brandon has also served as a member of the Fire Service Occupational Safety (NFPA 1550) and Fire Officer Professional Qualifications (NFPA 1020) technical committees.
Summary
Is your Volunteer fire department struggling to maintain relevance in our changing society? Does your current service delivery model meet the needs and expectations of your community? Are you struggling to recruit, train, and retain members? Each day, it seems the news feeds contain a story about a volunteer department closing its doors, facing financial trouble, or, worse, legal trouble. There appears to be widespread panic about the critical shortage of volunteers. Does it have to be this way? In this class, we will examine how industry and societal trends impact today's volunteer fire service, take a hard look at the way we've always done it, as well as share and develop alternative ways to recruit, market, lead, train, and manage our departments and members.

Limits: Leadership Lessons Command and Control Will Not Teach You

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Calen Maningas
    You have been trained your whole career to lead by command and control. On the fireground you have perfected this leadership style yet you are finding that you do not have the same results leading the organization. Our world around us has changed but our leadership style has not. The Hard Skills learned during emergency operations does not translate into the Soft Skills required to lead people. We can no longer lead our organizations from an “I say, you do” mentality. With multiple generations working in our departments and a changing desire for work as a whole, we must lead through Influence and Inspiration. Understanding that through our members, we can innovate, collaborate, and create a belonging based on why we exist. This session will actively engage the members through discussion and real-world incidents to understand why we must shift our leadership, the barriers we will encounter, and how to be an Influential and Inspiring Leader. OBJ: •Understand the leadership change of command and control to influence and inspire •Identify the barriers and resistance we will meet and how to walk through them •Act on the steps to become an influential and Inspiring leader
Summary
As a Battalion Chief and 17-year member of the Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD), Chief Maningas has been a leadership catalyst with a traditional yet progressive organization. Serving in Fire and EMS Operations, Chief Maningas leads a shift of 46 members operating out of seven stations. He serves as a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy (NFA), including the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program, is a member of the South Dakota State Fire Marshals Advisory Board, and a nationally published author and speaker. Chief Maningas has been featured at Fire Rescue International (FRI) and Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) – Excellence Conference as well as works directly with departments on Strategic Leadership and Visionary Planning. Chief Maningas founded Community Risk Reduction initiatives for the city, lead regional rescue teams, instructs high-risk disciplines, and leads Professional Development. Having Masters in Executive Leadership, designated a Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE): Chief Fire Officer (CFO), and graduating the NFA: EFO as a key leading candidate, Chief lives in the divide between leader-follower and leader-leader fire service. He is committed to adding value to the community by producing leaders who provide above expectation services, living by the philosophy that the example set should surpass the authority given.

Traffic Incident Management, TIMS

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Kenneth Marks
    Kenny Marks is a member of Pierre Rural and City Fire Department for over 20 years. He has been involved in single resident and commercial structure to multi building fires. He has been involved in small wildland fires to very large national grass and forest fires.
Summary
TIMS Traffic Incident Management System, TIMS will help in the coordinated response of multi agencies, and clear traffic incidents so that traffic flow may be restored as safely and quickly as possible. If done right TIMS will reduce the time and length the incident has on other motorists, victims involved and emergency personal that are on scene, allowing you to get home safe to your families.

Pump Operations

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Jack Volz
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

NERIS/Incident Reports

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Douglas Hinkle
    Doug is the State Fire Marshal and also serves on Pierre as the Chief of Pierre Rural
Summary
Emergency Incident Reporting for the United States, including the State of South Dakota Fire Departments, are changing. A new system is being developed by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, in Collaboration with the United States Fire Administration (USFA). This new system is called NERIS (National Emergency Response Information System) and it is replacing the legacy NFIRS (National Fire Incident Reporting System) as the primary reporting tool for fire and emergency response. Information will be shared on how your department can prepare for this modernization. What current incident information you need to save and backup, and a look into how to do incident reports in the future. All SD fire departments will eventually be onboarded onto the new system, some fire departments may be onboarded anytime in 2025 and every fire department will need to start using it beginning of January 2026.

