This intensive hands-on training course is designed for firefighters and rescue personnel seeking advanced skills in heavy vehicle extrication, focusing on large trucks, commercial vehicles, and passenger buses. Due to their size, weight, and structural complexity, these vehicles present unique challenges during extrication operations.This course will prepare responders to handle high-impact collisions, underride and override crashes, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups with confidence and efficiency.

The course covers:

• Heavy Vehicle Stabilization: Techniques for securing large trucks and buses to ensure rescuer and victim safety.
• Advanced Cutting Methods: Proper use of heavy-duty cutting and spreading tools to access trapped occupants.
• Vehicle Lifting & Disentanglement: Strategies for lifting heavy vehicles and removing victims from complex entrapments.
• Multi-Vehicle Collision Scenarios: Hands-on training for incidents involving passenger vehicles under or between large trucks.

Firefighters will gain the confidence and technical knowledge to handle high-risk extrications safely and efficiently. Ideal for fire departments looking to enhance their heavy rescue capabilities, this class ensures personnel are prepared for the challenges of large vehicle crashes.

Instructor(s) –

Captain Matt Reed

Matt began his career in the fire service in 1995 where he joined as a volunteer. In 2003 he was hired as a FF/Medic for the City of Bridgeport where he served for 15 years. Within those years he was hired in 2010 as an Adjunct Instructor for the WVU State Fire Academy. In 2018 he retired from the City of Bridgeport where he took a full-time position at The WVU State Fire Academy and currently holds the position of Program Coordinator. He has been a Rescue Technician for over 25 years. He is still currently active in the volunteer fire service and holds the rank of Captain with the Weston Fire Department.

Captain William “Bill” Woofter – Adjunct Instructor

WV State Fire Academy Retired Supervisory Captain for the Department of Defense and Retired Volunteer Fire Chief with over 40 yrs of fire service experience. With over 20 years specializing in Special Operations and Technical Rescue. Served 7 years in the South-Central Pennsylvania Terrorism Task Force as a Company Officer. I retired in 2021 and returned to my home state of Wv and became an Adjunct Instructor with the WV State Fire Academy to give back to the state that started my career as a volunteer firefighter in Weston.

Pre- Req Required – Firefighter 1

Today’s firefighters are facing unique challenges compared to their predecessors. Live fire training is restricted in regard to fuel loads and it is often difficult to acquire on a regular basis unless they are fortunate to have a Class A training facility. And even with a Class A Burn building, firefighters are being shown fire behavior definitions and concepts in a non realistic environment due to the limitations on the types of fuel loads that can be used and ventilation conditions. However, with the Max Fire Box, students can witness first hand fire behavior definitions like never before! These definitions literally “come to life” before their eyes and they are able comprehend them in a safe environment prior to witnessing it inside a live fire environment. This training equates to better prepared, more educated, and safer firefighters; or what we refer to as “intelligently aggressive” firefighters. This classroom hybrid training consists a 2.5 hour classroom session followed by a 1.5 hour live fire demonstration.

Instructor - Insight Fire Training LLC

Insight Training LLC Instructors are Level I Thermography Certified, Veteran Firefighters, who have been through extensive training and have trained firefighters, thermal imaging manufacturer sales representatives, and industry professionals. We serve as technical advisers in the areas of thermal imaging for many fire service professionals.

No Pre-Req’s Required

This course is a live fire training course. Students will need Full PPE and SCBA (w/spare cylinder if available) and must be clean shaven to participate. Fires occur at all times of the day, and we need to be prepared to operate under any and all conditions! This course will focus on effective nighttime operations. The course is scheduled to go until 10pm but the highly motivated instructors may continue past with motivated students!

