rd
33 Annual
Southeastern Fire School
March 14-15, 2015
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
Division of Fire and Life Safety
141 Monticello Trail • Columbia, SC 29203
Phone: 803-896-9800 • Fax: 803-896-9806 • www.llronline.com
To all of our students, vendors, instructors and guests, the South Carolina Division of Fire and Life
Safety welcomes you to our 33rd annual Southeastern Fire School.
We continue to be encouraged by the desire of our students to increase their level of training, and
believe the 2015 course schedule addresses many of the needs of the fire service. It is our pleasure to
continue this long-standing educational fire service tradition and we are proud to make our facility
“home” for this worthwhile training event.
We are open to any ideas you may have regarding future course offerings. Enjoy the courses, vendor
booths, and fire service fellowship during this exciting weekend.
Thank you for your continued and dedicated support. As always, be safe.
Respectfully,
Robert O. Polk
State Fire Marshal
Kenneth “Ken” Kerber
SCFA Superintendent
ON THE COVER…
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the SCFA Monticello Road site, the Division of Fire and Life Safety
held a challenge coin design contest. The winning design was created by Russell Gossett, a South Greenville
Fire Department firefighter and engineer, who started his fire service career 19 years ago as an Anderson
County volunteer. He also owns SCFD Coins, a small business specializing in commemorative coins.
One side of the coin (pictured on the cover) includes the agency’s logo, “Making South Carolina a Safe Place to
Work and Live.” It also features a Palmetto tree and crescent moon - symbols pictured on the S.C. state flag.
Since the Monticello Road site has been operating for 20 years, the dates 1995-2015 are included as well.
“I have taken many SCFA courses and chose the symbols (not pictured) to showcase the valuable opportunities
SCFA offers to keep our firefighters trained and ready for action,” Gossett said. “Once you flip the coin over,
you’ll see fire related symbols including a truck, HAZMAT triangle, first responder, rope rescue, a brotherhood
of firefighters, EMS, and extrication.”
Gossett is proud to be a South Carolina firefighter and continues to take Academy courses.
“I have been interested and pleased to see classes continue to be added as times change, keeping the
Academy current and professional,” he said.
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Back by popular demand! Southeastern Fire School is hosting another “Smoke & Fire Cook Off.”
Starting Saturday morning, fire department cooking teams will compete in two categories:
Bar-B-Que
Chili
Judging takes place Saturday at 4:30 p.m. with trophies being awarded for first, second, third place,
and “Crowd Favorite.” There is no entry fee. However, teams are asked to provide enough food for 40
people.
For more information and to register, please contact:
Amy Williamson
Charleston Regional Office
[email protected]
(843) 552-6217
Schedule of Events
Saturday, March 14
TIME
7 a.m.
8 a.m.
9 a.m.
10 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
ACTIVITY
Vendors open, Urban Search and Rescue building
Opening ceremony
Classes start
Vendors open to general public
Lunch rotation begins
“Smoke & Fire Cook Off” judging begins
Cookout in Urban Search and Rescue building
“Smoke & Fire Cook Off” winners announced
Vendors close
Sunday, March 15
7 a.m.
8 a.m.
9 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
Vendors open, Urban Search and Rescue building
Vendors open to general public
Classes resume
Lunch rotation begins
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SOUTHEASTERN FIRE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Courses
During the 2015 Southeastern Fire School, participants have the opportunity to select either a two
day class or classes taught on Saturday and/or Sunday. If you select a two day class, you will attend
class on Saturday and Sunday.
REGISTRATION
Please submit a completed registration form (see separate registration link listed on website) as soon
as possible. This allows each student to have the best chance of obtaining a place in his/her preferred
(first choice) program.
Students must select, in order of preference, three programs. South Carolina Fire Academy (SCFA)
staff will attempt to place each student in his/her first choice. Students will be notified of course
assignments.
For more information, contact Gloria Evans. Please submit registration to:
SCFA Southeastern Fire School Registration
Attn: Gloria Evans
141 Monticello Trail
Columbia, S.C. 29203
[email protected]
Phone: (803) 896-9859
FAX: (803) 896-9856
REGISTRATION FEE – $80
The fee is $80 per person. This includes two lunches and the Saturday cookout. Payment must be
submitted with the registration, made payable to “State of South Carolina.”
