Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association upcoming events

Tactical Considerations for Battery and Energy Storage System Fires – Train-the-Trainer - 8 CEUs (July 17, 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Tactical Considerations for Battery and Energy Storage System Fires – Train-the-Trainer - 8 CEUs

Instructor: Florida Power and Light

(8 Contact hours approved for Fire Code Administrator,
Fire Safety Inspector, and Instructor)

This Train-the-Trainer program is designed to prepare experienced fire service personnel, instructors, training officers, and subject matter experts to effectively deliver comprehensive training on lithium-ion battery fire hazards, emergency response tactics, and battery energy storage system (BESS) incidents within their own organizations.

The course provides an in-depth review of lithium-ion battery technology, battery chemistry, thermal runaway mechanisms, fire behavior, off-gassing hazards, explosion risks, and firefighter safety considerations. Participants will examine current industry research, national standards, best practices, and emerging response strategies associated with incidents involving consumer electronics, micro-mobility devices, electric vehicles, commercial energy storage systems, and utility-scale battery installations.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Explain lithium-ion battery construction, operation, and failure mechanisms.
2. Describe the stages and hazards associated with thermal runaway events.
3. Identify hazards associated with consumer devices, micro-mobility systems, electric vehicles, and battery energy storage systems.
4. Evaluate tactical response options based on incident type, battery technology, and operational objectives.
5. Analyze lessons learned from significant lithium-ion battery incidents and apply those lessons to future operations.
6. Interpret current best practices, standards, and guidance documents related to lithium-ion battery emergency response.
7. Develop lesson plans and instructional materials addressing lithium-ion battery hazards and tactical considerations.
8. Apply adult learning principles and effective instructional techniques when teaching fire service personnel.

Date: Friday July 17th, 2026

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location:
Destin Fire Control District, 848 Airport, Destin Fl. 32541

Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA

Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

Point of Contact:

Matt Taylor
Division Chief/Fire Marshal
Destin Fire Control District
848 Airport Rd.
Destin, FL, 32541
Office: 850-837-8413
Cell: 850-685-3367
Email: mtaylor@destinfire.com

Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator 307-631-0016

RN: 21621

Class: 312004

Monitoring and Control, and Advances in AI Plan Review of ERCES Systems (July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Monitoring and Control, and Advances in AI Plan Review
of ERCES Systems

Instructor: Kevin Persing, Director of AHJ Relations &
Compliance, GUGLI Corporation

(3 Contact hours approved for Fire Code Administrator, Fire Safety Inspector, and Fire Instructor)

This interactive session explores Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES) as mandated by fire codes, addressing current challenges, potential harms to public safety radio infrastructure, and upcoming 2027 changes. Participants will gain insights into collaboration strategies, mitigation techniques, and emerging technologies for remote monitoring and control. The session emphasizes the interplay between code enforcement and radio infrastructure to ensure reliable public safety communications.

Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES) are critical life-safety systems mandated by NFPA 1225 (2022 edition) to ensure reliable in-building two-way radio coverage for first responders. Poorly designed or non-compliant ERCES submittals lead to delays, rework, interference risks to public safety networks, and potential failures during emergencies. This session explores current plan check challenges, best-practice design/engineering approaches, and the role of collaboration between AHJs and radio system operators. Attendees will see a live demonstration of emerging AI-powered tools that can accelerate plan reviews from weeks to minutes—flagging issues, ensuring compliance, and improving visibility for all stakeholders—while reducing costs and risks.

Instructors:

Kevin Persing Director of AHJ Relations and Compliance GUGLI Corporation 1241 Fortuna Rd, Suite 140 San Marcos, TX 78666.

Contact Information: Cell: 831-325-8201 Email: kevin.persing@gugli.com

Kevin Persing brings over 20 years of specialized experience in radio communications and emergency response systems, with deep expertise in Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES) and regulatory compliance.

He has spoken at numerous industry events nationwide, including NFPA conferences as well as state and local fire and code enforcement gatherings. Kevin works closely with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), radio system administrators, and infrastructure teams to align code requirements with effective, practical technology implementations—ensuring reliable public safety radio coverage in buildings and structures.

His presentations offer valuable insights into navigating compliance challenges, code updates, and best practices for in-building emergency communications.

Date: July 21st, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Location:
Marion County Growth Services
2710 E Silver Springs, Blvd.
Ocala, FL 34471

Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA

Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

Point of Contact:

Dan Hickey
FFMIA Northeast Regional Director
352-392-1591
Daniel.hickey@ehs.ufl.edu

Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator, phil@oakes.pro, or 307-631-0016

RN: 21557

Class: 294045

Co2 Safety Monitoring - 2 hr (July 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Co2 Safety Monitoring - 2 hr.

Instructor: Josh Pringle, Vice President,
Business Development and Operations for CO2Meter, Inc.

Course is approved for 2 CEUs for Fire Inspectors and Fire Code Administrators.