Instructor - Deputy Chief Michah Kiger

Micah Kiger is a Career Deputy Chief with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue - Virginia. Loudoun is located 35 miles from our nation's capital and is situated between Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier County(s) in Northern Virginia and is bordered by the Potomac River to the North, which separates them from Frederick and Montgomery County(s) in Maryland. Micah began his fire service career in Loudoun County in 2000 after successfully completing Recruit Class #4. Since then, he has progressively moved up through the ranks and has served in the positions of Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain/Station Commander, and EMS Supervisor. Chief Kiger has held assignments as an operational Battalion Chief, Special Operations Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief/Shift Commander, Deputy Chief of EMS, and is currently assigned as the Deputy Chief/Chief Fire Marshal for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

Pre- Req Required – Firefighter 1

This class is designed to educate firefighters on the basic principles, components, operation, and limitations of fire sprinkler systems and standpipe systems, including how to identify different types, access connection points, and safely utilize them during fire suppression operations in buildings equipped with these systems. This course will explore the various types of sprinkler and fire suppression systems, including standpipes.

• Grasp the definition of fire sprinkler and standpipe systems.
• Comprehend the purposes and objectives of these systems.
• Clarify common misconceptions regarding sprinkler systems.

Instructor - TBD

No Pre-Req’s Required

This class is designed to educate firefighters on the basic principles, components, operation, and limitations of fire sprinkler systems and standpipe systems, including how to identify different types, access connection points, and safely utilize them during fire suppression operations in buildings equipped with these systems. This course will explore the various types of sprinkler and fire suppression systems, including standpipes.

Instructor - Insight Fire Training LLC

Insight Training LLC Instructors are Level I Thermography Certified, Veteran Firefighters, who have been through extensive training and have trained firefighters, thermal imaging manufacturer sales representatives, and industry professionals. We serve as technical advisers in the areas of thermal imaging for many fire service professionals.

No Pre-Req’s Required

This intensive hands-on training course is designed for firefighters and rescue personnel seeking advanced skills in heavy vehicle extrication, focusing on large trucks, commercial vehicles, and passenger buses. Due to their size, weight, and structural complexity, these vehicles present unique challenges during extrication operations.This course will prepare responders to handle high-impact collisions, underride and override crashes, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups with confidence and efficiency.

The course covers:

• Heavy Vehicle Stabilization: Techniques for securing large trucks and buses to ensure rescuer and victim safety.
• Advanced Cutting Methods: Proper use of heavy-duty cutting and spreading tools to access trapped occupants.
• Vehicle Lifting & Disentanglement:Strategies for lifting heavy vehicles and removing victims from complex entrapments.
• Multi-Vehicle Collision Scenarios: Hands-on training for incidents involving passenger vehicles under or between large trucks.

Firefighters will gain the confidence and technical knowledge to handle high-risk extrications safely and efficiently. Ideal for fire departments looking to enhance their heavy rescue capabilities, this class ensures personnel are prepared for the challenges of large vehicle crashes.

Instructor(s) –

Captain Matt Reed

Matt began his career in the fire service in 1995 where he joined as a volunteer. In 2003 he was hired as a FF/Medic for the City of Bridgeport where he served for 15 years. Within those years he was hired in 2010 as an Adjunct Instructor for the WVU State Fire Academy. In 2018 he retired from the City of Bridgeport where he took a full-time position at The WVU State Fire Academy and currently holds the position of Program Coordinator. He has been a Rescue Technician for over 25 years. He is still currently active in the volunteer fire service and holds the rank of Captain with the Weston Fire Department.

Captain William “Bill” Woofter – Adjunct Instructor

WV State Fire Academy Retired Supervisory Captain for the Department of Defense and Retired Volunteer Fire Chief with over 40 yrs of fire service experience. With over 20 years specializing in Special Operations and Technical Rescue. Served 7 years in the South-Central Pennsylvania Terrorism Task Force as a Company Officer. I retired in 2021 and returned to my home state of Wv and became an Adjunct Instructor with the WV State Fire Academy to give back to the state that started my career as a volunteer firefighter in Weston.

Pre- Req Required – Firefighter 1

Many firefighters have heard or said the saying “everything gets better when the fire goes out.” This class is going to explore how we can make things “better” with greater efficiency and effectiveness with our hand lines. We will examine different nozzles, hose set ups, and techniques that can help us eliminate the fire and make space more survivable for potential victims. We will explore the advantages of lower nozzle pressures, hit and move versus flow and move techniques, and water mapping. This is a hands on class where students will be both witnessing demonstrations and performing evolutions themselves.

