Leading off the morning session was Captain Dave Polikoff of the Montgomery County Fire Rescue. Captain Polikoff delivered a program on Garden Apartment  Fires and operational procedures. The program discussed the different strategies and tactics that are used in and around Montgomery County to fight Garden apartment fires. 

MFF Eric Fessenden of the Montgomery County Fire Rescue was next to present Truck Company Operations. The program was set up to discuss the functions of a truck company on an incident, including apparatus placement as well as the responsibilities of its crew members.

David Walsh of Poughkeepsie, NY presented the Changes in the Fire Service. Dave walked through the changes in the fire service over the past 30 years. Not only the physical changes, but the changes in the attitude in the fire service. Dave left the class with this quote: "100 years of progress impeded by tradition"

Nick Martin of the District of Columbia Fire Department educated the attendees on Basement fires and tactics. Nick is a local guy that knows a great deal about fire ground tactics and operations. He discussed a program that he teaches on Basement Fires. His presentation centered around the District of Columbia  and Montgomery County; both Departments use the same policy on attacking these fires. Nick discussed the strategies and tactics of dealing with this unique fire location.

Lt Dave Angelo of the Baltimore County Fire Department lectured on Gas Explosion in Baltimore County with a firefighter mayday. Lieutenant Angelo put on a program from a true life incident that he was involved in. This presentation opened the eyes of all in class. Dave was the officer riding the seat of a truck company in Baltimore County that was running with an engine company on a routine gas leak. Upon arrival at the residence he was met by the wife and a strong odor of gas out at the street. She advised Lt. Angelo that she had not seen her husband in several hours and was unable to get him out of the basement. Lt. Angelo went on to explain in detail as well as played audio from the incident of what transpired. The last thing he states that he remembered was attempting to pry the basement door open when the explosion occurred. After 3 attempts to declare a "MAYDAY" it was finally acknowledged and rescue efforts were underway and he and his partner were removed. Both missed minimal time on the floor which was an amazing situation due to the amount of damage to the occupancy. The structure was completely leveled.

Although it was a small group in attendance all enjoyed the presentations and were very receptive of the info presented. We had the opportunity to share some time with fellow brothers and learn from one another.