More Than Just Training
FDIC International 2024 was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 15-20. More than 36,000 firefighters from all over the world came and spent time networking, learning, seeing the most up-to-date products in the profession, and getting some work-related relaxation. If you were not there, you missed a lot.
I was truly honored to not only be there in person but also be given the opportunity to teach my class “Grant Writing for Emergency Services.” At the airport returning home, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world, I started thinking about FDIC and how it is so much more than a training conference. What are the benefits of FDIC and why should you attend?
FDIC has the best of the best when it comes to training. More than 1,000 instructors submit proposals to teach the 300 classes offered at FDIC. One of the best aspects of the training is that the instructors love to talk with anyone about their message. For me, it is an honor and a privilege when a student in my class comes up and asks questions or wants clarification about something I have said. Of all the instructors I know that teach at FDIC, I do not know of one that would not be happy to do so.
In attendance were firefighters from South Korea, Australia, and Canada, among other countries. There are people who have been there and done that, people who have passion for our profession, people who care and want to be the best of the best. This provides a huge opportunity for us, as we are all better together than we are separately.
There are many benefits to meeting these people. First, there is, without a doubt, someone at FDIC who has or has had the same issue or problem that you are having in your department. This gives you a great chance to talk to them, learn from them, and empathize with them about the issues you both are dealing with. Another benefit is networking and finding a colleague who can be a great sounding board for the future. Most of us are ideas people. We love to find ideas that can help or benefit our citizens. Where else would you find so many firefighters who have ideas and are willing to share them? FDIC is the place!
It is hard to paint a true picture of the number of vendors that exhibit at FDIC. The exhibits cover the Indianapolis Convention Center, the hallway leading to Lucas Oil Stadium, the stadium, and outside vendor areas. Vendors use FDIC to introduce new products, and FDIC gives you a front-row seat to the new offerings that you cannot get anywhere else.
We are more aware than ever that our mental health takes a toll in the profession we have chosen. Our cup is always full of what’s happening at the firehouse and at home. Attending FDIC can really rejuvenate you. As I was sitting at work one night, one of my staff looked at me and commented how he loved what FDIC does for my mental health. He went on to tell me how he can see when I come back from FDIC that I am full of positivity and excitement that sometimes wavers in the months leading up to the conference. I agree with him and feel the same about others I know who attend FDIC regularly.
Attending FDIC requires a commitment from you as an individual or from your department. There are costs, such as hotel, meals, travel, and registration fees, but you have to look beyond the costs. Look at it as an investment and look at the benefits. I hope that you all have the opportunity to attend the “Big Show”!
David Hesselmeyer
Engineer/Senior Firefighter
Buies Creek (NC) Fire Department
