NGFC 2026 Lecture Schedule

The schedule is still being finalized and is subject to change.

July 20th

Frank Viscuso

Step up and lead

3 Hr

Creating a culture of exceptional service does not happen by accident. This seminar covers the leadership skills that are needed to motivate and lead teams in today’s world. The topics that are covered include; mentoring and succession planning, constructive criticism, delegating, dealing with insubordination, conducting a post incident analysis, building morale, and proven theories, methods and techniques that can help you and step up and lead.

Dylan Briggs

Efficient Equals Effective

2 Hr

This class will encompass strategies to build into a firefighter’s personnel and crew training methodology in order to become more efficient in all aspects of the job. The practice of efficiency without the end goal of effectiveness can often lead down the road of laziness and complacency. However, if we have the end goal of being effective firefighters and fire crews foremost, then we can achieve the desired outcome.

The class is broken down into four primary sections: training, operations, apparatus, and culture. This class is based on leadership and mindset in order to build a foundation for success.

During the course, we will discuss improvement in turnout times, personnel gear layout, job-specific tool selection, riding assignments, tailboard time, scene size-up, forcible entry, apparatus design, and more. Portions of this class will address the career firefighter, the volunteer firefighter, and members of apparatus design committees.

Chris Thwaits

Know your Flow – H.O.T

3 Hrs

Understanding flow is only part of the equation. Knowing when and how to apply it with the right nozzle makes the difference.

In this hands-on session, Chris Thwaits expands on the Know Your Flow principles while focusing on specialty nozzle applications for challenging fire ground situations.

Participants will examine tools such as floor below nozzles, distributor nozzles, cellar nozzles, and horizontal void nozzles, exploring where they fit and how they impact reach, penetration, and overall fire control. The class will also connect flow data to tactical decision-making, helping firefighters better understand how nozzle selection influences stream performance and fire suppression outcomes.

This session is built for firefighters who want to move beyond theory and gain practical insight into how specialty nozzles and flow knowledge work together on the fireground.

July 21st

Frank Viscuso

Flash Point: Forge a Winning Team Culture

3 Hrs

This class draws comparisons between the four most common stages of team development and the four stages of fire – incipient, growth, fully developed, and decay. During this highly motivational talk, Chief Viscuso will explain why some teams are consumed with drama and conflict while others thrive under pressure.

Attendees will be introduced to the eight essential steps they will need to take to reach their peak performance as individuals and team leaders.

Dylan Briggs

Efficient Equals Effective

2 Hr

This class will encompass strategies to build into a firefighter’s personnel and crew training methodology in order to become more efficient in all aspects of the job. The practice of efficiency without the end goal of effectiveness can often lead down the road of laziness and complacency. However, if we have the end goal of being effective firefighters and fire crews foremost, then we can achieve the desired outcome.

The class is broken down into four primary sections: training, operations, apparatus, and culture. This class is based on leadership and mindset in order to build a foundation for success.

During the course, we will discuss improvement in turnout times, personnel gear layout, job-specific tool selection, riding assignments, tailboard time, scene size-up, forcible entry, apparatus design, and more. Portions of this class will address the career firefighter, the volunteer firefighter, and members of apparatus design committees.

TBD