Firefighter training drill by Forest Reeder
Looking for firefighter training ideas? To help with the “rainy, windy, snowy” or when nothing is on the drill schedule days, we are providing a year of weekly skill drills that can be locally adapted and modified to help get some training out to your crews. These skill drills are simple to build and should reference applicable department SOG, manufacturer instructions, and local practice for the each skill level. Some ideas for implementing this simple system include:
- Use the skill in a scenario
- Locate the tool or equipment in the rig, take out, demonstrate use and proper return to use
- Troubleshoot the tool or equipment or skill identifying things that can go wrong and how to overcome
- Discuss all safety policies and practices for skill or equipment
- Discuss where you get the tool or who would perform the skill if you do not have the equipment, apparatus or personnel
This simple process makes training accessible and can be put to work by any member of your department.
Download these firefighter training ideas as a PDF HERE.
If you need more firefighter training ideas, try the links below, or see all of Forest’s drills. You can also consult our comprehensive archive of online training drills.
ALSO
- 101 Drills for the Company Officer
- Quick Drills for the Chief Officer
- Back-to-Basics Drilling for the Engine Company, Part 1 | Part 2
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Engine Company Tips
- Company-Level Hoseline Deployment Drills
- Drills You’re Not Going to Find in the Books
- MAD Training and Response Solutions
Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1978 and retired as fire chief of the Tinley Park (IL) Fire Department in 2021. He has worked extensively in the areas of instruction, firefighter safety, and officer development and earned his Master of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration in 2004. He is the author of Fire Department Incident Safety Officer 4th edition (2025) and co-author of Fire Service Instructor Principles and Practices, now in its 3rd edition. Forest presents nationally on fire service leadership, safety, and instructor development. He was inducted into the Moraine Valley Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2020 and awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2021. In 2008, he received the ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year, considered to be the highest recognition for fire service instructors in the nation.
