UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
MARYLAND FIRE AND RESCUE INSTITUTE
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2024 VOL.54 NO.4
MFRI INSTRUCTORS TRAIN FIRST RESPONDERS IN ALASKA
MFRI instructors spent a month in Fairbanks, AK leading Fort Greely Fire Division and other invited departments in rescue courses. With its northern location, Fairbanks experiences the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights from August to April.
MFRI instructors Rick Hartle, Bobby Holmes, and Jimmy Artis trekked to southeast Fairbanks in Alaska to train the Fort Greely Fire Division in a month-long series of rescue courses.
Charged with safeguarding soldiers, civilians, and families, Fort Greely Fire has the added challenge of working in a subarctic climate.
“We have to deal with extreme temperatures, usually as low as -40F in late winter,” said Fort Greely Training Chief Stacy Skoda.
“The service area is also spread out so EMS response time to some areas takes more than 30 minutes.”
Since much of the area outside city limits is non-hydrated, tenders are often used for water supply and glycol is poured into fire hydrants. Swapping out crews is also a necessity during extended operations outdoors in the elements.
A MFRI instructor for 28 years, Rick Hartle first trained the Alaska crew in September of 2021 when COVID was still spreading. He had to spend two weeks isolating in Fairbanks before going on base.
Rick said the weather this year was much less forgiving. “First time in Alaska it was 65 degrees in September. This trip it was in the
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The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland is the state’s comprehensive training and education system for all-hazard responses. The Institute plans, researches, develops and delivers quality programs to prepare agencies and individuals to protect life, the environment and property.
Bulletin Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Diane May
Managing Editor: Jennifer Ginn
Graphics Manager: Ana Maizel
Assistant Editor: Jenna Robles
Contact MFRI
tel: 301-226-9921 fax: 301-314-0752 www.mfri.org bulletin@mfri.org
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute Bulletin (MFRI) University of Maryland (ISSN 1074-2298) is published quarterly by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. Periodical postage paid at College Park, MD 20740. Postmaster: Send address changes to Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Bulletin, 4500 Campus Drive, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742.
The MFRI Bulletin is distributed as a public service of the University of Maryland. The Bulletin is dedicated to the publication of information that will help educate its readers on the subjects of fire protection, emergency medical services, rescue, leadership and training. This publication may contain some articles and illustrations provided by readers. MFRI does not necessarily agree with information nor endorse any products depicted in the Bulletin. Address all communications to Editor at MFRI. For change of address, send mailing label and new address.
The MFRI Bulletin is produced entirely in house. We extend our sincere gratitude to our contributors who make this publication possible.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Over the past three decades simulation training has taken hold in various industries, evolving into a proven, realistic, effective, and safe method for hands-on learning. Today, our airline, military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, railroad, maritime, construction, technology, and space-exploration industries all rely on simulationbased instruction.
These sectors recognize that simulation training provides numerous benefits that are not available to students in a traditional classroom. Essential organizations in high-risk fields continue to adopt this approach, ensuring that individuals can master critical and potentially dangerous tasks without the risk of serious injury or death.
Some of the key benefits of simulation training include: improved decision-making skills, enhanced teamwork, increased personal confidence, better command competencies, and better retention of skills or activity from the repetitive nature of this training. Moreover, simulation training is cost-effective and reduces health and safety risks.
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute has offered this type of training to our state’s emergency responders for more than 20 years both in a mobile format and at our simulation center in College Park. While this has been a very successful endeavor, the Institute must evolve to ensure the delivery of new technologies. In the near future, we will replace our current simulation system with new immersive technologies that will enable students to simulate their presence on the scene of any incident making the training entirely more realistic.
We look forward to advancing our training technologies, further strengthening our commitment to prepare agencies and individuals to safeguard life, property, and the environment.
Michael E. Cox Jr.
40s at the start and then the snow came and put a damper on our plans,” said Rick. “We get a taste of winter weather in Maryland but in Alaska, they are entrenched in it. The kids don’t stop going out for recess until it’s 10 below.”
“The snow in Alaska is light and airy and there are frequent whiteouts when the wind blows,” said Rick. “When you are outside and its cold, you don’t get the full gist of training. Thankfully, we had the support of the public works crew which enabled us to move the bulk of the training inside the Fort Greely firehouse.”
“The practical sessions were the cream of the crop,” said Rick. “Training was hands-on and students were suspended from ropes in the air.”
Fort Greely Fire extended the training sessions to Fort Wainwright Fire Department, Alaska State Police, Rural Deltana Volunteer Fire Department, North Pole Fire Department, and Ester Volunteer Fire Department. “The classes were very well received and there was great support from everyone we encountered along the way,” said Rick.
Jimmy Artis, MFRI Special Programs, also made the trip in 2021. Reflecting back on his recent return trip to Alaska, Jimmy said he will remember the constant snow (in October), bonding with the fire departments and other agencies, and cooking at the fire station.
