Attendee registration will begin by April 1!
Breakout Sessions
From Theory to Smoke
Presented by Alex Caldaro and Zach Coleman of Real Fire Training, From Theory to Smoke is a dynamic breakout session focused on realistic search tactics, practical fireground tips, and training ideas for today’s fire service. Designed to bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world application, this session gives firefighters actionable takeaways they can bring back to their own departments to strengthen search operations, improve performance under pressure, and build a more effective modern search culture.
First Due Fire Ground Tactics
Instructed by Doug Cline, First Due Fire Ground Tactics is designed to prepare fire service personnel for the critical decisions and actions required in the initial moments of a fire incident. Focused on the first-arriving unit, this session covers size-up, tactical priorities, resource deployment, communication, and mission-focused leadership to help firefighters establish command, maintain crew safety, and set the tone for successful incident mitigation.
Guest Speakers
Alex Caldaro
Douglas Cline
Douglas Cline
Alex “Big Al” Caldaro has over 14 years of fire service experience, including both career and volunteer service. He currently serves with the Town of Winterville Fire Department, assigned as a driver on Squad 15, and has previously worked with the City of Durham on both ladder and engine companies. He is also an active member of the Kentl
Alex “Big Al” Caldaro has over 14 years of fire service experience, including both career and volunteer service. He currently serves with the Town of Winterville Fire Department, assigned as a driver on Squad 15, and has previously worked with the City of Durham on both ladder and engine companies. He is also an active member of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where he serves as a truck company firefighter. Alex is deeply committed to mastering the craft of firefighting and believes in delivering the highest level of service to the community—regardless of assignment or apparatus. His passion for the job is driven by continuous learning, hands-on experience, and a relentless focus on preparation. Through training and mentorship, he strives to help firefighters perform with confidence, competence, and purpose on the fireground.
Douglas Cline
Douglas Cline
Douglas Cline
Douglas "Doug" Cline is chief of the training and professional development division with Horry County Fire Recue. He is the executive editor for The Fire Officer, contributing editor to Carolina Fire Rescue Journal, and executive director for the command institute in Washington D.C. A 37-year fire and emergency services veteran as well a
Douglas "Doug" Cline is chief of the training and professional development division with Horry County Fire Recue. He is the executive editor for The Fire Officer, contributing editor to Carolina Fire Rescue Journal, and executive director for the command institute in Washington D.C. A 37-year fire and emergency services veteran as well a retired fire chief, Cline is a Level III fire instructor, National Fire Academy instructor, and EMS instructor. Chief Cline is the current president of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI), past president of the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs (SEAFC), and a member of the South Carolina and North Carolina Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors. Chief Cline is also the executive producer of Fire Engineering’s “Fire and Training” Blog Talk Radio show and “The Chief’s Trumpet,” the official Blog Talk Radio show for Thefireofficer.com. In 1999 he received the George D. Post International Instructor of the Year award by the ISFSI.
Zach Coleman
Douglas Cline
Zach Coleman
Zach Coleman brings over 15 years of experience in the fire service, combining both career and volunteer leadership roles. He currently serves as a Lieutenant with Roanoke City Fire-EMS, operating on both engine and ladder companies, and also holds the position of Deputy Chief with the Forest Volunteer Fire Department. Zach is known for
Zach Coleman brings over 15 years of experience in the fire service, combining both career and volunteer leadership roles. He currently serves as a Lieutenant with Roanoke City Fire-EMS, operating on both engine and ladder companies, and also holds the position of Deputy Chief with the Forest Volunteer Fire Department. Zach is known for his strong passion for the fire service and his commitment to operational excellence, particularly in search operations and rapid intervention (RIT). While he has a deep appreciation for truck work, he approaches every assignment with professionalism and intensity. Grounded in the core mission of the fire service, Zach is dedicated to putting citizens first and ensuring firefighters are trained, prepared, and ready for the challenges of the job.