All Blog Posts Tagged 'FDIC' (32)

Well, FDIC 2014 has come and gone and sure enough, no one was disappointed. We had more folks there than ever, there was electricity in the air and learning was nearly off the scale. There’s no other place like it. For me and many others, it’s an annual family reunion. There are a host of men and women I only see once a year and it’s in Indianapolis. For those of you who couldn’t get there, here’s a bit of it from where I…

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I usually take a few minutes on Sunday to get a strategic look at things.  I evaluate the work of the previous week and look at priorities, goals and challenges for the week ahead.  The Sunday after FDIC is a whopper!  So much happens in a compressed time, and I don’t want to miss or lose any of the great opportunities that I was lucky enough to be exposed to or experience.  Here’s a few of the highlights from my week at FDIC:

There is no civil…

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One of the great things about the fire service is that we are large in numbers. When you meet someone who is also a firefighter, there's an instant bond and conversation can easily flow. Regardless of how different your departments may be, you still have a lot in common with that person.

I have been fortunate enough to attend FDIC the last 2 years and experience the massive opportunities to talk with other firefighters and do some networking. The classes are great at FDIC, but a lot…

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Photos I took at FDIC while reporting and climbing. - Bill

Scott, Padgett, Wes Little, Brandon Morris, Ted Horvath (left to right) Southern Pines Fire Rescue, Southern Pines, NC

Paul Rank, Mike McMonigal (Inverness Heights, MN) Rick McLay (Eagen, MN), Doug Pearson (Falmouth, VA) (left to right)…

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By Ron Kanterman

I got a feeling that you opened this because we just got home from FDIC. In fact it was a killer show. It was my 23^rd FDIC and it simply gets better each year. For me, it’s a family reunion and for one week, it’s the center of our universe. Great training, great expo and great times. Start saving now for next year. It rolls around quick.

 

“Killer Show” is actually the title of a book (John Barylick, University Press of New England) that was…

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Only one vote per computer, PLEASE VOTE. It only takes a few seconds...

Scroll down to the SmokEaters band, check box on upper left, then submit

VOTE at bottom.

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Above are the two illustrations used in Lt. Frank Ricci's passionate Thursday keynote address. If you didn't catch it, please go to the FDIC… Continue

I didn't, but should have... Especially when a Brother from Australia ran the 3.1 mile course in a kangaroo outfit, with a stuffed Joey in his pouch (that took a real man) - but I chickened out and ran in plain running gear. It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day for the 5k, and the scenery was just as inspiring. I didn't… Continue

Those fortunate enough to have attended at least one FDIC knows how special the opening ceremony is. Personally, it gives me the chance to meticulously put on my Class A, making sure that every button is placed correctly and polished to a perfect shine. Not because it may impress some prominent chief, or wow some of… Continue

It's Tuesday and the last of FDIC's H.O.T. classes are wrapping up. Many folks come down for the classroom sessions only, but if you ever get the chance attend the full week - you will never regret it.



I began today by "trying" to keep up with my boss, Chief Bobby Halton, as we dropped by a couple of training sessions. The classes were in full gear and I found myself listening in on the instructors within their respective groups. Always a student, I suppose. It was unfortunate my… Continue

I have been attending FDIC since 1998 and I must say, it's only getting better. Over the course of this week, I will be posting sketches and sharing some of what I see as the greatest gathering of Fire Service minds in the world. On a technical note: Please do not hold these sketches to the same artistic standard that I… Continue

I'll be at FDIC in Indianapolis all next week sketching, talking, blogging, shaking hands, and signing autographs (and hopefully learning, too). I will also be signing complimentary, limited edition, anniversary prints at the Fire Engineering booth. As soon as I know specific dates and times, I'll post them… Continue