Halligan Tools & Digital Rules: A Fire Dept’s Guide to Social Media and AI

Friday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Nicolas Weisenbach

Grain Entrapment / Rescue

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

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

Emergency Vehicle Operator Course - EVOC

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Brad Georgeson
    I've been a member of Hurley Volunteer Fire Department since 1999 and had served as Chief for 15 years as well as Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief and training officer positions. I have been the Director for Turner County Emergency Management since 2013 and have recently added Hutchinson County Emergency Management as Director in 2025. I am also currently the president of the Turner County Emergency Services Association. I also volunteer on Parker Ambulance and Menno Fire Department. I 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

SCBA Confidence Course

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Dalton Axelsen
    My name is Dalton Axelsen, I have been with Watertown Fire Rescue since 2017 and was a volunteer in Aurora prior. I am currently an FAO/Medic with WFR. I'm also a member of the Pheasant Country FOOLS, Firefighter Skill Mastery and an adjunct instructor for the Med/Fire Rescue program at LATC.
Summary
This class is a down and dirty basic firefighter confidence class. We start out slow by just getting comfortable moving in the gear and slowly adding survival skill sets. By the end of the day, you will be crawling through a multi-level maze built into the basement of the WFR smoke house. We will find and test your limits while wearing full PPE and SCBA. While this course is designed for newer firefighters, all skill levels are welcome and encouraged. PPE Required: Full Bunker Gear including SCBA. An additional air tank would be helpful. Class Limit - 15

Flashover Simulator/Live Fire Training

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

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

Rural Water Supply Operations

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Mark Davis
    Mark Davis has been involved in the fire service for 40+ years and is the founder and owner of GBW Associates, LLC. Mark is a retired Battalion Chief from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in Maryland and former volunteer Fire Chief with the Winfield Community VFD in Carroll County, Maryland. Mark has both a bachelors and a master 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
This one-day class focuses on the best practices of hauling water with tenders for structural fire fighting operations. Split between 4 hours of classroom review and 4-hours of practical skill work, the class reviews topics such as fire flow demand, types of water hauling vehicles, rural hitch operations, dump tank operations, fill site operations, and water shuttle considerations. Practical exercises include work on nurse tanker, dump site operations, and water shuttles set-up.

No Gimmicks Handline Management

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Stone Face FOOLS
    The StoneFace F.O.O.L.S derive from like-minded individuals that are determined to be a catalyst for fire service, progression, proficiency and professionalism. We do this through upholding the tradition and passion of those who came before us, both career and volunteer alike.
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. Over the past 4 years, this Class has been taught to over 300 firefighters in the state of South Dakota. Register and come see what all the fuss is about!

Firefighting Essentials

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Steve Oberle
    Steven Oberle, 32 year volunteer firefighter all for the Tea Volunteer Fire Department. I have been married for 23 years, I have two kids and one grandson. Like a lot of you it was a family thing. My father was in the Tea Fire department so I figured why not try it. I started young in the craft just to help my committee and grew to love the job when the pager goes off. Just. Over the years I've held many positions on Tea Fire, many of those as the Chief, Asst. Chief, Captain, Black Helmet, Public Safety officer, Wildland ENGB. I have a strong passion for training and safety, those two go hand in hand in my eyes. I'm always looking for techniques to help improve my firefighter skills.
  • Eric Andal
Summary
Get ready for an action packed fire training experience. This hands-on class puts you right in the middle of live fire scenarios, real world vehicle extrication, ladder throws, hydrant hookups and general ventilation techniques. Whether you're brand new to the job or a seasoned firefighter, you'll sharpen your skills, try new techniques and train alongside others who love the craft. Instructors keep it fast-paced and practical, and if there's something you want to work on- we'll try and make it happen. No lectures, no fluff- just real training, real fire, and a full day doing the job we're passionate about.

