Lecture Series and
Hands-On Training Instructors
Our team of instructors takes pride in delivering real skills for the real world, from fundamental skills to advanced tips and tricks. There is something for everyone.
Registration will open June 1st!
Captain Rich Stack
"Tactics and decision making on the fire ground"
Lecture and Hands on W/ Live Fire!
This course prepares company officers with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to lead a fire company effectively. Guided live-fire evolutions give students practical experience in leadership, responsibilities, tactics, and decision-making. Each student serves as a company officer during exercises.
Instructror Bio:
Richard Stack has been in the fire service for 28 years, 6 years with the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company, and the last 22 with the Chicago Fire Department. As a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, Rich was assigned to Engine 72, Engine 63, and Squad 5. Rich was promoted to Lieutenant in December 2015 and was Relief Lieutenant in the 5th District on the south side of Chicago. On March 8th, 2024, Rich was promoted to Deputy District Chief of Training. Rich has his advanced firefighter, Fire Officer 1, all the SOTP Certifications, Instructor 1 & 2, and a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Fire Service Management. Rich has been an instructor at the Chicago Fire Academy the Illinois Fire Service Institute, and the State Fire Academy. Since 2006, Rich has taught at the Illinois Fire Service Institute in various programs: Officer Development, Structural Collapse, RIT Under Fire, F.A.S.T., Fire College, Smoke Divers, Leadership Development and Decision Making, Engine Operations, and Truck Operations, Fire Ground Officer School, Forcible Entry, Search Techniques for the Fireground and an Academy Instructor.
Division Chief Grant Schwalbe
"Residential Primary Search: Making the Grab"
Lecture and Hands on Training
While structure fires are decreasing, civilian fire deaths are increasing. This fast-paced class concentrates on fundamentals of searching, good communications and having a plan. Students learn ways to maximize efficiency, perform each type of search, learn simple drags for victim removal. Covers Oriented Search, Split Search, VES, Hasty Search
Instructor Bio:
Grant Schwalbe is a 30-year veteran of the fire service. He is the Division Chief of Operations for Estero Fire Rescue (Fort Myers, FL). He is the lead instructor for the FDIC HOT program “Residential Search-Making the Grab”. Grant hosts 2 podcasts-The Grabs Podcast and the Journeyman Firefighter and has instructed for When Things Go Bad, Inc. He is on the technical panel for the FSRI Fire Dynamics and Firefighting Tactics in Multi-Story Residential Structures and a board member of The Firefighter Rescue Survey.
District Chief Clyde Gordon
"Danny's Story"
Lecture
Danny's Story presents real-life experiences and leadership mistakes that lead to a Line of Duty Death (LODD). Members are presented with personal experience of lessons learned in both the successes and failures of leading a crew, the changes and growth that refocused from Officer to Servant Leader, how easily things can go wrong when performance issues aren't confronted and corrected.
Instructor Bio:
Clyde Gordon recently retired as District Chief with the City of Houston Fire Department. He has over 36 years as a proven leader in the fire service and 30 years within the Houston Fire Department. Chief Gordon offers a unique blend of leadership, vision, and knowledge. He has a reputation for a strong work ethic, exceptional fire ground operations, and management, and building uncompromising integrity and responsibility in a crew.
Chief Gordon believes in continuous improvement of fire ground skills and operations through regular and consistent training. He is known for his teaching through honest and personal first-hand experience. Clyde spent over 10 years as an instructor with Lone Star College in Cypress, Texas.
Lieutenant Mike Ciampo
"The Tactical Truck Academy"
Lecture and Hands on Training
This hands-on class gives students the opportunity to rotate through four skill stations focused on street-proven truck company techniques that work on the fireground. Students will gain practical experience designed to increase productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness when it matters most.
Hands-on rotations include:
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Metal cutting
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Roof ventilation
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Conventional forcible entry
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Portable ladder skills and drills
Using lessons learned and reinforced on the fire ground, students will sharpen their skills while gaining valuable tips, tactics, and knowledge that can be immediately applied at your next fire or firehouse drill.
