Safety and Health Conference

The annual Safety and Health Conference is geared towards awareness and sharing information about the hazards and risks inherent in the firefighting profession to collectively strategize on how to change, improve or curb those issues so first responders can live the healthiest and longest lives possible. Topics include but are not limited to: hazards exposure, contamination, mental health, risk of cancer, injury prevention, nutrition, physical fitness and resources available to first responders to address these various concerns.

The educational program is two full days concluding with a half-day featuring topics and speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. For a subject that may at times seem daunting, we strive through positive interaction, support and enthusiasm to emphasize firefighter well-being in the Fire Service.

The vendor opportunity at this event is a 2.5 day vendor showcase of six foot tables in the public meeting space.

 

2024 Safety and Health Conference

IMPORTANT EVENT UPDATE

Rescheduled Dates for the 2024 Safety and Health Conference 

We’re excited to announce that the 2024 Safety and Health Conference has been rescheduled! Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 8, 2024 beginning 12:00 PM, through Tuesday, December 10, 2024 ending at 12:30 PM, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746.
Stay tuned - more details will be coming soon! We look forward to seeing you there for valuable sessions, networking, and discussions that will shape our industry's future safety and health.
EVENT REGISTRATION
 

 

December 8-10, 2024
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746

Hotel Information & Booking
Program Schedule
Exhibitor/Sponsorship Opportunities
Pricing
Safety, Health and Wellness Award of ExcellenceNominations: CLOSED
Fees and Cancellation

Hotel Information & Booking
*Please carefully review and note the terms specific to this hotel*

Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
 
BOOK YOUR STAY NOW!

FFCA Group Rate: $159.00

 

Terms
  • Check in time is 4:00 PM and check out time is 11:00 AM.
  • Reservations guaranteed with first night’s pre-payment or a credit card
  • Reservations cancelled within (72) hours of arrival will be charged one night and tax, including no-shows
  • No Resort Fee
  • Discounted self-parking: $8.00 inclusive per day/night
  • Room rates shown do not include 13.5% Hotel Tax per night (subject to change)
  • All overnight guests will have a two-room suite to include complimentary evening reception (5:30pm – 7:00pm) and complimentary made-to-order breakfast (Mon-Fri 6:30am-9:30am; Sat-Sun 7:00am-10:30am) in the Citrus Room at leisure
  • Complimentary basic Wi-Fi in guest suites, public area and meeting space

Back to top of page >

Pricing

Attendee Registration		 By September 5
 After September 5
$200 $250


Back to top of page >

Safety, Health and Wellness Award of Excellence
Nominations close: CLOSED

This award recognizes an individual, group, department (career or volunteer), or other agency within the state of Florida who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Safety, Health, and Wellness within the fire, rescue, and/or EMS service, or who has made significant and valuable contributions to Safety, Health, and Wellness within their organizations and service as a whole.

The winners must represent themselves by going above and beyond to improve the safety, health, and wellness of their members and organizations. Initiatives may include any or all the following areas of Safety, Health, and wellness:

  • Cancer Prevention
  • Mental Wellness
  • Health and Physical Fitness
  • Safety at Emergency Incidents

The Safety, Health, and Wellness Award of Excellence presentation will take place at the Opening Ceremony of the Safety and Health Conference.


Back to top of page >

Schedule (subject to change)
*All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time

 Sunday, December 8
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Registration Open
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Vendor Showcase
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM Welcome Remarks,  John Whalen, Fire Chief Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM

Opening Keynote Speaker, 28th Round in Honor of Mike Day,
Captain Loris “Kag” Cagnoni, U.S. Navy Seal, (Ret.)
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM  Break
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM It's Not the Calls: Organizational Leadership for Mental Wellness,  Dena Ali, MPA, Battalion Chief, Raleigh (NC) Fire Department
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Break
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM Cancer & Over Exertion: The Top Two Risks to Firefighters & Risk Reduction,  Ryan Conley
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Daily Closing Remarks, John Whalen, Fire Chief Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM TBA