Building the Fire Officer

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • 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.
  • David Radtke
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

Advanced Vehicle Rescue/Extrication

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • MIKE ELIASON
    Mike Eliason is a Lieutenant with the City of Aberdeen Fire/Rescue and has been on the department for over 23 years. Prior to his employment with Aberdeen Fire/Rescue, Mike received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Fire Science from Northland Community and Technical College in E. Grand Forks MN. He is an active SD State Fire Instructor, having taught various Fire/Rescue classes at several SD Sate and District Fire Schools. Mike also teaches the SD State Certified Firefighter and Driver/Operator programs to local fire agencies, usually administering multiple classes each year.
Summary
This class will cover advanced vehicle extrication using struts, cribbing, hand tools and hydraulic tools. Heavy rescue techniques will be demonstrated and performed. Students will be doing lots of cutting and heavy work. Scenarios with semi-trailers, heavy farm equipment, tractors and lots of tunneling into cars. Be prepared for who-knows-what type of accidents you might be working, Students should have the basic vehicle extrication completed. PPE- full structure or rescue gear including helmet, steel toed boots, gloves, eye protection.

Rope Rescue, Advanced

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

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

Reading the Building: Building FACTS and Size-up on Residential Streets

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Christopher Naum
    Chief Christopher J. Naum, SFPE Chief of Training, Command Institute, Center for Fireground Leadership Technical Consultant, NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation Program Fireground Command & Operations Consultant A 50-year fire service veteran, a highly regarded national-international instructor, author, lecturer and fire officer, he’s a distinguished authority on building construction issues affecting the fireground operations, command and tactics and has traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally delivering training programs on building construction and firefighting, command and operational safety for over thirty-nine years. He’s the Chief of Training for the Command Institute, served as a Vice President with the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and a past member of the Board of Directors, IAFC Safety, Health & Survival Section. A former command fire officer, architect and fire protection engineer, he was the 1987 ISFSI-Fire Engineering Magazine George D. Post National Fire Instructor of the Year, and is a Technical Consultant, Advisor and Subject Matter Expert to the NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation Program. He has been a Contributing Content Editor and Contributor to Fire Engineering Magazine, FireEnginering.com, FireFighterNation.com and previously with Fire-Rescue Magazine and currently hosts the monthly podcast-webcast program; Buildingsonfire’s Taking it to the Streets on FireEngineering.com. He is the publisher of the new Building Construction video-gram series and the accompaniment Reading the Building Info-grams on the Clarion Event’s Fire Engineering platforms, Buildingsonfire’s A View from the Street Reading Buildings focusing exclusively on Building Construction issued affecting fireground risks, operations and command. In addition. He served as an adjunct Instructor with the National Fire Academy and a National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, Everyone Goes Home Firefighter Safety Advocate. He is a sought-after national keynote speaker, instructor and presenter and has served as an FDIC General Session Keynote speaker. He is highly recognized for his innovative training lecture series, integrating Building Construction Sciences and Fireground Operations taking the classroom onto urban city streets to fully examine and study the built environment with Building Reads and their direct relationship in fireground command, risks, tactics and safety. He been a NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program technical expert contributing in-depth insights on building performance, structural compromise and collapse and operational recommendations to numerous line- of-duty death reports over the past fifteen years. His supporting report graphics and illustrations have added tremendous value to the report findings and recommendations supporting his comprehensive insights and analysis. He has been a contributing author, presenter, and podcast host on numerous fire service websites, publications, and conferences in the United States and Internationally.
Summary
Reading the Building: Building FACTS and Size-up on Residential Streets; Watertown, SD All NEW for 2026; Presenting the signature Reading the Buildings program taking the classroom to the residential streets with insights on residential buildings and construction, this program increases awareness and understandings to promote new skill sets in the fundamentals of building size-up, risk assessments and construction that directly impact firefighting and command operations at structure fires. This program will focus on a walking tour on select Residential streets and Single, Multiple and SRO occupancies of various buildings in surrounding the downtown Watertown; Reading Buildings, developing size-up skills while looking at a variety of Residential building types, occupancies, risks and vintage-eras of structures, all while discussing operations, risks and building hazards with curb side conversation. The program will start with a morning classroom lecture incorporating the Buildingsonfire FACTS concept for First-Arriving Construction, Tactics and Safety looking at integrate tactical risks and key considerations for the First-Due Company, Company Officer and Commander affecting and influencing operational risk management, with benchmarks, tactical window protocols based upon occupancy risks, building reads/size-up and adaptive management principles. Followed by the afternoon facilitated walking tour and curb-side conversations on the Residential Streets of Watertown looking at a variety of Residential Single and Multiple occupancy housing and building types, discussing operations, risks and building hazards with curb-side conversation. This program is for all ranks and experience levels.

