The schedule for Fire Service Improvement Conference 2026 is here

September 16, 2025

Nearly everyone has heard “you can’t train enough for a job that can kill you.” It’s more than a saying; it’s a reality in this profession. The time and effort you put into training saves lives.

It’s our hope that the hands-on training offered during Fire Service Improvement Conference, January 22–25, 2026, gives you tools, confidence, and readiness for whatever the next call brings. While practice may not make perfect, it makes progress, and you owe it to yourself, your crew, and your community to work to get better every day.

The Training & Education Committee is excited to bring back a few favorites to the course lineup plus a few dynamic additions to the schedule.

WHAT: Fire Service Improvement Conference

WHEN: January 22–25, 2026

WHERE: Columbia, South Carolina

RETURNING COURSES:

• Hand in Hand Engine School (3-day) instructed by Hornet Fire Training [Jonah Smith and cadre]
• Truck School (3-day) instructed by Blake Cartee and cadre
• The Effective Command Process (3-day) instructed by Nick Ray and cadre
• Make The Grab: Creating Aggressive Search Culture (2-day) instructed by Palmetto Fire Tactics [Micah Rains and cadre]
• Winning on the Fireground: Limited Staffing (2-day) instructed by The Company Officer [Michael Dozier and cadre]
• Agricultural Response (2-day) instructed by Brian Roberson and cadre
• Heavy Lifting and Large Vehicle Stabilization (2-day) instructed by Robert Joyner and Randy Wells

NEW TO FSIC:

• The Art of Supply Pumper Operations (3-day) instructed by The Water Thieves [Andy Soccadato and cadre]
• SR2D: Survival, Resilience, Rescue, Decision-Making (2-day) instructed by Valkyrie Tactical Solutions [Thomas Tardo and cadre]
• Surviving the Mayday (2-day) instructed by James Still and cadre
• Ground Ladders (Know Before You Throw) (1-day) instructed by Ryan Murphy

CLASSROOM OFFERINGS:

• So You’re in Charge… Now What? instructed by Kevin Henson
• One Bad Day – Proactive Mindset instructed by Bassel Ibrahim
• Firefighter Mayday Survey – Command Discussions instructed by Bassel Ibrahim

FRIDAY EVENING TRAINING: Winning with Bassel Ibrahim

The fire service is full of challenges—some are obvious, like the dangers we face on the job, but others are harder to see. We face burnout, complacency, poor leadership, or simply losing sight of why we chose this calling. In a world full of distractions, what are you doing to stay focused on your mission?

In his keynote, Winning, Lt. Bassel Ibrahim will confront both the external and internal enemies of the fire service. Lessons in Winning include what it means to show up with purpose, what it looks like to lead yourself and others well, and how to create a career (and life) you’re proud of.

Winning is a mindset, a discipline, and a choice. Join Lt. Ibrahim on Friday, January 23, 2026, during Fire Service Improvement Conference and talk about how to make that choice every day.

Registration for FSIC opens for members on October 1 and is $50 for the weekend. Membership will be confirmed before rosters are finalized. Open enrollment to include non-members opens November 1 and the fee is $375.