Instructor(s) –

Captain Joey Baxa

Joey Baxa is a 17-year veteran of the fire service spending his entire career at the Buckhannon Fire Department where he currently holds the rank of Captain. Joey is an adjunct instructor for WVU FSE and a lead instructor for Insight Fire Training. His limited staffing program has been featured at Firehouse Expo among many other regional conferences and he has trained many departments across with United States in fire ground thermal imaging use. He has been a Firehouse Expo H.O.T. Instructor since 2019, a FDIC H.O.T. Instructor, published in both Fire Engineering and Firehouse magazines, and was a 2023 Michael O. McNamee Unit Citation for Valor recipient from Firehouse Magazine.

Brian Fluharty – Adjunct Instructor

Brian Fluharty is a seasoned fire service professional with 30 years of experience dedicated to protecting communities and mentoring the next generation of firefighters. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter in Mannington, WV, and continues to serve in Shepherdstown, WV, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to public service. For the past 22 years, Brian has been employed Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, progressing through every rank to his current rank as Battalion Chief. His diverse experience has led him to numerous assignments, operations, safety, hazardous materials, and since 2020 he has led training initiatives as the Battalion Chief of Training. In addition to his leadership role, Brian shares his knowledge as a part-time instructor with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and the West Virginia University Fire Service Extension. Holding an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University, he instructs courses ranging from Firefighter I/II to Officer and Instructor levels, among many others. Brian’s extensive career and passion for training underscore his dedication to excellence and continuous improvement within the fire service.

Pre- Req Required – Firefighter 1

Many firefighters have heard or said the saying “everything gets better when the fire goes out.” This class is going to explore how we can make things “better” with greater efficiency and effectiveness with our hand lines. We will examine different nozzles, hose set ups, and techniques that can help us eliminate the fire and make space more survivable for potential victims. We will explore the advantages of lower nozzle pressures, hit and move versus flow and move techniques, and water mapping. This is a hands on class where students will be both witnessing demonstrations and performing evolutions themselves.

Instructor(s) –

Captain Joey Baxa

Joey Baxa is a 17-year veteran of the fire service spending his entire career at the Buckhannon Fire Department where he currently holds the rank of Captain. Joey is an adjunct instructor for WVU FSE and a lead instructor for Insight Fire Training. His limited staffing program has been featured at Firehouse Expo among many other regional conferences and he has trained many departments across with United States in fire ground thermal imaging use. He has been a Firehouse Expo H.O.T. Instructor since 2019, a FDIC H.O.T. Instructor, published in both Fire Engineering and Firehouse magazines, and was a 2023 Michael O. McNamee Unit Citation for Valor recipient from Firehouse Magazine.

Brian Fluharty – Adjunct Instructor

Brian Fluharty is a seasoned fire service professional with 30 years of experience dedicated to protecting communities and mentoring the next generation of firefighters. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter in Mannington, WV, and continues to serve in Shepherdstown, WV, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to public service. For the past 22 years, Brian has been employed Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, progressing through every rank to his current rank as Battalion Chief. His diverse experience has led him to numerous assignments, operations, safety, hazardous materials, and since 2020 he has led training initiatives as the Battalion Chief of Training. In addition to his leadership role, Brian shares his knowledge as a part-time instructor with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and the West Virginia University Fire Service Extension. Holding an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University, he instructs courses ranging from Firefighter I/II to Officer and Instructor levels, among many others. Brian’s extensive career and passion for training underscore his dedication to excellence and continuous improvement within the fire service.

Pre- Req Required – Firefighter 1

Want some great ideas for hazmat training for your department? Don’t have a robust training budget and need it to be inexpensive? Want it to be practical and not over the head college level science? This is your class. Will provide some training concepts and cost-effective ideas to take home to your departments so you can keep your member skilled and proficient!