After acceptance into a class, fees are non-refundable. The SCFA accepts a fire department purchase
order (“PO”) number, check, or Visa/MasterCard.
DORM ROOMS – $15
Dorm rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost is not included in the registration
fee and will be billed separately for those assigned a dorm room. The cost is $15 per student/per
night/double occupancy.
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FREE EXPLORER FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE
The South Carolina 2015 Southeastern Fire School Explorer Firefighter Challenge provides several free
opportunities for future firefighters. Participants will learn about the S.C. Fire Academy, meet other
junior members and firefighters, and compete in fun and friendly competitions.
Eligibility
Active Boy Scouts of America Explorers or members of a sponsored Junior Firefighter Program,
between the ages of 14 and 18, are eligible to compete. Participants must be covered by health
insurance and each team or individual must fill out a registration form and waiver. The required
registration form and waiver is online at: http://scfaonlinetraining.org/mod/page/view.php?id=1965
Registration
Registration is free and participants will receive lunch. Registrations and waivers must be received by
Friday, Feb. 27, 2015 and mailed/emailed to:
SCFA Explorer Firefighter Challenge
Attn: Jenna Pritchett
141 Monticello Trail
Columbia, S.C. 29203
[email protected]
Each post or team must be accompanied by an advisor who will serve as a judge. The department
must provide SCBA’s and bunker gear for the gear donning competition. Participants are welcome to
bring their personal SCBA’s.
Explorer Firefighter Challenge - Schedule of Events
10 a.m.
Meet at SCFA firehouse (behind main campus building) to tour campus and
props, eat lunch together, and attend a brief classroom training session.
1 p.m.
Team/ individual competitions (gear donning/ hose deployment challenges)
After competitions
Award ceremony
For more information, please contact:
Fire Chief Dennis Ray, Lugoff FD
[email protected]
(803)438-2553/office or (803)530-5419/cell
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COURSE TITLE
COURSE
NUMBER
PAGE
Two Day Courses – Saturday and Sunday
Municipal Approach to ARFF
3402-15001
7
Training Officer 101
5333-15001
7
Engine Company Operations at a Collapse Incident
5333-15002
8
Fire Chief 101
2158-15004
8
The Current Reality of Fire Ground Tactics
5333-15003
9
Introduction to Safe Operations with Wildland Firefighting Equipment
and Apparatus
Advanced Mechanical Advantage
5333-15004
10
5333-15005
11
VEIS (Vent, Enter, Isolate, and Search) Concept
5333-15006
11
Working Fire Operations For Firefighters and Incident Commanders
(with Live-Fire)
5333-15007
12
SATURDAY
Fire Marshal Rules and Regulations- What it Means For You
8610-15003
14
Spartanburg Burns - Lessons Learned
5333-15008
14
Are you HAZMAT ready?
5333-15009
15
SUNDAY
Fire Marshal - Companion Codes
8506-15013
16
Street Smart Fire Responder
5333-15010
17
Fire Service Health and Wellness – It’s All About Numbers
5333-15011
17
Reminder: Students may choose one (two day) course or one course on
Saturday and one on Sunday. Fifteen courses are being offered during the
2015 Southeastern Fire School.
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Municipal Approach To ARFF (two day course)
3402-15001
This basic course covers aspects of a municipal department response to an aircraft incident or
accident. Topics include: tactics and strategies, interior operations, engine, wheel, brake and engine
fires, rescue procedures, practical search, aircraft familiarization, analyzing major airplane crashes
and aircraft fire scenarios.
Instructors:
Sean Davis – A New York native, Davis joined the fire service as a structural firefighter. In 1998, he
enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Combat Crash Rescue Firefighter (E5 Sgt). He served six
years with the 105th Air Lift Wing, at Stewart Air Base (N.Y.). After an honorable discharge from the
Air Force, Davis remained at Stewart Air Base as a civilian crash rescue firefighter until January 2008
when he accepted the position as the SCFA ARFF Coordinator.
