Course Description

40 Hour Class

Rope Rescue Awareness and Operations Course (4 Day – Thursday 08:00 – Sunday 17:00)

The Rope Rescue Awareness and Operations course is designed to equip emergency responders and technical rescue personnel with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to safely and effectively perform rope-based rescues. This course meets the requirements of NFPA 1006 and NFPA 1670 standards for technical rescue training at the Awareness and Operations levels. Participants will explore the principles of rope rescue, including hazard assessment, equipment selection, knot tying, anchor systems, mechanical advantage systems, and patient packaging. Emphasis is placed on team-based operations, safety protocols, and real-world application through hands-on training scenarios.

Instructors: Josh Dakken and Andrew Williams

Josh Dakken- A rescue team member and Firefighter from North Dakota with 20+ years of rescue experience. Josh is also an Instructor for Technical Rescue Options. He is also an evaluator for the RMMI Mine Rescue Program.

Andrew Wiliams-A firefighter and Rescue team member with 10+ years of experience. Andrew is also an evaluator for the RMMI Mine Rescue Program

PPE

  • Helmet with chin strap
  • Shirt with a minimum of 4” Sleeve and Pants
  • Rope rescue gloves, all-leather work gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Approved safety toe boots
  • Student supplied rescue harness (If available)

Confined Space Rescue Awareness and Operations Course (4 Day – Thursday 08:00 – Sunday 17:00)

This comprehensive course provides participants with the knowledge and skills required to perform confined space rescue operations safely and effectively. Covering both awareness and operations levels, the course is designed for emergency responders, industrial workers, and safety professionals who may be called upon to respond to incidents involving confined spaces.

Participants will gain a thorough understanding of OSHA regulations, hazard recognition, atmospheric monitoring, permit systems, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The course also includes hands-on training in rescue equipment, techniques for non-entry and entry rescues, and coordinated team-based operations in accordance with NFPA 1006 and 1670 standards.

Instructors: Todd Olmstead and Doug McElmury

Todd Olmstead -Lead Instructor for Technical Rescue Options with over 35yrs rescue experience. He has led and taught rescue teams for 30years with 35years of confined space experience.

Doug McElmury- An instructor for a major rescue training company with 30+ years of rescue experience. He has hosted a rescue podcast and teaches rescue all over the US.

PPE Requirements

  • Helmet with strap
  • Shirt with a minimum of 4” Sleeve and Pants
  • Rope rescue gloves, all-leather work gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Approved safety toe boots

S130/190, L180 (Basic Red Card) (4 Day – Thursday 08:00 – Sunday 17:00)

The S-130/190/L-180 course series is a foundational training program for entry-level and returning wildland firefighters. It provides instruction on basic wildland firefighting skills, fire behavior, and human factors on the fire line. The courses are part of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) curriculum and are required for NWCG FFT2 (Firefighter Type 2) qualifications.

Instructors: Dave Noyce

39 years in wildland fire. 6 years as a division supervisor.  20 years in structure fire, 12 as Chief of Glendo.

PPE Requirements

  • Nomex Pants and Shirt
  • Hard hat
  • Leather Gloves
  • Boots
  • Some kind of pack for line gear
  • Safety Glasses

16 Hour Class

Firefighter II Skills Completer (Two days, Saturday 08:00 – Sunday 17:00)

This two-day training event is designed for Firefighter II candidates seeking to refine their skills and complete required practical sign-offs for certification. The course will focus on hands-on skill development in accordance with NFPA 1001 standards, providing participants with the opportunity to demonstrate competency in the Firefighter II level standards.