Instructor Bio:
Michael Ciampo is a Lieutenant in the F.D.N.Y. and formerly served as a firefighter in the Washington DC FD. He is an instructor at numerous conferences across the country and has a B.A. degree in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
In addition to his instructional role, Mike Ciampo has shared his knowledge through articles he writes for the back page column On Fire for Fire Engineering. He can be seen in their Training Minutes Truck Company videos. He also authored the Tower Ladders: Tactics, Tips & Tales textbook, which can be purchased at mikeciampo.com. He has taught or lectured at F.D.I.C., F.D.I.C. West, Orlando Fire Conference, Training Days, Ft. Lauderdale Fire Expo, First Due Tactics Conference, Firehouse, Firehouse World, and Firehouse On the Road.
Deputy Chief Walter Lewis
"The Mayday Academy"
2.5 day Hands on Training Class"
Likely the worst possible situation an incident commander can incur is having a mayday or multiple maydays while commanding an incident. When they occur, incident commanders must be prepared for the shift in priorities while engaging a multitude of options relevant to the situation at hand, so that all efforts that can be employed to seek the best possible outcome. The varied causes of a mayday incident dictate the actions necessary to respond with the appropriate resources, in tactical priority, with control and coordination. This program is designed to cover the foundations and individuality of the various types of maydays, how to recognize when one may unfold, mechanisms to prevent their occurrence and tactics to employ to manage the situations, the stressors that come with them and the courses of action afterwards. Live role-play scenarios will be presented for commanders to practice their skills in managing these scenes, with feedback provided from experienced chief officers.
Instructor Bio:
Walt Lewis brings a wealth of knowledge to share during Command School: A Workshop for Chief Officers in San Antonio. Walt has been a firefighter since 1990, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief for the Orlando Fire Department. In 2025, he retired and started his next chapter as Deputy Chief with the Orlando International Airport Fire and Rescue. He began as a volunteer and became a paid firefighter in a bedroom community fire department. In 1996, he joined the Orlando Fire Department and has served on some of the busiest units and within special operations. He is also a Task Force Leader for Florida US&R Task Force 4 based out of Central Florida, having deployed numerous times in various capacities during his time with FLTF4, including the Champlain Towers Collapse in Surfside, FL. Additionally, Walt was a past Executive Board member and Founder of F.O.O.L.S. International; he has been involved in various training and fundraising events for the F.O.O.L.S. and the charities they support.
Major Zach Bruhn
"First Due Size Up"
Lecture
This interactive class covers all points of a complete Fire Ground Size-Up along with strategies and tactics the first due fire officer or firefighter will need to ensure command and control are successfully established. Emphasis on the importance of first due officer implementing correct tactics.
Instructor Bio:
Major Zach Bruhn, a 23-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Special operations veteran who served as a U.S.A.F. Combat Controller. Adjunct professor for Oklahoma State University's Fire Protection department.
Chief Thomas Cruz
"Me to We: How to Build Successful Relationships"
Lecture
This interactive class explores the shift from individual thinking to a team-driven leadership mindset. Participants examine the behaviors, communication skills, and leadership habits that transform personal effort into collective success.
Instructor Bio:
Thomas Cruz has served the Corpus Christi community for 17 years as a firefighter and paramedic, currently holding the rank of Battalion Chief. His passion for service extends beyond emergency response and into the classroom, where he teaches at the local college. Known for his approachable teaching style and commitment to student success, he brings real‑world stories, practical lessons, and a deep sense of purpose to every course. Whether responding to calls or guiding future responders, he is dedicated to strengthening the safety, resilience, and preparedness of his community.
Bill Hopson
"Suppressing Fires Involving Solar Energy Systems"
Lecture
This presentation is specifically designed for Fire and EMS personnel who respond to incidents where a Solar Energy system presents a significant challenge. Covers the 3 traditional types of Solar Energy panel technology along with Low Energy Roof systems and Tesla Battery packs I, II and III. Contains EMS and Safety Officer sections.
Instructor Bio:
Bill Hopson is a 48 year veteran of the New Jersey Fire Service. He began his career in 1978, with the Seaside Heights NJ Fire Department. For the last 35 years, he has served with the Beachwood, NJ Fire Department. From 1986 until 2017, he served as a Deputy Fire Marshal with the Ocean County NJ Office of the Fire Marshal. From 1996 until 2002, he served at the lead Fire Instructor for the Ocean County NJ Fire Academy. A 3rd generation fireman, he has been an active and engaged Fire Instructor since 1982. He is a long time FDIC, HOT LEAD, WORKSHOP and CLASSROOM instructor and has presented fire department training across the country and in various parts of the world.