RUSHMORE FIRE CONFERENCE
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Structure Courses

The Devil is in the Details! Firefighter 101
Class Date(s) and Time(s):  
 8:00am-5:00pm, Saturday the 11th, or Sunday the 12th of January
Course Length: 1 full day  
Course Instructors: 
Course Price:​ $100 Per Student


**Maximum 20 students per day 

**Lunch: Please pack a sack lunch that can be eaten on site, and 
drinks for the full day. Due to time constraints we want to take 
full advantage of the day and utilize as much hands-on time as 
possible. 


Description: 
Andy Fredericks is quoted as saying “As the fire line goes, so goes the fire.” 
This class will hyper-focus on the little things that set us up for success throughout a fire incident. While 
covering the basic skills of our trade, we will discuss the tools, the techniques, and ultimately the importance of 
the “expect fire, expect victims” mindset that is crucial for success on the fireground.  We explore not just HOW 
to do the basic skills, but the WHY. 

This class is designed for a wide range of experience; from the newest firefighter to the seasoned senior 
firefighter who wants to brush up on the details. This class is a mix of lectures and hands-on skills. Topics 
covered are (but not limited to): 
• PPE/SCBA donning and discussion of items carried 
• Forcible entry 
• Hoseline deployment 
• Fire building search and victim removal 

“If I can’t trust you to do the little things, how can I Trust you to do the big things?” 

Requirements:  Structural PPE and SCBA will be required. 
​
Pre-course work: 
A pre-course questionnaire will be provided to registrants prior to the class and is expected to 
be completed prior to the start date. 

Email will be required.

Rescue Courses

Advanced Extrication Techniques: Beyond the Basics
Class Date(s) and Time(s):  8:00am-5:00pm, Saturday the 11th, or 
Sunday the 12th of January
Course Length: 8 hours
Course Instructors:  Jordan Johnson & Wesley Lewis 
Course Price: $150 Per Student

**Lunch: Please pack a sack lunch that can be eaten on site, and drinks 
for the full day. Due to time constraints we want to take full advantage 
of the day and utilize as much hands-on time as possible. 


Description: 
Elevate your skills and expertise in vehicle extrication with our Advanced Vehicle Extrication Class. 
This intensive course blends comprehensive classroom instruction with hands-on training to provide an in-depth 
understanding of complex rescue techniques. Participants will engage in detailed discussions on the latest 
extrication tools and technologies, advanced techniques for stabilizing and accessing compromised vehicles, and 
strategies for managing high-risk scenarios. Our expert instructors, drawing from extensive field experience, will 
guide you through complex case studies, ensuring you gain a thorough theoretical foundation. 

In addition to classroom learning, the course includes extensive practical exercises where you will apply 
advanced techniques in real-world simulations. Hands-on training scenarios are designed to challenge and 
refine your skills in cutting, lifting, and displacing vehicle components under pressure. You'll work with cutting
edge equipment and learn to adapt your approach to various vehicle types and crash conditions. By the end of 
the course, you'll be equipped with the confidence and proficiency needed to tackle the most challenging 
extrication scenarios, ensuring the highest level of safety and efficiency in emergency situations.
 
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in auto extrication training is preferred. This is a HOT class and will be labor 
intensive. Applicants are expected to be in good physical condition and have the ability to lift extrication 
equipment. 

PPE: Bunker Pants and Coat (or rescue rated coat and pants). Bunker or steel toe boots. Gloves, eye, and ear 
protection. PPE will be inspected prior to class commencing. 
​
Number of Participants:  8-15 per day.

Ice Rescue 
Class Date(s) and Time(s): 8:00am-5:00pm, 
Sunday the 12th of January
Course Length: 8 hours
Course Instructors: Cory Nelson & Matt Curley
Course Price:​ $150 Per Student 

**Minimum of 10 students per day 

**Lunch: Please pack a sack lunch that can be eaten on site, and drinks for 
the full day. Due to time constraints we want to take full advantage of the 
day and utilize as much hands-on time as possible. 


