*“Right Sizing Your Water Supply"

Instructor: Caleb Langer (Northampton Fire/Rescue- Massachusetts)

Class Description: Discussion of a package-based approach to water supply, learning how components can be used together to develop an optimal system. The class will review strategies that support rapid deployment of crews, while providing the water necessary for fire attack, in a manner that’s scalable to meet the needs of the incident. Strong emphasis will be placed on finding the right sizes of supply hose for a given department, based on the realities of their local conditions. Students will take a fresh look at the capabilities of 3”, 3.5” and 4” hose, and also discuss the roles of larger supply lines. Single and dual supply lines will be discussed, along with the practice of placing engines on hydrants and the use of 4-way hydrant valves. Finally, optimizing hydrant hookups, forward lays, reverse lays and hand stretches will round out the discussion, providing fresh perspective on how to best address water supply in a manner that supports effective fire attack.

*“Side Charlie Engine Operations"

Instructor: Brandon Chapman (Pittsburgh- Pennsylvania)

Class Description: Often, an under appreciated and underutilized tactic on the fireground is an engine company operating on the Charlie side. Being assigned to the engine company in the rear can be a difficult assignment. Participants will learn how to integrate this concept into current Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and build their engine company both operationally and culturally to fulfill the

role of the Side Charlie Engine Company. This class covers mindset, training, lessons learned, tasks and tactics related to operating in the rear of a structure.

*“When One-Size-Fits All Fails: Truck Operator Training For Real Life”

Instructor: Nick Wilbur (Arlington County Fire/Rescue.- Virginia)

Class Description: This class will explore the job of the aerial driver and operator beyond basic training. We will dive into the information drivers need to know that may not be readily available. We will talk about the newer trucks and what safety systems there are and can be in place, and their pros and cons. We will discuss how the specification process and final inspection can alter the operations of the apparatus. We will explore the operator’s manual and what information is extremely valuable to the driver/operator. We will cover some common department policies that can guide or hinder the operator. Lastly, we will talk about tactical positioning of the apparatus and how to maximize the vehicle's use through videos and pictures.

*“Evolved Search: Lessons From Doing More w/ Less”

Instructor: Gordon Pippen- (City of Chester- Pennsylvania)

Class Description: This 1 hour and 45 minute presentation is built on over two decades of experience—18 years as a career firefighter in the very urban City of Chester, PA, and 23 years as a volunteer. It begins with the basics and expands into tools, thermal imaging, and modern search techniques. Along the way, I share real-world lessons learned from both challenging incidents and successful rescues.

We’ll discuss how low manpower and tight staffing in small departments can shape how you search, emphasizing the need to adapt your approach. I’ll share tips passed down from senior firefighters and my father—practical tricks to help you better read your environment and make smarter decisions on the fireground.

From adapting your search to suit conditions, to maximizing what you get out of your tools and partners, this class is meant to sharpen your mindset and help you approach every job like it’s the one that matters most—because it is.

*“The Rescue Business”

Instructor: Al Benjamin (Ret. FDNY Rescue Co. 1- New York)

Class Description: Being a firefighter in a rescue company is very different. Rescue firefighters belong to elite companies within their organizations that specialize in all hazards outside of basic firefighting. With those roles require more training, more specialized tools, and more unique responses to different types of calls. This program, will dive into the mindset, skills and experience needed to be a rescue fireman. This program is an interactive lecture that highlights training, calls and experience from a senior fireman that spent 20 years in FDNY’s Rescue Company 1 and Special Operations Command.

*“Are You Ready To Search?"

Instructor: Alex Plutto (District of Columbia-rescue Co.1- Washington DC)

Class Description: An effective primary search starts long before the fire is even dispatched. This hour and half lecture focuses on the critical preparation that goes into being ready for a search assignment. The front door of a burning building should never be the first time you've thought about how you are going to search. Success on the fireground begins with the work done beforehand, through training and mental preparation.

This lecture will dive into the various elements that contribute to an effective primary search. It covers the importance of knowing your department's policies and procedures, and how regular, realistic company-level drills help sharpen the skills required for searching. Attendees will also be introduced to proven techniques from the streets that can be immediately applied to improve both speed and effectiveness.

