2024 Annual Conference: Closing Symposium

Saturday, October 19th, 8:00 - 11:30 am

Creating an “Aggressive” Culture in Today’s Fire Service
Assistant Chief Brian Zaitz, Kirkwood Fire Department (MO) & President of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors

Session Description
We all strive to be called “Aggressive”, but do we really know what that means or what that should look like in our own department? Being aggressive requires daily work, leadership, training and doing what is right for the community. An aggressive mindset must be mission driven, focusing on the values of the organization and aligning those with personal beliefs and a vision of what is to be for personnel, organization and the community. Culture is not changed overnight but with planning, guidance, input and training, every department can cultivate a culture that will drive membership and create a sense of pride within the department.

Assistant Chief Brian Zaitz, Kirkwood Fire Department (MO) & President of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors
Brian is a 24 year student of the fire service currently serving as the Assistant Chief of Operations and Training for the Kirkwood Fire Department.  He is also the current president of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.  He holds several degrees including a masters of science in human resource development.  He is a credentialed chief training officer and chief fire officer as well as graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program.  He has spoke at numerous conferences and events to include keynoting FDIC 2023.