Firefighter training drill by Forest Reeder
A comprehensive review of your department’s emergency response procedures has the potential to save lives and prevent tragedy. This drill will challenge you to think about the expectations of the organization for each driver/operator and how they should operate vehicles while responding to emergencies. Many agencies have best practices for these situations and you should research and develop SOGs for any areas that are not covered with your organization’s procedures. Always side with safety: slow down, buckle up, and anticipate hazards before they occur.
Officers must hold their drivers accountable for the safe operation of the vehicle at all times and enforce policies and practices.
Download this week’s firefighter training drill as a PDF HERE.
MAD Training and Response Solutions
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.
Subjects: Firefighter training drills, EVOC, driver-operator
