PAGE 14
Spring, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - OH
Stout and Griffin Featured Presenters at 22nd Annual Jackson Fire Expo Canton, OH – Jackson High School was again home to the 22nd Annual Jackson Fire Expo on January 14th and 15th, 2017. Participants that attended the two-day event had the opportunity to see world class presentations on is- JUMP TO FILE # sues affecting the 021217104 fire service, as well as visiting an exhibition hall filled with the latest firefighting equipment. The attendance for Saturday’s session was 150 and Sunday’s figures were 170 firefighters, representing 41 departments from Northeast Ohio. Saturday’s session started with a continental breakfast and vendor’s expo, which ran from 7:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. The expo officially kicked off at 9:00 A.M. when the Jackson Township Fire Department Honor Guard presented the colors. The first presenter to speak was Dennis Stout, who is the regional sales manager for Bullard Emergency Responders Division, covering Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee. His presentation was titled “Thermal Imaging for the Fire Service,” and covered the many uses of thermal imagers on the fire ground and during various responses. Dennis's years of experience in the fire service and presentation provided a wealth of information that will undoubtedly improve the performance of firefighters on the fire ground. Sunday’s session featured Captain David Griffin, PhD of the Charleston, South Carolina Fire Department. His presentation, titled “In Honor of the Charleston 9; A Study of Change Following Tragedy,” covered the events and aftermath of the Charleston Super Sofa Store Fire, which occurred on
June 18th, 2007. David Griffin’s first-hand account as the driver of the first-in engine was very thought provoking and emotional as he covered the events of that fateful day, which claimed the lives of nine of his fellow firefighters. He also discussed the lessons learned, as well as the organizational and tactical changes that were made afterwards. This year’s expo also attracted 34 vendors who set up booths in the High School Commons and atrium. Attendees had the opportunity to view and purchase the latest in PPE, thermal imagers, hand tools, nozzles, environmental sensors, books and training material, EMS gear, and rescue equipment. Service organizations, such as the Stark Fire Department Rehab Unit (FDRU) and the Stark County Firefighters Association, were also present and popular spots that seemed to collect firefighters. Also this year, the attendees were greeted by several ambulance demos from Wheeled Coach, PLCustom, Lifeline, and the FDRU’s Rehab 1 as they entered the expo hall. All who were in attendance were treated to a catered lunch on both days. Saturday’s meal was catered by Mission BBQ and sponsored by Design Restoration and Reconstruction of North Canton, while Sunday’s lunch was sponsored by the Jackson Township Professional Firefighters and Jackson Township Fire Department. In addition to the catered lunches, participants were invited to a special reception on Saturday evening at the Fox & Hound Pub, which allowed attendees, vendors and presenters to get together and become better acquainted. The Jackson Fire Expo is held annually and is one of Ohio’s premiere fire schools. The Expo is
Ambulances from PL Custom, Wheeled Coach and Lifeline welcomed visitors to the 22nd Jackson Fire Expo. DAVID J. SCHLOSSER
Dennis Stout during his presentation on the uses of Thermal Imagers during Saturday's session.
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Capt. David Griffin, PhD of the Charleston FD, during his presentation on Sunday.
proudly sponsored by the Jackson Professional Firefighters Local 2280 and Jackson Township Fire Department. They also have a webpage that is regulated regularly and includes on-line registration forms,
lodging information and maps. Please visit www.jacksonfirefighters.com to learn more about the Jackson Township Fire Department and the upcoming 2018 Expo. Special thanks to JTFD Battal-
JTFD
ion Chief Kai Rieger for providing information for this story. - DAVID SCHLOSSER