Whether you’re a spectator or a volunteer, this event is for you! 🚑 Plus, it’s a recruitment fair—fire academies, departments, and service organizations, showcase your opportunities! Let’s inspire the next generation of firefighters.

Register here to Attend: https://californiavolunteerfire.org/event/2024-ctex-fire-explorer-muster/
Register here to Volunteer: https://ctex.csfa.net/volunteer-for-fire-explorer-muster/
Register here for the Recruitment Fair: https://ctex.csfa.net/register-for-fire-explorer-recruitment-fair/

Located at the Ben Clark Training Center - 16791 Davis Ave., Riverside, CA  92518.  Transportation is on your own.

Attendee Coffee Break

Join us for an inspiring keynote presentation by Chief Frank Leeb as he shares the invaluable principles that have shaped his leadership during a remarkable four-decade journey in the fire service. With a wealth of experience rising through the ranks of the FDNY, Chief Leeb unveils the cornerstone principles that have not only defined his leadership philosophy but have also formed the bedrock of his transformative book, "Cornerstones of Leadership, Training, Teamwork, and Mentorship - On and Off the Fireground." Discover the secrets behind building trust within teams, empowering team members, and fostering effective communication. Chief Leeb will share real-world examples of camaraderie and morale-building, emphasizing how positive relationships contribute to overall team success. Moreover, Chief Leeb will discuss the vital aspects of mentorship and personal development, stressing the importance of leading by example and creating a culture of continuous learning. Learn how these principles can not only enhance individual growth but also contribute to the advancement of entire organizations. In addition, Chief Leeb will delve into the core principles that have guided him through the dynamic and demanding emergency response landscape. From adaptability and effective communication to decision-making under pressure, Chief Leeb will illustrate how these principles are not confined to the fire service alone but are universally applicable to any occupation or industry seeking self-improvement and organizational advancement. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Chief Leeb's leadership journey and discover how these cornerstones can elevate your own leadership and contribute to the advancement of you and your organization.

This presentation will provide you with up-to-date practical advice on protecting your rights on the job and off the job. Topics reviewed include injuries during and post-employment, how to obtain and preserve medical treatment compensation when injured, the ins and outs of disability retirement and explain what permanent disability and how you can obtain it.

Attendee Coffee Break

Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, renowned for his culinary expertise, brings a captivating conversation to CTEX 2024. Drawing parallels between his leadership journey and Royal Navy service, Irvine shares invaluable insights applicable to the fire service's ethos of discipline and teamwork. Beyond the kitchen, he delves into the pages of his latest book and enthralls the audience with anecdotes that seamlessly weave together his diverse experiences, creating a savory narrative of leadership, resilience, and success.

Please join us for opening reception in CTEX and visit our Sponsor Tabletops.  Complimentary appetizers will be provided along with a cash bar.  

Broga is a form of yoga with less fluff and more athletics, a bit of fun and some rock and roll music! Lots of modifications with no judgement or competition!

Cancer is increasingly recognized as one of the most dangerous threats to firefighters today. Multiple studies have demonstrated that firefighters are at increased risk for several types of cancer compared to non-firefighters. The World Health Organization’s cancer division reclassified firefighting as a group 1 carcinogen. Simply stated, the toxins and carcinogens firefighters are exposed to on scene and through residual effects of firefighting are better understood now than ever before and this requires immediate changes in the fire service to best protect our members. By combining research with fireground experience, this presentation will offer real-world, practical, and common-sense best practices that can be immediately implemented to best protect yourself, your family and your department from dangerous exposures and cross-contamination of fireground containments. Know your risk and the steps you and your department should be taking now to minimize this risk. Your future self will thank you for the steps you take today.

10-Minute IC is designed for the aspiring company officer, current acting company officer or firefighters who will be thrust into the command seat with little or no official “Right Seat Time.” This two-day immersion training course will provide the student with the tools, techniques, mental pictures, and case studies to assist them in making appropriate tactical decisions as well as formulating strategic thinking and applying the learned processes to all-hazard emergency incidents within the first 10 minutes of arriving. 

