Angola Professional Firefighter’s Local 3962 Seminar 2026

Instructor: Joseph Pronesti

Joseph Pronesti is a 36-year veteran of the city of Elyria (OH) Fire Department, where he currently serves as Chief of the Department. He is a past multi-year FDIC Presenter, a frequent contributor to Fire Engineers, and a member of two UL Firefighter Safety Advisory Boards.

Class Descriptions:

Lost in the Fog of the Fireground

This four-hour seminar will be a fast-paced event with tons of information and fireground size-up and command tools to help any officer of any rank on the fireground, regardless of experience level. Attendees will better understand how to avoid the “Fog of the Fireground,” which can catch anyone at any type of event. We will also review and better understand MAYDAY from a command and company officer viewpoint. We will also review simulations created on YOUR buildings in YOUR response areas. Pronesti explains how small fire departments can make the most out of their limited resources to help them avoid the pitfalls that some larger fire departments are able to contain. “My mistake of getting “sidetracked” on arrival could’ve led to a serious problem on one of my fireground commands. Don’t let yourself be sidetracked and “lost” at your next serious event. This class will review Size-Up utilizing simulations from local buildings, the handling of MAYDAY and the review of Project MAYDAY Study. Whether you are a brand-new member of the fire service or a 30-year veteran, there will be something for all to take back to their respective departments.”

Three Fires that Challenge a Small Department

This four-hour class looks at three specific fires, ordinary construction, aka Main Street, fires in Type V residential structures with emphasis on balloon framed houses, and finally fires in Type II non-combustible unprotected buildings, such as strip malls and standalone stores, such as a dollar store, auto parts store, etc. Attendees will face simulated fires in these types of structures and will review best practices for small departments with limited staffing.