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The 1970s fire service was known as the “War Years,” with arson-for-profit schemes causing countless fire responses, particularly in urban areas like New York City. While modern-era fire responses have declined, the uptick in active shooter events has created a new “War Years” for firefighters on the front lines of once-thinkable incidents.
This webinar reviews the current state of fire department expectations and response around active shooter incidents, whether firefighters are receiving increased training, and how fire departments are managing the enhanced stress related to these events. Panelists address the status of NFPA 3000: Standard for an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response Program, as well as unique approaches to active shooter training, like tactical fire teams that work with other first responders.
What attendees liked from this presentation
“The expertise of the panel and how they related to the real world we are living in.”“The wealth of information.”
“Interaction of the panelists and ability to ask questions in an orderly way.”
“Very concise and to the point; a good overview; stayed on topic.”
“It provided me with a different look at how law enforcement and fire should be interacting.”
Meet the panelists
Julie Downey is the fire chief for Davie (Florida) Fire Rescue. She has been a certified firefighter-paramedic for 40 years and a chief officer for 17 years. Chief Downey serves as the chair for NFPA 3000: Standard for an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response Program as well as chair of the State of Florida Disaster Response Committee. Downey has been involved with MCI training for 25 years, and authored the State of Florida MCI Procedure and MCI Field Operations Guides.
Otto Drozd is the executive secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs). Drozd has 35 years of experience in fire and emergency services, including 20 years as fire chief for four departments in Florida and Texas. Drawing on his experience with the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Drozd spurred the development of NFPA 3000 to help communities holistically address MCI planning, resource management and incident command.
John Donnelly is the fire and EMS chief for the DC Fire and EMS Department. Chief Donnelly previously served as the Division Commander of Special Operations, Homeland Security, and Apparatus Division, and as a member of the Command Staff in Special Projects and executive officer roles. Donnelly serves on numerous committees supporting regional and national preparedness, including the IAFC Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee.
Eric Klaas serves as the training battalion chief for the Loveland (Colorado) Fire Rescue Authority. He has been involved in active shooter curriculum development, training and response since 2007. Chief Klaas was a contributing member to the Interagency Board Active Shooter/Hostile Event Guide and a speaker at the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) conference. Klaas spent 11 years as member of the Loveland Police Department SWAT team as tactical firefighter and retired as SWAT team leader.