Extension/NFA/Area Schools

This Area School is held each year at Abilene, Texas. Topics vary from year to year. Once the Area School is scheduled information will be posted at teex.org/extension

The Canyon Area Fire School is an annual event held during September in Canyon, Texas. This one day event covers various topics in fire fighting, rescue, investigation, inspection, and emergency medical care fields. Lecture and hands on sessions occur during two four hour blocks during the day and culminate in “night burns” held at the Canyon fire Department training field during the evening after the classroom sessions. Show less

North Central Texas Area Fire Protection School is held each year during October in Mineral Wells, Texas and is sponsored by the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department. Various firefighting and rescue topics are offered and vary from year to year.

The Wichita Falls Fire Protection School – Red River SFFMA District 10 is held each year during May in Wichita Falls, Texas and is sponsored by the Red River District 10 of the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas. Various firefighting and rescue topics are offered and vary from year to year. Show less

Red River SFFMA District Fire Protection School is held each year during September in North Central Texas and is sponsored by the Red River District of the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas. Various firefighting and rescue topics are offered and vary from year to year.

The overarching mission of the Bell County HOT series of area fire schools is to bring practical, meaningful and purposeful hands-on fire training to that is easily accessible to central Texas Firefighters in terms of both location and cost. Bell County HOT was established in 2019, drawing Firefighters from as far as Flower Mound and Rowlett. It was quickly apparent that we would need to expand our course offerings and redesign the delivery to ensure Firefighters in need of basic, formative training could come into a learning environment geared towards the foundations and fundamentals of learning the trade from the ground up. Also evident was the need to hit the ground running with our more seasoned participants with just twenty, short hours devoted to thought provoking lectures and intensive, reality-based HOT sessions and scenarios.What we soon found is that it would be impossible to offer the quantity…more importantly the quality…of the content we were striving for in a single weekend. Bell County HOT brings two weekends packed full of top-notch lecture and HOT sessions back to Temple Fire & Rescue’s Training Center, each with a very specific bent towards both unique audiences. Sought after instructors from around the state will be on hand to spread the gospel. Show less

This Area School is held each Spring at Angleton, Texas. Various firefighting and rescue topics may be offered and vary from year to year.

The Mile High Fire/Rescue School is held each October at Fort Davis, Texas and is sponsored by the Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department. Various firefighting, rescue topics, and apparatus operations are offered and vary from year to year.

This Area School is held each Fall at Angleton, Texas. Various firefighting topics are offered and vary from year to year.

The Katy Area Vehicle Extrication and Rescue School is held every November at Katy, Texas. The area school covers the requirements for Vehicle Rescuer Level I and Level II Based on NFPA 1670. Students may enroll in either Level I or Level II.

The Beeville Area School is held each Spring and Fall at Beeville, Texas and is sponsored by the Beeville Fire Department. Various firefighting and rescue topics are offered and vary from year to year.

The Guadalupe County Area School is held each Fall at McQueeney, Texas and is sponsored by the Guadalupe County Firefighters Association. Various firefighting and rescue topics are offered and vary from year to year.

The WinterGarden Area School is held each Spring and Fall at Uvalde, Texas and is sponsored by the WinterGarden Firefighters District. Various firefighting and rescue topics are offered and vary from year to year.

The Edinburg Fire & Public Safety Academy is held each Spring (for 4 weekends), with specialty classes held during the week in Edinburg, Texas and is sponsored by the Edinburg Fire Department. Various firefighting and rescue topics are offered in the core academy training blocks, there are also many specialty classes and National speakers. Class offerings and events vary from year to year. Show less

The South Texas/Coastal Bend Fire Training Academy (STCBFTA) Area School is held each Spring at Refugio, Texas and is sponsored by the Refugio Fire Department. Various firefighting and rescue topics are offered and vary from year to year.

The Extension program facilitates over 100 area schools and conferences each year. Newer and one time area schools and conferences are assigned to course number ARE106. Once established and reoccurring, area schools and conferences will receive a unique course number and course name. Flyers for area schools and conferences are posted at www.teex.org/extension 30 to 90 days from their start date. Show less

Various topics are discussed during each conference with emphasis on current issues in fire and arson investigation and fire inspection practices.

The South Texas Fire Investigator Seminar (STFIS) Area School is held each Fall at South Padre Island, Texas and is sponsored by the South Texas Fire Investigators Association and the Texas Chapter International Association of Arson Investigators. Various fire and arson topics are offered and vary from year to year. Show less

Vehicle Extrication area schools not utilizing the complete Vehicle Rescuer Level 1 or 2 curriculum may offer this course which varies from host to host.

The North Texas Fire Marshal’s Conference is held each January in Richardson, Texas and is sponsored by the North Texas Fire Investigator’s Association, Fire Prevention Association of North Texas, Texas Fire Marshal’s Office, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.  The Conference is aimed at the continuing education requirements of Fire Investigators, Fire Marshals, Law Enforcement, Public Education, and Fire and Emergency Responders.  Guest instructors from multiple disciplines are brought in to cover topics in three categories: Inspections, Investigations and Public Education. Show less

This Area School will consist of classroom activities, lecture, and hands-on field exercises on using hydraulic tools, hand tools, power tools, stabilizing jacks, lifting bags, cribbing, and extrication techniques for passenger vehicles, trucks, and school buses.

The Greater Houston Area Fire Marshals’ Council Training Conference has two tracks of training.  There is a Fire Investigation Track and an Inspections Track.  These classes will assist you in meeting the CE hours needed as inspectors, Investigators and you will receive TCOLE credit for the classes. Show less

Often low frequency-high risk incidents occur in the brush country. This conference addresses medical issues as it relates to hunting, response to assist or treat hunting related injuries (ie. insect/snake bites, gun shot, hunting preparation emergency survival, heat related illness, emergency medical care). Show less

This vehicle extrication course meets or exceeds the requirements for NFPA 1006 Standards for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualification, Vehicle Rescuer – Level 1.  The course includes classroom lecture and hands on training. The main focus of the course is Incidents involving common  passenger vehicles. Show less

This Vehicle Extrication course meets or exceeds the requirements for NFPA 1006 Standards for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualification, Vehicle Rescuer – Level 2.  The course includes classroom lecture and hands on training of large heavy vehicles incidents. The course main focus is on lifting and stabilization of large vehicles. Show less

This Area School will consist of classroom activities, lecture, and hands-on field exercises on using hydraulic tools, hand tools, power tools, stabilizing jacks, lifting bags, cribbing, and extrication techniques for passenger vehicles, trucks, and school buses.