Blake Fulmer – Fulmer began his firefighting career straight out of high school in 1996. He completed
damage control training in the U.S. Navy, while stationed aboard the USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58)
from 1997-2000. He served as the flight deck crash crew leader, engineering main space firefighting
team leader, and duty fire marshal. Once promoted to DC2 (E5), Fulmer became part of the Damage
Control training team. Fulmer is currently employed at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport Fire
Rescue department as a shift captain/EMT-B and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from
Columbia Southern University in 2010. Since that time, he has been an adjunct instructor at the SCFA
teaching multiple disciplines with a concentration in ARFF training.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
1121 or 1152 or Firefighter I or equivalent
12 minimum / 25 maximum
Full structural gear / SCFA will provide Scott SCBAs
Training Officer 101 (two day course)
5333-15001
Have you been promoted to Training Officer within your department and wondered, “What’s next?”
Or, do you have a passion for training, and hope to work soon within your training division?
This two-day course will cover the basics of training program development including: needs
assessment, prioritization, instructor development, record keeping, and evaluations. We will also
feature an “SCFA Roadmap” segment to discuss regional office operations and Fire Portal
information.
This atypical lecture will have open dialogue and encourages group discussions and brainstorming.
Prior to arrival, students must obtain a Fire Portal account by emailing [email protected].
Instructors:
Bob Maibach – With more than 30 years in the fire service, Chief Maibach is the Isle of Palms Fire
Department Chief of Training and the Goose Creek Rural Fire Department Volunteer Assistant Chief.
For two decades, he has worked for both departments as a training officer (career and volunteer). He
has also been a Fire Academy instructor since 1995.
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Amy Williamson – An SCFA employee, Williamson has been working in the Region 5 Charleston office
since 2001. In 2013, due to her dedication to fire service training, she received the S.C. Department of
Labor, Licensing and Regulation Public Servant Award.
Prerequisite: Training officer experience
Student:
12 minimum / 25 maximum
Required:
Laptop (if possible) and Fire Portal account information
Engine Company Operations at a Collapse Incident
5333-15002
(two day course)
This course will provide first arriving companies with the needed skill sets to mitigate the event safely
and proficiently. For example, your department has been dispatched to a car versus residential
dwelling. Does your department have the knowledge, skills, and equipment needed to mitigate this
incident safely? Incidents involving weather, vehicles, and construction events can cause structural
collapse. These incidents require quick action by emergency personnel. Their approach is crucial to
the overall success of the incident. Can your department manage the challenges first responders will
encounter?
Instructors:
Rick Krob – Since 1988, Krob has dedicated himself to learning, teaching, and promoting firefighter
safety and health. A Burton Fire District lieutenant, he has served the district since 1996. He is also a
South Carolina Firefighters’ Association’s Leadership Institute graduate and has been an SCFA adjunct
instructor since 1997. He holds multiple technical rescue certifications and currently serves as a
technical rescue instructor with the SCFA.
Todd Milam – An avid fire instructor since 1996 and a 23 year veteran of the fire service, Milam
currently serves as the “Fire Science” program director for Greenville Technical College. He also
serves as a technical rescue instructor with the SCFA and has 10 years of experience as a safety
manager in the heavy construction industry.
Allen Brown – Starting his fire service career in 1979, Brown has served as an SCFA adjunct instructor
since 1982. He currently serves as a captain with the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District and is
their training officer.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
None
12 minimum / 25 maximum
Long sleeve shirt, long pants, steel toe boots/shoes
Fire Chief 101 (two day course)
2158-15004
Teaming up with the S.C. State Firefighters’ and Fire Chiefs’ associations, this course is designed to
answer basic questions, while providing important information a Fire Chief or Chief Officer may find
useful while serving in a challenging role. It is also designed to “whet your appetite” for the many
areas of responsibility that encompass your role as a Chief. As a Fire Chief, you may encounter many
interesting problems and questions. This class, along with the Fire Chief’s Handbook, is an important
addition to your toolbox.
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Instructors:
Alvin Payne – Since 2002, Alvin Payne has been the Chief of the Myrtle Beach Fire Department and
has been with the department 35 years. During this tenure, the Myrtle Beach FD improved their ISO
rating from a Class 3 to becoming the 42nd Class 1 department in the country. He currently serves as
the Vice President of the S.C. Fire Chiefs’ Association and is Past President of the S.C. Firefighters’
Association.