Instructors: Max Borino

  • 5 Years as the Dave Johnston Fire Brigade Coordinator
  • 18 years of service with the Natrona County Fire District
  • 10 Years of service with the Kemmerer Volunteer Fire Department
  • 10 years as instructor for Cody Fire School

Qualifications include

  • Firefighter I & II
  • Apparatus Driver Operator
  • Fire Officer I & II
  • Fire Instructor I

PPE Requirements

  • Full Structural Turnout Gear
  • SCBA and Spare Air Cylinder

Basic Low Angle Rope Rescue (Two days, Saturday 08:00 – Sunday 17:00)

Course Description - Low Angle / Steep Angle Rescue teaches skills required to perform rescues on low angle and steep angle terrain. Designed for fire departments, mountain rescue, and industrial rescue teams, this class is tailored to teach individuals and teams that primarily deal with low angle and steep angle terrain such as ravines, embankments, hiking trails, rocky shorelines, mine slopes, and ski slopes.

Instructors: Jesse Johnson and Brock Collins

Jesse Johnson - An Instructor for Technical Rescue Options and a rescue team member at a major industrial site in Montana. Jesse has 15 years rescue experience and has taught several very successful low angle rescue courses.

Brock Collins- A firefighter and training officer from Montana who is an instructor for Technical Rescue Options. Brock has 10+ years of Low Angle rescue experience

PPE Requirements

  • Helmet with a chin strap
  • Shirt with a minimum of 4” Sleeve and Pants
  • Rope rescue gloves, all-leather work gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Approved safety toe boots

Volunteer Leadership Summit (2 Day – Saturday 08:00 – Sunday 17:00)

This intensive two-day leadership conference is designed to equip volunteer fire officers and aspiring leaders with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to lead effectively in today’s complex and evolving fire service environment. With a focus on real-world challenges and solutions, this course blends practical instruction with peer-to-peer learning to strengthen leadership at all levels of the volunteer fire service.

Participants will explore key topics including:

  • Fire Department Budgeting and Finances: Understand the fundamentals of budgeting, financial planning, grant writing, and maintaining fiscal responsibility in a resource-limited environment.
  • Managing Volunteer Firefighters: Learn proven strategies for leading, motivating, and maintaining accountability among a diverse group of volunteers while fostering a culture of professionalism and respect.
  • Working with Local and State Political Bodies and Figures: Gain insight into effective communication and collaboration with elected officials and government agencies to advocate for your department's needs and build lasting support.
  • Volunteer Recruiting and Retention: Discover innovative approaches to attract new members and retain seasoned personnel through engagement, recognition, training opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose and community.
  • Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge, leadership confidence, and a renewed commitment to serving their communities through strong, sustainable volunteer fire departments. Networking opportunities and interactive sessions will provide a platform for collaboration and sharing best practices among peers from across the region.

Instructors: Josh P, Corey Chegoes, Mark Young

Corey Chegoes- A Fire Chief from Custer County Montana who has built a model department when it comes to equipment and facilities. Corey is a great instructor for how to develop a well equipped department.

8 Hour Classes

Rapid Intervention Team Operations (Choice Between two one-day classes. Saturday 08:00-17:00 or Sunday 08:00-17:00)

The Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) Operations course is an essential training program designed to prepare firefighters to effectively respond to mayday incidents and execute the rescue of downed or trapped firefighters. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on evolutions, participants will develop a strong foundation in RIT principles, proactive deployment strategies, and critical rescue techniques.

This course emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, team coordination, and decisive action during high-risk, low-frequency events. Firefighters will learn to recognize warning signs of potential firefighter emergencies, implement preventative measures, and execute rapid, efficient interventions when seconds count.

Instructors: Pat Evans, Sherry Evans

PPE Requirements

  • Full Structural Turnout Gear
  • SCBA and Spare Air Cylinder

Aerial Operations (Choice Between two one-day classes. Saturday 08:00-17:00 or Sunday 08:00-17:00)

The Aerial Operations Course is a comprehensive, hands-on training program designed to provide firefighters and apparatus operators with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively operate aerial fire apparatus. This course covers the critical components of aerial device use, including safe placement, tactical deployment, and operational techniques for a variety of fireground scenarios.

Participants will receive instruction on the capabilities and limitations of different types of aerial devices—such as straight ladders, platforms, and articulating booms—and learn how to maximize their effectiveness for both fire attack and rescue operations. Emphasis is placed on understanding load capacities, operational zones, spotting strategies, and troubleshooting common equipment issues.