The Texas Association of Fire Educators (TAFE) conference provides fire educators with training resources, educational support, and advancement of fire education. TAFE oversees the George M. Hughes Texas Instructor of the Year Award and the Earl Malone Texas Training Officer of the Year Award.

Courses vary from year to year. The Alamo Area F.O.O.L.S. provide realistic hands on fire training to better assist firefighters to operate safely on the fire ground.

The annual TIFMAS Symposium is an opportunity for the Texas Fire Service to join together to work to improve the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. The symposium is designed to give the fire agencies across Texas a better understanding of TIFMAS, to include incident response discussions, case studies and the lessons learned. Show less

The Conference attracts over 3,000 elected officials, first responders, emergency managers and decision makers from across Texas.  The Conference provides jurisdictions an opportunity to see and learn about innovative products and services from numerous organizations. 

The Extension program facilitates over 100 area schools and conferences each year.  Newer and one time area schools and conferences are assigned to course number ARE106.  Once established and reoccurring, area schools and conferences will receive a unique course number and course name.  Flyers for area schools and conferences are posted at www.teex.org/extension 30 to 90 days from their start date.  Show less

The Annual SFFMA Training Conference and Convention is the premier conference for Texas volunteer firefighters and emergency services professionals.  Attendees can interreact with exhibitors during the vendor show, network with others during the main business sessions and training workshops.  The exhibit show is held on the Saturday of the convention and is open to the general public. The convention is held in a different Texas city every year.  Additional information:  www.sffma.org Show less

The South Texas All Hazards Conference is one of the largest and most comprehensive conferences dealing with emergency response in the state.  The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services conference takes a proactive approach to public health and emergency preparedness.  Emergency responders hone their skills and utilize all available resources to be prepared for all emergencies, whether they are related to the weather, disease, accident, a deliberate act or any critical event.   Show less

The Sweetwater Creek Area Fire School is held each Spring at Mobeetie, Texas and is sponsored by the Sweetwater Creek Firefighters Association.  Various firefighting and rescue topics are offered and vary from year to year. 

Phase II (16-hour) is designed to teach strategic and tactical requirements to properly handle, either defensively or offensively, an industrial emergency incident with the resources that your agency has available. The classroom portion of this class is targeted to give a specific tactical approach at handling industrial emergency incidents. The practical hands-on exercises introduce and reinforce the tactical methods required to mitigate an industrial emergency incident. This course provides a unique opportunity for municipal emergency response personnel to apply specific strategies and tactics for the assessment, management and control of industrial emergency incidents through simulated and live fire activities.   Show less

This course is designed to meet the needs of entry-level fire and emergency service instructors by meeting or exceeding the job performance requirements in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications, Chapter 4 “Fire Instructor I”. Upon completion of this course you are eligible to take the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) written exam and skills testing.  Participants that receive a Pro Board certification are eligible for certification through Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) through reciprocity. In addition, participants can apply for certification through State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA).Pricing Information: Employees or members of a Fire Department or Agency that is a political subdivision of, or component thereof, the State of Texas are eligible to receive tuition credit from TEEX based on subsidized funding from the State of Texas for this class. Cost: $420 per student for Texas Firefighters, departments or agencies Standard Cost: $840.00 per student Non-Texas Municipal or State FirefighterRegistration Information: For regional open enrollment classes, a minimum of 15 students must be registered no less than 21 days prior to the start date of class. If the minimum enrollment requirement is not met, the class will be cancelled.  Show less

This course is designed to meet the needs of the intermediate-level fire instructor by meeting or exceeding the job performance requirements in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications, Chapter 5 “Fire Instructor II”. The Fire Instructor II course is designed around classroom lectures and exercises.Upon completion of this course you are eligible to take the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) written exam and skills testing. Participants that receive a Pro Board certification are eligible for certification through Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) through reciprocity. In addition, participants can apply for certification through State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA).Pricing Information: Employees or members of a Fire Department or Agency that is a political subdivision of, or component thereof, the State of Texas are eligible to receive tuition credit from TEEX based on subsidized funding from the State of Texas for this class. Cost: $420.00 per student for Texas Firefighters, departments or agencies Standard Cost: $840.00 per student Non-Texas Municipal or State FirefighterRegistration Information: For regional open enrollment classes, a minimum of 15 students must be registered no less than 21 days prior to the start date of class. If the minimum enrollment requirement is not met, the class will be cancelled.  Show less

The goal of this course is to enable students to identify and define key concepts of fire investigation specifically as they relate to the scientific method, scene preservation and the role of the first responder.  

This two-day course will provide fire, Emergency Medical Services department personnel and other related emergency responders with the aptitudes and abilities necessary to manage the duties and responsibilities of the Health and Safety Program Manager (HSPM) within their respective organizations. Successful completion of this course will enable participants to:Adapt the HSPM roles and responsibilities while applying risk management health and safety concepts within their organization to determine system-wide needs and to develop support to institutionalize opportunities to meet the needs assessment.Evaluate and prioritize health and safety related strengths and weaknesses within their organizations.Evaluate the environmental barriers affecting the implementation and impact of the organization’s safety and health programs.Evaluate and integrate the organization’s and individual’s responsibility to impact health and wellness positively. Show less

This course examines the Safety Officer’s role at emergency response situations, specifically focusing on operations within an Incident Command System (ICS) as a Safety Officer.Does not meet the NFPA 1521 certification requirements for TCFP or SFFMA. Does qualify as an TCFP Track B and SFFMA Master Certification class. Show less

This National Fire Academy (NFA) course is designed to help you develop a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Company Officer in preparing a company for incident operations, to clarify the transition from firefighter to company officer, and to highlight the new roles relating to leadership and safety. This course is designed for company officers, acting company officers, or senior firefighters responsible for the management of a single fire company at an emergency incident. Show less

This course covers the skills and techniques mid-level managers need to provide leadership and direction for their departments. The first module focuses on identifying opportunities and/or problems. Topics include environmental scanning, paradigm shifts, and methods for reframing problems accurately. The second module deals with group problem-solving techniques. The third module explains the need to quantify, justify, and communicate decisions so they will be implemented effectively. Managing change is discussed in the final module. Show less

This course provides you with essential tools and skills to operate safely in a wildland/urban interface incident.

The Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations (STICO) curriculum is designed to meet the needs of Company Officers responsible for managing operations. STICO develops the management skills required by Company Officers to accomplish assigned tactics at structure fires.

This is a two-day course designed to provide you with some basic tools and skills to coordinate training in small fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations. A training function in a smaller department typically may include conducting training drills and coordinating training with a nearby larger city or state entities. Leadership issues in fire service training, such as why and how the local training officer must be a catalyst for change and personal motivators within the department. Identifying the legal issues affecting the training function, including an understanding of a standard of care and the impact of Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association standards. Show less

This course is intended to serve as a vehicle to share proven incident management strategies and practices, as well as to enhance teamwork and coordination among the agency’s mid-level managers and command staff directly responsible for emergency response to all-hazards incidents in which the Incident Command System (ICS) is employed. The course utilizes scenarios and application exercises to highlight key issues and facilitate discussion. The concluding tabletop exercise is intended to allow you to apply the information provided during the course in a controlled environment. Show less

This course is intended to serve as a vehicle to share proven incident management strategies and practices, as well as to enhance teamwork and coordination among all response agencies’ officers directly responsible for emergency response to a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD)/terrorism incident or other Incident of national significance. The course is specifically intended for those emergency response personnel who have duties that require they be directly involved in incident management or command at either a field Incident Command Post (ICP) or in a city, county, or regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Show less

This course is designed to develop the decision-making skills needed by Company Officers (COs) to accomplish assigned tactics at structure fires. All activities and scenarios used in this course are based on structure fires. Often first to arrive at an incident, the CO’s initial decisions will have an impact throughout the entire incident. It is vital that they be able to make good management decisions with a favorable impact on the eventual outcome. In addition to a possible role as the initial Incident Commander (IC), the CO may be assigned a subordinate position within the Incident Command System (ICS) organization. COs need to have a clear understanding of the system, the position they are assigned, and their role in the organization if they are to function effectively and help make the system work. Show less

This two-day course identifies operational activities and safety concerns for Structural Company Officers assigned to a Wildland or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) incident.

This two-day course will provide the outline and resources for a fire/EMS department to implement and maintain a wellness program, in coordination with the department’s health and safety program. Using current recommendations, standards, and guidance from national resources, the Department Wellness Coordinator will be able to assess the mental and physical health needs of their department’s personnel and develop program objectives to meet those needs. Topics include medical and wellness screenings, nutrition, physical fitness, behavioral health, and resources available. Show less

This course is designed to develop the managerial, administrative, and leadership skills necessary for the first time fire chief and chief officer who desire a leadership position in their department. This course addresses critical knowledge and skills pertaining to the responsibilities of a fire chief including such topics as local politics and the role of the chief officer, liability and risk management, resources and items of knowledge needed to become a first time leader in a new position in their agency. Show less

The goal of this course is to provide participants the managerial, administrative and leadership skills, and awareness necessary for new or recently appointed or elected Chiefs to effectively meet their obligations of the position.

This course will develop the managerial skills, leadership skills, and contemporary issues and awareness necessary for new or newly appointed or elected fire chiefs to effectively meet their obligations. The course will help to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for them to perform effectively now and in the future. Show less

In this course, participants will learn the adaptive leadership model and how the model relates to being in an authority role and exercising leadership. Both adaptive and technical challenges will be examined to develop understanding of the differences between them, along with disequilibrium as a necessary element in accomplishing adaptive change.Participants will also learn the definitions of community, diversity and dynamic situations. A spotlight will be focused on recognizing the existence of differences within a community, understanding the challenges that arise and produce conflict, and identifying desired outcomes as a component of exercising leadership to address the challenge.Additionally, participants will focus on how to analyze a community challenge using a variety of tools and strategies to collect information about systems, politics, demographics and cultural perspectives. They will also go over several tools and strategies that can be applied to address challenges within diverse communities and achieve desired outcomes, as well as identify what success looks like and how to measure it.The purpose of the “Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Within Communities” (ESS: ELWC) course is to provide fire service authority figures with knowledge and skills which enable them to exercise leadership when confronting adaptive challenges presented by increasingly diverse internal and external communities. Show less

In this course, participants will learn the adaptive leadership model and how the model relates to being in an authority role and exercising leadership. Both adaptive and technical challenges will be examined in order to develop understanding of the differences between them, along with disequilibrium as a necessary element in accomplishing adaptive change.Participants will also be introduced to the functions of holding an authority role within their organization. They will be taught to recognize where their authority comes from, what the boundaries of their authority are, and what can compromise their authority. This forms the foundation for the participants to recognize the distinctions between acting as an authority figure and exercising leadership to effect change within their organizations.Additionally, participants will examine two models for managing change: Analysis, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation (APIE) (a structural approach), and Bridges’ Transition Model (a psychological approach). Participants will also be introduced to the Four P’s component of Bridges’ Transition Model for facilitating change.The purpose of the “Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership to Facilitate Adaptive Change” (ESS: ELFAC) course is to provide skills that individuals in positions of authority can use to exercise leadership when confronted with adaptive challenges. Show less

In this course, participants are introduced to the adaptive leadership model and how the model relates to being in an authority role and exercising leadership. They will examine the sources of power and the limits of one’s authority. Participants will also focus on defining difficult conversations and recognizing when they should occur, analyzing the elements of a difficult conversation to appropriately plan for its conduct, and examining how their own personal feelings and traits play a role in a difficult conversation. Additionally, participants will examine several tools for conducting difficult conversations, including the Ladder of Inference tool, the Left-Hand Column tool, and the Balancing Inquiry and Advocacy tool. Finally, participants will focus on conducting a difficult conversation. They will learn several leadership skills that are useful in conducting a difficult conversation, and go over the five steps for conducting a difficult conversation. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a plan for conducting a difficult conversation in their lifetime.The purpose of this “Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Through Difficult Conversations” (ESS: ELTDC) course is to provide knowledge and skills in having difficult conversations in order to exercise leadership when addressing adaptive challenges. Show less