CO2 is a silent killer and can render a human unconscious within seconds. Recent injuries and deaths across the globe speak directly to the gas's deadly nature. These injuries and fatalities have also caused a rapid shift in the creation and implementation of codes and requirements for the installation and use of CO2 monitors.

No matter the industry or size of an operation CO2 concentrations can always be an issue. Combining the hazardous nature of the gas with a lack of clear education about it’s dangers creates a “perfect storm”. When you add in a lack of clear oversight you have increased incident rates.

This training session will briefly discuss the science of the carbon dioxide gas itself: what is it, why does it act the way it does, and how do I know it’s there? The session will also touch on the storage of CO2 under pressure. Additionally, attendees will learn how CO2 acts and reacts in typical environments as well as what the unsafe and toxic levels are for the gas. Attendees will learn some of the uses for CO2 and how it is monitored in other applications, especially where the gas is being stored and utilized in businesses in your community. The location, placement, and typical applications of CO2 systems will be covered. We will also discuss the necessities for measuring the gas, the technology behind precise gas measurement, and some of the options in detection and monitoring.

The session will conclude with a discussion of the current and future Florida standards, as well as the as well current and upcoming changes to the International Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association code, and the National Board Inspection Code.

The class has been approved for two (2) hours of CEUs for Fire Code Administrator, and Fire Safety Inspector I&II.

Instructors:

Josh Pringle is the Vice President of Business Development and Operations for CO2Meter, Inc. CO2Meter designs and manufactures gas detection and monitoring devices.

Josh is recognized nationally as an expert in CO2 monitoring and carbon dioxide gas. He presents more than two dozen times per year on the science of CO2, codes and regulations, and monitoring to a variety of industry experts and organizations wanting to upskill and educate.

After receiving his B.S. from James Madison University Josh held roles with Costco Wholesale, Reyes Holdings, the Corporate Executive Board, and AOL.

Josh sits on the Board of Directors of the International Beverage Dispensing Equipment Association and is a member of the Compressed Gas Associations CO2 Committee, the National Fire Protection Associations Chapter 55 Committee, The Restaurant Facility Managers Vendor Voice Committee, as well as being the Chairman of the Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Board for the City of Ormond Beach, FL.

Josh now lives in Ormond Beach, FL to be close to his children, Emma and Evan, and his grandson Mark.

Date: July 30th, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location:
Valencia College-School of Public Safety (Room#-100)
8600 Valencia College Lane
Orlando, FL 32825

Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA

Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

Point of Contact:

Joshua S. Pringle
386-872-7669 office
386-523-6622 mobile
Joshua.Pringle@co2meter.com

Sharon Shivers
Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
1685 Providence Blvd.
Deltona, FL 32725
Office: 386.575.6909
Fax: 386.860.7198
Email: sshivers@deltonafl.gov
Website: www.deltonafl.gov

Phil Oakes
FFMIA Training Coordinator
phil@oakes.pro or
307-631-0016

RN: 19129

Class: 309020

Tactical Considerations for Battery and Energy Storage System Fires – Train-the-Trainer - 8 CEUs (July 31, 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Tactical Considerations for Battery and Energy Storage System Fires – Train-the-Trainer - 8 CEUs

Instructor: Florida Power and Light

(8 Contact hours approved for Fire Code Administrator and Fire Safety Inspector)

Key Learning Objectives:

Date: Friday July 31st, 2026

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location:
Putnam County EOC, 410 South State Road 19, Palatka, FL 32177

Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA

Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

Point of Contact:

Clu Wright, 386-937-0066

Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator 307-631-0016

RN: 21621

Class: 313010

Tactical Considerations for Battery and Energy Storage System Fires – Train-the-Trainer - 8 CEUs (August 03, 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Tactical Considerations for Battery and Energy Storage System Fires – Train-the-Trainer - 8 CEUs

Instructor: Florida Power and Light

(8 Contact hours approved for Fire Code Administrator,
Fire Safety Inspector, and Instructor)

Key Learning Objectives:

Date: Monday August 3rd, 2026

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location:
Greenacres Community Center, 501 Swain Blvd. Greenacres, FL 33463

Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA

Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

Point of Contact:

Tyler Wallwork
561-490-8374

Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator 307-631-0016

RN: 21621

Class: 313009

Innovative Performance Based Fire Treatments for Life Safety and Property Protection - 3 hrs. (August 19, 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Innovative Performance Based Fire Treatments for Life Safety and Property Protection - 3 hrs.

Instructor: Chris Birchfield - Global Fireproof Solutions, Inc.

3 Contact hours approved for Fire Code Administrator,
Fire Safety Inspector, and Fire Instructor

This 3-hour course provides an overview of the latest advancements in Intumescent Coatings and Fire-Retardant solutions for structural steel, structural and engineered wood, upgrading firewalls, interior furnishings, fabrics, plastics, and fiberglass. In addition, a live burn presentation is included to demonstrate the capabilities of Intumescent and Fire Retardants applied to various substrates, like wood, fabric, plastics, spray and rigid foam.

