2026 Fire Course Highlight
2026 will be an exciting year for the STEP Fire & EMS Conference. Two full days of hands on training and classroom workshops are planned. Here is a sampling of this year’s offering.
From Buckets to Bots
RFD Deputy Chief (Ret) Terry A. Taylor, II, unashamedly used a large language model AI tool to assist him in developing this modern presentation. AI enhanced his experience and efforts, but his thoughts on the evolution of what became our modern-day department, what success looks like as a chief officer, and what AI is were not simply typing instructions into an AI tool. This informative and interactive presentation will ask you to reflect on your past in the fire service and invite you to imagine how you and your colleagues will thrive amid unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
Remembering James “J” Muller
On May 26, 2023, Irmo Fire District firefighter James “J” Muller was killed in the line of duty during a structure fire in an apartment building located at 167 Stoneridge Drive in Columbia, SC. The tragic loss of J devastated his family and the entire Irmo FD. In the wake of this tragedy, J’s former crew has made it their mission to continue his legacy and help prevent similar events from happening again. On Saturday, May 9th, J’s crew will be presenting a moving “lessons learned” plenary session. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to learn from the experience of others.
Man-In-Machine
Barnard Lieutenant Jamie Ballou delivers a hands-on training presentation that demonstrates the practical applications of rescue techniques for removing common entanglement objects. This HOT session will review common hand and power tool techniques for cutting and removing trapped appendages from metal objects. Students will have the opportunity to apply course skills to remove “trapped victims” from meat grinders and snow blowers, and to cut various metals using a variety of hand and power tools.
Search: Occupied by Fire or Firefighters
RFD Firefighter Mike May and NGFD LT Andy Young deliver a hands-on training presentation that will forever change your approach to structural search operations. This HOT session focuses on identifying the searchable space within a burning structure and demonstrates various search techniques for common fireground scenarios. Students will have multiple opportunities to apply course skills in a real-world environment with real-world obstacles.
Advanced Standpipe Operations
Standpipe systems present unique operational challenges that demand precision, discipline, and a thorough understanding of pressure management. This course delivers a focused, operationally grounded approach to standpipe operations, emphasizing the equipment, calculations, and tactical considerations required for effective fire attack in multi-story structures.
Participants will be introduced to critical standpipe equipment, including inline pressure gauges, pressure-reducing valves (PRVs), and specialty appliances such as the floor-below nozzle. Instruction will address system components, friction loss considerations, outlet pressures, and the importance of verifying and controlling discharge pressures in high-rise and mid-rise environments. Students will develop a working knowledge of pressure diagnostics and troubleshooting techniques that are often overlooked in conventional training programs.
The program is hands-on and scenario-driven. Attendees will deploy and operate equipment under realistic conditions, reinforcing best practices for hose deployment, stairwell management, communication, and coordinated attack. This rare training opportunity will allow attendees to practice with these tools and methods, ensuring participants leave with practical, field-ready competencies.
The course is led by Battalion Chief Jason Klein, Captain Chuck Hammon, Captain Kevin Ryan, and Captain Mike Dorgan—experienced fire service instructors who bring operational insight and street-level credibility to the classroom and training ground.
This training is designed for firefighters and officers seeking to strengthen their proficiency in standpipe operations and to enhance their ability to safely and effectively manage complex vertical fireground environments.