Jon Ryan – With 17 years of experience in the fire rescue services, Ryan currently serves as the
Battalion Chief and Training Officer for Dorchester County Fire Rescue. He also volunteers and serves
as the Pine Ridge FD Deputy Fire Chief. He began his fire service career in Anderson County and is a
2012 South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Leadership Institute graduate. He is also a
member of the South Carolina State Fire Chiefs’ Association and is an adjunct SCFA instructor. He is
currently working on his Bachelor’s degree through a bridge program to The Citadel.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
None
12 minimum / 25 maximum
None
The Current Reality of Fire Ground Tactics (two day course)
5333-15003
This course presents many of the necessary skills to be successful on the fire ground in a
combination/volunteer department and addresses the present economic realities of many fire
departments across the southeast. Most fire grounds are challenging due to the manpower
deployment models of most jurisdictions. The reality of the current fire ground is that fire service
personnel fail to realize the same tactical objectives must be accomplished, but with much less
personnel than is present in the bigger cities. Firefighters in rural and suburban areas must function
in multiple functions on the emergency scene that may vary from day to day. Numerous courses offer
the opportunity to learn each individual fire ground function, but few address the need for versatility
of the modern firefighter in the Carolinas. Departments every day struggle with the balance between
accomplishing tactical objectives and remaining proficient in necessary skills.
Instructors:
Jonah Smith –A captain with the Charlotte, N.C. Fire Department and an active volunteer firefighter
with the Pleasant Valley (S.C.) Fire Department, Smith serves as an adjunct professor for Fayetteville
State University’s Fire Administrative Program and Rowan Cabbarrus Community College’s Fire
Protection Technology program. He is an Instructor II in North and South Carolina and remains active
in technical teaching.
Ryan Creed – A captain with the Charlotte, N.C. Fire Department assigned to the training academy,
Creed spent the majority of his 14 years with Charlotte assigned to Ladder companies. He also serves
as an assisting instructor of the N.C. Breathing Equipment School and is a former Charlotte FD recruit
school instructor.
Greg Nicholson –A 20-year fire service veteran, Nicholson served as Fire Chief for the Pleasant Valley
FD for four years. He is also a captain for the Charlotte FD. He is an adjunct instructor for the
Charlotte Fire Recruit Academy and is a former training officer.
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Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
1121 or 1152 or Firefighter I or equivalent
12 minimum / 25 maximum.
Full structural gear / SCFA will provide Scott SCBAs
Introduction to Safe Operations with Wildland Firefighting
5333-15004
Equipment and Apparatus (two day course)
This course introduces students to the safe operations of using wildland firefighting equipment such
as the: WICK 375 and the Mark 3 portable pump as part of a progressive hose lay with the safe and
effective use of exterior wildland sprinklers for structure protection. Student will get hands-on
application in mop up operations with wildland hands tools on a plow line and the safety aspects of
working around and with tractor plows or firetracks. The safe operation and maintenance of chain
saws for debris clearing in the Wildland Urban Interface will also be presented.
Classroom presentations and the use of the “new” (and free) SouthWRAP Internet based tool will
enable firefighters to assess the wildfire risk in their communities. Information on wildland fuel types,
and the associated fire behavior for safe tactical operations and implications in the wildland urban
interface, will also be presented.
Instructors:
Darryl Jones– A native of Sumter, Chief Jones began his career with the S.C. Forestry Commission in
1987 as a part-time employee. After receiving a degree in Forest Resource Management from
Clemson University, he became a registered forester, qualified as a wildland firefighter, and a
certified prescribed fire manager. Jones was a volunteer firefighter for 12 years, and has served in
various positions on state and federal incident management teams across the country on wildfire and
all-hazard assignments. He is currently the Fire Chief of the Forestry Commission, and is responsible
for wildfire control, forest health, equipment, aviation, law enforcement, incident management
teams, and training and safety.
Alan Abernathy – A Registered Forester and a RED Card Wildland Firefighter I with 25 years of
experience, Abernathy is also a volunteer firefighter with York County. He obtained a Bachelor’s
degree in Fire Science and Environmental Management. As a member of the S.C. Wildland
Firefighting Working Group curriculum committee, he was instrumental in helping to develop the
Wildland Firefighting for the Structural Firefighter course (1181).