More than just tactics, this lecture emphasizes the concept of being truly oriented during a search. It challenges attendees to rethink how they approach the task, offering insights that deepen their understanding of what it means to search with purpose, awareness, and confidence. Whether you're new to the job or a seasoned firefighter, this lecture will enhance your approach to one of the most critical functions on the fireground.

*“Wye We Search”

Instructor: Jeff Luse (The Colony Fire Dept.- Texas)

Class Description: Wye We Search is more than a class on fireground search tactics—it’s a challenge to rethink our mission, our mindset, and the metrics we use to define success. In today’s fire environment—shaped by complexity, speed, and risk—we must first understand why we search before addressing the who, what, when, where, and how.

By blending tactical application with conceptual depth, this class pushes back against the outcome-driven mindset that equates value only with rescues. Every disciplined, deliberate search reinforces our commitment to presence, purpose, and precision—regardless of the outcome.

Students will examine data from FRS, UL, and NIST, reinforced by helmet cam footage and real-world scenarios that highlight both the hard skills and human elements of an effective primary search. Core concepts include survivability profiling, bridging the gap between academy training and fireground reality, and exposing the flawed belief that only rescues define success.

*“Overwhelmed to Overcoming- Managing 1st Alarm Overload”

Instructor: Trey Nelms

Class Description: In the emergency service, we often respond to a variety of incidents. Some of these situations push us to our limit upon arrival. What do you do when you are overwhelmed by the situation?

In this class, we will review a variety of issues that first alarm companies can encounter on arrival or at an escalating incident. On scene video footage will put you into the action where preparation, decision making, determination, and solid firemanship make the difference. Firsthand accounts and information from each situation will enhance learning and give attendees more tools for their toolbox.

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*“Fireground Strategies: When Buildings Change The Rules Of The Game”

Instructor: Anthony Avillo (Ret. North Hudson FD- New Jersey)

Class Description: This course will focus on those issues that firefighters must be aware of to operate more safely in the buildings we are entering. Some are buildings we operate in all the time and some are high risk low frequency incidents. Discussed will be focused on the concept of "one-size-does-not-fit-all" firefighting and how different types of construction and occupancies change the rules of the game and how personnel on scene must adjust the strategy and tactics to meet that challenge. Examples of LODD's in each type building will be discussed. Renovations, lightweight and large area structures and vacant buildings and the structural carcass dangers will also be covered. Strategic and tactical considerations regarding these buildings and their idiosyncrasies will be a further focus point, offering solutions to address the concerns discussed. Additionally, line of duty death case studies and command considerations of each situation or occupancy is included to guide those running the operation in ongoing requirements to ensure everyone comes home safely.

*“Tactical Considerations Of Midrise Residential Firefighting”

Instructor: Christopher Hallock (Rockville Vol. Fire Department- Maryland)

Class Description: This session will introduce common contemporary mid-rise residential building techniques, such as the infamous “podium” buildings and “doughnut” construction, from the perspective of building, fire, and life safety codes. While seemingly endless numbers of these types of buildings are being constructed and motivated by housing demands in growing metropolitan areas, the firefighting challenges associated with these types of buildings are well known but not well understood. Many jurisdictions with more and more of these buildings being constructed are not leveraging knowledge of how these buildings are built to assist with efficient firefighting operations. In some cases, the provisions of the building, fire, and life safety codes that ultimately permit these building techniques can also assist firefighters in overcoming the many challenges associated with them. Attendees will learn about common contemporary mid-rise residential building techniques to gain insight into the nuances associated with building arrangements, separations, access, and fire service features available for firefighters in these unique structures. While many required features of these buildings are in place to protect residents and assist firefighters, these features are only useful if consciously understood and utilized. Critical considerations of fire protection and life safety systems will be reviewed in the context of large mid-rise residential buildings. Attendees will have opportunities to discuss their ideas and thoughts regarding efficient firefighting strategies in mid-rise residential buildings.

*“1st In: Investigating Unknown's”

Instructor: Steve Schultz (Frederick County Fire/Rescue- Maryland)

Class Description: Tips, tricks and suggestions for first arriving units on those pesky, rarely straight forward, investigations of "Unknown Odors". Little bit of Hazmat for dummies, a dash of common sense and a healthy dose of some good ol' fashion firemanship. Excellent class for new officers and seasoned firefighters looking to be new officers.

