Brian P. Kazmierzak, BS, EFO is a 20 year veteran of the Fire Service, having served in both volunteer and combination fire departments as an Instructor and Training Officer. Brian was the 2011 ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year, the 2008 Indiana Fire Chiefs Training Officer of the Year and the 2005 FOOLS International Instructor of the Year. Brian has served as an Accreditation Manager, Peer Assessor and Team Leader for CFAI. Brian is the Director of Operations for www.FirefighterCloseCalls.com where he manages the day to day operations of the website, in addition to “The Secret List” Brian also serves as an instructor of the Blue Card Command program www.BlueCardCommand.com and has extensive experience in developing and delivering simulation based training.
One of the things that Brian Kazmierzak stresses the most when it comes to fire services training is that it needs to be constantly evolving. This means that technology must be utilized. For example, as firefighters are asked to take on more and more responsibilities different levels of training are required. Because of this, time is at a premium. Online programs make it possible for all firefighters to get the necessary training at times when they are actually available for it. The old school way of keeping all of the firefighters locked in a room with a trainer are gone.
Of course, training never stops. Brian Kazmierzak believes company level training has to become the focus of every fire service. The Company Officer must be the leader in the firehouse when it comes to training and drills. No one knows the needs better of their company than the company officer. The Company Officer must OWN training and make sure every day is a training day. Training must be made a priority. Company Officers should be familiar with conducting needs assessments of their members, developing lesson plans, delivering training and evaluating skills.
Ultimately, there’s no excuse is today’s connected environment for anyone to fall behind on training. Websites such as www.Firehouse.com, www.FirefighterCloseCalls.com and www.ModernFireBehavior.com are updated daily and give firefighters a plethora of information to do their jobs safer and better.
Brian Kazmierzak 