September 12-14, 2025
Eureka Fire Training Center
18765 Historic Rte 66
Pacific, MO 63069
Registration Opening Soon
Fire Training Class Schedule
Intro and Welcome
Instructor: Chief Bartlemass
Day: Friday AM
Duration: 15–30 minutes
Drones – Integration and Utilization for Enhanced Capabilities
Instructor: Joshua Riebe and team
Day: Friday AM
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Bio: Coming Soon
Mayday and Lessons Learned from Rescue Responses
Instructor: Matt Sleet
Day: Friday AM
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Class Description:
We will dissect my Mayday incident on Father’s Day, 2022 and how “routine” fires can quickly escalate into a low frequency-high risk event. We will intertwine this incident with factual data from the Firefighter Rescue Survey and the work of Project Mayday.
Bio:
Matt Sleet has dedicated 22 years to the fire service and currently serves as an Engineer with the Boles Fire Protection District in Franklin County, Missouri. Over the course of his career, he has held multiple roles, building a deep well of experience in fireground operations and technical rescue. Beyond his work at Boles FPD, Matt is a member of FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Missouri Task Force 1, where he is rostered as a Hazardous Materials Specialist. He is also a Hands-On Training (H.O.T.) Instructor and a past lecture presenter with County Fire Tactics, specializing in engine company operations.
Response Considerations and Lessons Learned from Lithium-Ion Emergencies
Instructors: John Orlando and Steve Kimker
Day: Friday PM
Duration: 4 hours
Class Description: Coming Soon
Bio: Coming Soon
Fires You Should Know – Facts, Fiction, and Folklore
Instructors: Brian Gettemeier and Tim Frankenberg
Day: Saturday AM
Duration: 4 hours
Class Description:
This class looks at near miss and line of duty deaths, their lessons learned, and their impact on the Fire Service. The class will discuss these incidents and how to incorporate line of duty deaths into relevant training exercises. Tragically the circumstances of these incidents and their influence have not been passed along to the emerging generation of firefighters.
Bios:
Tim P. Frankenberg is Chief of the Washington Fire Department. He has 29 years in fire service, with degrees in Fire Protection Engineering and Management, and has written for Fire Engineering and Fire House magazines.
Brian S. Gettemeier is a Captain with Cottleville Fire Protection District. With over 30 years in the field, he teaches all-hazards courses and has presented nationally at FDIC, Fire House Expo, and more.
When the Battery Hits the Fan
Instructors: Tim Ferretti and Andrew Dilliard
Day: Saturday PM
Duration: 4 hours
Class Description:
Modern batteries aren’t as simple as your dad’s old lead acid battery. Experience firsthand what it’s like dealing with a damaged Li-ion battery with live demos. Learn hazards, suppression tactics, and emergency disposal practices.
Bio:
Tim Ferretti is the Safety Coordinator for multiple industrial firms. A former Marine with HAZWOPER and hazmat training, he specializes in EV dismantling and battery safety. He’s a founding member of AFV Hazcon.
Andrew Dilliard – Bio Coming Soon
The Big Picture: Maximizing Tactical Impact on the Fireground
Instructors: Jim Silvernail and Nick Peppard
Day: Sunday AM
Duration: 4 hours
Class Description:
Tactical intervention—not gimmicks—is the key to fireground success. This workshop dives into suburban fireground operations, resource management, and how to achieve consistent tactical advantages in real-time scenarios.
Bios:
Jim Silvernail is Chief of the Kirkwood and Glendale Fire Departments and author of Suburban Fire Tactics. He has 28 years of experience, NFA Executive Fire Officer certification, and serves on national fire service boards.
Nick Peppard is a firefighter/paramedic in Oshkosh, WI, with over 20 years of service. He co-hosts the Make Do podcast and is a regional instructor and training officer in Wisconsin.
Preparing for Urban and Suburban Flood Rescues
Instructor: Dave Cruz
Day: Sunday PM
Duration: 2+ hours
Class Description:
As flood events increase, this course offers practical preparation for flood rescue operations, including gear, planning, and scene awareness.
Bio:
Dave Cruz served 25 years as a firefighter-paramedic and now leads Emergency Management for New Haven, MO. He founded Trident Rescue and is certified in multiple water rescue disciplines.
Hands-On Classes
Rescue Medicine Operations
Instructors: Rescue Redefined & SLEMS
Day: Friday
Duration: 2–4 hours
Class Description:
Intensive, scenario-based extrication class integrating advanced patient care and rescue coordination under real-world conditions.
Bio: Coming Soon
Rotators for Rescue Operations
Instructors: Rescue Redefined
Day: Saturday
Duration: 8 hours
Class Description:
Hands-on training in using heavy rotators for rescue, including rigging, lifting, stabilization, and extrication of victims from complex scenarios.
Bios:
Aaron Cranmer is a Firefighter/Paramedic with Florissant Valley FPD, USAR Medical Specialist, and rescue instructor.
Josh “Tiny” Whitten serves with Griffin Fire-Rescue and the Georgia Fire Academy. He’s certified in all major rescue disciplines and teaches heavy rescue systems statewide.
Lift. Break. Extricate.
Instructors: Rescue Redefined
Day: Sunday
Duration: 8 hours
Class Description:
This immersive hands-on course covers vehicle extrication, heavy lifting, breaching, and basic structural shoring in high-risk rescue environments.
Bio: Coming Soon
Multi-Day or Extended Classes
Jet Boat Rescue Class
Instructors: Brian Windle and Joe Smart
Days: Saturday–Sunday
Duration: 16 hours
Class Description:
This course trains responders in boat-based rescue operations. Meets NFPA 1006/2500 and FEMA standards for swiftwater and flood boat technicians.
Bios:
Brian Windle is a Lieutenant with Wolf Creek FPD, Trident instructor, and 16-year fire service veteran.
Joe Smart is a firefighter/paramedic with Maryland Heights FPD and Trident instructor with over 15 years of experience.
Swiftwater Vehicle Rescue
Instructor: Jeff Johnson, PFD Warriors
Days: Friday–Sunday
Duration: 24 hours
Class Description:
Covers swiftwater vehicle rescues with classroom, dry land, and in-water scenarios. Includes vehicle approaches, securing, victim retrieval (including children), and night operations.
Bio: Coming Soon
Thermal Imaging/Search
Instructors: Max Fire Box and Group (Boles Tower)
Days: Saturday or Sunday
Duration: 8 hours
Class Description: Coming Soon
Bio: Coming Soon
FAST Class
Instructor: TBD
Days: TBD
Duration: 8 hours
Class Description: Coming Soon
Bio: Coming Soon