Effective Company Training: Challenging all Levels
Jonah Smith
Thursday, June 15, 2023
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
This lecture provides insight into the actual steps taken to change the culture and mindset towards training within a fire department. The instructor ties lessons found in military leadership to combat training and motivational challenges. This course also provides the design component for company level drills that can easily be expanded across an entire department or contracted to a one-on-one level.
Jonah Smith
Jonah Smith grew up in Richmond, VA where his exposure to the fire service began in the Church Hill area of the RVA with some of the best firefighters in the city. Jonah attended the University of South Carolina for both a bachelor’s and Masters and started with the Columbia Fire Department in 2003. After a few years, Jonah pursued a career with the Charlotte, NC Fire Department where he began in 2005. He served as a Captain from 2010 to 2021 serving on Engine Companies on the City’s South side. He is currently assigned as a Battalion Chief on B Shift. Additionally, since the day he received his certifications in 2003, he has volunteered with departments including the Lexington County FD and Columbia Fire Department. Currently he serves as an Assistant Chief at the Pleasant Valley Fire Department in South Carolina. Jonah is a 6-time FDIC instructor and has presented at numerous conferences to include: Firehouse Expo, Fire Rescue International, South Carolina Fire Rescue, Metro Atlanta Firefighters Conference, and the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo. He is married with 2 children.
