While we can provide 84 years of reasons why you should not miss FDIC 2012, we thought that it might be better to let some of the leading trainers, authors and icons tell you themselves.  And as you're busy convincing yourself you simply can't miss another year, keep this one fact in the back of your head... we did not raise the price from last years event.  You'll receive more training opportunities, exposure to more exhibitors and have access more special events at FDIC 2012, but at last year's cost. 

"FDIC is nothing short of amazing. No where else on the face of the earth can you go and be a part of something so special. Fire Engineering brings together the "best of the best" and that's instructors and students, for an incredible fire service experience. The hands-on training, workshops, and breakout sessions are a blend of the "stuff' that every firefighter and officer should know as well as what is new and cutting edge. The exhibits are phenomenal and the biggest complaint you hear from attendees is that "there are too many great classes to choose from!" Not a bad problem to have!! But the most important fact is that FDIC saves lives. Those we are sworn to protect and those of said "I will," our firefighters!"

Chief Rick Lasky
Lewisville (TX) FD, ret.

“The fire environment is changing everyday with significant impact on firefighter safety.  FDIC is the best way to learn from the world’s elite fire service instructors to stay educated on how these changes directly impact you and your crew’s ability to go home safely.”
 
Stephen Kerber
Fire Protection Engineer, UL


“FDIC is the BIG fire show of the year! It is where new ideas connect with long standing practices and where young firefighters who are trying to learn the business can spend a week with old guys who have been around forever. In the past fifty years virtually every improvement and progressive development was initially presented at FDIC.”

Chief (Ret.) Alan Brunacini
Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department


"Every year I look forward to the upcoming FDIC. As with the breaking of Spring, attending FDIC seems to reinvigorate me. As the breaking of the weather shakes off the duldrums of a long Winter, spending a few days amongst motivated members of the fire service, career and volunteer, who are committed to improving themselves through education seems to get the blood flowing again."

Sean DeCrane, BC
Cleveland Fire Department  


"FDIC - where you can learn more in an informal setting after (a few) hours than most conferences formally offer."
 
Paul J Conway
Chief of Operations
Milwaukee Fire Department


"Questioning on whether to attend FDIC is a NO brainer.
I went to my first FDIC in 1977, and have been there every year since. Sometimes I paid my own way-sometimes the job paid. Either way, FDIC is always an investment well worth it. Trust me on that.

Why?

It's a 3 part "learning" answer:

1- Phenomenal training. You name the subject or the responses you have and FDIC has the best of the best teaching it - so you can improve. So you can survive by learning from those who are the most qualified to teach you.

2-Equipment and tools. Every manufacturer in our business makes FDIC the place where they unveil their latest.  A chance to see it first - but more importantly, you talk to the people who invent and make the stuff we count on Another chance to learn about the stuff that's between you and the incident.

3-Other Firefighters. More firefighters in one location than anywhere else in North America. So what? The "what" is WHAT we learn over a meal, in a class, during breaks, in the exhibit halls or in a hotel lobby. I'd bet if there was a way to measure it, as much learning goes on at FDIC from the informal discussions at FDIC than any other aspect....simply because of the sheer number of firefighters attending.

Whether you scrimp and save to go on your own, or your department does the same thing so you can attend... figure it out. Whatever you do, do everything you can to be there. It is well worth the investment, I promise."
 
Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder
Loveland-Symmes FD, Ohio

"FDIC is "the place" to recharge your fire service batteries.  The fellowship and information shared in hands-on programs, classroom sessions and FDIC's week long events will reinvigorate your passion for the fire service.  Whether you are a new probie, or a part of senior level staff, FDIC has something for everyone.  Batteries recharged, bring back this knowledge and "jump start" ideas and projects within your fire department."

Lieutenant Douglas J. Mitchell Jr.
Fire Department of New York 


"Teddy Roosevelt captured the heart and soul of America and the Fire service when he uttered the words “It’s not the critic that counts…  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.” FDIC is the gathering of men and women who are in the arena impacting the fire service with guts and courage and determination to see that we always get better and take pride in our calling. I am proud to be among the men and women at FDIC who will never be counted “with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Capt. Mike Gagliano
Seattle Fire Department


"Some talk about being the best because they have been involved in the fire service for a long time. However, being the best takes more than time...It has to be earned. It starts with taking pride in yourself, your department, and the fire service. Then it takes work...attending classes, reading articles, training, and drilling. In the sports world most practice until they get it right. In the fire service we work in a life and death business so we have to practice until we can't get it wrong. FDIC is one stop shopping for serious students of the game. Students and instructors from around the world gather at FDIC with a common goal...becoming the best. You are welcome to join us at FDIC 2012."
 
Deputy District Chief Steve Chikerotis
Chicago Fire Department