During their lengthy stay, the instructors visited neighboring North Pole, AK where it is Christmas yearround. The trio were instantly placed on Santa’s nice list after meeting him and then shipping Santa crabcakes from Maryland. Santa, in turn, Facetimed with Jimmy’s grandchildren.
photo top left: MFRI instructor Bobby Holmes soaking in the splendor of Alaska just before the long winter arrived.
photo top right: MFRI instructors at Fort Greely Fire Division and other invited departments participating in rescue courses.
photo bottom right (l to r): MFRI instructors Rick Hartle, Jimmy Artis, and Bobby Holmes got their wishlists in early, stopping to see Santa.
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CONGRESSIONAL STAFFERS STEP INTO FIREFIGHTER ROLE
Congressional staffers, and other invited guests gathered at MFRI for a day of immersive firefighting training. Participants took part in a series of hands-on activities designed to highlight the physical and mental demands faced by firefighters. Activities included ascending 100 feet in the bucket of an aerial tower and donning full turnout gear to experience the intense heat of a fire in the burn building. They also extinguished flammable liquid fires, navigated the confined space maze, and practiced auto-extrication techniques.
Hosted annually by MFRI and supported by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), this training day emphasizes
the hazards of firefighting while showcasing the critical tools and technology needed to protect lives, the environment, and property.
“We hold this important event each year to bring attention to the bravery, knowledge, and skills that firefighters bring to their jobs day in and day out,” said Michael Cox, MFRI Executive Director.
“By walking in firefighter boots, participants experience the rigors of being a first responder. It’s our hope that this experience impacts decision-makers in Washington DC as they make funding decisions for essential equipment and gear.”
“CFSI Day provides a unique opportunity for members of the
Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) team to experience a day in the life of one of our largest stakeholder groups,” said FSRI Research Amplification Lead Jennifer Williams. “Getting a glimpse into the various roles, training, apparatus, and equipment needed to do their job increases our team’s understanding of how our research findings may be applied in the field. We are grateful to CFSI and MFRI for allowing us to take part in this special day each year.”
photo left: Each year, MFRI hosts Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI) Day bringing together staffers and guests to train as firefighters for a day.
photo right: CFSI Day participants are briefed before they enter and maneuver
INSTRUCTOR CANDIDATES PREPARE TO TEACH
Answering MFRI’s call for instructors, 22 candidates came to College Park for the fall Instructor Skills Weekend. Training alongside veteran instructors, participants reviewed and demonstrated the extensive collection of first responder knowledge they will teach.
If you are interested in training the next generation of first responders, send an email to: mfri.instructor-info@umd.edu
photo: MFRI instructor Mike Moser reviews portable fire extinguisher protocols with instructor candidates.
LEADERSHIP MARYLAND MEMBERS TRAIN AT MFRI
More than 50 members of the Leadership Maryland Executive Program Class of 2024 made their way to MFRI’s College Park headquarters in late October for a hands-on tour and training. Participants donned turnout gear and practiced hose handling, advancing hose lines together to extinguish fires at the flammable liquid pad. They also took part in autoextrication training using the jaws of life.
Leadership Maryland brings together local leaders from all businesses and communities to engage and build solutions for the vital issues affecting our state.
MFRI INSTRUCTOR EDUCATES IN ASIA
MFRI instructor Mark Bird brought the highly technical Plans Examiner course to Yokota Air Force Base in Tokyo, Japan, where he shared his expertise with Department of Defense staffers. The course, attended by 24 students—18 American service members and 6 Japanese civilians—took place against the iconic backdrop of Mount Fuji.
“The participants were a mix of military and civilians working for the military at bases across Japan and neighboring islands,” said Mark.
This trip was Mark’s second to the Asian nation. He taught the Plans Examiner course 13 years ago and noted that it is always being updated. “Construction is ever-changing and new products and construction techniques that present new issues come online every day,” said Mark.
Despite the distance, the fire marshal role is the same in the U.S. and on the Japanese military bases as both abide by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and the International Code Council.
Force Base.
“It’s fun to teach this course in a different country,” said Mark. “The Japanese fire marshals taught me words in Japanese, substituting them for the English words. I also watched some of the more fluent English-speaking Japanese students help their colleagues understand what I was saying.”
“If I showed the students what I was referring to on a plan or drew them a picture, they understood the information better.”
Mark also took the course to Germany previously. “I taught some of it in German and that really energized the class,” he said.
When asked why other countries look to MFRI to provide the training, Mark said that MFRI’s Plans Examiner course is the most comprehensive offering, and it also meets all of the current NFPA requirements.
Photo courtesy of Yokota Air
INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: JIMMY SPRECHER
MFRI instructor Jimmy Sprecher was motivated to teach because of the impact his own instructors had on him. “I was inspired by Kinglsey Poole, Dicky Hopkins, and Steve Grogg. They always made classes fun but ensured that we all understood the material,” said Jimmy. “I wanted to do the same and make a difference by helping other people succeed.”
