Division Command Training LLC

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This weekend, Division Command Training had the privilege of delivering the National Fire Academy’s Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations (STICO) program at the Berkeley Heights Fire Department.

We were joined by firefighters and officers from Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Westfield, Irvington, Edison, and West Windsor. The caliber of discussion, participation, and professional experience brought to the classroom over the two days made this class an absolute success. The conversations surrounding strategy, tactics, leadership, risk management, and decision-making were outstanding and truly elevated the learning experience for everyone involved.

Upon completion, students earned:
• 1.0 CEU approved by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety
• An official National Fire Academy certificate
• 16 of the 24 required Strategy and Tactics hours toward Fire Officer 1

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this such a productive and engaging weekend. Your willingness to share experiences, challenge ideas, and learn from one another is what makes the fire service stronger.

Thanks for a great weekend, gentlemen.

Last chance for 2026!

Division Command Training’s final open-enrollment offering of the National Fire Academy’s Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations (STICO) course will be held June 13-14, 2026, at the Berkeley Heights Fire Department.

This two-day National Fire Academy program is designed to develop the decision-making, leadership, and tactical management skills needed by company officers and aspiring officers operating at structure fires.

Course benefits include:
• 1.0 NJ DFS Technical CEU (Instructor)
• 16 of the 24 required Strategy & Tactics hours for Fire Officer 1
• FEMA Certificate
• National Fire Academy Credit

With approximately 15 seats still available, this is an excellent opportunity to complete a significant portion of your Fire Officer 1 requirements while learning from real-world fireground experiences and tactical case studies.

Cost: Only $80 for the entire two-day program.

This will be the last open-enrollment STICO program offered by Division Command Training in 2026.

To register, visit DivisionCommandTraining.com or scan the QR code on the flyer.

This weekend, Division Command Training presented Building Construction for the Fire Service at the Berkeley Heights Fire Department.

Students attended from departments across the region, including Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Summit, Irvington, New Providence, Union, Cranford, Clark, Kenilworth, and Ridgefield Park.

Over the course of two days, participants completed 16 hours of building construction training, satisfying and exceeding the building construction requirements for Fire Officer I while earning 1.0 CEU through the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.

More importantly, the class generated outstanding discussion on building construction challenges facing today’s fire service. Students shared experiences, exchanged ideas they can bring back to their departments, and explored emerging topics such as “ground scrapers” and the unique operational considerations these buildings present.

Thank you to all of the students who dedicated their weekend to professional development. The conversations, engagement, and willingness to learn made for an outstanding program.

A white helmet doesn’t automatically make someone a leader.

Chief officers should be proactive, engaged, and present on the fireground, not simply standing at the command post because they wear a white helmet. Effective leadership means maintaining situational awareness, supporting operating companies, and helping move the incident toward a successful outcome.

A clip from my conversation with Dean Babineau on discussing the role of chief officers on today’s fireground.

🔥 NEW PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🔥

Decoding the Thermal Environment: Tactical Thermography for the Fire Service

Thermal imaging cameras have become a standard tool on today’s fireground, but getting the most out of a TIC requires more than simply carrying one.

This program is designed to help firefighters better understand the science behind thermal imaging and how it applies to fireground operations. We’ll explore heat transfer, thermal signatures, image interpretation, common misconceptions, limitations of thermal imaging technology, and how to use that information to support tactical decision-making.

This is not a thermography certification course, and it’s not a deep dive into thermology. Instead, it’s a practical, firefighter-focused program that bridges the gap between camera operation and understanding what your TIC is actually showing you. The program is developed and delivered by a Level 1 Certified Thermographer, ensuring the material is grounded in both thermography principles and real-world fire service application.

Available through Division Command Training for fire departments, fire academies, conferences, and training organizations.

For scheduling and course information:📧 [email protected]