Description: 
The focus of this one-day training program is on surface rescue for cold water 
and ice incidents with an emphasis on personal survival and safety of the rescuer. It is designed to provide the 
public safety and rescue professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe rescue and recovery 
operations in, on, and around the ice and cold water. 

The comprehensive course includes 2 hours of classroom instruction, followed by on/through-the-ice practical 
sessions, most of this class will be at the ice edge. During the practical evolutions, each participant rotates 
through various positions at each station including Primary Rescuer, Secondary Rescuer and Victim. Participants 
are continually active during the practical evolutions and are responsible for manning tether lines when not 
serving in the above capacities. 

Subjects and/or practical evolutions include the following: 
● The Rescue Process 
● Incident Command 
● Cold Water Rescue and Survival 
● Ice Rescue and Survival 
● Recognition and Management of Hypothermia 
● Use of Specialized Safety and Rescue Equipment 

Prerequisite: The IRT Candidate must be in good physical condition and must be comfortable in deep water 
while wearing a Cold Water/Ice Rescue Suit or Dry Suit with a PFD. 
​
Required Equipment: Participants must have exclusive use of an approved cold water/ice rescue suit, there will 
be no time for sharing of suits.

Intro to Rope Rescue
Class Date(s) and Time(s):  8:00 am to 5:00 pm, ​
Saturday the 11th of January
Course Length: 8 Hours 
Course Instructors: Jonny Knutson & Nick Jasnoch 
Course Price: $150 Per Student

**Maximum 14 students per day 

**Lunch: Please pack a sack lunch that can be eaten on site, and 
drinks for the full day. Due to time constraints we want to take full 
advantage of the day and utilize as much hands-on time as possible. 


Description: 
Dive into the fundamental world of ropework with our comprehensive Rope and Knot Basics class. 
This hands-on workshop is designed for enthusiasts of all skill levels, from beginners to those looking to refine 
their techniques. Participants will start with an exploration of the core components of rope, understanding its 
materials, construction, and how different types of ropes are used in various applications. The class will also 
cover essential knot-tying skills, teaching you how to master fundamental knots, hitches, and bends crucial for 
safe and effective rope handling. 

In addition to basic knot work, we'll delve into practical applications, including proper patient packaging 
techniques to ensure safe and efficient transport in emergency scenarios. The course also introduces low-angle 
rescue techniques, providing a foundational understanding of how to safely and effectively use ropes in rescue 
situations. Whether you’re preparing for outdoor adventures, emergency response, or just want to enhance 
your general rope skills, this class offers a thorough and practical approach to mastering the art of rope and knot 
work. 

Prerequisites: Students must be in good physical condition and able to lift and maneuver during rope rescue 
practical. 
​
Required equipment: Students will be expected to wear close-toed shoes or boots and long pants. Dress 
appropriately to work both inside and outside if weather allows for outdoor rescue practical. Students should 
have a Class III rated harness and helmet, along with appropriate rope rescue gloves. Limited PPE will be 
available. 

Wildland Courses


S-131 Firefighter Type 1 (needed for the FFT1/ICT5 Task Book) 
Class Date(s) and Time(s): January 11-12, 2025 
Course Length: Full day Saturday and half day Sunday 
Course Instructors: TBD 
Course Price: $50 Per Student

**Maximum class size of 25 students 

**Lunch: Feel free to bring your own or there will be time allowed to go get lunch locally. 

Course Description:
This course is designed to meet the training needs of the Firefighter Type 1 
(FFT1) and/or Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5). It is designed to be interactive in nature. It contains class 
discussion and several tactical decision games designed to facilitate learning objectives. Topics include 
operational leadership, communications, LCES, and tactical decision – making. 

