Firefighter training drill by Forest Reeder
Discuss the roles and responsibilities of each company member during response to an activated fire alarm. This may seem trivial, but history has shown that fire alarms usually activate for a reason and modern systems may indicate actual fire-related problems. In any case, treat these as dress rehearsals for an actual fire response.
“Perfect Practice Makes Perfect” is the adage that covers your routine response. Once the problem has been identified, senior firefighters and officers can use these responses as opportunities to review building layout and characteristics that will again be useful during real fire emergencies. Describe or demonstrate the skill or knowledge listed under the title that most closely resembles your job duties for the given scenario. Emphasize crew and individual safety responsibilities in each step and describe how you accomplish the skill. Refer to local stand operating procedures and training references for information on the required procedures.
Download this firefighter training drill as a PDF HERE.
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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.
