The Safe Arrival Standard: Redefining Emergency Response Culture
Peter Dontje
Friday, June 12, 2026
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
This is a powerful and thought-provoking course designed to transform how you approach emergency vehicle operations. With vehicle-related incidents remaining a leading cause of Line-of-Duty Deaths, this program challenges the long-standing mindset that speed defines service.
Through analysis of national data, case studies, and common crash contributing factors, participants gain a clear understanding of the risks associated with emergency response driving. More importantly, they explore the leadership, discipline, and decision making required to ensure that urgency never outweighs responsibility.
This course empowers firefighters, apparatus operators, officers, and departmental leaders to build a culture where safe arrival is the standard, not the exception. Attendees will leave equipped with practical strategies to reduce preventable accidents, strengthen accountability, and deliver exceptional service without compromise.
Peter Dontje
Peter Dontje is a 17-year student of the fire service. He currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Operations for the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department. Peter also serves as a fire instructor and fire investigator. He is a graduate of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association Leadership Institute, Leadership Beaufort and Greenville Technical College. Peter is also an active member of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association Training and Education Committee.
