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"Listen to your Veterans and you just might learn something. Ask them questions now, because when they're gone...you lose: Training, History and Tradition!"

Mark Lafountain

Mark Lafountain: 34, Male
Plattsburgh, NY, United States

Residence.: Plattsburgh, NY

Department:: Beekmantown Fire Department

Title/rank:: Ex-Chief

Years of public service:: 13 Years

Agency structure:: Volunteer fire department

Top issues in your department:: Seatbelts, Training, Loss of Tradition, Turnover in Membership, Morale

Professional Qualifications:: N.Y.S. Fire Instructor, Fire Service Instructor II (National), Fire Officer II (National), Firefighter II (National), A.P.C.O. Certified Telecommunicator, Co-Chair of Clinton County Fire Prevention Committee

Topics you provide training for:: Firefighter I Curriculum, SCBA, Haz-Mat Ops, Fire Prevention

Areas of expertise:: SCBA, RIT, Fire Attack, Wildfires, Extrication, Engine Operations, Search and Rescue, Fire Prevention, Firefighter Survival

Bio:: 13 Years in Fire Service, attaining rank of Chief in the Peru Fire Department. Moved to Plattsburgh, NY in May 2008 and joined the Beekmantown Fire Department. Married since 2007 to a wonderful woman (she is also in the Fire Service). Became NYS Fire Instructor in July 2007, and getting my feet wet with Instructing. Finally acquired an Associates in Fire Protection Technology May of 2008. Full-time job as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher for Clinton County Emergency Services. Three additional Part-time Jobs (including NYSFI). Constantly taking new classes to keep my skills and training up to date, because I am always looking to learn something new. I am a big believer in learning methods and tactics from another person's point of view...sometimes, it is a real eye-opener.

Mark Lafountain's Groups

Becoming a Better Instructor!: (79 members)
Created by International Society of Fire Service Instructors

Tactical Building Blocks & Air Management: (333 members)
Created by Frank Ricci

Training Officers Mutual Aid Group: (113 members)
Created by Forest Reeder

Rescuing the Rescuers: (83 members)
Created by J. Scott Loftis

Fire Engineering's Handbook for Firefighter I and II: (42 members)
Created by Julie Simmons

Latest Activity

Dave Walsh left a comment for Mark Lafountain Jun 23

Mark Lafountain replied to the discussion Leading By --------------Poor Example ? Jun 23

Mark Lafountain replied to the discussion Fire Instructor Needs [Gaps] Jun 23

Mark Lafountain joined the group Becoming a Better Instructor! Jun 23

Mark Lafountain left a comment for Dave Walsh Jun 23

Mark Lafountain left a comment for Danny Sheridan Jun 23

Mark Lafountain's profile changed May 5

Mark Lafountain's Friends

Comment Wall (5 comments)

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At 9:44am on June 23rd, 2008, Dave Walsh said…: Hi Mark,
Great to hear you find it usefull- that's its purpsoe- to help firefighters.
Thanks for the feedback!!
Cuzzin Dave

At 7:09am on March 18th, 2008, Danny Sheridan said…: Hey Mark, I thought it was II that wetook together?

At 4:24pm on March 13th, 2008, Frank Ricci said…: Mark, we could use your input in our group we are listed on page 2. Tactical Building Blocks & Air Management
This group will focus on aggressive interior firefighting. We will address tactics that increase your chance of not getting jammed up and cover what actions to undertake if you do.We will cover some big issues as well as small tactical tips.

At 10:18pm on March 12th, 2008, Chris Lafountain said…: I have nothing intelligent to say as of yet, but I'm here so thats a start!

At 11:36pm on March 10th, 2008, Mark Lafountain said…: Every day, I hope to improve the Fire Service in some small way. I have come to the conclusion that change needs to come from new Firefighters enrolling in Firefighter I Classes. The new Generation is our future.

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