 Back to top of page >

Monday, December 9
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Open
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Vendor Showcase
9:00 AM - 9:03 AM Opening Ceremony, John Whalen, Fire Chief Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
9:03 AM - 9:08 AM Posting of Colors/Pledge/Invocation,  Osceola County Fire Rescue, Chaplain Rick Spence
9:08 AM - 9:11 AM FFCA President Remarks,  Michael J. Choate, FFCA President
9:11 AM - 9:14 AM FPF President Remarks, Wayne Bernoska, President
9:14 AM - 9:17 AM Florida Firefighter Safety and Health Collaborative Update,  Chris Bator, Division Chief Safety, Health and Wellness, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
9:17 AM - 9:22 AM Florida Division of State Fire Marshal Update,  JoAnne Rice, Director, Florida Division of State Fire Marshal
9:22 AM - 9:25 AM Florida State Fire College Update,  William Sturgeon, Bureau Chief and Superintendent, Florida State Fire College
9:25 AM - 9:50 AM Award Presentations,  John Whalen, Fire Chief Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, Frank Babinec, City Manager for the City of Coral Springs
9:50 AM - 10:00 AM Break
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Peer K9s on Deployment- One Day Class
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Organizing your Pit Crew to Save Your Life,  Jason Trainum, Lieutenant, Prince William County, VA (Ret.)
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch 
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM UM/FCI Update,  Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, DO, PhD, MPH, CPH, FCR, Professor and Vice-Chair MD-MPH Program Deputy Director Associate Vice-Provost for Research Integrity, Regulatory Affairs and Assessment, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Sleep Research in First Responders, Joel M. Billings, Ph.D., Program Chair of BSES, Assistant Professor, Department of Security and Emergency Services, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
2:00 PM - 2:05 PM Break
2:05 PM - 3:30 PM 24/48, 48/96, or 24/72: A Shift Schedule Discussion with Q & A,  Joel M. Billings, Ph.D., Program Chair of BSES, Assistant Professor, Department of Security and Emergency Services, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; James Geering, Host, Behind the Shield Podcast; Hugh Bruder, BPA, CFO, Director Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Fire Chief, USAF Veteran, Boynton Beach Fire Department; 

Dixon Phillips, Driver Engineer/Paramedic, District 3 Representative, Pasco County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 4420
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Break
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM A Practical Approach to Reducing Injuries, Lee Burton, PhD, ATC, CSCS
 

 

 

Tuesday, December 10
8:00 AM -12:30 PM  Registration Open                                                                   
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM Vendor Showcase
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

CSST Awareness and Lessons from Two LODDS,  Celeste Flynn, Sara Laird
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM                  Break
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

2nd Alarm Project/UCF Restores,  Deborah C. Beidel, PhD, ABPP Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor of Psychology and Medical Education, Director, UCF RESTORES University of Central Florida; Kellie O'Dare, PhD, FAMU; Jeff Orrange, Lieutenant, Orlando Fire Department and Statewide Peer Coordinator, Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative
10:30 AM -11:30 AM                                                                                  Lithium Ion Panel - Four Presentations,  JoAnne Rice, Director, Division of State Fire Marshal; Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, DO, PhD, MPH, CPH, FCR, Professor and Vice-Chair MD-MPH Program Deputy Director Associate Vice-Provost for Research Integrity, Regulatory Affairs and Assessment, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine; Oscar Rodriguez, Training Chief, Margate Fire Department; James Russo, Fire Chief, Hollywood Fire Rescue
11:30 AM - 11:35 AM Break
11:35 AM - 12:20 PM Lithium Ion Panel and Q & A, JoAnne Rice, Director, Division of State Fire Marshal; Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, DO, PhD, MPH, CPH, FCR, Professor and Vice-Chair MD-MPH Program Deputy Director Associate Vice-Provost for Research Integrity, Regulatory Affairs and Assessment, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine; Oscar Rodriguez, Training Chief, Margate Fire Department; James Russo, Fire Chief, Hollywood Fire Rescue
12:20 PM - 12:25 PM Closing Remarks, John Whalen, Fire Chief Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department






 Back to top of page >


Fees and Cancellation

Please note all fees must be paid in full prior to the first day of the conference. Cancellations received in writing to the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association at least thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the conference may receive a full refund in the original form of payment. Cancellations received in less than 30 days prior to the first day of class may only be able to transfer their registration to another person in place of the original registrant.

 

Hosted by the Florida Fire Chiefs' Foundation