This highly interactive course is facilitated by current California-based fire service leaders. The course will explore the dynamics of leadership combined with current fire service demands. Diversity, equity, and inclusion will be explored, including how your organization can embrace it and what steps can you take as a current or future fire service leader to promote it within your organization. Recruitment and retention strategies will be discussed. We explore how the fire service can effectively recruit and retain members from different generations that require unique attention and examine the concept of service: to the community, the organization and to each other. If your goal is to build a high-performing team with an inclusive culture, this session are for you. 

This class presents an overview of the officer's on-scene responsibility for fire investigation. The session will also cover origin and cause determination methods, including the evaluation of exterior and interior fire patterns. The instructor describes proper incident classification and fire causes, as well as specific methods to write an origin and cause narrative from the company officer’s perspective.

This course is designed to meet the training needs of a Safety Officer Type 1 (SOF1), Safety Officer Type 2 (SOF2), and Line Safety Officer (SOFR) on an incident as outlined in The NIMS: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, Cal Fire 4039 Position Development Guide, and the California Incident Command Certification System. This course meets the requirements for Live Fire Instructors by California State Fire Training. 

This class will be registered through the California State Fire Training and is designated as an FSTEP class - The certificate cost is $75 per person.

Location: Prevent Training Solutions, 3850 Vine St, Riverside, CA 92507

Attendee Coffee Break

This engaging discussion, moderated by panel members from CSFA's Leadership, Equity, Diversity and Service (LEDS) committee, will look at how the California fire service is embracing DEI while breaking barriers. The panelists will detail wins and losses at their departments, share best practices and tips for success related to assisting the underrepresented citizens in their communities, while growing fire department ranks and improving critical relationships within the community. The panelists will take questions from the audience and encourages engagement to shed light on these trending topics.

This is a skill course designed to produce student proficiency in the performance of the duties associated with Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB). Topics include engine and crew capabilities and limitations, information sources, fire size up considerations, tactics, and wildland/urban interface.

Successful completion of this course comes with a California State Fire Training certificate. The cost is $140 per SFT course.

All conference attendees are welcome to pick up a boxed lunch in the Raincross Foyer during between conference breaks.

Join us for an engaging session with Dany Cotton, the first woman to command the London Fire Brigade in its 151-year history. With over three decades of experience, Cotton shares insights into leadership, equality, and resilience from the perspective of a trailblazer in firefighting. Cotton’s extensive career includes responding to high-profile incidents, such as the Clapham train crash in 1988 and the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. In this session, she'll discuss the challenges faced during these events, the aftermath, and the impact on the London Fire Brigade. Gain valuable lessons from Dany's unique journey as she navigates discussions on leadership, diversity, and inclusion. This is an opportunity to hear from a seasoned leader who has faced crises head-on, shattered glass ceilings, and emerged stronger.

Maximize your CTEX experience by mingling with these six stellar authors before the Presidents Dinner. Connect with public servants, leaders, and authors, immersing yourself in an inspiring blend of stories and discussions. Elevate your overall experience at CTEX.  Cash bar will be available

Please join the current CSFA President for a reception and dinner.  Reception before hand will be light appetizers and cash bar.  Dinner will be plated and include wine service plus cash bar.  Cost is $100 and can be added to your registration.  All attendees are welcome.

This is a 4-hour workshop designed for fire service instructors, fire officers, and anyone else who conducts training. This session will explore the research and best practices that promote student learning and engagement in the classroom, during the company drill, and on the training ground. The session will provide participants with a review of the research on exemplary instructors, student engagement, learner attention span, and learning retention, and then recommend multiple engaging instructional practices. The session exposes students to modern learning concepts such as microlearning, gamification, active learning, AI, and workplace learning theories. Participants will be challenged to identify ways to improve their professional instructional practice.

Firefighters are the first ones to step up for others in crisis but who is there when the first responders need help? This program is designed to help you understand the effects of the job on firefighters, including the accumulation of traumatic stress injuries, sleep, concentration, judgment, and the negative affect on relationships. Often, first responders develop an unhealthy reliance on alcohol or other substances to cope while experiencing mental health issues like post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) and depression. You will learn how to look for the signs and symptoms of PTSI and how to begin and remain resilient throughout your career.