Instructors: Mike McReynolds

Mike McReynolds - An Engineer for Campbell County Fire. He runs an aerial and has years of operations experience along with rescue experience. Mike is a great instructor that will put you through the paces of are rail operation

PPE Requirements

  • Helmet with a chin strap
  • Shirt with a minimum of 4” Sleeve and Pants
  • Rope rescue gloves, all-leather work gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Approved safety toe boots

Firefighter Safety (Choice Between two one-day classes. Saturday 08:00-17:00 or Sunday 08:00-17:00)

The Firefighter Safety Course is designed specifically for new firefighters who want to build a long, successful career by prioritizing safe practices from day one. Through a combination of classroom learning, real-world case studies, and hands-on scenarios that include live fire exposure, this course delivers essential knowledge and hard-earned lessons focused on keeping firefighters safe in dynamic and high-risk environments.

Participants will gain a solid foundation in fireground safety, tactical awareness, and operational discipline—covering everything from personal protective equipment (PPE) limitations to scene size-up, company-level incident command, and basic tactics. The course also emphasizes the importance of crew integrity, communication, and risk assessment as key elements of long-term firefighter survival.

Instructors: Stormey Tucker

Stormey Tucker - An instructor with Technical Rescue Options and firefighter from Montana. She has 20+ years of fire experience and is an aerial attack leader for the BLM along with a response task force leader. Stormey has also instructed Fire Safety for the State Fire School

PPE Requirements

  • Full Structural Turnout Gear
  • SCBA and Spare Air Cylinder

Car Fires Strategies and Tactics (Choice Between two one-day classes. Saturday 08:00-17:00 or Sunday 08:00-17:00)

This course provides firefighters with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively extinguish vehicle fires. This includes understanding modern vehicle design and construction, recognizing potential hazards, and employing appropriate attack methods. The course emphasizes the importance of scene size-up, strategic decision-making, and adapting tactics to specific vehicle types and situations.

Instructors: TBD

PPE Requirements

  • Full Structural Turnout Gear
  • SCBA and Spare Air Cylinder
  • Live Fire Verification Required

First Responder PHTLS

PHTLS for First Responders - PHTLS-FR - Provider Course: PHTLS for First Responders (PHTLS-FR)is an 8-hour classroom course that takes the world-class trauma care content from the 10th edition of PHTLS and delivers it in a style that is relevant to and accessible by first responders, including emergency medical responders (EMR), firefighters, rescue personnel and law enforcement officers. Covering life-saving interventions such as hemorrhage control and airway management, this course teaches critical trauma concepts, demonstrates skills, and walks students through potential patient scenarios. Course materials include a student manual, providing students with access to these important concepts long after the course is over. Upon successful completion of this course, students receive a certificate of completion, a wallet card good for 4 years and 8 hours of CAPCE credit.

Instructors:

James Brown: EMS Instructor for 20 years, In EMS for 25 years. Teaching PHTLS for 6 years.

Cher Ries: EMS, AHA, and NAEMT instructor. Over 15 years in Fire and EMS.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane)(night burn)

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Liquefied Petroleum Gas Emergencies is a course aimed at personnel (emergency responders, Industry and Hazardous Materials teams) who may respond to handle Liquefied Petroleum Gas emergencies. The students will learn what Liquefied Petroleum Gas is and tactics in handling it. There will be hands on training in handling and controlling live flammable gas releases.

Instructor: Robert Ratliff

Robert Ratliff - With over 25 years in the industrial response field, Robert Ratliff brings unmatched expertise as both a response specialist and instructor. His career has been dedicated to one mission: ensuring teams are prepared, equipped, and confident when crisis strikes. Robert is known for transforming complex, high-hazard scenarios into clear, actionable training that empowers responders to operate safely and effectively under pressure. His dynamic teaching style bridges real-world experience with practical skills, making his sessions both engaging and unforgettable

PPE Requirements

  • Full Structural Turnout Gear
  • SCBA and Spare Air Cylinder