Tower Ladder Operations
Dates: November 9-11
Location: Carol Stream Station 28, 365 N Kuhn Rd., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188
Class Description: This training class on tower ladder operations will feature an interactive lecture followed by hands-on training segments. The lecture will cover apparatus positioning at all types of structures, hydraulic operations, rescue and removals and operating out of the bucket. The outside hands on portion will cover placement of the apparatus and set up of the rig, placement of the bucket via the pedestal operator and bucket operator and hydraulic operations. In addition to tactical tips the class will also provide insight into street smart operations and tool usage out of the bucket while also reviewing new and improved methods of firefighting operations in overall tower ladder operations.
Inside Lecture Overview- Apparatus placement at Multiple Dwellings, Private Dwellings, Commercial structures, Operations out of the bucket for water, rescue and removals, miscellaneous operations of the tower ladder and Hydraulic operations shown in photo and video highlights.
Outdoor Hands-On Overview- Apparatus set-up, placement, boom operations for rescue and removals, water application, stokes basket removals, boom and pedestal operations and high point anchors for 4 to 1 operations and a chauffeur training skill drill station where they will place cones hanging off the bottom of the bucket to different locations and heights.
Course Time Frame- The class is a three day class with day one being lecture and demonstrations, day two and three will be hands on training and operation. If there is more than one tower ladder provided, one will be doing operational tactics while the other practices flowing while moving from floor to floor or side to side.
Instructors: Michael Ciampo is a 33 year career firefighter and a 28 year veteran and Lieutenant in the FDNY, where he’s assigned to Tower ladder 45. He previously was a firefighter and chauffeur of TL 44 in the South Bronx and spent 5 years with the Washington DCFD serving in T3 and R3. He’s a national recognized instructor on truck company operations, the lead instructor for FDIC Truck Essentials and is a contributing editor to Fire Engineering magazine, where he writes the monthly back page column On Fire. He has a BA degree in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, NY.
Bob Hoff started his career in the Fire Service as a Cadet with the Evergreen Park Illinois Fire Department in 1972. In 1976, he was hired as an EMT with the Chicago Fire Department and in 1977 he entered the Chicago Fire Academy as an FF/EMT. Bob served on some of Chicago’s busiest fire companies throughout his career. He worked in the Bureau of Operations as an FF/EMT, Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief before being assigned as the Director of Training for the CFD. His next assignment was as the 1st District Chief in Chicago’s downtown high rise district. He went on to become the Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Operations, 1st Deputy Fire Commissioner and Fire Commissioner. He retired from the CFD in 2012 after 35 ½ years of service.
Bob then went on to serve as the Deputy Chief and Chief of the Carol Stream Illinois Fire District until his retirement on January 1, 2020.