Modern Strategies and Tactics for House Fires

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Jerry Knapp
    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
House fires are our most important alarm. House fires cause 75% of American fire fatalities and are where firefighters are injured/killed. This program will sharpen your tactical knowledge and skills to make you more effective fire officer or firefighter at your next house fire. Topics included are: nozzle techniques for aggressive fire attack, engine set up for rapid attack, search and rescue strategies and a review of critical tactical considerations resulting from $20 million of UL research in residential fires. Case histories of actual successful and unsuccessful fire attack highlight the program. This training updates your tactics for aggressive search and rescue and fire attack for basement fires, first and second floor fires and attic fires.

TIMS-TRAIN THE TRAINER

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Basic Vehicle Extrication

Saturday Full Day Classes - ~8hrs.

Speakers
  • Jeremy Scott
Summary
This course provides basics hands-on training for fire and rescue personnel in size-up, stabilization, hazard control, patient access, disentanglement, and scene control techniques at automobile accidents. The course will begin with a PowerPoint presentation & classroom discussion. This classroom section will cover the different types of vehicles which rescuers may encounter and the techniques employed for a successful rescue. The afternoon portion of the class will focus on hands-on training utilizing various extrication tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed on proper choice, placement, and use of equipment available locally. NOTE: Protective Clothing Required -- Participants must furnish approved helmet, fire boots or leather safety toe boots, safety glasses, gloves, coveralls, or turnout gear for the hands-on portion of the class.

Reading Smoke for Tactical Decision Making

Saturday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Benjamin Willey
    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 20yo and studying nursing at North Dakota State University and Ella who is 18yo and a senior in the Fargo Public School District. Ella plans to study journalism at UND. 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.

Operational Decision Making - From the Chief to the Back Seat

Saturday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Jake Jorgenson
    Jake Jorgenson has served 18 years in the fire service. With 16 years at Watertown Fire Rescue. He is currently serving as a Lieutenant. He also teaches at Lake Area Technical College's Med Fire Rescue Program. Jake has had articles published by Fire Engineering Magazine and Firefighter Nation and has been a guest on the Fire Engineering Podcast Show Tactical Impact.
Summary
When the tones go off, the clock starts. The public expects us to respond quickly, operate efficiently, and make the right decisions under pressure. This course focuses on how to operate effectively and decisively on the fireground—from the Incident Commander to the firefighter on the nozzle. Drawing from research and proven best practices, including UL Fire Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI), Mastering Fireground Command, the Firefighter Rescue Survey, and other sources, this class breaks down fireground operations in a practical, actionable way. We will talk about: What needs to be done Why it needs to be done When and how it should be executed Tactics will be discussed at every operational level, ensuring clarity in roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Once core tactics are understood, we will focus on prioritization and decision making under varying staffing conditions. Some departments have the manpower to perform multiple fireground functions simultaneously, while others must operate sequentially. This course addresses how to prioritize effectively based on your department’s resources and response capabilities. Participants will conclude the class by working through multiple simulated fireground scenarios tailored to their own department’s staffing and response model, reinforcing practical application and operational confidence.

Rural Success: Winning With The Engine You Have, Not The Engine You Want

Saturday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Brandon Fletcher
    Brandon Fletcher is the Chief of the Gilt Edge Fire Department in Tennessee and a 25-year student of the fire service. He is a second-generation firefighter with a background as both a volunteer and career firefighter in the rural, suburban, and airport/industrial settings. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee Martin and is a graduate of the Texas A&M Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) program. He is a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy and the Center for Domestic Preparedness, working in the HazMat programs for both organizations. Brandon has also served as a member of the Fire Service Occupational Safety (NFPA 1550) and Fire Officer Professional Qualifications (NFPA 1020) technical committees.
Summary
Building the perfect engine for your department is a challenge that many would love the opportunity to solve! Unfortunately, the opportunity is rarely afforded to departments operating in rural environments. Many rural departments operate with rigs that are 15, 20, or even 30-plus years old. These rigs may have been purchased new by the department, but it’s also common for them to have been built for another department and then purchased used or donated to the current department. In both cases, departments are using rigs that were purpose-built for another department/jurisdiction, or built for their department’s needs 20 or more years ago. Regardless of the situation, the expectation is that we perform with the equipment we have! This class will examine the necessary equipment, strategies and mindset to win with the equipment we have in the rural fire environment. Students will leave class with proven concepts they can take back to their departments to enhance fire attack and water supply training, efficiency, and capabilities.