This two-day course presents the participant with the basic leadership and supervisory knowledge, skills and tools needed to perform effectively in the fire and EMS environment. The course includes:Transition to Supervisor: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to apply concepts related to a successful transition to supervisory and leadership roles, including models of leadership, change management, active followership, and active engagement in fire and EMS.Effective Communication: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to identify effective communication processes across a multitude of scenarios and environments, to include written, oral, paraverbal, nonverbal, dialogue-focused, inquiry- and advocacy-based, and crucial conversations.Ethics, Authority and Responsibility: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to apply an ethical perspective to responsibility, authority, power, decision-making and discipline in a supervisory or leadership role in fire or EMS.Active Engagement: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to create a personal plan for active engagement as a supervisor and leader in fire and EMS, using concepts presented in this course. Show less

This course provides a conceptual foundation and framework for a successful transition by fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to first line supervisor by exploring a broad spectrum of perspectives in thinking. This two-day course presents the participant with the basic leadership and supervisory knowledge, skills and tools needed to perform effectively in the fire and EMS environment. The course includes: Unit 1: Thinking Perspectives: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to assess situations from multiple perspectives. Unit 2: Think Imaginatively, Act Creatively: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to articulate techniques for fostering an environment of creativity and innovation. Unit 3: Think Analytically, Politically and Critically: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to create a personal plan as a supervisor and leader in fire and EMS based on the thinking perspectives presented in this course. The NFA supports courses for federal, state and local fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to include professional development within the disciplines of leadership and executive development. This curriculum is intended to serve the professional development needs of fire and emergency services personnel who are at or are preparing for first line supervisory positions. The curriculum is also intended to serve as prerequisite course work for participants of the NFA Managing Officer Program. Show less

This course provide a conceptual foundation and framework for a successful transition by fire and EMS personnel to first line supervisor by exploring concepts of self, others, and teams in developing frameworks for organizational and personal success. This two-day course presents the participant with the basic leadership and supervisory knowledge, skills and tools needed to perform effectively in the fire and EMS environment. The course includes: Unit 1: Self: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to apply the concepts of professionalism to create a roadmap for professional success. Unit 2: Creating Environments for Growth in Others: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to explain how the concepts of managing conflict, empowerment, empathy, authorization and delegation can contribute to creating an environment for professional growth in others. Unit 3: Together: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to apply the concepts of failure, collaboration, synergy and team dysfunction to your creation of a personal plan of active engagement as a supervisor and leader in fire and EMS. The NFA supports courses for federal, state and local fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to include professional development within the disciplines of leadership and executive development. This curriculum is intended to serve the professional development needs of fire and emergency services personnel who are at or are preparing for first line supervisory positions. The curriculum is also intended to serve as prerequisite course work for participants of the NFA Managing Officer Program. Show less

This 40 hour course is the combination of the three two-day courses within the Leadership Series: Creating Environments for Professional Growth, Perspectives in Thinking, and Frameworks to Success.This series presents the fire and emergency medical (EMS) supervisor with the basic leadership skills and tools needed to perform effectively in the fire and EMS environment, to successfully transition to supervisory and leadership roles, and establish a conceptual foundation and framework for success in leadership roles by exploring creative, analytical, political and critical thinking perspectives.The course includes the development of a personal plan for active engagement in the provision of leadership in supervision.This course meets the requirements of the Managing Officer Program for completion of Leadership I, II and III. Show less

This two-day course demonstrates to participants nationally recognized principles that, when used appropriately, can lead to community risk-reduction programs that can measure success in local communities. This course will give participants the opportunity to explore programs from communities across the United States that have been showcased at Vision 20/20 symposiums. These programs demonstrate what nationally recognized organizations identify as examples of “best practices” in community risk reduction. Show less

The goal of this course is to ensure Emergency medical Services (EMS) personnel can make critical decisions effectively during an emergency/disaster by employing the appropriate EMS functions in Incident Commant System (ICS) knowledge, sills, and abilities (KSAs), and decision-making techniques.  Show less

This is the IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting lesson covering fire department organization.  This lesson describes the fire service mission, organization, and regulations.  This lesson also covers firefighter roles and skills, as well as firefighter safety, health, and wellness. (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.) Show less

This is the IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting lesson covering fire department communications.  This lesson describes different communication systems used within the fire department.  It also explains the procedures for receiving emergency and nonemergency calls, as well as the radio procedures used for internal communications.  (Note:  Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.)   Show less

This is the lesson covering building construction. This lesson describes building construction classifications, including types of factory-built homes. The lesson also covers floors, ceilings, walls, basements, stairs, roofs, doors, and windows. (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details) Show less

This is the lesson covering fire dynamics.  This lesson describes the science of fire.  It includes information about thermal energy, fuel, and oxygen, as well as self-sustained chemical reactions.  The lesson also covers fire development in a compartment, structure fire development, and the reaction of building construction to fire.  (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.)  Show less

This is the lesson covering personal protective clothing and equipment. This lesson describes different types of protective clothing and equipment, safety considerations related to protective clothing and equipment, and how to prepare clothing and equipment for reuse. The lesson also covers self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). It describes how to don and doff SCBA, how to inspect and maintain SCBA, and how to use respiratory equipment.(Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details)  Show less

This is the IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting lesson covering portable fire extinguishers. The course describes different classes and types of portable fire extinguishers. The lesson also details how to select and use portable fire extinguishers. (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details)  Show less

This is the lesson covering ropes and knots.  This lesson describes different types of ropes and webbing, as well as procedures for maintaining and storing rope.  The lesson also covers different types of knots and their uses. (Note:  Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.)  Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to explain practices for firefighter survival during interior operations, describe search and rescue operations. Students shall also be able to describe MAYDAY protocols, evacuation, and rapid intervention operations. (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details)  Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to recognize different types of forcible entry tools and describe methods for forcing entry through doors, windows, and walls.(Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details)

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify types of ladders and the parts of a ladder. They shall also describe safe practices for using, carrying, and placing a ground ladder. Students shall be able to describe methods for raising and lowering a ladder, working from a ladder, and assisting victims down a ladder.(Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details)  Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the purpose of tactical ventilation and to explain the process for ventilating flat or pitched roofs(Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details)

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the characteristics of hoses, and understand how to inspect, care for, and maintain fire hose. They should also be able to differentiate between different types of hose rolls and loads.(Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details) Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe water supply, methods used to deploy hose, and methods used to advance hose. Students shall also be able to explain how to operate types of hose lines, nozzles, and master stream devices

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to explain fire suppression methods for structure fires, vehicle fires, exterior fires, and ground cover fires.(Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details) 

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe firefighters’ roles during overhaul, salvage, and scene preservation.(Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details)

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the roles and responsibilities of firefighters and fire investigators with regards to fire origin and cause determination and evidence preservation.(Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details). Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe major functions of first responders providing emergency medical care.(Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details)

After completing this lesson, the sutdent shall be able to identify action options and response objectives for different types of hazmat incidents. 