*“Inside & Out: A Mayday From Both Sides"

Instructor: Lee Coker & Andrew Beavers (Whitfield County FD- Georgia)

Class Description: This course presents a raw, two-sided breakdown of a real mayday that occurred during an aggressive search in a hoarder home with confirmed entrapment—and minimal manpower. One instructor was the firefighter who fell through the floor and became the mayday. The other was the incident commander responsible for the rescue and overall fireground operations.

Together, they walk you through what happened above the floor and below it—from the tactical decisions made in command to the physical and mental fight for survival in a flooded basement. This isn’t a war story. It’s a coordinated, training-driven analysis of a mayday from both ends of the radio.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how staffing limitations, fireground assumptions, and communication breakdowns can converge in seconds—and what can be done to prepare your crews, improve your command decisions, and build a realistic, adaptable mayday strategy.

*“Aggressive Command Supports Aggressive Firefighting: The Top 5 COMMANDments For A Safe & Effective Fireground”

Instructor: Nick Martin

Class Description: Incident command failures are consistently part of the "NIOSH Top 5" factors that contribute to line-of-duty deaths. This class will discuss the top five actions that an incident commander must take at each incident to ensure safe and effective operations. In the most successful operations, the skills of talented firefighters are enabled, supported, and best deployed by talented chief officers who run a well-organized and well-managed

incident. These are ICs who understand what firefighters can and should do, understand tactics, and know how to build an incident that puts things together the right way to crush the problem. This class will cover concepts that are practical and can be easily implemented to make being in command less stressful and to ensure effective operations and the safety of your firefighters.

*“The Hat Dance: Realities Of The Short-Staffed Company Officer”

Instructor: Marc Aloan (West Columbia - South Carolina)

Class Description: As staffing challenges become more prevalent, the modern company officer is often asked to wear many hats ranging from tailboard firefighter to command level officer. The Hat Dance focuses on finding balance between the continuously expanding roles and responsibilities facing company officers and the realities of limited staffing. This course defines short-staffing and its causes, addresses professional development shortfalls, presents ways to accomplish company level leadership as a functional crew member, and offers approaches to tactical preparation and execution with limited staffing. Students will leave with actionable methods for bridging personal and departmental expectations by maximizing the effectiveness of available resources both in the firehouse and on the fireground!

*“What Are You Leaving Behind?”

Instructor: Jess Rodzinka (Charlottesville Fire Department- Virginia)

Class Description: This engaging and reflective lecture explores the concept of personal and professional legacy within the fire service. Attendees will examine the lasting impact of their actions, attitudes, mentorship, and leadership on their departments, communities, and the next generation of firefighters. Through personal stories, practical examples, and open discussion, participants will be challenged to consider how daily decisions contribute to a lasting legacy, both positively and negatively.

Topics will include:

*Defining what "legacy" means in the fire service


*The role of culture, tradition, and values in shaping your impact


Mentorship and succession planning
 *Building a reputation of integrity, excellence, and service


*Avoiding common pitfalls that can tarnish a legacy


This course is ideal for firefighters of all ranks who wish to reflect on their professional journey, re-center their purpose, and intentionally shape the legacy they leave behind.

*“Safety Is Scary”

Instructor: Joshua Burchick (Howard County Fire/ Rescue- Maryland)

Class Description: "Safety" is a word carelessly thrown around in the fire service. It elicits many feelings and many construe the words to have multiple meanings. This class will discuss how safety has evolved from an evolutionary standpoint; what the cultural, physiological, and behavioral barriers are to high performance; and how to deny risk aversion an opportunity to take hold on the fireground. We will dive deep on culture, mindset, competency, developing grit, and what real safety on the fireground, and in life, should look like.

*“Aggresively Happy”

Instructor: Ben Wilson (Fauquier County Fire/Rescue)- Virginia

Class Description: Ever feel like you're always explaining why you're happy? This course is all about bringing that positive energy to the firehouse and making it contagious. We'll focus on how to motivate the crew by tapping into the joy of the job, finding the values that motivate you for the job. Plus, we'll tackle strategies for dealing with negativity when it pops up, so you can keep the firehouse vibes strong and positive. The goal is to make the job that much better with a smile and be proud of the work you do! This class will be highly interactive, and your questions and conversations are encouraged!

*“Fostering A Firehouse Training Culture"

Instructor: Tim McClosky "Spray 9" (St. Andrews Fire Dept. -South Carolina)

Class Description: This class is designed for all members of the fire service—from backstep firefighters to company officers and chiefs. Its primary goal is to break the cycle of indecision about what to train on each shift by building a strong, sustainable training culture within the firehouse.

