Firefighter training drill by Forest Reeder
Forcible entry needs cover a wide range of conditions. Traditionally a truck company function, all firefighters should be ready to force entry into a structure for engine company access to attack the fire; as part of a ventilation assignment; as part of a RIT building preparation or firefighter intervention; or to make additional access points for fire operations.
Many methods and techniques exist and an experienced fire company will know the tools necessary as well as appropriate entry methods. Careful coordination by incident commander will ensure that a coordinated fire attack operation occurs. Review the following forcible entry assignments and specify the available tools for the task and any available methods to open up the entry area. Consult your standard operating guidelines and local training materials as part of this training session.
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Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1978 and retired as fire chief of the Tinley Park (IL) Fire Department in 2021. He has worked extensively in the areas of instruction, firefighter safety, and officer development and earned his Master of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration in 2004. He is the author of Fire Department Incident Safety Officer 4th edition (2025) and co-author of Fire Service Instructor Principles and Practices, now in its 3rd edition. Forest presents nationally on fire service leadership, safety, and instructor development. He was inducted into the Moraine Valley Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2020 and awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2021. In 2008, he received the ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year, considered to be the highest recognition for fire service instructors in the nation.