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify hazardous materials and their potential hazards. (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.) 

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to identify effects of fire on building materials, describe structural collapse considerations, and explain the effects of fire suppression activities on building materials. (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.)  Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to explain the importance of fire and life safety programs, fire and life safety surveys, fire and life safety presentations, and pre-incident planning. (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.) Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe firefighting foam production and operations. They will also be able to describe operations involving liquid and gas fuel fires. (Note:  Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contac tthe host agency for details.)  Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the process for initiating incident operations and transferring Command.  Students will also be able to explain how unit operations are coordinated and how post incident reports are used. (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details)  Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe procedures for maintaining equipment and service testing fire hose. 

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe the use of NIMS-ICS, identify the traits and values of an effective leader, and explain how incidents are managed. (Note:  Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.)  Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to discuss personal protective equipment, product control, and decontamination as they relate to hazardous materials incidents.  (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.)  Show less

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe different types of rescue situations, the hazards involved in those situations, and the Fire Fighter II’s responsibility at vehicle extrication and rescue incidents. 

Firefighters must have the courage to face a multitude of risks in order to save lives and protect their communities. Their courage allows them to willingly risk their own lives so that others can be saved. A different type of courage is required to stay safe in potentially dangerous situations, avoiding needless risks, and tragic consequences. This provocative and moving presentation is designed to change the culture of accepting the loss of firefighters as a normal occurrence. Building on the untold story of Line-of-Duty Death (LODD) survivors, it reveals how family members must live with the consequences of a firefighter’s death, and provides a focus on the need for firefighters and officers to change fundamental attitudes and behaviors in order to prevent line of duty deaths. The central theme promotes the courage to do the right thing in order to protect yourself and other firefighters and ensure that, “Everyone Goes Home” at the end of the day. Show less

Operators of emergency vehicles carry a heavy responsibility. The penalty for not adequately training your operators also carries legal consequences; emergency vehicle operators and the entities they represent have been held both criminally and civilly responsible for their actions. This Emergency Vehicle Driver Training (EVDT) course was developed to teach the emergency vehicle operator proper driving techniques, including the mental and physical aspects of driving. The program points out the long-term impact of an accident involving an emergency vehicle on the operator, the emergency service organization, and the community in which they serve. Show less

This lecture course stresses how to address two simultaneous objectives specific to traffic collisions: safe procedures used to clear a crash scene, and maximizing roadway space available for continued traffic movement. Promoting best practices while working traffic incidents using guidance from the Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Texas State Motor Vehicle Code, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines. Show less

Extension Supported courses vary and may include classes such as: SLICE-RS Hurricane Vehicle Extrication Theater Shooting & High Risk Extraction Trench Rescue Refresher NFPA Remembering When Safety Officer Hazardous Materials SFFMA District SFFMA Conference Fire Marshall Discussion Art of Reading Smoke Live Fire Training Brush Country Medicine & Survival Vehicle Rescuer Rescuer Apprentice Command and Control Decision Making for Multi-Alarm Incidents Public Information Officer Building Construction Fire Chiefs Conference State Fire Marshal Discussion/Codes Amtrak & Railway Response Operations Synthetic Drug Abuse Electrical Safety Texas Firefighters & Fire Marshals Association   Show less

This course is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently within the Incident Command System (ICS) during an incident or event. This course focuses on the management of single resources.

This course provides training on and resources for personnel who require a basic understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS 100, Introduction to the Incident Command System, introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Show less

This course will focus on the duties and responsibilities of the Shelter Manager, Assistant Manager, and their workers, during the actual operation of the shelter throughout the day and night operational periods. The course will detail successful shelter management based on best practices, actual experience, and lessons learned. The course will conclude with a scenario to assist the participant in bringing the information received together and reinforcing the learning through a practical exercise. This course will lead the audience from the arrival of the 1st shelter manager through the operational periods to demobilization, with events in the chronological order they normally will happen. No matter how large or small; a city, county, or community’s ability to train its own shelter managers and workers will be aided and encouraged by this course. Course will start at activation, continue with opening the shelter, include setup, floor plans, and flow, cover responsibility for FNSS capabilities, talk about our “guests”, expand on the different needs for different ages and genders, have a more specific discussion of duties for day and night operational periods, contain information on partners and those relationships, cover customer service, discuss various types of communication and media, and differentiate between management of needs for the 1st 48 hours and the recognition of expanding services needed for the ongoing days. Pets and their management either in a co-locating scenario or a separate facility will also be discussed. Daily inventory and ordering sheets will be presented and discussed. Finally, repopulation preparations and demobilization responsibilities will be covered. Show less

This course is a combination of lecture and exercises. The lecture course stresses how to address two simultaneous objectives specific to traffic collisions: safe procedures used to clear a crash scene, and maximizing roadway space available for continued traffic movement. Promoting best practices while working traffic incidents using guidance from the Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Texas State Motor Vehicle Code, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines. The tabletop exercises are performed in student teams from a blend of the various disciplines (law, fire, EMS, rescue, towing, etc.) Show less

Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) and All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) have gained wider acceptance and use in both the fire service and emergency medical service (EMS). These vehicles can help responders take quicker action with less physical exhaustion of department members. These vehicles not only help the EMS providers or firefighters that use them, but may also benefit the individuals serviced by the emergency service organization (ESO). Adding UTVs and ATVs to an ESO fleet may provide great benefits but might also present safety issues if those using the vehicle have not been properly trained in the operation and maintenance. This safety program was developed to provide training for ESOs that use these types of specialty vehicles. Show less

