At some point, every Engine Co. Officer will be responsible for leading the initial handline, however, very few are given the foundational training needed to complete this task prior to or at the time of promotion. The transition from nozzle and/or back-up firefighter to officer supervising the line is huge, and requires a completely different mind and skill set.

This program is designed to lay a foundation for aspiring and newly promoted engine company officers to be better prepared to lead and supervise the initial attack line, and is based on the instructor’s own fire ground successes and, more importantly his failures. It examines the roles and responsibilities of the Engine Co. Officer as the supervisor, from responding thru water on the fire, the transmissions required by command and other companies operating on the fire ground and will discuss engine company emergencies from the perspective of the officer. It is NOT an Engine Co. strategy and tactics class.