NYSAFC hosted the first of two Company Officers Leadership Training (COLT) programs December 3-4, 2010 at the Hilton Rye Town in Rye Brook, NY.

65 students took advantage of this unique two-day learning and networking opportunity in Westchester County. The program included a full day of educational sessions on Friday, followed by an evening reception featuring displays from vendors, and concluded on Saturday morning with an educational session. Thank you to Calgi Construction Company, Inc., Coastal Fire Systems, Inc., Emergency Responder Products, Fire-End & Croker Corp., JSK, Inc., Larry Fox & Co., Ltd., Mobile Fleet, and WATERWAY HOSE TESTING for their participation in the reception and networking event.

A second COLT program is scheduled for the spring in Erie County. It will be held April 1-2, 2011 at Embassy Suites Buffalo in Buffalo, NY. Registration is $150 (NYSAFC Individual and Department members) and $175 (non-members).

Because company officers are often responsible for the day-to-day operations of their departments, it is critical that they receive the highest caliber training possible. These individuals also represent the future of fire service leadership. To safeguard that future, NYSAFC developed the COLT program.

During COLT program sessions, practical and inspiring guidance is offered by an impressive slate of nationally recognized experts. The lineup for the Westchester and Erie County COLT programs includes:

• Lieutenant Michael Ciampo – FDNY "Through the Windshield – Through the Truck Officer’s Eyes"
• Chief James Clack – Baltimore (MD) Fire Department "Minneapolis Responds – The Interstate 35W Bridge Collapse"
• Coordinator of Fire Instruction Michael Healy – Rockland County Fire Training Center & Firefighter Robert LaGrow – FDNY "The Engine Company Officer"
• NYS Instructor/Retired Deputy Chief Paul Melfi – National Fallen Firefighters Foundation "Leadership Safety for the 21st Century"

Visit the NYSAFC website for complete workshop descriptions and full program details, plus a pre-registration form for the Erie County COLT program. On-site registration will also be available.