Pete Copeland –As a Lieutenant with Midway Fire and Rescue, Copeland has been a member since
Sept. 11, 2000. He also coordinates the Georgetown County Technical Rescue and the Midway Fire
Rescue Wildfire teams. He is an FDIC presenter and a member of the South Carolina Wildland
Firefighting Working Group curriculum committee. He also brings his experiences of the Highway 31
and the Legends II fires. He is a certified Wildland Firefighter and an SCFA adjunct instructor.
Timothy Rainbolt – As a Captain with Horry County Fire Rescue, Rainbolt heads up their 25 member
Wildfire Team. He has been deployed numerous times out West on several major wildland fire
events. He holds Federal certification as a Red Card Crew Boss, and is the S.C. Wildland Firefighting
Working Group curriculum committee chairperson. His knowledge of wildland firefighting helped
steer the development of Wildland Firefighting for the Structural Firefighter course (1181).
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Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
None
12 minimum / 30 maximum
Wildland PPE preferred, structural PPE will be accepted. Leather work
gloves, leather work boots, eye protection, and large water bottle.
Advanced Mechanical Advantage (two day course)
5333-15005
There are often a number of ways to accomplish the same task, and students will be encouraged to
apply what they know to rescue solutions. This course will consist of classroom and field exercises.
Classroom topics will include mechanical advantage theory and application and help the student with
understanding practical, actual, and theoretical mechanical advantage. Students will also indentify,
construct, and utilize simple, compound, and complex rope mechanical advantage systems. This will
include methods to calculate forces applied and generated within these systems.
Field exercises will include practical application of rope systems to include utilization of load cells as
dynometers. Several real-time scenarios will be presented and students will be encouraged to take
leadership roles.
Instructors:
Chris Hall – An SCFA instructor for more than 15 years, Hall serves as the SCFA rescue program
coordinator. A retired firefighter, he also served as the Parker Fire Department training officer and on
the Greenville County Emergency Response Team. He is currently a volunteer for Berea FD and is a
senior advisor to SC-TF1.
Don Headrick – Currently serving as an assistant chief with the Greenville City Fire Department,
Headrick has been involved in technical rescue for more than 20 years. He is an adjunct instructor
with the SCFA, as well as other training agencies. Headrick has delivered technical rescue training to
local, regional, state, and federal agencies in 25 states. He is a senior advisor for SC-TF1.
Marty Reynolds – In 1976, Reynolds began his fire service career and, since 1981, has been an SCFA
instructor. He has served with Belmont Fire, Boiling Springs (Greenville), and Parker District fire
departments. He retired from, and currently volunteers, with Belmont FD. He earned an Associate’s
degree in Fire Service Administration and teaches SCFA rope rescue programs.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
3310
12 minimum / 25 maximum
Helmet, eye protection, rescue gloves, and safety boots
VEIS Concept (two day course)
5333-15006
This VEIS (Vent, Enter, Isolate, and Search) course is a further development of the VES concept. It will
emphasize the importance of isolating the room being searched from the rest of the building
containing the seat of the fire, by closing the door as soon as such door is found, in order to improve
the tenability and visibility in the room. The course will contain three hours of classroom material and
eight hours of field exercises.
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Instructors:
Jake Jenkins – With 23 years of fire service experience, Jenkins is a 22 year veteran of the City of
Charleston Fire Department and serves as a Battalion Chief. He also works part-time as a Captain for
the Ashley River Fire Department. He has spent the majority of his career assigned to a truck
company in downtown Charleston, with eight years as a truck company officer. Chief Jenkins is an
SCFA Instructor and a member of the Regional USAR team. He has Associate’s degree in Fire Science
from Keiser University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from Grand Canyon
University.
Assisting Chief Jenkins are Scott Grooms from Eadytown FD, along with several Charleston FD
members including Michael Campbell, Ryan Hall, Lane Warren, and E.J. Mascaro.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
1121 or 1152 or Firefighter I or equivalent
12 minimum / 25 maximum
Full structural gear / SCFA will provide Scott SCBA’s
Working Fire Operations for Firefighters and Incident Commanders
with Live Fire (two day course)
5333-15007
This hands-on course is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced! This course will prepare participants
to safely attack, search, vent, ladder and/or command modern building fires using effective and
coordinated strategies and tactics. Traditional principles and modern practices will be blended into
engine, truck, or command drills then applied during full-scale, multiple discipline live fire fireground
scenarios. This course will be fast-paced and completely interactive. Participants must choose a group
– either Firefighting or Command.
