FDIC: Bringing the Training Home
This past April, I was among many firefighters worldwide fortunate enough to attend FDIC International in Indianapolis. Even more fortunate was that I could experience this fully sponsored with help from FDIC’s Pay It Forward program and support from my fire department and the Alberta Fire Training Officers Association (AFTOA). After several years of trying to attend, all of which fell through due to family emergencies, a global pandemic, and budget constraints, my FDIC dreams finally came true, thanks to these wonderful organizations and the people behind them.
During the preconference hands-on training, I participated in UL FSRI’s Fire Dynamics Bootcamp. My interest in this program was multifaceted. It was not only to learn more about the latest research findings on fire behavior and firefighting tactics but also to improve my skills as an instructor on how to translate and communicate this research in ways that our members can grasp it and apply it to actionable tactics that work for our fire service. Aside from these great reasons, it was also in large part to explore the training opportunity on behalf of the AFTOA and help make connections that would allow us the potential to bring this incredible training north of the border into Alberta, Canada.
As a founding board member of the AFTOA, I am very much invested in and passionate about our mission of gathering innovative and up-to-date information on fire service training and sharing it with fire instructors throughout our province. What better way to do this than to provide an opportunity for them to learn about the latest research-based information communicated firsthand by vetted technical experts?
My experience at FDIC 2024 allowed me to make connections I would have never thought possible. The caliber of presenters at this conference was admirable; the level of passion and professionalism in their topics of expertise spoke directly to my heart, and it was beyond inspiring to be among so many like-minded and accomplished individuals. I was fortunate enough to engage in conversation and connect with many conference attendees, some of which led to continuing conversations and partnerships beyond FDIC as we all headed back home to our respective fire services in all corners of the world. Most notably, through these relationships, we successfully fulfilled the goal of bringing UL FSRI’s Fire Dynamics Bootcamp to Alberta. The AFTOA is beyond excited to partner with and host members of this talented team at the Alberta Fire Training Conference in Lethbridge, Alberta, on October 17-19, where they will continue to share the research and training developed by the FSRI team.
To say my FDIC dreams finally came true would be an understatement. I always knew it would be a positive experience, but I never imagined the possibilities that would come from it. If you are a passionate and driven fire professional and have never attended this conference, you must find a way to make it happen! This is not an opportunity you will want to miss. It was an experience I hope to relive over and over again as I attend future years of FDIC.
Amy West
Assistant Chief-Training
Taber (Alberta, Canada) Fire Department
Secretary
Alberta Fire Training Officers Association