This workshop will explain the grant writing process in detail with the goal to help CTEX participants draft a highly competitive application. Preparation, resources, drafting a compelling narrative and after-submission tasks are all necessary for success. We will discuss different types of grant funding with an emphasis on FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grants and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant opportunities. A recently approved grant will be showcased to give page-by-page explanations and tips for the successful application process.

10-Minute IC is designed for the aspiring company officer, current acting company officer or firefighters who will be thrust into the command seat with little or no official “Right Seat Time.” This two-day immersion training course will provide the student with the tools, techniques, mental pictures, and case studies to assist them in making appropriate tactical decisions as well as formulating strategic thinking and applying the learned processes to all-hazard emergency incidents within the first 10 minutes of arriving. 

This is a skill course designed to produce student proficiency in the performance of the duties associated with Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB). Topics include engine and crew capabilities and limitations, information sources, fire size up considerations, tactics, and wildland/urban interface.

Successful completion of this course comes with a California State Fire Training certificate. The cost is $140 per SFT course.

The session addresses the significant changes that have occurred in the 2021 NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. Major changes associated with the use of the scientific method and negative corpus will also be discussed. The class will address best practices and application of the guide to actual scene investigations. Changes to NFPA 1033, the Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, will also be addressed, plus an explanation of the job performance requirements and requisite knowledge as they relate to the professional qualifications of fire investigators.

This course is designed to meet the training needs of a Safety Officer Type 1 (SOF1), Safety Officer Type 2 (SOF2), and Line Safety Officer (SOFR) on an incident as outlined in The NIMS: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, Cal Fire 4039 Position Development Guide, and the California Incident Command Certification System. This course meets the requirements for Live Fire Instructors by California State Fire Training. 

This class will be registered through the California State Fire Training and is designated as an FSTEP class- The certificate cost is $75 per person.

An insight into the how, why, and what the FIRESCOPE team does for the California fire service. Attendees will receive updates to the state’s far-reaching mutual aid system, receive timely updates on the organization’s task forces and subcommittees, including the ongoing wildfire threat, community risk reduction efforts, and steps to mitigate all-hazards incidents.

Attendee Coffee Break

All conference attendees are welcome to pick up a boxed lunch in the Raincross Foyer during between conference breaks.

A building under duress from a heavy fire load is susceptible to collapse. Inadequate ventilation, compromised structural integrity, past damage and construction materials will contribute to the outcomes. It is very similar in the life of a firefighter. Moving from incipient phase, to flashover, to free-burning and then decay, we talk about how compounded events in and out of work accumulate to lead to our own “structural collapse.” Intended for first responders in every season of their career, from recruit to retiree, we talk openly about the incidents and challenges that can saturate us, compromising our structural integrity as people. This is a collaborative presentation from an active division chief and a retired captain, with a robust roundtable discussion to follow. Please join us to reflect and share awareness and discuss techniques for building resilience and “shoring up” our lives.

The USDA community facilities program grant writing workshop will likely involve sessions covering application requirements, eligibility criteria, budgeting, and proposal development. The session will provide tips, case studies, and guidelines for crafting successful grant proposals specific to the program's objectives. Workshops will include hands-on activities or Q&A sessions to assist Fire districts and Fire Departments participants in preparing strong applications. This program will be able to support you with acquiring federal USDA grants for rural departments with populations of less than 20,000 residents.

Empower your agency to spearhead a transformative youth mentorship and educational program within your community. This unique initiative not only fosters community engagement but also serves as a platform to educate and cultivate potential recruits for future careers in the fire service. Gain insights into essential departmental requirements and best practices for ensuring the safety and education of your staff while implementing youth programs. Making a commitment to understanding and positively impacting the lives of the youth in your community has the potential to be a life-changing endeavor.

