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We’re proud to provide a platform for the most influential voices in the Fire Service. Check out our roster of Dagum speakers for the upcoming conference below and read through their bios to get a better sense of what you can expect from their sessions. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out.
Speakers
Get to Know Them
Bassel Ibrahim
Bassel Ibrahim is a 17-year student of the fire service, currently serving as the Company Officer of Engine 1 on the Orlando Fire Department, Bassel started his career in Volusia County, FL. Spent most of his time on Special Operations units (Orlando Heavy Rescue 1 & Tower 6, Volusia Squad 35 & 23) and was a member of FL Task Force 9 for 7 years. He is a Florida Smoke Diver/instructor, Georgia F.L.A.M.E.S graduate, and teaches Truck School, VES and RIT operations at many conferences around the country (Orlando Fire Conference, Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo, FDIC, Firehouse Expo, Fire Rescue East, Bridgeport fire expo and BOTO Conference, County Fire Tactics, Fireground Commanders Conference.).
Bassel leads the Orlando FD new hire PT programs, and the Orlando competition teams and teaches the USAR series at the state level. Bassel has also presented his Lecture titled: “One Bad Day” Proactive RIT Operations to many local fire departments and FOOLS chapters in the state of Florida, Georgia, and Texas. He also has taken part in podcasts and interviews with Cigars City FOOLS, Truck Company Misfits, National Rescue Consultants, the Scrap Firehouse Vigilance, Can man radio show, and 3-point firefighter podcast. He recently wrote an article on RIT Operations for Fire Engineering published in the (September 2021 edition)
In this presentation, we will discuss the many facets of RIT, from the stress response physiology to the command aspect, down to the rescue itself. We will discuss the difference between a proactive and reactive RIT; then dive into the key factors for success (Teamwork, Communication, Leadership, and Pre-Planning). Once the basic concepts are established, we will address the actual RIT activation process in the following order: The Mayday, Size up, Access, Search, Troubleshooting, Air Management, Victim Packaging, Extraction, and Post Extraction Care. This interactive PowerPoint presentation will encourage the students to take a deeper look at the functionality of RIT and realize its importance on the fireground. Through case studies, collected national data, and personal experiences, I will share information, photos, and videos that students can relate to and take back to their respective agencies in hopes of enhancing their training ability to conduct an effective RIT operation. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of pre-determined assignments and being proactive.
Rob Ramirez
Captain Rob Ramirez is a 22-year veteran of the fire service and holds degrees in Fire Science and Public Administration. Rob is a state-certified Fire Instructor, Fire Officer, Safety Officer, and Live Fire Training Officer. Since 2006, he has served as a Rescue Team Manager for the Department of Homeland Security F.E.M.A. U.S.A.R. Florida Task Force 2 out of Miami, FL where he has been on many high-profile USAR deployments. In addition to this, Rob has been a student of human behavior patterns, adult education learning principles, and the effective introduction of artificial stress in training for over a decade. This education has provided him with an in-depth understanding of various adult learning techniques, methodologies, and a plentitude of instructional strategies applicable to most of today’s fire service students. By staying abreast of all the latest fire service research, data, and technology Rob aims to create a positive classroom and training experience for every firefighter. Throughout his Fire Service career, he has held the ranks of Firefighter, Paramedic, Lieutenant, Dept. Training Officer, and Captain. He is currently assigned to the Operations Division of a busy urban Truck company in South Florida.
The Mayday Mindset presentation is entirely backed by decades of real-world experience and the most up-to-date firefighter survival and proactive RIT training models. This one-of-a-kind training program focuses entirely on providing today’s firefighters with the necessary tools to teach, learn, develop, and excel at any fire ground skill. Through the study of learning science, predictable human behavior patterns, fire service data, and scientific research, this class will provide the attendees with an unprecedented blueprint for success under stress. This dynamic presentation will also optimize every firefighter’s individual ability and utilize their prior experience to avoid predictable fire service training failures and overcome commonly encountered learning obstacles. Through the application of his fully vetted, gradual, high-performance training approach to adult education, Rob will make sure that attendees of any experience level, tenure, or rank leave the Mayday Mindset presentation equipped with the most relevant, data-driven solutions available to become better learners, trainers, and firefighters. This presentation will be delivered in the rawest and most emotive manner possible and focuses on the premise that progress of any kind requires unlearning!
Lafontant Dorival
One of the most motivating individuals you will ever meet. A 15-year member of the fire service that bleeds passion and pride as he speaks and motivates. He works for the seventh largest fire department in the nation, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, in one of the busiest battalions in Miami-Dade County.
Certified in various aspects of the job such as Firefighter / Paramedic, Technical Rescue Technician, Engineer, and Aerial Operator. Dorival is also a Level II Fire Instructor and a Live Fire Training Instructor. He is the founder of "The Way of the Nozzle, LLC" which is a back to the basics class in engine operations.
His class "Send Me", is intended to be a motivating self awareness lecture. It revolves around responding or being designated a Rapid Intervention Team. The lecture provides insight on the job at hand when we go after our own. Send Me touches base on the numbers, reviews research and opinions from trusted fire service leaders. An extremely moving and motivational conversation to prepare your mind for ultimate success.
Steve DesRuisseaux
Keynote Speaker
Steve started his fire service journey in 1992, graduating from the NH Fire Academy Recruit School. Earned his degree from NH Laconia Technical College in 1997 with AAS in Fire Science and was hired with the Manchester NH Fire Department in 1999. Currently, Steve is a
Captain assigned to Engine Co. 11, “The Flying Squadron”, out of the Merrimack St Firehouse. He is also a Senior Staff Instructor with the NH Fire Academy and an IAFF Fire Ground Survival Master Instructor.
His lecture will be on his first hand account of the Dutton St structure fire on Nov 6, 2021 with an emphasis on firefighter survival. The long journey to recovery, struggling with both the physical and mental effects. Lessons learned and what you and your department need to know when traumatic incidents hit your department.