Matt Verlaque's Groups

“Pride and Ownership”

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Becoming a Better Instru…

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Fire Service Leadership

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Matt Verlaque's Page

Profile Information

Lives in:: Alexandria, VA

Department:: Arlington County Fire Department

Title/rank:: Firefighter

Years of public service:: 10

Agency structure:: Paid fire department

Professional Qualifications:: Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor III, Haz-Mat Technician, Technical Rescue Specialist, Paramedic

Topics you provide training for:: Fire Behavior, Building Construction, Fire Dynamics, Engine Company Strategy and Tactics, Truck Company Strategies and Tactics.

Bio:: Matt Verlaque is a firefighter / paramedic for the Arlington County Fire Department in Arlington, VA. He is currently assigned to the Fire Training Academy as an instructor in charge of curriculum development, where he helped bring compartment fire behavior training to the recruit academy and fire officer training programs. He holds degrees in Fire Science Technology and Emergency Medical Services. Outside of Arlington, he also serves on the Technical Advisory Panel for UL's ongoing study on residential attic fire mitigation.

Matt got his start 9 years ago as a live-in firefighter at the Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George's county, MD, where he now serves as a Captain. Matt currently resides in Alexandria, VA.

Matt Verlaque's Blog

The Duty To Lead - Part Three

The past two segments of "The Duty To Lead" have covered a variety of topics, including task competence, daily attitude, and perceptions being tied to one's personal affairs. This blog entry will round out the discussion, looking into topics such as the relationship between being an officer and being an instructor, some ways to encourage constant learning on your shift, and a few closing thoughts.…

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Posted on August 25, 2013 at 5:30pm

The Duty To Lead - Part Two

Last month, we got started discussing the importance of being a good role model for your company as a new officer. This continuation will delve a bit deeper into the importance of fireground competence for company officers and the effects that it will have on your company and the operations that you are involved in. Additionally, we will start to identify some attitudes and personality traits that will positively impact your company.

COMPETENCE BREEDS…

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Posted on August 11, 2013 at 8:30pm

The Duty To Lead - Part One

THE DUTY TO LEAD - PART ONE

The duty of being an effective leader in today’s fire department is not an easy one. Notice that I referred to it as a duty, and not a task. When you accept your position as a company officer, you inherently assume the duty of leading the men and women under your command in a variety of environments.…

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Posted on July 17, 2013 at 2:00pm

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