Objectives:

Describe the performance features of Intumescent Coating and Fire-Retardants
Explain how they work to:
o Preventing the chemical chain reaction necessary for fire ignition
o Reduce flame spread and smoke development
o Increase occupancy and building safety
•Understand the applications of Intumescent Coatings and Fire-Retardant Solutions to various substrates to meet code compliance and the GREEN building program.

Instructors:

Christopher G. Birchfield, (Chris), founded Global Fireproof Solutions, Inc. (GFS) and his goal is to continue to be an integral part of the business development, advancement and education of intumescent fireproofing and fire retardant solutions for life safety in the construction industry.

Over the course of his career, Chris has been instrumental in educating the construction industry to audiences that include, Architects, Building Officials, Fire Officials and General Contractors throughout the United States and Canada.

Chris comes from a family that is third generation in the construction industry. After receiving his BSEE in 1988, he spent several years working with cutting edge technologies being developed for the Federal Government and Fortune 500 companies.

Date: August 19th, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location:
Marion County Growth Services
2710 E Silver Springs, Blvd.
Ocala, FL 34471

Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA

Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

Point of Contact:

Dan Hickey
FFMIA Northeast Regional Director
352-392-1591
Daniel.hickey@ehs.ufl.edu

Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator, phil@oakes.pro, or 307-631-0016

RN: 21279

Class: 297007

Tactical Considerations for Battery and Energy Storage System Fires – Train-the-Trainer - 8 CEUs (September 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Tactical Considerations for Battery and Energy Storage System Fires – Train-the-Trainer - 8 CEUs

Instructor: Florida Power and Light

(8 Contact hours approved for Fire Code Administrator,
Fire Safety Inspector, and Instructor)

Key Learning Objectives:

Date: Tuesday September 1st, 2026

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location:
West Manatee Fire Rescue Headquarters
701 63rd St. W.
Bradenton, FL 34209

Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA

Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

Point of Contact:

Ashley Nunez
Ashley.Nunez@nexteraenergy.com

Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator 307-631-0016

RN: 21621

Class: 313054

NFPA 101A - Guide to Alternative Approaches to Life Safety - 3 hrs. (September 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

NFPA 101A - Guide to Alternative Approaches to Life Safety - 3 hrs.

Instructor: Steve Kowkabany - Vertex

3 Contact hours approved for Fire Code Administrator,
Fire Safety Inspector, and Fire Instructor

Recent legislation has introduced NFPA 101A as an alternative approach to life safety compliance. The Florida Legislature recently passed, and the Governor signed Senate Bill 182 for Education. Inside this bill is information concerning micro schools and fire protection requirements for the occupancy. This course will discuss the intent of Florida Laws that push for alternative solutions for fire safety. Discussion on the provisions of the NFPA 101A Fire Safety Evaluation System will be in detail to ensure best practices in fire official management of the process. Examples of previous 101A evaluations will be discussed and the practical application for its use.

This class will:

Increase the awareness of AHJ to the fire and building codes and Florida Laws as they relate to SB182 and Micro schools and alternative means of compliance.
Provide knowledge to the students on the NFPA 101A Fire Safety Evaluation System
Give the student practice in utilizing the NFPA 101A Fire Safety Evaluation System

Three contact hours approved for Fire and Life Safety Educator, Fire Code Administrator, Fire Investigator I and II, Fire Safety Inspector I and II, and Instructor I, II, III with these courses.

Instructor:

Steve Kowkabany

Steve Kowkabany is the founder and president of Neptune Fire Protection Engineering in Atlantic Beach, Florida, which he founded in June of 2005. Mr. Kowkabany has been a practicing engineer for over 20 years. Mr. Kowkabany began his career as a project engineer and process system designer in the pulp & paper, power generation, and photographic film manufacturing sectors. He transitioned into the field of fire protection after working closely with a variety of industrial fire protection systems in a manufacturing environment. In addition to his extensive experience in heavy industrial and petrochemical fire protection, Mr. Kowkabany has extensive experience in the arenas of residential and commercial fire protection and has designed fire protection systems for over 500 facilities and has provided expert witness and third-party review services for a wide variety of projects. Mr. Kowkabany is a licensed fire protection engineer in the states of Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Outside of his corporate efforts, Mr. Kowkabany is passionate about advancing the field of fire protection and civic involvement. He serves as the vice-chairman of the board of the Florida Engineering Management Corporation and was recently appointed to the Florida Fire Code Advisory Council. He also currently serves as the founder and president of the Northeast Florida Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, as well as serving on the board of directors of the National Fire Sprinkler Association Florida Region

Date: September 15th, 2026, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location:
Marion County Growth Services
2710 E Silver Springs, Blvd.
Ocala, FL 34471

Cost: Free for members of the FFMIA

Not an FFMIA member? Complete the New Member application and pay the membership fee of $95.00 to be able to use the member rate.

Point of Contact:

Ken McCann, Fire Marshal Marion County Fire Rescue, 1 st Vice President FFMIA 352-291-8066 or ken.mccann@marionfl.org

Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator, phil@oakes.pro, or 307-631-0016

RN: 21636

Class: 321003