The “Firefighting Group” will review engine and truck company objectives, strategies, and tactics.
Students will review selecting, deploying, and aggressively advancing attack lines, first-due forcible
entry, fireground search, ground ladders, and modern ventilation tactics. These skills will be practiced
during intense skill stations and applied during full-scale multi-discipline live-fire scenarios.
The “Command Group” will review overall objectives and factors for success on the modern
fireground. Students will review broad objectives of engine and truck tactics, discuss different
strategies, then apply these principles “from the Command Post” during full-scale multi-discipline
live-fire scenarios.
Instructors:
JASON (J.J.) JOANNIDES – As the Vice President of SAFE Firefighter, LLC and a City of Columbia Fire
Department Captain, Joannides was previously assigned as a firefighter on Truck 7. He is an SCFA
instructor, most recently working in the Curriculum Development Section, and is a founding member
of the Palmetto FOOLS. He earned an Associate’s degree from UNC-Charlotte and has extensive
training in truck company and aerial operations, RIC, and survival classes from all over the country.
CHRIS FORD – A firefighter with the City of Columbia Fire Department, Ford is currently assigned to
Truck 14.
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CHRIS GARNIEWICZ – A Truck Captain with the Bluffton Township Fire District, Garniewicz earned a
Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University (MA) and is an IFSAC Fire Instructor 2. He is an SCFA
instructor, Recruit Cadre with the Bluffton Township Fire District, and has previously served as a
volunteer firefighter in Massachusetts.
CHRIS KIP – A Battalion Chief with the City of Columbia Fire Department, Kip previously served as the
Captain of Truck 7.
DAVID LAIRD – A Battalion Chief with the City of Columbia Fire Department, Laird previously served
as a Captain on Truck 7.
GREG MUNDY – Retired as Assistant Chief at the Irmo Fire District, Mundy began his career in 1974 as
a volunteer firefighter in Central Iowa, was a military firefighter, flight medic, and a career member of
the Des Moines (IA) Fire Department. After leaving Iowa, he served as the SCFA Resident Manager,
then a Captain in the Columbia FD Training Division. He is currently an SCFA adjunct instructor.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
1121 or 1152 or Firefighter I or equivalent
12 minimum / 25 maximum
Full structural gear/ SCFA will provide Scott SCBA’s
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Saturday Courses
Fire Marshal Rules and Regulations – What It Means For You (Saturday only)
8610-15003
The latest S.C. Fire Marshal Rules and Regulations became effective June 27, 2014. As a fire chief,
resident state fire marshal, or any fire service member interested in fire prevention and code
enforcement, you want to be up-to-date on the state laws and regulations that provide you the
ability to ensure a fire safe community. This course will provide students with an update on the rules
and regulations and give you the tools needed to help make your community a safer place. This
course provides five (5) CEU’s and is required for Resident Fire Marshal Certification.
Instructor:
Nathan Ellis – A 23 year veteran of the fire service, Ellis has served in a variety of positions. He began
his career as a volunteer firefighter. After receiving a Public Health degree from Clemson University,
he worked as a Deputy State Fire Marshal. He later served as the City of Gaffney Fire Marshal and Fire
Chief.
Ellis’s training and experience cover every aspect of fire service - from firefighting principles and
tactics, to leadership and incident command. However, the emphasis of his career has always been
centered on fire prevention. In addition to Fire Inspector I, II, and Fire Plans Examiner, he holds ICC
certifications as a Commercial Building Inspector, Commercial Plumbing Inspector, Commercial
Mechanical Inspector, and Commercial Electrical Inspector as well as NFPA Fire Inspector I. He is also
an IAAI Certified Fire Investigation Technician.
