Thrown to the Wolves: Four Perspectives for the New Instructor
John Smith, Wayne Jones, Ken Norton, & Thomas Catoe
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Ever been “thrown to the wolves”? Many new fire service instructors find themselves with that feeling. This course is designed to offer essential guidance and practical knowledge, helping instructors develop a clear vision for their work both in the classroom and on the training ground. Four experienced instructors, each representing different department types (Volunteer, Combination, Small Career, and Large Career) will share their perspectives. Attendees will hear about mistakes made, lessons learned, and successes for both students and instructors. The final segment of the class will be an open question and answer session, allowing participants to engage with all four instructors.
John R. Smith
John Smith, Volunteer Assistant Chief of Training for Dillon County Fire Department, Paramedic at Dillon County EMS. Passionate about the culture of the fire service, the rural fire department’s place in it, and the role the volunteers play in serving their communities. SC Firefighters’ Association Leadership Institute ’25 Alumni. Contributor for Firehouse Junkyard Dogs’ and co-host of the podcast “Fatbaby’s Shop Talk”.
Wayne Jones
Captain Wayne Jones is a 33-year veteran of the fire service who began his career as a junior firefighter and has served as a company officer since 2008. A career member of Horry County Fire Rescue since 2001, he currently holds the rank of Captain in the Training Division, where he instructs and helps oversee the development of more than 100 recruits each year. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management with a concentration in Fire Science as well as an Associates in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and is certified as an IFSAC Fire Officer III and Instructor II. Captain Jones is also an active member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) and the South Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs. An accomplished author and educator, Captain Jones has written The Why Before the How, Step Up to the Chalkboard, Leave Your Thumbprint, and Shepherd of the Flock. His work has been featured in Fire Engineering, Firefighter Nation, and Firehouse magazines. Known across the fire service as “Uncle Wayne,” he shares his passion for mentorship and instruction through The Firefighters Chalkboard—a social media platform and podcast dedicated to building better firefighters through message, meaning, and mentorship.
Ken Norton
Ken Norton, 20 years of volunteer and career fire service experience. Currently Fire Training Officer for North Myrtle Beach Fire Department. Fire Officer Academy Alumni 23-01. Horry County native.
Thomas J. Catoe
Thomas Catoe Jr., born and raised in Jefferson, South Carolina, is a third-generation firefighter. He began his journey in the fire service at 15 years old when he joined the Sandhill Fire Department as a Junior Firefighter. In 2013, he graduated from the South Carolina Fire Academy. Thomas has a heart for teaching and earned his Instructor I certification in 2016, eventually becoming an adjunct instructor at the Fire Academy in 2024. Thomas serves the City of Bennettsville Fire Department as Captain and Training Officer. He is engaged to Paige Steen and is the proud father of two future firefighters, Gunner and Case, and future stepson, Jordan. When he isn’t at the firehouse, Thomas enjoys spending time with his family and going camping or boating on the lake.
