The Round Table
departments
As one of the first students to attend the National Fire Academy: (1) How did the course you took there compare to other courses you have taken in your fire service career?, (2) Were you able to apply this knowledge to your own work?, (3) Did you impart this knowledge to members of your department or others?, and (4) How did you find the accommodations?
Michael J. Sample, Chief, Livermore, Calif.: I found the course that I attended at the National Fire Academy to be one of the most beneficial courses and one of the most organized courses, with some of the best people instructing the courses, that I have ever attended. To spend two weeks away from home and still enjoy the course speaks for itself.
The knowledge I obtained from the Executive Development III course has been applied to my everyday management style. It has allowed me to relate to others, has allowed me to understand myself to a better degree, and to better apply the management principles that I have ingrained in myself.
I did, to the best of my ability, pass along the information that I gained from the academy to other members of the Yuma Fire Department; however, I went one step further and enrolled three battalion chiefs in the course upon my return.
I found the accommodations at the academy to be more than adequate. The people who work at the academy are some of the most friendly, courteous and helpful people that I have ever met. The cafeteria provided excellent food in sufficient quantities—there was never any problem with long waiting lines or a lack of food.
I am now employed by the City of Livermore and do intend to send members of the Livermore Fire Department to the academy. I think it is the most cost-effective, highestquality training available to the fire service at this time.
Frank R. Wilson, Battalion Chief, Towson, Md.: The course at the National Fire Academy was much more indepth, and more related to management than others I have taken. Most other courses in fire service deal with the technical nature; the fire service needs to learn from management and get away from the traditional view which stands in the way of securing new technology.
I was definitely able to apply this knowledge to my work. It takes time to implement totally, and results will be long term; however, some of the knowledge can be implemented in a relatively short time.
The purpose of taking the course is for self-improvement, as well as sharing the knowledge with those in the department who have not taken the course.
The accommodations were excellent. They were conducive to indepth, effective study. Participants were provided time and a place to themselves (one to a room). The rooms were clean and offered personal comfort, and were convenient to classes. The meals were good and prepared on time. Registration and accommodations had been coordinated and completed on arrival.
The course afforded the participants, from a wide range of fire service backgrounds, the opportunity to attend discussion groups, and to converse on a one-to-one basis. Ideas could be shared concerning possible methods to resolve problems which affect fire services in general, and also situations which might be unique. It provided a means to become acquainted with personnel from other fire services, and to share information and experiences.
S.L. Williams, District Chief, Fort Worth, Tex.: The Incident Command course was the first course from which I felt I got all that was promised. The instructors were competent, interesting, well qualified men who had earned the respect of their peers.
Within a week of my ret urn, the knowledge gained in the course was used in a city-wide civil defense exercise. A similar system of command is being installed in our department.
The accommodations at the academy are good with the exception of the lack of air conditioning in the dormitories. When the temperature is high, the rooms are very uncomfortable.
Robert E. Drozynski, Engineer, Norwich, Conn.: This course was the the best course that I have ever taken in my five years in the fire service. It was well organized and the instructors were very knowledgeable as well as encouraging class participation. The way the material was presented, I can really say everything from A to Z was discussed.
At the time that I took this course, I had recently received my Associate’s of Science degree in fire technology and administration, and had not begun my fire protection career.
I mainly took this course to obtain a better understanding of fire investigation methods. In the future I wish to work in the investigation field.
With the help of some NFPA slide programs, I am organizing a fire & arson course for the members of my department, hopefully early in 1981.
The accommodations were excellent. The grounds and buildings were well kept and the academy staff was always ready to assist the students.
James B. Nelson, District Chief, Miami, Fla.: Descending through an overcast sky into a burst of red and gold at the peak of the fall color season in the Washington, D.C. area was the beginning of two memorable weeks. The bus ride from Washington to Emmitsburg through the beautiful countryside was pleasant for a native Miamian.
The facilities and the curriculum at the National Fire Academy were both a pleasant surprise. The most memorable experience during my stay at the academy was the opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences and anecdotes with some of the finest people in the world—the fire fighters and fire administrators of America.
I hope the academy cont inues to grow and improve and I look forward to another opportunity to experience that learning and exchanging atmosphere.
Jim Hofstra, Inspector, Littleton, Col. I attended the Executive Development II course in September 1980. I found the course to be excellent and much different from the average fire service course. The visiting instructors in psychology and speech really knew their subjects and how to get their ideas across. 1 think the Academy should be complimented for obtaining high caliber outside instructors to teach subjects such as lender-match concepts and public speaking.
The E.D. II course gave me brand new ideas on how to handle personnel (and personal) problems in the department. It certainly opens your eyes to the fact that there’s more than one way to get the job done. The public speaking section of the course was also excellent training for presentations before civic groups, etc.
I have written a course description for my department so other officers can get an idea of the course content and make their decision whether or not to attend. I have also tested my department’s staff and command personnel for leadership styles, using course materials, so that I can determine if the course theories appear to work in practice during day to day departmental operations.
The accommodations at the Academy were quite adequate, although by no means luxurious. The emphasis is on utiltarian, not lavish decor. Most students, however, don’t spend that much time in their rooms anyway. The food is very good and there’s lots of it, so I don’t think anyone would be disappointed in that respect. One of the best things is the attitude of the Academy employees. There is a pervading sense of “service” that characterizes everyone from the registration office to the room cleaning personnel. It certainly makes you feel good to know that these people care -not only in words but also in actions. My compliments to the National Fire Academy for an excellent facility that’s bound to continue to improve as the years go by.
Anton W. Anderegg, Lieutenant, Portland, Ore.: I have taken many courses during my 10 year career, but the course I took at the academy was by far the best I have had. I have a fire science degree and 1 feel that the course was super beneficial. One factor is the way people were selected for the class. Fire fighters from different parts of the country made it possible to see how the different areas combat the same situation. You learn by listening to other departments, and can gain valuable information from the variety of departments represented at the academy.
Immediately upon return to duty. I used the information from the class. We had a district wide drill or incident command and the training center has used my book and notes from the academy class.
The accommodations were above average. The food and sleeping quarters were excellenttwhere else can you have your own room, with the bed and room cleaned daily?) The academy still needs recreational facilities and equipment to occupy the time spent out of the classroom.