Instructor - TBD

No Pre-Req’s Required

This is not your granddaddy’s pump class. This course is designed for beginners and experienced driver operators for structural fireground operations in the 21st century fire environment. Topics to be covered include: pump piping and how it affects operations, modern hose construction and understanding modern friction loss, attack packages, supply needs, drafting without a primer, handlines, master streams, appliances and standpipes.

*PPE: Minimum of Helmets and Gloves, structural PPE preferred but not required. (In case you like being dry)

Instructor - Chief Stephen Himes

Steve began his fire service career in 1990 as a volunteer firefighter. Since 2002, he has been employed with the City of Elkins Fire Department, where he is currently the Fire Chief. He is also a National Registry Paramedic. Steve graduated from Columbia Southern University with honors in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration. He also holds seven NPQBFS certifications. Steve has been an instructor since 2006 with WVU Fire Service Extension.

Pre- Req Required – Firefighter 1

This course will teach the technique of VES (Vent, Enter , Search). This skill involves assessing victim profiles and moving in front of the fire at times and searching for victims in searchable areas. It is an unconventional skill that requires speed, mental clarity and great teamwork between a search crew. Crews will first learn the concept then will put it into practice on several different scenarios. Crews will be entering an IDLH so participants will need full PPE and SCBA (spare cylinder recommended but not required).

Instructor - Coal County FOOLS

Who are the FOOLS:

The Fraternal Order OfLeatherheads Society is an organization determined in keeping the traditions, firemanship skills and promoting/protecting the brotherhood/sisterhood in our calling as firefighters. In our training events we focus on real street skills that make firefighters good at what they do. We believe in simple concepts that drive us to be better and protect each other and our fire service heritage. Concepts like: DTRT (do the right thing), FTM-PTB (for the members- protect the brotherhood), EGH (everybody goes home), RFB (remember fallen brothers), KTF (keep the faith). These drive us to be what is expected of us by our communities, departments, and families!

DUTY-PRIDE-TRADITION

Pre- Req Required – Firefighter 1

This course will teach the technique of VES (Vent, Enter , Search). This skill involves assessing victim profiles and moving in front of the fire at times and searching for victims in searchable areas. It is an unconventional skill that requires speed, mental clarity and great teamwork between a search crew. Crews will first learn the concept then will put it into practice on several different scenarios. Crews will be entering an IDLH so participants will need full PPE and SCBA (spare cylinder recommended but not required).

Instructor - Coal County FOOLS

Who are the FOOLS:

The Fraternal Order OfLeatherheads Society is an organization determined in keeping the traditions, firemanship skills and promoting/protecting the brotherhood/sisterhood in our calling as firefighters. In our training events we focus on real street skills that make firefighters good at what they do. We believe in simple concepts that drive us to be better and protect each other and our fire service heritage. Concepts like: DTRT (do the right thing), FTM-PTB (for the members- protect the brotherhood), EGH (everybody goes home), RFB (remember fallen brothers), KTF (keep the faith). These drive us to be what is expected of us by our communities, departments, and families!

DUTY-PRIDE-TRADITION

Pre- Req Required – Firefighter 1

This is not your granddaddy’s pump class. This course is designed for beginners and experienced driver operators for structural fireground operations in the 21st century fire environment. Topics to be covered include: pump piping and how it affects operations, modern hose construction and understanding modern friction loss, attack packages, supply needs, drafting without a primer, handlines, master streams, appliances and standpipes.

PPE: Minimum of Helmets and Gloves, structural PPE preferred but not required. (In case you like being dry)

Instructor Chief Stephen Himes

Steve began his fire service career in 1990 as a volunteer firefighter. Since 2002, he has been employed with the City of Elkins Fire Department, where he is currently the Fire Chief. He is also a National Registry Paramedic. Steve graduated from Columbia Southern University with honors in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration. He also holds seven NPQBFS certifications. Steve has been an instructor since 2006 with WVU Fire Service Extension.