Interactive conversation regarding what FirstNet looks like in the State of CA moving forward with partnership from FirstNet Authority, Western Fire Chiefs, Chief Munsey and FirstNet Experts who will be discussing Coverage, Incident Command Strategies, Lessons learned, Mission Critical Push to Talk, Fire Solutions leveraging new technologies and more. Come bring your ideas, questions and comments to ask during the Panel discussion.

This course will cover the importance of mentoring and coaching at all levels. It will include first-hand accounts from fire service leaders who have been successful throughout their careers due to mentorship. It will also cover the importance of paying it forward, and ensuring our future first responders have access to dedicated mentors.

This course provides local, state and federal-level emergency responders with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective Liaison Officer (LOFR) and Agency Representative (AREP) while working with an All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT). This course supports learning through discussion, lecture and active participation in multiple exercises that provides a realistic, scenario-driven approach to mastering the skills required of a LOFR and AREP. Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable participants to process and apply their new knowledge.

Course Pre-requisites: ICS-300, ICS-400, ICS-100b, ICS-200b, ICS-700a, ICS-800b

This arson investigation course teaches fire investigators to write impartial, comprehensive documentation adhering to NFPA guidelines and standards. Instructor Kuhlman, a fire investigator with Orange County Fire Authority, and Russell, an arson detective with Irvine Police, will provide guidance on collaborating with law enforcement when investigating arson incidents, including properly handling juvenile suspects. Students will learn best practices for using the scientific method to objectively determine a fire's origin and cause and reduce the influence of bias. Course topics include understanding relevant criminal charges, appropriately utilizing CALCRIM instructions and definitions, developing partnerships with police/investigators, and implementing bias-reduction strategies. The interactive course aims to equip students with the skills to produce arson investigation documentation that withstands legal scrutiny, while fostering constructive relationships with law enforcement. Upon completion, students will be prepared to write comprehensive, impartial arson findings in cooperation with police agencies and prosecutors.

This course is designed to meet the training needs of a Safety Officer Type 1 (SOF1), Safety Officer Type 2 (SOF2), and Line Safety Officer (SOFR) on an incident as outlined in The NIMS: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, Cal Fire 4039 Position Development Guide, and the California Incident Command Certification System. This course meets the requirements for Live Fire Instructors by California State Fire Training. 

This class will be registered through the California State Fire Training and is designated as an FSTEP class- The certificate cost is $75 per person.

In 1993, National Volunteer Fire Council and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) wrote a paper on recruitment and retention called, “Recruitment and Retention in the Volunteer Fire Service, Problems and Solutions." Thirty years after that paper was written, USFA released a new paper called, “Retention and Recruitment for the Volunteer Emergency Services." These papers were written to address recruitment and retention of volunteer responders in fire and EMS. The principles also have direct correlation to effective methods of recruiting and retaining paid firefighters. This presentation will offer multiple tools to improve your agency.

The aviation sector utilizes a well-developed system of crew resource management (CRM) and this class will review the elements of crew coordination and communication and how it relates to on the ground operations. Utilizing the curriculum of the Interagency Aviation Training Agency (IAT) out of Boise, ID, we will cover topics including situational awareness, communication skills, teamwork, task allocation and decision-making. Credit is available through Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) A310 – “Overview of Crew Resource Management: by registering here: https://www.iat.gov/training/course_offering_details.asp?CourseOfferingID=40179

Company officers will explore organizational culture to identify and develop opportunities at their level to improve organizational health, safety, and resiliency. Topics covered include understanding the benefits of a diverse and inclusive work environment, identifying outliers within a fire service organization, and techniques for improving organizational trust and resilience. By recognizing psychological dynamics, participants will begin to understand and address challenges that may impact the health, safety, and resilience of the department and its members.

All conference attendees are welcome to pick up a boxed lunch in the Raincross Foyer during between conference breaks.

Firefighters are exposed to a variety of potential hazards in the course of their work, both at and away from the fireground. Each year, the National Fire Protection Association studies firefighter deaths and injuries to provide national statistics on their frequency, extent, and characteristics. This presentation will discuss those findings that help establish trends, risks and hazards that can be mitigated for firefighter safety.

