What’s It All About?
We are excited to announce the debut of the Default Aggressive Fire Conference. At this all-encompassing training event, we are teaming up with other fire service professionals to deliver an exciting weekend of training in our region. See the sections below for more information!
This conference will involve a firefighter gathering on Friday, October 16, and both classroom and Hands-On Training sessions throughout the weekend! Detailed information about each course is located below. We can’t wait to see you in October! Registration can be completed through the following link:
If a department or attendee requires a direct invoice for training we are glad to provide this. Please email us directly at: middlesexcountyfireschoolinfo@gmail.com with your request.
Firefighter Meet & Greet
Friday, October 16 1800-2200
Come gather with us Friday, October 16 at Concentric Brewing! Located in Portland, this firefighter-owned establishment will serve as our host for kicking off the exciting training weekend. We will have vendors on site for purchasing items and prizes to be raffled. Join us for an evening of brotherhood while enjoying some delicious beverages and food. Appetizers will be provided!
Lecture Series
Still Responding: Firefighter Cancer
Saturday, October 17 0830-1200
Cost: FREE
This presentation, created by FF Paul Spennato of the Westport Fire Department, explains the story of a firefighter who was diagnosed with cancer during his career and how he navigated this illness to get better. He discusses the process and the best ways to reduce our risks in the fire service. FF Spennato is a mentor for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and is an advocate for all firefighters experiencing a cancer diagnosis and the cultural change in the fire service. There is no charge for this program; however, donations are encouraged at the end of the program to directly contribute to future deliveries by the instructor.
More Than Bugles: Officer Development
Sunday, October 18 0830-1630
Cost: $75
This eight-hour officer development program is built around three core areas that will take a deep dive into being both an leader and supervisor in today’s fire service. The program will discuss leadership and understanding the needs of firefighters within the department, as well as the legal and training responsibilities of the fire officer. Lastly, instructors will focus on tactical decision-making on the fireground to prepare students for the streets. This program will use group discussions and simulations as an engagement tool and is intended to leave participants with a better understanding of all facets of being an officer in the modern fire service.
Thermal Imaging Cameras: How They Work
Saturday, October 17 1300-1630
Cost: $50
A thermal imaging camera (TIC) is an invaluable tool for today’s fire service – but like any piece of equipment, it can only perform as well as the person using it understands its capabilities and limitations.
This class provides an overview of the fundamentals of thermal imaging cameras, including how they work and how environmental conditions can affect the information being displayed. Understanding how the camera functions is essential to interpreting thermal images correctly and avoiding potentially dangerous misinterpretations of what you see.
Participants will learn what to look for when operating a TIC, with an emphasis on practical fireground applications. Topics will include recognizing important indicators of rapidly developing fire conditions, locating hidden fire, conducting searches with a thermal imager, and using the camera effectively in challenging environments.
Just as important, the class will address the limitations of thermal imaging cameras. Participants will learn where a TIC can fall short, what it cannot see, and why firefighters should never become dependent on the device. A thermal imager is a powerful tool, but it should complement—not replace—sound fireground tactics, training, observation, and situational awareness.
The course will combine classroom instruction with hands-on demonstrations using live-fire props, giving participants an opportunity to apply what they have learned in realistic conditions.
There is no required PPE for the classroom portion of the course; however, participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own thermal imaging camera. Bringing your department-issued TIC will allow you to become more familiar with the equipment you may actually use on the fireground.
HOT Classes
The All-Hands Tour
Saturday, October 17 - Sunday, October 18 0800-0800
Cost: $425
This exciting course takes students into the reality of life in the firehouse. Students will be assigned to companies for a 24-hour shift and operate under the direction of instructors serving in the role of company officer. The shift is filled with all the makings of a day in the firehouse, including training exercises, simulated emergencies, and firehouse maintenance and care. Students will leave this program ready to hit the streets and the back step in their department with a better understanding of what is expected of them in the real world as a firefighter. Lunch and dinner are provided during the course.
Students will need full PPE, including SCBA with (2) spare cylinders for this program.
This class is limited to 12 students. A waitlist will be established if necessary.
Limited Staffing Engine Company
Saturday, October 17 0800-1630
Cost: $275
This program is an aggressive, street-smart fireground program built for today’s reality: doing more with fewer firefighters. Designed specifically for understaffed engine companies and first-due crews, this course focuses on high-impact tactics that allow limited personnel to rapidly control the fire, locate victims, and create survivable spaces under extreme conditions.
Built around proven fireground data and modern engine company operations, this class explores the critical role of the attack crew in victim survival. According to the Firefighter Rescue Survey, approximately 25% of victims are located by the nozzle team during fire attack operations. This course develops the mindset and skillset required for crews to simultaneously stretch, search, force entry, and rescue while operating in hostile environments with limited staffing.
The course begins with a morning session of intensive hands-on skill stations designed to build proficiency, communication, and crew coordination. In the afternoon, students transition into live-fire evolutions where they apply these tactics in realistic, high-tempo scenarios that replicate the challenges faced by short-staffed companies on the modern fireground.
This program is a physically demanding, operationally focused training experience built to sharpen aggressive engine company tactics, improve victim survivability, and maximize the effectiveness of limited staffing crews when seconds matter most. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, teamwork, leadership, and realistic fireground operations tailored to the challenges faced by today’s firefighters. Through scenario-based instruction and proven tactics, participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to perform efficiently in both routine and high-pressure emergencies.
Students will need full PPE, including SCBA with (2) spare cylinders for this program. Lunch will be provided.
This class is limited to 18 students. A waitlist will be established if necessary.
Modern & Urban Truck Company
Sunday, October 18 0830-1630
Cost: $275
We are excited to team up with the team at Capitol Fire Training to offer their Modern & Urban Truck Company program. The Modern and Urban Truck Company is a hands-on program built around the essential truck company skills needed to operate effectively on today’s fireground. Students will work through realistic evolutions involving forcible entry, search & victim removal, ladders for urban areas and topside ventilation. The focus goes beyond simply performing a skill – students will be challenged to recognize problems, make decisions, and adapt when the first plan doesn’t work. This class combines proven truck company fundamentals with the realities of the modern fireground, developing aggressive, capable, and thinking firefighters who can operate effectively with realistic staffing and limited resources.
Students will need full PPE, including SCBA with (2) spare cylinders for this program. Lunch will be provided.
This class is limited to 20 students. A waitlist will be established if necessary.