A training lieutenant for the Hagerstown Fire Department, Jimmy has been with the station for 23 years. It runs in the family as his father is a Hagerstown volunteer fire captain and his brother is a firefighter.
Now in his ninth year as a MFRI instructor, Jimmy teaches fire, hazmat, rope rescue, and management classes at MFRI. He is also coordinator of the Fire & Rescue Academy at Washington County Technical High School. “Several students, who I taught Fire I and Fire II, are now working with me in the field. One former student was recently my driver,” said Jimmy. “It’s really rewarding. The program usually attracts 20-25 students every year.”
In terms of teaching, Jimmy says that he tries to understand each student and their learning style. “Some students need a little more attention. Some are rockstars and you need to challenge them. I try to tailor learning to each student.”
Seeing students succeed is the reward,” said Jimmy. “When I hear that they passed their exam or I see a student overcome their fear and go into the burn building that’s my reward.”
MARYLAND FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS BOARD PRESENTS DONATION TO SUPPORT MARYLAND FIRE-RESCUE SERVICES MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
At the annual gala for the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation, board members of the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board (MFSPQB) presented a donation check for $7,500 to the foundation. The MFSPQB traditionally commits one dollar for every personal certification issued to support the Memorial Foundation.
Upon receiving the donation, Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation President Dennis Beard expressed gratitude to the MFSPQB for its continued support, noting that the total contributions to date exceed $59,000. President Beard also emphasized the ongoing need for donations, highlighting that the memorial requires extensive renovations to accommodate additional names of fallen Maryland first responders.
Established in 1997, the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation commemorates and honors Maryland’s fallen heroes, whose lives were lost while serving the state’s citizens.
Photo: Dennis Beard (left), President of the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation, shares a lighter moment with MFRI’s Robert L. ‘Bob’ Rose, Executive Secretary of the MFSPQB.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: MIKE MCADAMS
A public safety executive with more than 35 years of experience, Mike McAdams recently joined MFRI as Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Manager. He also serves as the Assistant Fire Chief at the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department.
Previously Mike served as Assistant Fire Chief with Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service and Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department. Chief McAdams led sections in Operations, Emergency Medical Services, Training and Leadership, and Special Operations. During his fire service career, Mike managed multiple federal grant projects helping secure 20 million dollars for the National Capital Region.
Mike graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He earned a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California and completed a postgraduate certification program in Public Planning at the George Washington University School of Business.
Mike and his wife have four adult children and one dog. His passion is volunteering service to his community and mentoring aspiring leaders.
MFRI STAFFERS RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR SERVICE
During the October MFRI Faculty and Staff Meeting, the following employees were recognized for their milestone years of service:
• Simone Lord-Attivor, IT Manager – 10 years
• Ana Maizel, Graphics & Marketing Project Manager – 30 years
• Stacey Moltz, HR Services and Payroll Coordinator – 20 years
• April Roe, Program Management Coordinator – 5 years
• Deborah Sklodowski, Business Services Specialist – 25 years The annual John W. Hoglund Maryland Officers Seminar provides pertinent information for state emergency officers and responders. Lectures and peer-group interactions focus on personnel management, emergency-scene operations, and managing communications.
The seminar will take place March 8-9, 2025 at the Universities at Shady Grove Conference Center, Rockville, MD. For further information contact Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute: (301) 226-9971 or 1 (800) ASK-MFRI.
ELEVATE YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS AT STAFF AND COMMAND
From March 2-7, 2025, the nation’s top emergency services experts convene in Annapolis to address current and emerging issues facing first-responder leadership. Drawing participants from across the country, the course also fosters an invaluable opportunity for networking and information.
This year’s speaker topics include:
• Cancer in the Fire Service
• Culture Change Following Tragedy: In Honor of the Charleston 9
• Fire Dynamics on the Fireground
• Lithium-Ion Batteries/Electric Vehicles
• Firehouse Law for Fire Service Leaders
• Flawed Situational Awareness: The Stealth Killer of First Responders
• Leveraging Intelligence to Improve Fire/EMS Preparedness, Operations, and Safety
• Public Information: Tell Your Story or Someone Else Will
BROADEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE BASE AT MARYLAND WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2025
This two-day course held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD provides educational training for Maryland and federal first responders.
This year’s course offerings include:
• Building Resilience in Leadership: Strategies for Growth and Confidence
• Command and Control for Company-Level Operations
• Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership to Facilitate Adaptive Change
• Fire Investigation: Fire as a Weapon
• Safety for Hazardous Materials Incidents
• Supervising Emergency Medical Services
Registration closes February 14, 2025. For more information and to register, visit: www.mfri.org/sac
Courses and lodging are free for Maryland fire, rescue, and EMS departments and federal first responders. Registration closes January 6, 2025. For more information and to register, visit: www.mfri.org/schedule/seminars