Ellis currently works part-time with the S.C. Fire Marshal’s Office as a Fire Code Education Specialist,
planning and delivering quarterly training to the state’s fire code officials. He also works as a Building
and Fire Code consultant for RCI of SC, a third party Chapter 1 inspection firm. He remains active as a
volunteer Lieutenant and Fire Marshal at the Grassy Pond Fire Department in Gaffney, S.C. and as a
Lead Investigator and Training Officer for the Cherokee County Fire Investigation Team.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
None
12 minimum / 25 maximum
None
Spartanburg Burns – Lessons Learned (Saturday only)
5333-15008
We are experiencing major changes in our understanding of basic fire behavior and the current
tactics used to attack fires. Ever changing building materials, construction techniques, household
furnishings and building components demand the “rethinking” of today’s company officer and
firefighter. This course covers the “Spartanburg Burns and Lessons Learned” from a company officer
perspective and how to apply today’s modern research. We will discuss the process of NFPA 1403 for
acquired structures, NIST research conducted during the burns and application of this research, and
how these findings apply to the company officer or firefighter. Come join us for a day of street smart
firefighter discussions on how to improve your ability to be a “Thinking Firefighter.”
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Instructors:
Doug Lea – A 31 year fire service member, Lea is currently the Spartanburg Fire Department Training
Officer. He is also a member of the Spartanburg SART and HAZMAT teams. Previously, he served as a
career firefighter with Roebuck Fire Department where he began his SCFA instructional career. Lea
has also served in most types of firefighting - volunteer, military, and career. During the 2013 and
2014 Spartanburg Burn Study, he was an instructor with the International Society of Fire Service
Instructors and instrumental in organizing and setting up the “Spartanburg Burns” with NIST, SCFA
and ISFSI.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
None
12 minimum / 25 maximum
None
Are you HAZMAT ready? (Saturday only)
5333-15009
It does not matter if you are a HAZMAT guru, engine company captain, or a volunteer arriving first on
a scene. Every call you respond to has a potential for the presence of hazardous materials. This
course will review clues that will lead us down the path to determining if hazardous materials are on
scene. We will discuss strategies, tools needed to seek out hazards, sources of additional information,
and basic tactics to apply to a potential HAZMAT problem. We will finish the day with a series of table
top exercises to put the presented strategies and tactics into action. This will be an interactive course.
Instructors:
Todd Duncan - A career engineer with the Lancaster Fire Department for 13 years, Duncan is also an
SCFA adjunct instructor and the assistant hazardous materials program coordinator. He also serves as
HAZMAT manager for the State Emergency Response Task Force, and is a member of the HAZMAT
Working Group. He has presented air monitoring courses at the Southeastern Fire School, the S.C.
Fire Rescue Conference and the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC). He recently
coordinated the First Annual Southeastern HAZMAT School, a weekend event held at the SCFA.
Steve Curry - A Columbia Fire department employee for more than 23 years, Chief Curry serves as
Battalion Chief covering Battalion 1 and the downtown area. He served as the Chief of Training for
five years and with the Hazardous Materials Company for 16 years. He has been an SCFA instructor
for 22 years, primarily focusing on the HAZMAT programs and is also an instructor with FEMA
Homeland Security at the Center of Domestic Preparedness (Alabama) for the past 10 years. He is the
Midlands WMD Regional Response team assistant HAZMAT team leader and the Midlands type 3 IMT
Team Safety Officer. He is also a member of SCTF-1 as a HAZMAT manager and safety officer. Chief
Curry has assisted as a contributing editor for two hazardous materials books.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
2728 HAZMAT Ops or equivalent
12 minimum / 25 maximum
None
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Sunday Courses
Fire Marshal – Companion Codes (Sunday only)
8506-15013
This course will provide students with an overview of the International Code Council family of codes
that are adopted for enforcement in South Carolina. Understanding the harmony of the codes, and
promoting harmony among code officials, is an essential part of providing a safe built environment
for your community. This course will highlight sections from the ICC Codes that are important for Fire
Code Officials to understand, but are not found in the International Fire Code. This course provides
five (5) CEU’s for Resident Fire Marshal Certification.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
None
12 minimum / 25 maximum
None
Instructor:
Nathan Ellis – A 23 year veteran of the fire service, Ellis has served in a variety of positions. He began
his career as a volunteer firefighter. After receiving a Public Health degree from Clemson University,
he worked as a Deputy State Fire Marshal. He later served as the City of Gaffney Fire Marshal and Fire
Chief.