Through this class, attendees will learn how to develop a shift-based training plan that fosters buy-in from all members. Instead of relying on a single person to lead every drill, this approach distributes ownership, promotes engagement, and builds consistency. With themed days dedicated to different disciplines, officers and firefighters can tailor each session to their crew’s needs and priorities.

Chief officers will also gain insight on how to support their companies, battalions, or entire departments by facilitating and backing this cultural shift—empowering members rather than micromanaging them. The class emphasizes that, as a public service, we must remain flexible; not every shift will allow for a full-scale drill. However, using practical tips and adaptable strategies, members will be equipped to incorporate meaningful training—whether hands-on with hose and ladders or table-top discussions—into every shift.

Let’s redefine the daily drill—not as a task, but as a tool to elevate the firehouse and strengthen the company.

*“Preserving The Fire Service Through the Lens”

Instructor: Lloyd Mitchell (New York City)

Class Description: They say it takes 10,000 hours of practice for you to become great at something. How does one become great at preserving the history of the fire department? Over the years fires have declined, access to firehouses and fire scenes has declined.

This course will take a look at Photojournalist Lloyd Mitchell’s photographs over the last fifteen years covering the Buffalo Fire Department, Detroit Fire Department, Fire Department of New York, New York Police Department, Musicians and Athletes.

Everyone talks about the fires but at the end of your career, people often forget about being there. This will take a deeper dive into why it is important for the photographer to be present. It will take a deeper dive into talking about the background of these departments incidents, line of duty death images and the build up it takes to make you great at your craft. It will focus on what it is like to create compelling or unique imagery in tense situations.

Photography is about executing the use of light, moment unfolding in the frame and capturing of emotion. In today’s fast paced world of news imagery, Firefighters, Paramedics and Police events are often covered but quickly forgotten about. Powerful images of firefighters working include the images of the Baltimore Firefighters killed in the line of duty on January, 24,2022 by Associated Press Photojournalist Julio Cortez. Through this unfortunate incident, a hashtag #takethephoto was born. Firefighters are beginning to understand why visuals are so important. The fire service is about fighting fires and who’s on the rig with you during your toughest battles.

Photojournalist Lloyd Mitchell is an award-winning photojournalist from Brooklyn, New York. His stunning imagery has been seen locally, nationally and internationally. He takes pride in creating interesting images in chaotic situations. The more intense the situation the better the imagery. His work has appeared in Reuters News Agency, New York Times, AMNY, NY Post, New York Daily News. He has had over ten cover images for Firehouse Magazine, Fire Engineering Magazine and Fire Rescue Magazine.

*“Handling Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Activations”

Instructor: Mike Wolfschmidt (Westampton Township Fire- New Jersey)

Class Description: This class will be interactive with the attendees, who will be presented with situations that are photos and videos of real-life incidents or fire inspections I have responded to personally. This will give fire officers, or potential acting officers an opportunity hone their skills in decision making/trouble shooting and proper notification to the LEA for these types of incidents. By the end of the of the course, the student should be able to identify:

-How to investigate/troubleshoot why a fire detection and suppression system activated when there is no apparent fire or emergency.

-How to identify and properly utilize fire department sprinkler/standpipe connections, including basic information for pump operators.

-How to identify and operate water control valves for fire sprinkler systems.

-Examples of imminent hazard conditions involving fire detection and suppression systems and when to notify the Fire Official/Fire Marshal of a Local Enforcing Agency.

*"Purpose Driven- Mission Minded"

Instructor: Blake Stinnet -Next Rung - (Georgia)
Class Description: This is a class that focuses on being mission minded with a purpose to serve the people that you work beside. The mission for the citizens should be 100% the first focus, but after that our focus should be heavily geared towards those that serve on our crew and work beside us every shift. I believe that so much can be changed here. Our people deserve to know that they are cared about and taken care of. We have to be the one who lets them know that. Are you walking into the firehouse with a mission to serve those you work beside? Are you getting to know them? Are you communicating and trusting each other? Do you feel comfortable talking with the people that may have to rescue you or would be willing to die trying? Do you know when something isn’t quite right with someone on your crew?

