In this episode of Fire Engineering’s Training Officer podcast, Chief Jim Silvernail of Kirkwood, Missouri, addresses the critical need for engine companies to train beyond their traditional roles. Drawing from his own  years in suburban fire service and his “The Nontraditional Truck Company,” (Fire Engineering Books, coauthored with Arthur Ashley), Silvernail emphasizes how truck company functions like search, ventilation, and forcible entry must be mastered by all crews, especially where dedicated ladders are scarce. He shares practical insights on apparatus positioning, functional standard operating guidelines, and the challenges of limited staffing in suburban districts. Highlighting the importance of a strong training culture and real-world adaptability, Silvernail advocates for preparing firefighters to handle diverse fireground roles with confidence.

 

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