Firefighter training drill by Forest Reeder
Your protective clothing ensemble is often the only thing between you and a serious injury. It must be kept up in good condition, properly washed and cared for, and firefighters must know the capabilities and limitations of each piece of equipment. Manufacturers’ recommendations for maintenance and repairs must be complied with at all times. Modification of equipment should not be performed by unqualified personnel.
Personal Protective Gear Inspection and Usage
Review your department procedures for use, care, maintenance, capabilities, and limitations of protective clothing. As part of this drill, identify the proper levels of protective clothing that has to be used for specific types of incidents.
Download this week’s firefighter training drill as a pdf HERE.
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.