Along with the Shelter Branch planning and activities; the curriculum includes an overview of job descriptions and duties of the Shelter Manager, Shelter Assistant Manager, and Shelter Worker. Relationships and interaction with involved agencies and organizations such as Red Cross, Health, VOAD, Food Bank, Animal Care, and Law Enforcement amongst others will be discussed. Pet sheltering for both co-locating and separate facility will be explained. Functional Need Support Service; FNSS, and child friendly planning are also presented. Information including facility checklists, push pak sheets, and daily inventory, will be explained and provided to assist in the sheltering process. The instructor(s) have operated all aspects of evacuee and responder shelters; from pre-season site acquisition and planning, through operations, to demobilization, starting in 2005 up to present day. These events involved single and multiple operations running with populations from 100 up to 8,000 at one mega shelter. This course will explain and emphasize the capability for cities, counties, and communities to be self sufficient in the area of disaster sheltering. Based on actual hands-on experience, established best practices, and lessons learned; this course will provide the knowledge, instruction, information, and confidence to enable any local jurisdiction to set up and operate disaster shelters on their own. Show less

Phase I is an awareness level class. The goal of this class is to make municipal emergency responders aware of what can potentially be an industrial emergency incident and to recognize hazards and potential hazards on those incidents.

This course educates fire officers how to make changes in their departments that will help prevent line of duty deaths. The course begins with the devastating impact of an LODD and the surprising fact that many contributing factors to LODDs result from the fire service culture, the reinforcement of unsafe behaviors, and breakdowns in safety priorities. The course then explains how a balanced approach of leadership, accountability, culture, and knowledge can reverse these contributing factors and help prevent LODDs. In each of these four areas, the course provides practical and specific information that the fire officer can immediately implement to save firefighter lives and reduce injuries. This course includes writing exercises throughout the presentation. While these exercises are optional, they are designed to help you get the most out of this program and provide a reference for you as you move forward with implementing what you learn in this course. Show less

This course partnership between TEEX and TAMU VET and assumes the adherence to NFPA 1670-14 Awareness/Operations level standards for Animal Technical Rescue. The course is designed to meet the needs of responding to the different victims wherever possible and to incorporate appropriate sections of NFPA 1006 as needed.Awareness level training prepares the participant to understand scene size-up, recognize the need for technical rescue, identify necessary resources and determine how to obtain them, demonstrate equipment identification, recognize the hazards associated with animal technical rescue, and know the methods for mitigating these hazards. Operations level training prepares the participant to demonstrate skills of rope rigging to include hauling and lowering systems, demonstrate knowledge of rope related and animal related technical rescue equipment, edge protection, single and multi-point anchor systems, and to be able to perform simple assists, low angle lifts from a stable location, and rescue glide/patient transport packaging.The course will discuss the necessity and operations of the Incident Command System. Understanding how ICS works as well as its role in animal technical rescue situations, particularly those with multiple agencies responding is essential.Animal behavior and care are covered with respect to horses, cattle, dogs, and cats, as these species will likely make up the majority of animal technical rescue missions. Body language and positioning of both animals and humans are considered. Safety concerns are also addressed, as well as basic first aid for animals. Show less

This course partnership between TEEX and TAMU VET and assumes the adherence to NFPA 1670 Awareness/Operations/Technician level standards for Animal Technical Rescue. The course is designed to meet the needs of responding to the different victims wherever possible and to incorporate appropriate sections of NFPA 1006 as needed.This course covers situations involving confined space, below grade, low and high angle rescues. Techniques for each type are discussed and applied to a variety of scenarios that a responder is likely to encounter. A capstone experience at the end of the course requires that participants apply the knowledge gained throughout the course to a practice scenario involving a mannequin with limited assistance from the instructors.The course will discuss the necessity and operations of the Incident Command System. Understanding how ICS works as well as its role in animal technical rescue situations, particularly those with multiple agencies responding is essential. The ability to employ ICS to a scene not only improves the speed and efficiency of the rescue, but also its effectiveness, as the order provided minimizes risk of death or injury to the rescuers and the victim as a result of miscommunications.Rigging systems are also covered in depth, with special attention given to rope and knots, various types of equipment that are important to animal technical rescue, how to use anchors effectively, and the use of simple and compound mechanical advantage systems. Participants will be able to set up appropriate rigging systems for a given situation and have a general understanding of how the equipment functions.Animal behavior and care are covered with respect to horses, cattle, dogs, and cats, as these species will likely make up the majority of animal technical rescue missions. Body language and positioning of both animals and humans are considered. Safety concerns are also addressed, as well as basic first aid for animals. Show less

Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) is a four-hour course. The course provides attendees an overview of the problems and issues that fire departments face in the WUI environment, basic concepts of defensible space, considerations in completing basic home risk assessments and available resources to the fire department. WFAP was developed by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) as a national program. Due to critical specific wildland fire issues facing Texas and resources only available in Texas, Texas Forest Service (TFS) modified the national WFAP to create a Texas version of WFAP. The Texas version of WFAP includes information on the Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal, Texas Community Protection Plans methods and practices and historical wildfires in Texas. Target audience is paid, combination, volunteer fire departments, and other public safety organizations protecting citizens within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Show less

IEMBR Phase I is an awareness level class. The goal of this online class is to make municipal emergency responders aware of what can potentially be an industrial emergency incident and to recognize hazards and potential hazards on those incidents.

This course provides emergency responders with the skills and knowledge to respond to a fire or emergency incident involving Fertilizer-Grade Ammonium Nitrate (FGAN). It focuses on analyzing a possible FGAN incident, determining if an evacuation is required, and if not, containing any FGAN near the incident while planning and implementing a response. Show less

The purpose of this program is to familiarize participants with how Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) and their supporting infrastructure function. This course covers AFV safety (part 1) and incident response (part 2).The first part of this course provides an overview of AFV functionality and operational information intended to increase safety awareness levels. Primary hazards associated with alternative fuels and filling stations are also covered. AFV safety lessons are designed to provide participants with a general awareness of common alternative fuel vehicles, available fuel types, fuel storage, and general safety issues. Additionally, information on resources associated with the utilization of AFV technologies for commercial, public and private use are included.The second part of this course will familiarize participants with AFV incident response information and considerations. Although we discuss some of the potential tactical considerations associated with responding to incidents involving AFVs, this training does not establish specific tactics.Incident response lessons are designed to provide participants with an overview of pre-planning and response factors for alternative fuel vehicle incidents. Size-up considerations are the primary focus of the training. This course is not intended to address tactical issues for first responders.The course intent is for the participant to incorporate the general concepts discussed in this program into the operating procedures and guidelines established by their agency, or develop new procedures or guidelines that address AFVs. Show less

This course is designed to meet the NFPA 1670 and the SFFMA qualifications for Rescue Apprentice. (20 hours)The course is required to apply for rescue certifications for the SFFMA.