Pre- Req Required – Firefighter 1

This class will take students through the mulit-gas monitoring process. Many people don’t know the ins and outs of a multi-gas monitor. Its capabilities and how it can be used for much more than just carbon monoxide runs. How to potentially test for a specific flammable gas. You will learn how to put all the readings together to properly assess an unknown problem. Finally what precautions to take when using a monitor in an unknown environment.

Instructor - TBD

No Pre-Req’s Required

Want some great ideas for hazmat training for your department? Don’t have a robust training budget and need it to be inexpensive? Want it to be practical and not over the head college level science? This is your class. Will provide some training concepts and cost-effective ideas to take home to your departments so you can keep your member skilled and proficient!

Instructor - TBD

No Pre-Req’s Required

Captain Joey Baxa

Joey Baxa is a 17-year veteran of the fire service spending his entire career at the Buckhannon Fire Department where he currently holds the rank of Captain. Joey is an adjunct instructor for WVU FSE and a lead instructor for Insight Fire Training. His limited staffing program has been featured at Firehouse Expo among many other regional conferences and he has trained many departments across the United States in fire ground thermal imaging use. He has been a Firehouse Expo H.O.T. Instructor since 2019, a FDIC H.O.T. Instructor, published in both Fire Engineering and Firehouse magazines, and was a 2023 Michael O. McNamee Unit Citation for Valor recipient from Firehouse Magazine.

Deputy Chief Brian Grieco, City of Huntington

Brian is a Deputy Chief with the City of Huntington Fire Department. Brian began his fire service career in the late 80s as a Jr. firefighter with the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department in Magnolia NJ. He also served two enlistments in the Air National Guard. First, in Atlantic City, New Jersey for the 177th Fighter Interceptor Group (FIG) and then again after a 10-year break in the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston, WV. Serving both enlistments as a Fire Protection Specialist/Rescue Technician. Chief Grieco is currently in his 30th year at the City of Huntington Fire Department. He was promoted through the ranks of Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain to Deputy Chief. Chief Grieco has had assignments as the City’s Fire Marshal and was a lead in the development of the city’s Continuity of Operations Plan. He is currently assigned as an Operational Deputy Chief and has additional responsibilities with the City’s Emergency management team and as the lead for West Virginia’s Region VI Hazardous Materials Response Team.

This course will provide a quick review of anchors, mechanical advantage, descent control, haul systems and rope rescue systems (including single line techniques, mainline-belay line, and 2 tensioned systems). Followed by scenario-based exercises in various different response environments.

Deputy Chief Micah Kiger, Louden County VA

Micah is a Career Deputy Chief with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue - Virginia. Loudoun is located 35 miles from our nation's capital and is situated between Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier County(s) in Northern Virginia and is bordered by the Potomac River to the North, which separates them from Frederick and Montgomery County(s) in Maryland. Micah began his fire service career in Loudoun County in 2000 after successfully completing Recruit Class #4. Since then, he has progressively moved up through the ranks and has served in the positions of Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain/Station Commander, and EMS Supervisor. Chief Kiger has held assignments as an operational Battalion Chief, Special Operations Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief/Shift Commander, Deputy Chief of EMS, and is currently assigned as the Deputy Chief/Chief Fire Marshal for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

Advanced search techniques (vent/enter/search, searching with/without hoseline), Mayday considerations, SCBA confidence/emergency training, working from aerial devices, forcible entry,ground ladder considerations, and advanced hoseline management are some of the key highlights for this class!The Advanced Structural Firefighting Course is a fast-paced, scenario-driven training session where participants will be challenged to reach their next level as a firefighter. This is NOT an entry-level class and is NOT recommended for firefighters that aren't willing to be challenged. This hands-on training will consist of advanced live-burn scenarios where multiple units will be operating in the same location to accomplish the multiple fire ground tasks needed for success. Students will operate as members of an Engine/Truck/Rescue throughout this course.