When you pour into your crew and serve them wholeheartedly, many things become a lot easier to address. When you pour into your people, no matter your rank, there’s a huge level of respect that comes from that. Not only will you be respected and trusted, but you will begin to see it reciprocated. It starts with you and your mission to serve your counterparts. We are willing to train relentlessly to save a stranger or die trying. Our crews deserve someone who will do whatever it takes to make sure they are taken care of and given everything needed to make sure they remain healthy; specifically with their mental health. It doesn’t take special training to show people you care, but it takes a mindset and willingness to serve them.

*“Inspiration Isn't Enough”

Instructor: Lafontant Dorival (Miami Dade- Florida)

Class Description: “Inspiration Isn’t Enough” offers more than a motivational sentiment it serves as a powerful, reflective moment that brings together three core themes:

Core Concepts Covered:

-The Anatomy of Firemanship:

A breakdown of what it truly takes to embody the spirit and craft of a firefighter: courage, competence, consistency, and character.

-Historical Reflection:

A review of pivotal events in fire service history that shaped our protocols, values, and collective memory. These moments will be studied not just for knowledge, but for accountability so that the sacrifices made are never forgotten and the standard never slips.

-The Message, the Method, and the Madness:

-Message: Why we do what we do our “why.”

Method: How we prepare, train, and execute.

Madness: The internal and external chaos we often navigate, and the mental toughness required to endure it.

Takeaway:

Inspiration can light the spark but it is discipline, remembrance, and relentless commitment that keep the fire burning. This class is a call to reflect, recommit, and rise to the standard every single day.

*“Forge The Future: Quiet Strength, Lasting Legacy”

Instructor: Anthony Kelleher (District of Columbia Fire Dept.- Washington DC)

Class Description: In an era where the fire service is being tested from every angle—recruitment and retention challenges, shifting cultural values, generational divides, and increasing operational demands—leaders at every level must rise with quiet strength and purpose-driven action. “Forge the Future: Quiet Strength, Lasting Legacy” is a compelling and reflective 3-hour lecture designed for current and aspiring firefighters, officers, and chiefs who are ready to invest in the future of their departments—and themselves.

This class challenges attendees to explore what it truly means to build a winning fire department—not just through tactics and tools, but through people, mentorship, values, and culture. Drawing on over three decades of frontline, supervisory, and executive-level experience, the instructor shares hard-earned lessons, pivotal mistakes, and transformational moments that shaped a leadership journey grounded in humility, accountability, and action.

Participants will walk through a roadmap for:

Mentoring and coaching the next generation: understanding Gen Z mindsets, creating buy-in without ego, and fostering resilience.

Building and sustaining culture: from the kitchen table to the command post—how to reinforce the right values, day in and day out.

Recruiting and retaining differently: what’s working (and failing) across the country, and how to build places people want to stay.

Creating self-reflective leaders: tools and habits to stay grounded, avoid burnout, and lead with clarity—even in chaos.

Forging a legacy worth inheriting: how to leave the department better than you found it, no matter your rank or role.

This is not a rah-rah session. It’s a deep, honest, and motivating conversation about what the fire service needs—and what you can actually do to meet that need.

Whether you’re a seasoned chief, a newly promoted officer, or a firefighter ready to lead by example, this session will challenge and equip you to hold the line today and forge the fire service of tomorrow.

*“In The Heat Of The Moment: The Art & Science of Decision Making”

Instructor: Joseph Polenzani (Franklin Fire Dept. -Tennessee)

Class Description: For fire officers, split-second choices can mean the difference between safety and danger, success and setback. However, decision-making is both an art and a science. This class is designed for firefighters and officers looking to elevate their leadership skills and hone their ability to navigate the complexities of both emergency response scenarios and day-to-day personnel issues.

Throughout this session, participants will delve into a range of topics essential to effective management and decision-making. Utilizing real-world case studies, we will discuss how to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Discussions will center on prioritizing objectives under pressure, communicating clearly amidst chaos, and adapting strategies to dynamic environments. Participants will emerge with a heightened understanding of leadership in crisis situations, equipped with the tools to make informed decisions swiftly and decisively. This class isn't just about learning; it's about preparing you to lead confidently when careers, lives, and property are on the line.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand and utilize the appropriate decision-making models and techniques.