This course teaches the skills needed to safely and efficiently perform basic technical rescues in industrial and municipal environments.Successful completion of this course will also provide the participant with the skills necessary to meet Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications, in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006, (Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications(2003 Ed.) Chapter 5, “Job Performance Requirements”.This course does not lead to a National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) certification. Show less

The Honor Guard Academy teaches emergency services personnel the fundamental elements of honor guard duties. The academy provides honor guard members the foundation to build/strengthen an honor guard team. The honor guard academy will enable participants to perform ceremonial duties within and also outside of their community. It is recognized by the Texas Line of Duty Death Task Force. Show less

This course is designed to increase firefighter effectiveness and safety by providing a framework for educating and training firefighters about the current fire dynamics research. This course will demonstrate how the knowledge of fire dynamics can be directly translated into strategic fire ground decision-making, and into highly applicable, usable, real-life fire ground tactics and tasks. The course has hands on activities, as well as, a small scale live burn simulation of a structure fire. Show less

The goal of this course is to educate firefighters and EMS personnel about their increased risk of developing cancer; encourage actions and behaviors to reduce or prevent exposure to occupational cancer hazards; encourage healthy lifestyle choices to further reduce cancer risk; and provide information about resources available to firefighters, EMS personnel, and their families following a cancer diagnosis.   Show less

This course is designed to increase the awareness of both career and volunteer firefighters and related emergency service personnel who may be required to call a mayday or respond to a mayday incident. This course is not designed to supplant local operation procedures and does not purport to instruct firefighters in all aspects of mayday response. This course does not replace the need for hands-on training and for practice in calling for or responding to mayday incidents. Show less

This course will teach the student to: Identify the current challenges of towing a trailer;Identify the five characteristics that influence vehicle performance while towing a vehicle; Understand the tow vehicle and trailer capacities; Understand the importance of pre-towing inspection; Demonstrate proper hook-up procedures and loading; Perform trailer inspection and maintenance; and Complete a skills course and over-the-road evaluation. (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.)  Show less

Driving an ambulance is a privilege and a position of tremendous responsibility in which proper training is critical. Participants in this course will have the opportunity to gain and/or verify a broad range of competencies associated with emergency vehicles. Understanding of emergency response, vehicle dynamics, operations, and skills.  (Note: Skills portion may or may not be included in this course please contact the host agency for details.) Show less

This program is intended to focus on the strategies to help students exercise leadership within their organization, regardless of whether their role is as a senior firefighter, company level officer or chief officer.  Exdercising leadership is a critical component in helping our nations’ fire service successfully implement many of the programs and initiatives to help reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.  Show less

The goal of this course is to enable students to identify and define key concepts of fire investigation specifically as they relate to the scientific method, scene preservation and the role of the first responder.  

This two-day course will provide fire, Emergency Medical Services department personnel and other related emergency responders with the aptitudes and abilities necessary to manage the duties and responsibilities of the Health and Safety Program Manager (HSPM) within their respective organizations. Successful completion of this course will enable participants to:Adapt the HSPM roles and responsibilities while applying risk management health and safety concepts within their organization to determine system-wide needs and to develop support to institutionalize opportunities to meet the needs assessment.Evaluate and prioritize health and safety related strengths and weaknesses within their organizations.Evaluate the environmental barriers affecting the implementation and impact of the organization’s safety and health programs.Evaluate and integrate the organization’s and individual’s responsibility to impact health and wellness positively. Show less

This course examines the Safety Officer’s role at emergency response situations, specifically focusing on operations within an Incident Command System (ICS) as a Safety Officer.Does not meet the NFPA 1521 certification requirements for TCFP or SFFMA. Does qualify as an TCFP Track B and SFFMA Master Certification class. Show less

This National Fire Academy (NFA) course is designed to help you develop a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Company Officer in preparing a company for incident operations, to clarify the transition from firefighter to company officer, and to highlight the new roles relating to leadership and safety. This course is designed for company officers, acting company officers, or senior firefighters responsible for the management of a single fire company at an emergency incident. Show less

This course covers the skills and techniques mid-level managers need to provide leadership and direction for their departments. The first module focuses on identifying opportunities and/or problems. Topics include environmental scanning, paradigm shifts, and methods for reframing problems accurately. The second module deals with group problem-solving techniques. The third module explains the need to quantify, justify, and communicate decisions so they will be implemented effectively. Managing change is discussed in the final module. Show less

This course provides you with essential tools and skills to operate safely in a wildland/urban interface incident.

The Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations (STICO) curriculum is designed to meet the needs of Company Officers responsible for managing operations. STICO develops the management skills required by Company Officers to accomplish assigned tactics at structure fires.

This is a two-day course designed to provide you with some basic tools and skills to coordinate training in small fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations. A training function in a smaller department typically may include conducting training drills and coordinating training with a nearby larger city or state entities. Leadership issues in fire service training, such as why and how the local training officer must be a catalyst for change and personal motivators within the department. Identifying the legal issues affecting the training function, including an understanding of a standard of care and the impact of Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association standards. Show less

This course is intended to serve as a vehicle to share proven incident management strategies and practices, as well as to enhance teamwork and coordination among the agency’s mid-level managers and command staff directly responsible for emergency response to all-hazards incidents in which the Incident Command System (ICS) is employed. The course utilizes scenarios and application exercises to highlight key issues and facilitate discussion. The concluding tabletop exercise is intended to allow you to apply the information provided during the course in a controlled environment. Show less

This course is intended to serve as a vehicle to share proven incident management strategies and practices, as well as to enhance teamwork and coordination among all response agencies’ officers directly responsible for emergency response to a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD)/terrorism incident or other Incident of national significance. The course is specifically intended for those emergency response personnel who have duties that require they be directly involved in incident management or command at either a field Incident Command Post (ICP) or in a city, county, or regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Show less

This course is designed to develop the decision-making skills needed by Company Officers (COs) to accomplish assigned tactics at structure fires. All activities and scenarios used in this course are based on structure fires. Often first to arrive at an incident, the CO’s initial decisions will have an impact throughout the entire incident. It is vital that they be able to make good management decisions with a favorable impact on the eventual outcome. In addition to a possible role as the initial Incident Commander (IC), the CO may be assigned a subordinate position within the Incident Command System (ICS) organization. COs need to have a clear understanding of the system, the position they are assigned, and their role in the organization if they are to function effectively and help make the system work. Show less

This two-day course identifies operational activities and safety concerns for Structural Company Officers assigned to a Wildland or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) incident.

