The New Fire Officer’s playbook is a dynamic and interactive presentation designed to provide both new and aspiring fire officers with actionable insights to thrive in their leadership roles. Led by Chief Tom Marchiano, this program emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, realistic goal setting, and the value of mentorship within the fire service. Attendees will explore key principles such as utilizing the knowledge of others, maintaining professionalism, and understanding the various leadership styles that impact team performance. The session also dives into the critical role fire officers play in shaping the future of the fire service by mentoring junior members and fostering a culture of growth. A significant focus is placed on recognizing and addressing burnout, both personally and within the crew, to maintain operational effectiveness and morale. Through real-world examples and open discussion, this presentation creates a space for learning, sharing, and self-reflection. Whether you're newly promoted or preparing for the next step in your fire service career, this presentation offers a valuable foundation to lead with confidence and purpose. Join us as we explore the tools to build strong teams, develop resilient leaders, and support the future of the fire service.

Previously known as Six tips for the new fire officer

It has long been said firefighters are a special breed of athletes. In fact, firefighting and sports go hand in hand. Instead of training for world championships or gold medals, firefighters are training each and every day to protect life and property. So, what separates good firefighters from exceptional well-rounded firefighters? Simply five key attributes obtained and implemented through my time in the fire service and as an athlete. These five key attributes (leadership, firematics, situational awareness, fitness for duty & adaptability) are a MUST for all firefighters to add to their arsenal of weapons, along with takeaways to implement them into their development ranging from the probationary firefighter all the way up to the seasoned veteran. Armed with research, personal stories and data driven facts, this presentation will address the attributes of what is considered a well-rounded 5-Tool Firefighter. Based on the book, "The 5-Tool Firefighter".

In this course you will learn and discuss how understanding and knowing your role as a firefighter or fire officer is critical to the overall success of the incident. Not too often but when things do take a turn, we will discuss how each role will play into assisting in working through the panic of the “mayday” in order to workthrough the situations at hands. This is done through the “Do Your Job” mantra and through the building blocks of discipline, leadership and teamwork long before the alarm sounds.

Coming soon

Critical Thinking for Effective Fireground Decision-Making” focuses on enhancing firefighters’ ability to process information, anticipate outcomes, and make sound decisions under pressure. The presentation combines data-driven research, tactical case studies, and interactive scenario-based learning to show how critical thinking supports effective fireground strategies and tactics at both the command and company levels. Participants will engage in real-world decision-making exercises designed to simulate the dynamic, uncertain conditions faced during emergency operations.

Key takeaways include learning how to recognize cognitive biases, improve situational awareness, and apply structured reasoning to complex fireground problems. This topic is vital to today’s fire service as calls become more complex, resources are stretched thinner, and decisions must be made faster with greater consequence. By strengthening critical thinking skills, firefighters and officers will leave better prepared to make confident, informed, and adaptable decisions when it matters most.

Building Strong Fireground Leadership and Accountability focuses on developing the leadership mindset, communication skills, and decision making abilities required to operate effectively and confidently on the fireground. This course emphasizes the importance of clear communication, adaptability, crew accountability, and the responsibility officers and senior firefighters must embrace to maintain operational control in high pressure and rapidly changing environments.

Participants will explore how leadership presence influences crew performance, how discipline and expectations shape fireground culture, and how accountability to both ourselves and our teams directly impacts operational effectiveness. The program also highlights the importance of reading changing fire conditions, making timely adjustments to strategy and tactics, and ensuring that accountability systems support safe and coordinated operations.

Through real world discussion and practical leadership concepts, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how strong leadership, discipline, and the ability to adapt to evolving incidents work together with effective accountability practices to improve firefighter safety, operational efficiency, and overall incident outcomes.