2026 Conference Program

A large percentage of agencies in the United States and Canada have a deficiency in operating dedicated truck companies and have challenges accounting for all truck functions. Does this mean truck work doesn't exist? Truck company operations are essential, and these agencies need a system. This class focuses on consistently implementing coordinated tactics even with a resource deficiency and delivering all essential truck company operations associated with facilitating and supporting the coordinated fire attack and lifesaving operations. Students see how circumstances dictate action on the fireground and that not having a dedicated truck company does not justify substandard tactics and decreased truck company operations. It is essential to implement operations in a nontraditional, aggressive manner that is an alternative to traditional frameworks. This is accomplished by identifying the essential components for the successful coordination of tactics, prioritizing function, and implementation for complete accountability. The Performance Deficit: Identifying Internal Failures That Sabotage Firefighters and Rebuilding from the Inside Out Captain Kory Pearn, St. Thomas (STATE?) Fire Department The fire service has no shortage of tactics, tools, or training evolutions-but what it lacks is a system for identifying the internal breakdowns that quietly sabotage firefighter performance. The Performance Defect introduces a groundbreaking, field-tested framework that helps firefighters and instructors diagnose the internal failures that derail mindset, clarity, and sustainability from the inside out. This class shifts the conversation away from generic leadership theory and into a tactical self-audit model rooted in the Stoic-Sigma system-designed to expose five core performance defects hiding in plain sight: unfiltered influence, emotional contamination, false toughness, invisible drift, and legacy blindness. Attendees will learn how to spot these patterns early; coach through them effectively; and rebuild themselves and their crews with clarity, alignment, and intent. This class isn't about preaching resilience-it's about building operators who don't need rescuing later. The Rescue Company Firefighter Firefighter Jason Rivera, New Haven (CT) Fire Department Whether departments have a heavy rescue vehicle or not, chances are they are responsible for the duties that come with it. This class begins with an overview of the mindset and personality traits necessary to be a complete, well-rounded rescue company firefighter. We will discuss having a positive attitude, willingness to always do the right thing, and desire to perfect our craft both as individuals and as a team. We will discuss the fact that the split-second decisions we make on the fireground can have life-altering consequences for civilians, other firefighters, and ourselves. Riding a rescue company is not for everyone; there are certain traits that are deal breakers. We discuss what those are and how to avoid falling into the trap of personifying those undesirable attitudes. The class then delves into riding positions, tool assignments, and the variety of incident types a rescue company may respond to. The Rescue Mindset Private Jake Hoffman, Toledo (OH) Fire & Rescue Department How does a rescuer become the person who always seems to be three steps ahead with solutions for problems you didn't even know existed, the person who both chiefs and their fellow rescuers turn to for advice? This class strives to answer these questions. Development of a rescue mindset" is discussed from both personal development and incident response perspectives. Fire departments often treat high-risk/low-frequency technical rescue incidents like the average house fire, but this can be a recipe for disaster. Size-up and tactical decision making differ on a rescue scene, making a "rescue mindset" even more important.