This two-day course will provide the outline and resources for a fire/EMS department to implement and maintain a wellness program, in coordination with the department’s health and safety program. Using current recommendations, standards, and guidance from national resources, the Department Wellness Coordinator will be able to assess the mental and physical health needs of their department’s personnel and develop program objectives to meet those needs. Topics include medical and wellness screenings, nutrition, physical fitness, behavioral health, and resources available. Show less

This course is designed to develop the managerial, administrative, and leadership skills necessary for the first time fire chief and chief officer who desire a leadership position in their department. This course addresses critical knowledge and skills pertaining to the responsibilities of a fire chief including such topics as local politics and the role of the chief officer, liability and risk management, resources and items of knowledge needed to become a first time leader in a new position in their agency. Show less

The goal of this course is to provide participants the managerial, administrative and leadership skills, and awareness necessary for new or recently appointed or elected Chiefs to effectively meet their obligations of the position.

This course will develop the managerial skills, leadership skills, and contemporary issues and awareness necessary for new or newly appointed or elected fire chiefs to effectively meet their obligations. The course will help to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for them to perform effectively now and in the future. Show less

Extension teaches many NFA classes. Periodically we receive a new or one time NFA course. These special NFA classes will be assigned to this course number, NFA100.

In this course, participants will learn the adaptive leadership model and how the model relates to being in an authority role and exercising leadership. Both adaptive and technical challenges will be examined to develop understanding of the differences between them, along with disequilibrium as a necessary element in accomplishing adaptive change.Participants will also learn the definitions of community, diversity and dynamic situations. A spotlight will be focused on recognizing the existence of differences within a community, understanding the challenges that arise and produce conflict, and identifying desired outcomes as a component of exercising leadership to address the challenge.Additionally, participants will focus on how to analyze a community challenge using a variety of tools and strategies to collect information about systems, politics, demographics and cultural perspectives. They will also go over several tools and strategies that can be applied to address challenges within diverse communities and achieve desired outcomes, as well as identify what success looks like and how to measure it.The purpose of the “Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Within Communities” (ESS: ELWC) course is to provide fire service authority figures with knowledge and skills which enable them to exercise leadership when confronting adaptive challenges presented by increasingly diverse internal and external communities. Show less

In this course, participants will learn the adaptive leadership model and how the model relates to being in an authority role and exercising leadership. Both adaptive and technical challenges will be examined in order to develop understanding of the differences between them, along with disequilibrium as a necessary element in accomplishing adaptive change.Participants will also be introduced to the functions of holding an authority role within their organization. They will be taught to recognize where their authority comes from, what the boundaries of their authority are, and what can compromise their authority. This forms the foundation for the participants to recognize the distinctions between acting as an authority figure and exercising leadership to effect change within their organizations.Additionally, participants will examine two models for managing change: Analysis, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation (APIE) (a structural approach), and Bridges’ Transition Model (a psychological approach). Participants will also be introduced to the Four P’s component of Bridges’ Transition Model for facilitating change.The purpose of the “Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership to Facilitate Adaptive Change” (ESS: ELFAC) course is to provide skills that individuals in positions of authority can use to exercise leadership when confronted with adaptive challenges. Show less

In this course, participants are introduced to the adaptive leadership model and how the model relates to being in an authority role and exercising leadership. They will examine the sources of power and the limits of one’s authority. Participants will also focus on defining difficult conversations and recognizing when they should occur, analyzing the elements of a difficult conversation to appropriately plan for its conduct, and examining how their own personal feelings and traits play a role in a difficult conversation. Additionally, participants will examine several tools for conducting difficult conversations, including the Ladder of Inference tool, the Left-Hand Column tool, and the Balancing Inquiry and Advocacy tool. Finally, participants will focus on conducting a difficult conversation. They will learn several leadership skills that are useful in conducting a difficult conversation, and go over the five steps for conducting a difficult conversation. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a plan for conducting a difficult conversation in their lifetime.The purpose of this “Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Through Difficult Conversations” (ESS: ELTDC) course is to provide knowledge and skills in having difficult conversations in order to exercise leadership when addressing adaptive challenges. Show less

This two-day course presents the participant with the basic leadership and supervisory knowledge, skills and tools needed to perform effectively in the fire and EMS environment. The course includes:Transition to Supervisor: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to apply concepts related to a successful transition to supervisory and leadership roles, including models of leadership, change management, active followership, and active engagement in fire and EMS.Effective Communication: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to identify effective communication processes across a multitude of scenarios and environments, to include written, oral, paraverbal, nonverbal, dialogue-focused, inquiry- and advocacy-based, and crucial conversations.Ethics, Authority and Responsibility: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to apply an ethical perspective to responsibility, authority, power, decision-making and discipline in a supervisory or leadership role in fire or EMS.Active Engagement: At the completion of this unit, participants will be able to create a personal plan for active engagement as a supervisor and leader in fire and EMS, using concepts presented in this course. Show less

This two-day course demonstrates to participants nationally recognized principles that, when used appropriately, can lead to community risk-reduction programs that can measure success in local communities. This course will give participants the opportunity to explore programs from communities across the United States that have been showcased at Vision 20/20 symposiums. These programs demonstrate what nationally recognized organizations identify as examples of “best practices” in community risk reduction. Show less

The goal of this course is to ensure Emergency medical Services (EMS) personnel can make critical decisions effectively during an emergency/disaster by employing the appropriate EMS functions in Incident Commant System (ICS) knowledge, sills, and abilities (KSAs), and decision-making techniques.  Show less