Upcoming events.
South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo
Lead Instructor Nick Higgins will be presenting his flagship program, The 5-Tool Firefighter, at the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo.
It has long been said that firefighters are a special breed of athlete. Much like competitive sports, the fire service demands constant training, discipline, and performance under pressure—but instead of championships or medals, firefighters train every day to protect life and property. This presentation explores what separates a good firefighter from an exceptional, well-rounded one through five essential attributes developed over years in the fire service and athletics.
The 5-Tool Firefighter framework centers on leadership, firematics, situational awareness, fitness for duty, and adaptability. These five attributes are critical tools that every firefighter must add to their arsenal, from the probationary firefighter to the seasoned veteran. Backed by research, personal experience, and data-driven facts, this presentation delivers practical takeaways that attendees can immediately apply to their development and performance, both on and off the fireground.
5 Tool Firefighter
We're excited to bring The 5-Tool Firefighter to Orange County, New York with lead instructor Nick Higgins.
This presentation is built around the idea that being a great firefighter requires more than just mastering hose stretches, ladders, and forcible entry. Nick challenges attendees to develop the five essential tools every firefighter should carry throughout their career: leadership, firematics, situational awareness, fitness for duty, and adaptability.
Through real-world experiences, relatable stories, and practical takeaways, firefighters of all ranks will learn how these five tools directly impact performance on the fireground, in the firehouse, and in everyday life. Whether you're a probationary firefighter looking to build a strong foundation or a seasoned member looking to sharpen your edge, this course provides actionable lessons that can be applied immediately.
The 5-Tool Firefighter is not about being the loudest person in the room. It's about becoming a firefighter your crew can depend on when the tones drop. Strong skills, sound decision making, physical and mental preparedness, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions all contribute to building a firefighter who is ready to answer the call.
Rockland County Fire Chiefs Association 2026 Seminar
Owner and Lead Instructor Tom Marchiano will be bringing The New Fire Officer’s Playbook to Rockland County for a high-impact leadership presentation focused on today’s fire officers.
Orange County Fire Service Leadership & Wellness Conference
Lead Instructor Nick Higgins will be presenting Building Strong Fireground Presence through Leadership, Accountability and Adaptability. Nick will be kicking off the morning session, discussing leadership, discipline, and how accountability to both ourselves and our teammates directly impacts performance on the fireground. His presentation will set the stage for firefighters and emergency responders before Dave Griffin takes the stage as the keynote speaker.
Online Seminar with Asst. Instructor Mike Elhihi of Front Seat Academy
Tri State Fire Training is excited to sponsor this live online training seminar alongside Front Seat Academy. Our Assistant Instructor Mike Elhihi will be presenting one of his favorite and most impactful courses Reading the Assessment Center Playbook. This instructor led session is designed to help members better understand the promotional assessment center process sharpen decision making and build confidence going into test day. Participants will learn how to avoid the most common mistakes that sink strong candidates how to prioritize and articulate decisions while staying structured under pressure how to structure decisions when time information and support are limited and how to demonstrate sound judgment not just knowledge. Spots are limited so follow the link below to register.
Virginia Fire & Rescue Conference
The Virginia Fire Chiefs Association will have another excellent line of educational sessions that cover almost all aspects of services provided by a modern Fire and EMS department. There will also be a new focus on Hands on Training sessions being offered. The VFCA hopes to see you at the beach in February 2026 for another great Virginia Fire Rescue Conference! Instructor Nick Higgins will be presenting his presentation The 5-Tool Firefighter and Owner and Instructor Tom Marchiano will be presenting The New Fire Officers Playbook.
Bridge The Gap with Jeremy Donch
Tri-State Fire Training’s Lead Instructor, Tom Marchiano, will be opening for Jeremy Donch of National Fire Radio at Warwick Fire Department’s upcoming seminar, “Bridging the Gap.”
Join us on December 13, 2025, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Warwick Valley High School for an impactful morning of leadership, culture, and professional growth in the fire service.
Tom will kick things off with “The New Fire Officer’s Playbook,” a presentation designed to inspire and prepare today’s officers for tomorrow’s challenges.