Objectives: 
● Identify position responsibilities and demonstrate the ability to apply principles of Operational 
Leadership found in the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG). 
● Describe how to incorporate and maintain open lines of communication with appropriate personnel. 
● Identify Look Up, Look Down and Around indicators, and demonstrate the ability to apply the 
components of Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) as described in the 
IRPG. 
● Demonstrate the ability to apply tactical decision-making procedures. 

Prerequisite Qualification/Training: Qualified as Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) 

Pre-Work Requirement: None 
​
**All National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses require minimum standards and qualifications for 
courses taught.  The instructors teaching these courses will meet or exceed these standards and have many years 
of experience in wildland fire.  

 S-200 Initial Attack Incident Commander
(needed for the ICT4 Task Book) 
Class Date(s) and Time(s): Saturday, January 11th and Sunday, January 12th, 2025 
Course Length: 2 Full Days 
Course Instructors: TBD 
​Course Price: $50 Per Student

**Maximum class size of 20 students 

**Lunch: Feel free to bring your own or there will be time allowed to go get lunch locally. 

Course Description:
This course is designed to meet the training needs of the Incident Commander Type 4 
(ICT4). It is presented in a discussion/exercise format. The six instructional units include Foundation Skills; 
Intelligence Gathering and Documentation; Size Up the Incident; Develop a Plan of Action; Post Fire 
Activities; Evaluating Incident Objectives and Manage the Incident. 

Objectives: 
● Demonstrate effective foundation skills (leadership, risk management, and communications) at the 
ICT4 level. 
● Gather and document essential information about the incident. 
● Size up the incident, develop plan of action. 
● Manage the incident through effective leadership. 
● Demonstrate the ability to evaluate plan of action and make adjustments to the plan when 
necessary. 
● Conduct post-fire activities. 

**Prerequisite Qualification/Training: Qualified as any Single Resource Boss (Engine Boss, Crew Boss, Firing Boss) 

**Pre-Work Requirement: Pre-course work is required and will be emailed out to student upon registration 
Must be completed to attend the course. 
​
**All National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses require minimum standards and qualifications for 
courses taught.  The instructors teaching these courses will meet or exceed these standards and have many 
years of experience in wildland fire.   

 S-230/S-231 Crew/Engine Boss 
(needed for the engine boss, crew boss, heavy equipment boss, or firing boss Task Books) 
Class Date(s) and Time(s): Saturday, January 11th and Sunday, January 12th, 2025 
Course Length: 2 Full Days 
Course Instructors: TBD 
​Course Price: $50 Per Student

**Maximum class size of 20 students 

**Lunch: Feel free to bring your own or there will be time allowed to go get lunch locally. 

Description:
S230 - This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to 
perform the duties of the Crew Boss position. Topics include travel and check-in, briefings, assigning tasks 
and assessing crew performance, implementing fire line duties, mop-up, firing operations, using aerial 
resources, medical emergencies, and wildland urban interface. 

S231 - This is a skill course designed to produce student proficiency in the performance of the duties 
associated with Engine Boss (ENGB). Topics include engine and crew capabilities and limitations, 
information sources, fire size up considerations, tactics, and wildland/urban interface. 

Objectives: 
● Demonstrate briefing of assigned resources. 
● Evaluate, implement, and provide the rationale for the appropriate decisions to accomplish each of 
the following assignment objectives: Direct attack, firing operations, aerial resources, medical 
emergency, wildland-urban interface, mop-up. 
● Identify the resource needs and tactical adjustments for the assignment objectives. 
● Perform the tasks of an Engine Boss in making the tactical decisions required to safely manage an 
engine on an incident. 

**Prerequisite Qualification/Training: Qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) 

**Pre-Work Requirement: Pre-course work is required and will be emailed out to student upon registration. 
**Must be completed to attend the course. 
​
**All National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses require minimum standards and qualifications 
for courses taught.  The instructors teaching these courses will meet or exceed these standards and have 
many years of experience in wildland fire.   
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  • Home
  • 2025 Courses
    • Fire Courses
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