Ellis’s training and experience cover every aspect of fire service - from firefighting principles and
tactics, to leadership and incident command. However, the emphasis of his career has always been
centered on fire prevention. In addition to Fire Inspector I, II, and Fire Plans Examiner, he holds ICC
certifications as a Commercial Building Inspector, Commercial Plumbing Inspector, Commercial
Mechanical Inspector, and Commercial Electrical Inspector as well as NFPA Fire Inspector I. He is also
an IAAI Certified Fire Investigation Technician.
Ellis currently works part-time with the S.C. Fire Marshal’s Office as a Fire Code Education Specialist,
planning and delivering quarterly training to the state’s fire code officials. He also works as a Building
and Fire Code consultant for RCI of S.C., a third party Chapter 1 inspection firm. He remains active as
a volunteer Lieutenant and Fire Marshal at the Grassy Pond Fire Department in Gaffney, S.C. and as a
Lead Investigator and Training Officer for the Cherokee County Fire Investigation Team.
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Street Smart Fire Responder (Sunday only)
5333-15010
Many times in today’s world, first responders are the subject of attack by unstable citizens and may
encounter unique hazardous situations (i.e. meth labs, gun fire, and chemical suicides). This course
examines situational awareness and is intended for responders, and will assist them in facing the
invisible hazards to which they may be exposed.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
None
12 minimum / 25 maximum
None
Instructor:
Chad Beam – A 10 year fire service member, Beam currently works for the City of Fountain Inn Fire
Department as an engineer/paramedic and is a member of the South Carolina Task Force. He serves
with Greenville County EMS and is a technical coordinator for Greenville Technical College.
Fire Service Health and Wellness – It’s All About Numbers (Sunday only)
5333-15011
In 2014, the United States fire service lost 87 members in the line of duty. With cardiovascular issues
being the number one killer within the fire service, this course sheds light on several wellness and
health related topics important to fire service members. We will discuss ways to improve firefighters
physically, mentally, and nutritionally. This course is designed to give students several new “tools” to
help them make the proper choices to promote and live healthy lifestyles.
Prerequisite:
Students:
Required PPE:
None
12 minimum / 25 maximum
None
Instructor:
Jason Brahm - An eight year fire service member with the Bluffton Township Fire District, Brahm is
also a Certified Nutritional Coach and Certified Personal Trainer. He also serves on the S.C.
Firefighters’ Association Health and Safety Committee and is a member of S.C. FIT Team. He also is
the founder of 1st Due Fit.
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VENDOR PARTICIPATION
The S.C. Division of Fire and Life Safety and Southeastern Fire School appreciate the following
vendors’ participation in our annual training event. Please take a moment to stop by and visit the
following vendor booths:
Vendor
Carolina Gear Medic
Contact/Phone
Tracy Wielkic
803-629-7713
Website
Not available
Hepaco, LLC
Chris Ramey
800-888-7689
Mike Sturzenbecker
Jean Auman
Jill Evans
843-792-3852
www.hepaco.com
Darrell Newton
1-800-672-5918
Kayla Rankin
803-364-2060
Laura Hord
864-845-7175
Ashley Boltin
803-454-7805
Robby Fore
866-582-2376
Lucie Bergeron
1-888-329-6371
Will Glover
803-669-0775
www.newtonsfire.com
IFSTA
Jones and Bartlett Learning
MUSC Children’s Hospital and
S.C. Firefighters’ Burned Children’s
Fund
Newton’s Fire Safety
Poseidon Supplies and Equipment
Safe Industries
S.C. State Firefighters’ Association
Spartan Fire and Emergency
Apparatus, Inc.
Superior Fire Hose Corporation
TS Rescue
www.Ifsta.org
www.jblearning.com
www.scburnedchildrensfund.org
www.poseidonrescue.com
www.safeindustries.com
www.scfirefighters.org
www.spartanfire.com
www.superiorfirehose.com
www.tsrescue.com
VENDOR INFORMATION
Friday, March 13
1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Vendors set up
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Vendors allowed in US&R building
Vendor booths open to public
7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Vendors allowed in US&R building
Vendor booths open to public
Saturday, March 14
Sunday, March 15
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DIRECTIONS
From Interstate 20, take Exit 68 and turn north on Monticello Road (S.C. 215).
Travel about 4.3 miles north to Monticello Trail and turn left. (The road will narrow from four to
two lanes about ¼ mile before the turnoff.)
The Fire Academy complex is about ¼ mile down Monticello Trail on the left.
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