This course provides local, state and federal-level emergency responders with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective Liaison Officer (LOFR) and Agency Representative (AREP) while working with an All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT). This course supports learning through discussion, lecture and active participation in multiple exercises that provides a realistic, scenario-driven approach to mastering the skills required of a LOFR and AREP. Exercises, simulations, discussions and a final exam enable participants to process and apply their new knowledge.

Course Pre-requisites: ICS-300, ICS-400, ICS-100b, ICS-200b, ICS-700a, ICS-800b

At the end of this comprehensive three-day course, students will emerge with fundamental knowledge and skills essential for modern structural firefighting. The curriculum delves into the basics of fire chemistry, dynamics, and behavior through hands-on interactive lectures. The course then seamlessly transitions to practical applications, with students engaging in hands-on evolutions centered around search, fire attack, and ventilation. These hands-on exercises breathe life into the classroom teachings, culminating in live fire training. Instructors guide students through essential modern-day techniques, equipping them to effectively extinguish a working fire and conduct searches for simulated unresponsive citizens amidst live fire scenarios. Upon completing the 3-day program, students will be awarded a California State Fire Control 3 certificate, a testament to their newly acquired skills and readiness for real-world firefighting challenges.

Based on NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions (2018) This course provides the knowledge and skills that prepare a fire fighter to locate, control, and extinguish an interior structure fire. Successful completion of this course comes with a California State Fire Training certificate. The cost is $140 per SFT course.

Requirements:

• Fit Test Record
• Inservice Structural PPE and SCBA

This course is designed to meet the training needs of a Safety Officer Type 1 (SOF1), Safety Officer Type 2 (SOF2), and Line Safety Officer (SOFR) on an incident as outlined in The NIMS: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, Cal Fire 4039 Position Development Guide, and the California Incident Command Certification System. This course meets the requirements for Live Fire Instructors by California State Fire Training. 

This class will be registered through the California State Fire Training and is designated as an FSTEP class- The certificate cost is $75 per person.

At the end of this comprehensive three-day course, students will emerge with fundamental knowledge and skills essential for modern structural firefighting. The curriculum delves into the basics of fire chemistry, dynamics, and behavior through hands-on interactive lectures. The course then seamlessly transitions to practical applications, with students engaging in hands-on evolutions centered around search, fire attack, and ventilation. These hands-on exercises breathe life into the classroom teachings, culminating in live fire training. Instructors guide students through essential modern-day techniques, equipping them to effectively extinguish a working fire and conduct searches for simulated unresponsive citizens amidst live fire scenarios. Upon completing the 3-day program, students will be awarded a California State Fire Control 3 certificate, a testament to their newly acquired skills and readiness for real-world firefighting challenges.

Based on NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions (2018) This course provides the knowledge and skills that prepare a fire fighter to locate, control, and extinguish an interior structure fire. Successful completion of this course comes with a California State Fire Training certificate. The cost is $140 per SFT course.

Requirements:

• Fit Test Record
• Inservice Structural PPE and SCBA

At the end of this comprehensive three-day course, students will emerge with fundamental knowledge and skills essential for modern structural firefighting. The curriculum delves into the basics of fire chemistry, dynamics, and behavior through hands-on interactive lectures. The course then seamlessly transitions to practical applications, with students engaging in hands-on evolutions centered around search, fire attack, and ventilation. These hands-on exercises breathe life into the classroom teachings, culminating in live fire training. Instructors guide students through essential modern-day techniques, equipping them to effectively extinguish a working fire and conduct searches for simulated unresponsive citizens amidst live fire scenarios. Upon completing the 3-day program, students will be awarded a California State Fire Control 3 certificate, a testament to their newly acquired skills and readiness for real-world firefighting challenges.

Based on NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions (2018) This course provides the knowledge and skills that prepare a fire fighter to locate, control, and extinguish an interior structure fire. Successful completion of this course comes with a California State Fire Training certificate. The cost is $140 per SFT course.

Requirements:

• Fit Test Record
• Inservice Structural PPE and SCBA