Mid-Winter Fire School

Sunday, February 15, 2026
Holdrege High School, Holdrege, Nebraska
Cost: $70 (includes coffee with doughnuts and lunch)

Register Online

Agenda

7:30-8:45 a.m. - Registration
8:45-9 a.m. - Announcements
9 a.m.-noon - First Session
Noon-1:15 p.m. - Lunch
1:15-4:15 p.m. - Second Session

Training Sessions

1. LET’S TALK TACTICS: Today’s firefighters utilize a variety of tools that blend modern scientific methods with long-established traditions. Managing this extensive toolkit can be challenging during routine incidents, potentially complicating the response to common fires. This course explores how to engage in open and honest discussions about tactics and strategies focused on preserving property while prioritizing personnel safety. Fred Benzel.
2. FIRE INVESTIGATIONS: Learn to identify the area of fire origin through burn pattern recognition and analysis, determine possible sources of ignition and apply the scientific method to process available information for cause determination. Additional topics include handling fatal and incendiary fires, conducting interviews and documenting the investigation process. Ken Scurto, Independent Forensics.
3. INTRO TO FIREFIGHTING: This hands-on course is designed for entry-level firefighters, providing an introduction to basic skills enabling them to function safely on a fireground. Topics include building construction, fire anatomy and behavior, personal protective equipment (PPE)/SCBA classroom portion and SCBA search and rescue. Need full PPE & SCBA with extra bottle. Nebraska State Fire Marshal.
4. EMS WORKSHOP TRACK 1 AND TRACK 2: Track 1 provides in-depth training on the newly released state protocols, familiarizing providers with the protocol format, BLS protocol changes and updates. Track 2 offers hands-on practice of infrequently used skills and introduces new skills from the 2024 BLS protocols, including adult and pediatric pharmacology, advanced airway management, wound care, spinal restriction, splinting and CPR for pregnant patients. NEMSA.
5. EMERGENCY SERVICES ROUNDTABLE: What’s trending in hot button topics related to emergency response in this area and the nation as well as how other agencies are preparing for the latest rounds of challenges facing responders. Emergency Response Agencies from around Nebraska.
6. SCBA CONFIDENCE AND PROFICIENCY: Course provides understanding of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and conditions/environments that necessitate its use. Course will help students understand SCBA components, safety features, limitations, and search techniques while operating in an IDLH enviroment. The course will also help build comprehension and confidence in air management related to on scene operations. Need full PPE & SCBA with extra bottle. Nebraska State Fire Marshal.
7. GRAIN BIN EMERGENCIES: Students will learn techniques that can and will make it easier and safer for emergency medical personnel to rescue trapped victims in grain emergencies. Understanding what kind of ropes, rigging and equipment to use, how to build a barricade around the victim and how to maintain proper air quality. (Good footwear and PPE required.) NECAS.

Questions

Conference Questions

Tom Brown
402-984-5463
[email protected]

Registrations

Sara Stevens-Stehl
308-338-4701
[email protected]

Vendor Information

Joel Panter
308-991-4003
[email protected]

Important Info

This program has a zero tolerance policy for drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Attendance certificates will be sent via email.

Payment/Cancellation Policy 

Early registration is encouraged because classes fill quickly. Paid registrations will be honored in the order they are received. Due to fixed costs, no refunds will be given for those unable to attend and individuals will be billed for all unpaid preregistrations, regardless of attendance.