2. Recognize common decision-making biases and how to avoid them.

3. Describe the differences between discretionary and non-discretionary time situations.

4. Understand the benefits and challenges of group decision-making processes.

5. Evaluate the effectiveness of a chosen course of action.

Like many other organizations, my midsize suburban career department has struggled with officer development. In 2021, I worked with a cadre of five fire officers to develop our first week-long company officer academy, with the goal of addressing this deficiency. Although our officers are required to hold state Fire Officer I and Instructor I certifications prior to promotion, we recognized that there was a noticeable lack of “soft skills,” including interpersonal dynamics, communication, and decision-making. Our officers had a solid understanding of firefighting tactics and departmental policies, they just lacked the tools (and confidence) to apply them effectively. As we developed and refined the curriculum for what has now become an annual event, open to members of our department and other organizations, we have focused less on education and more on implementation, with decision-making being a key component of both tactical and interpersonal success.

This class is designed for incident commanders, company officers, and firefighters who wish to be more effective, both on and off the fireground. Although we typically think of decision-making as an officer’s job, the truth is that the decisions made by personal at all levels affect an organization, especially in the areas of safety, morale, and customer service. The ability to make quick and effective decisions is a career-long pursuit, that relies on a comprehensive knowledge of firefighting tactics and techniques (the art) and an understanding of the most effective ways to apply it (the science). The bad news is, there’s no secret or trick to making good decisions under pressure. The good news is, there are ways to practice or prepare for most situations, and these exercises reinforce the need for strong foundational training among our personnel.

*“Embers Within: Life After The Mayday”

Instructors: TJ & Sarah Prieur (Frederick County Fire/Rescue- Maryland)

Class Description: What happens after the mayday—on the job and in your own life? First responders are trained to react to emergencies, but what about the silent maydays we face within ourselves? “Embers Within” explores the powerful parallels between battling external fires and navigating the internal ones that threaten our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Drawing from his personal journey as a RIT team firefighter in the aftermath of a line-of-duty death, TJ shares the raw realities of trauma, resilience, and rebuilding. Using foundational firefighter knowledge, participants will uncover the lessons hidden in fire behavior, size-up, and mayday procedures—applying these same tools to recognize the warning signs of internal collapse, identify entry points for healing and growth, and take steps to extinguish what no longer serves.

Through compelling stories of navigating loss, enduring the grueling challenges of Ironman races and ultra-marathons, and discovering strength in choosing to do hard things, this session illuminates the embers of resilience that remain after every fire.

In the second half of the workshop, TJ is joined by his wife, Sarah—a powerful voice who brings an essential and deeply personal perspective as the wife of a firefighter who has endured tremendous loss and trauma. Sarah shares the inverse lens—the often-unspoken reality of the family members who carry the emotional weight of the job in their own way. She offers insight into what it’s like to stand beside someone who has walked through fire—literally and emotionally—and how that affects the home, the marriage, and the children.

Together, TJ and Sarah lead a grounded, intentional process to help you plan your week and structure your day with clarity and purpose. You’ll learn how to move from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, how to use a planner to stay aligned with your goals, and how to set intentions that support both individual and family well-being. This isn’t just about productivity—it’s about building a life that supports love, stability, and connection even in the face of chaos.

Sarah also shares tools and practices for keeping the family unit grounded, including how to keep your kids connected, resilient, and emotionally aware as they grow up in a home touched by the reality of the fire service. From routines that anchor the household, to honest conversations that build emotional intelligence, this session will help you stay present and strong—even in the hardest seasons.

You’ll walk away with the mindset, structure, and emotional tools to rebuild not just after the mayday—but to rise into a new life full of love, happiness, joy, and prosperity. Together, we’ll explore how challenges can become catalysts for deeper connection and how we can create a legacy of strength and presence—at work and at home.

*"Developing The MIndset Of An Offensive Aerial Operator"

Instructor: Nick Esposito (Nantucket Fire Dept.- Massachussetts)
Class Description: This program works to fill the gaps that so many firefighters and fire officers have in their aerial operator training. This lecture takes a firefighter centered approach which works to develop their mindset to be better prepared to perform under the stress of real life. This program also gives officers and Incident Commanders a better understanding of what the operator is working through, to allow them to give the officer / commander the results they need. We discuss operational expectations, fire scene realities, and the strengths and weaknesses of their aerial. At the end of this program, we will equip students with the tools needed to allow them to immediately go out and increase their aerial apparatus positioning abilities on the fireground.