Bad Leaders, Inherited Teams, and The Wrong People in The Right Positions

Saturday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Calen Maningas
    As a Battalion Chief and 17-year member of the Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD), Chief Maningas has been a leadership catalyst with a traditional yet progressive organization. Serving in Fire and EMS Operations, Chief Maningas leads a shift of 46 members operating out of seven stations. He serves as a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy (NFA), including the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program, is a member of the South Dakota State Fire Marshals Advisory Board, and a nationally published author and speaker. Chief Maningas has been featured at Fire Rescue International (FRI) and Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) – Excellence Conference as well as works directly with departments on Strategic Leadership and Visionary Planning. Chief Maningas founded Community Risk Reduction initiatives for the city, lead regional rescue teams, instructs high-risk disciplines, and leads Professional Development.
Summary
We all have different descriptions of what good leadership is but we can all agree upon what bad leadership feels like. What do we do when we are working for a bad leader. How to we navigate, influence, and still affect change when we have all the responsibility to execute on orders without the input on when, why, and how. What about an organization who has the incorrect person in a mission critical position, “wrong person, right seat?” Do they still have value and who is responsible for their actions? What about inheriting a team we did not choose? Do we want the members on that team? Or better yet, do they even want us? Building on the 2024 CPSE session Failure in you KSA’s: Idle Ignorance is Limiting your Organization, this session will actively engage the members through discussion and real-world incidents to understand why how we can use influence, feedback, confrontation, and crucial candor to affect change. (Missed the 2024 session? No worries, this session will catch you up.) Understand how self-leadership plays a role in bad leaders

Fire and the Media 101: What to Say when You’re in the Hot Seat

Saturday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Steve Long
    Steve Long - During 25 years as a local TV News Anchor/Reporter Steve was honored with 40 awards for journalistic excellence. He is now the PIO for SD Wildland Fire. He has been blessed to learn from PIO teams on fires in multiple states. At a 2025 fire in Minnesota the National Incident Management Team (NIMO) entrusted him with training 2 upcoming leaders for media interviews.
  • Brad Reiners
    Brad Reiners, ABC - Communications Director/South Dakota Dept. of Public Safety Brad is an accredited business communicator with the Intl. Assoc. of Business Communicators. His lengthy career has included roles as a TV Newscast Director and many years working in corporate communications for international companies, specializing in public brand promotions.
Summary
Participants in this hands-on class will learn how to prepare for a media interview including formulating great answers and building confidence in front of the camera. Use what you learn practicing in mock interview scenarios to be ready for the real deal. From writing press releases to posting on social media, participants will take away templates, tips and strategies for succeeding with the media.

Pump Operations

Saturday AM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Jack Volz
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

Reading Smoke for Tactical Decision Making

Saturday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Benjamin Willey
    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 20yo and studying nursing at North Dakota State University and Ella who is 18yo and a senior in the Fargo Public School District. Ella plans to study journalism at UND. 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.