Today’s firefighters are facing unique challenges compared to their predecessors. Live fire training is restricted in regard to fuel loads and it is often difficult to acquire on a regular basis unless they are fortunate to have a Class A training facility. And even with a Class A Burn building, firefighters are being shown fire behavior definitions and concepts in a non realistic environment due to the limitations on the types of fuel loads that can be used and ventilation conditions. However, with the Max Fire Box, students can witness first hand fire behavior definitions like never before! These definitions literally “come to life” before their eyes and they are able comprehend them in a safe environment prior to witnessing it inside a live fire environment. This training equates to better prepared, more educated, and safer firefighters; or what we refer to as “intelligently aggressive” firefighters. This classroom hybrid training consists a 2.5 hour classroom session followed by a 1.5 hour live fire demonstration.

Instructor - Insight Fire Training LLC

Insight Training LLC Instructors are Level I Thermography Certified, Veteran Firefighters, who have been through extensive training and have trained firefighters, thermal imaging manufacturer sales representatives, and industry professionals. We serve as technical advisers in the areas of thermal imaging for many fire service professionals.

Insight Training

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed eget fringilla dui, ut hendrerit purus. Duis turpis purus, iaculis eget tellus id, gravida placerat arcu. Sed risus augue, cursus quis dictum id, fringilla et risus. Nulla ac imperdiet purus. Donec laoreet ut quam non tincidunt. Quisque vitae risus a turpis ultricies lacinia. Sed feugiat ipsum eu tellus iaculis, eu egestas odio auctor. Phasellus bibendum purus tellus, vitae mollis lorem sollicitudin in. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc non odio a velit facilisis volutpat. Mauris laoreet enim vitae diam pretium, sit amet molestie ipsum tristique. Etiam ut enim dignissim, consequat risus quis, porttitor lectus. Aliquam quam eros, porta ut dictum vitae, mollis a urna.

This class will take students through the mulit-gas monitoring process. Many people don’t know the ins and outs of a multi-gas monitor. Its capabilities and how it can be used for much more than just carbon monoxide runs. How to potentially test for a specific flammable gas. You will learn how to put all the readings together to properly assess an unknown problem. Finally what precautions to take when using a monitor in an unknown environment.

Want some great ideas for hazmat training for your department? Don’t have a robust training budget and need it to be inexpensive? Want it to be practical and not over the head college level science? This is your class. Will provide some training concepts and cost-effective ideas to take home to your departments so you can keep your member skilled and proficient!

Captain Matt Reed

This course will teach the technique of VES (Vent, Enter , Search). This skill involves assessing victim profiles and moving in front of the fire at times and searching for victims in searchable areas. It is an unconventional skill that requires speed, mental clarity and great teamwork between a search crew. Crews will first learn the concept then will put it into practice on several different scenarios. Crews will be entering an IDLH so participants will need full PPE and SCBA (spare cylinder recommended but not required).

This is not your granddaddy’s pump class. This course is designed for beginners and experienced driver operators for structural fireground operations in the 21st century fire environment. Topics to be covered include: pump piping and how it affects operations, modern hose construction and understanding modern friction loss, attack packages, supply needs, drafting without a primer, handlines, master streams, appliances and standpipes.

PPE: Minimum of Helmets and Gloves, structural PPE preferred but not required. (In case you like being dry)

Coal County F.O.O.L.S.

Joey Baxa is a 17-year veteran of the fire service spending his entire career at the Buckhannon Fire Department where he currently holds the rank of Captain. Joey is an adjunct instructor for WVU FSE and a lead instructor for Insight Fire Training. His limited staffing program has been featured at Firehouse Expo among many other regional conferences and he has trained many departments across the United States in fire ground thermal imaging use. He has been a Firehouse Expo H.O.T. Instructor since 2019, a FDIC H.O.T. Instructor, published in both Fire Engineering and Firehouse magazines, and was a 2023 Michael O. McNamee Unit Citation for Valor recipient from Firehouse Magazine.

Want some great ideas for hazmat training for your department? Don’t have a robust training budget and need it to be inexpensive? Want it to be practical and not over the head college level science? This is your class. Will provide some training concepts and cost-effective ideas to take home to your departments so you can keep your member skilled and proficient!