Operational Decision Making - From the Chief to the Back Seat

Saturday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Jake Jorgenson
    Jake Jorgenson has served 18 years in the fire service. With 16 years at Watertown Fire Rescue. He is currently serving as a Lieutenant. He also teaches at Lake Area Technical College's Med Fire Rescue Program. Jake has had articles published by Fire Engineering Magazine and Firefighter Nation and has been a guest on the Fire Engineering Podcast Show Tactical Impact.
Summary
When the tones go off, the clock starts. The public expects us to respond quickly, operate efficiently, and make the right decisions under pressure. This course focuses on how to operate effectively and decisively on the fireground—from the Incident Commander to the firefighter on the nozzle. Drawing from research and proven best practices, including UL Fire Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI), Mastering Fireground Command, the Firefighter Rescue Survey, and other sources, this class breaks down fireground operations in a practical, actionable way. We will talk about: What needs to be done Why it needs to be done When and how it should be executed Tactics will be discussed at every operational level, ensuring clarity in roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Once core tactics are understood, we will focus on prioritization and decision making under varying staffing conditions. Some departments have the manpower to perform multiple fireground functions simultaneously, while others must operate sequentially. This course addresses how to prioritize effectively based on your department’s resources and response capabilities. Participants will conclude the class by working through multiple simulated fireground scenarios tailored to their own department’s staffing and response model, reinforcing practical application and operational confidence.

Shaping Your Volunteer Fire Department to Fit Today's Expectations

Saturday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Brandon Fletcher
    Brandon Fletcher is the Chief of the Gilt Edge Fire Department in Tennessee and a 25-year student of the fire service. He is a second-generation firefighter with a background as both a volunteer and career firefighter in the rural, suburban, and airport/industrial settings. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee Martin and is a graduate of the Texas A&M Fire Service Chief Executive Officer (FSCEO) program. He is a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy and the Center for Domestic Preparedness, working in the HazMat programs for both organizations. Brandon has also served as a member of the Fire Service Occupational Safety (NFPA 1550) and Fire Officer Professional Qualifications (NFPA 1020) technical committees.
Summary
Is your Volunteer fire department struggling to maintain relevance in our changing society? Does your current service delivery model meet the needs and expectations of your community? Are you struggling to recruit, train, and retain members? Each day, it seems the news feeds contain a story about a volunteer department closing its doors, facing financial trouble, or, worse, legal trouble. There appears to be widespread panic about the critical shortage of volunteers. Does it have to be this way? In this class, we will examine how industry and societal trends impact today's volunteer fire service, take a hard look at the way we've always done it, as well as share and develop alternative ways to recruit, market, lead, train, and manage our departments and members.

Limits: Leadership Lessons Command and Control Will Not Teach You

Saturday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Calen Maningas
    As a Battalion Chief and 17-year member of the Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD), Chief Maningas has been a leadership catalyst with a traditional yet progressive organization. Serving in Fire and EMS Operations, Chief Maningas leads a shift of 46 members operating out of seven stations. He serves as a contract instructor for the National Fire Academy (NFA), including the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program, is a member of the South Dakota State Fire Marshals Advisory Board, and a nationally published author and speaker. Chief Maningas has been featured at Fire Rescue International (FRI) and Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) – Excellence Conference as well as works directly with departments on Strategic Leadership and Visionary Planning. Chief Maningas founded Community Risk Reduction initiatives for the city, lead regional rescue teams, instructs high-risk disciplines, and leads Professional Development. Having Masters in Executive Leadership, designated a Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE): Chief Fire Officer (CFO), and graduating the NFA: EFO as a key leading candidate, Chief lives in the divide between leader-follower and leader-leader fire service. He is committed to adding value to the community by producing leaders who provide above expectation services, living by the philosophy that the example set should surpass the authority given.
Summary
You have been trained your whole career to lead by command and control. On the fireground you have perfected this leadership style yet you are finding that you do not have the same results leading the organization. Our world around us has changed but our leadership style has not. The Hard Skills learned during emergency operations does not translate into the Soft Skills required to lead people. We can no longer lead our organizations from an “I say, you do” mentality. With multiple generations working in our departments and a changing desire for work as a whole, we must lead through Influence and Inspiration. Understanding that through our members, we can innovate, collaborate, and create a belonging based on why we exist. This session will actively engage the members through discussion and real-world incidents to understand why we must shift our leadership, the barriers we will encounter, and how to be an Influential and Inspiring Leader. OBJ: • Understand the leadership change of command and control to influence and inspire • Identify the barriers and resistance we will meet and how to walk through them • Act on the steps to become an influential and Inspiring leader

Pump Operations

Saturday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Jack Volz
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

Halligan Tools & Digital Rules: A Fire Dept’s Guide to Social Media and AI

Saturday PM Classes - ~4hrs.

Speakers
  • Nicolas Weisenbach
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