Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association upcoming events

Short Term Rentals and the Fire Code - 3 hours (May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Short Term Rentals and the Fire Code - 3 hr.

Instructor: Rodney Kwiatkoski Fire Marshal West Manatee Fire Rescue

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

This 3-hour class explores the critical role fire departments play in inspecting vacation rentals to ensure fire safety and code compliance, addressing the growing popularity of short-term rentals. Participants will gain an understanding of why these inspections are necessary to protect both guests and property, how to implement an effective inspection process, and the key lessons learned from our initial implementation. The course will cover regulatory requirements, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices for overcoming challenges in establishing inspection protocols. Attendees will walk away equipped with practical insights on creating a safer environment in vacation rentals and improving fire safety standards within their jurisdiction.

The class has been approved for three (3) hours of CEUs for Fire Code Administrator, and Fire Safety Inspector I&II.

Instructors: Rodney Kwiatkowski

Presenter Bio: Rodney Kwiatkowski has been with West Manatee Fire Rescue since 2008 and has served as Fire Marshal since 2019. He earned his A.S. Degree in Fire Science from State College of Florida, a B.A. Degree from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Science Degree in Fire Executive Leadership and Public Administration from Columbia Southern University. He holds Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Fire Marshal (FM) designations through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Rodney also holds Florida state certifications in Fire Code Administration, Fire and Life Safety Educator, Fire Investigator, Fire Officer III, Fire Safety Inspector III, Instructor III, and Firefighter II. Additionally, he is an NFPA Certified Fire Plans Examiner (CFPE) and Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS).

As Fire Marshal, Rodney is the primary advocate for public and first‑responder safety—a duty he is honored to perform. He can be contacted at Rod@wmfr.org.

Date: May 29, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location:

The Villages – Sumter County Public Safety Center (EOC)
Rm. 150
7361 Powell Rd.
Wildwood, FL 34785

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:

Jalex Leissler
Bureau Administrator
West Manatee Fire District
701 63rd Street West
Bradenton, FL 34209
941-761-1555 Fax 1-941-237-3935

Rodney Kwiatkowski, MS, CFPS, CFO, FM, MIFireE
Fire Marshal
West Manatee Fire Rescue District
701 63rd St W
Bradenton FL, 34209
Cell 941-201-7904
Office 941-761-1555

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

RN: 20575

Class: 258020

Risk, Resources, Results: NFPA 1730 and the Blueprint for Bureau Effectiveness - 3 hrs. (May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Risk, Resources, Results: NFPA 1730 and the Blueprint for Bureau Effectiveness - 3 hrs.

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

This 3-hour training equips fire inspectors, code administrators, and prevention personnel with a practical understanding of NFPA 1730. Participants will learn how to evaluate bureau staffing needs, measure workload, and integrate community risk reduction (CRR) initiatives into daily operations. Using real bureau staff-hour data, attendees will assess current workloads, identify gaps, and apply NFPA 1730 methodologies to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Instructor: Rodney Kwiatkowski, MS, CFPS, CFO, FM, MIFireE

Instructors:

Rodney Kwiatkowski has been with West Manatee Fire Rescue since 2008 and has served as Fire Marshal since 2019. He earned his A.S. Degree in Fire Science from State College of Florida, a B.A. Degree from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Science Degree in Fire Executive Leadership and Public Administration from Columbia Southern University. He holds Chief Fire Officer (CFO) and Fire Marshal (FM) designations through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Rodney also holds Florida state certifications in Fire Code Administration, Fire Officer IV, Fire Safety Inspector III, Instructor III, Fire and Life Safety Educator, Fire Investigator, and Firefighter II. Additionally, he is an NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) and Certified Fire Plans Examiner (CFPE).

As Fire Marshal, Rodney is the primary advocate for public and first-responder safety, a duty he is honored to perform. He can be contacted at Rod@wmfr.org.

Date: Friday, May 29th, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location:
The Villages – Sumter County Public Safety Center (EOC)
Rm. 150
7361 Powell Rd.
Wildwood, FL 34785

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:
Rodney Kwiatkowski
Fire Marshal, West Manatee Fire Rescue
941-201-7904
rod@wmfr.org

Jalex Leissler
Bureau Administrator
West Manatee Fire District
701 63rd Street West
Bradenton, FL 34209
941-761-1555 Fax 1-941-237-3935

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

RN: 20969

Class: 258021

2026 Florida Community Risk Reduction Conference (June 02, 2026)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association
present the

2026 Florida Community Risk Reduction Conference

Click Here for the Full Conference Program

When: June 2-5, 2026
With a pre-conference Car Seat Technician update on Monday 6/1/2026. CEUs and seat signoffs available for participants.

Presentations Tuesday through Friday in Salons 2-5
will be the ones which are broadcast to the virtual attendees.

Where: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista - Walt Disney World
1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

The initial Conference program is coming soon!

Click here for a flyer on the conference

Up to 27 hours of continuing education credits available for full conference attendees.

Virtual attendees will see those presentations held in the inspector track or general sessions. Please be advised that due to contractual obligation, refunds for registration cancellations cannot be honored after May 1st.

Exhibitor and sponsors can register here or also get the full conference forms.

Individual and unique sponsorship opportunities can also be found on the forms.

Rooms are limited Reserve your Rooms now:

2026 Florida Community Risk Reduction Conference Wyndham Lake Buena Vista BOOKING LINK

Tower $159 a night

2026 Florida Community Risk Reduction Conference Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista BOOKING LINK
Garden level $139 a night

reservation voice: 1-844-482-8444

Please note the following regarding the resort:

A daily parking fee is applicable to everyone parking at the hotel ($30 a day subject to change)
Complimentary internet (a $12.95 savings) is also provided in the guest rooms and conference area to those who register through the FFMIA link.
The Resort Fee (currently $40.50) will be waived if you register using the FFMIA links. (Note: the room registration page will indicate a resort fee, but it is waived for those registering using the FFMIA links).
The room rate is available 3 days prior to and after the event for those who wish to stay over and register through the FFMIA link.

QUESTIONS:

If you have any questions regarding the conference, please contact Philip Oakes at phil@oakes.pro or 407-232-2807.

Hotel rooms are limited, and our room block may sell out.

SPEARS FlameGuard CPVC Inspector Training - 4 hr. (June 16, 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

SPEARS FlameGuard CPVC Inspector Training - 4 hr.

Instructor: Kevin Dellinger, Technical Service Representative, Spears Manufacturing

This program will cover all aspects of CPVC systems for light hazard applications. We will discuss different procedures for installation based whether they are a 13, 13D or 13R classification. We will look at proper design, installation, approved products as well as other considerations for plan review and inspections of these systems. There will be a review at the end of the power point presentation and a hands-on training on assembling CPVC correctly using the proper procedures. There will all be an open forum for questions and answers throughout the program.

The class has been approved for four (4) hours of CEUs for Fire Code Administrator, and Fire Safety Inspector I&II.

Instructors:

Kevin Dellinger

Kevin Dellinger is a Field Technical Representative for SPEARS Manufacturing the producer of the FlameGuard CPVC. His role is to assist engineers with design, train contractors on proper installation and to train fire inspectors on inspection/plan review of CPVC fire sprinkler systems. He has been in this role with the company since 2013 and in his current assignment he covers most of the state of Florida. He has trained contractors and inspectors in California, Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. He has completed over 250 of these training for interested parties throughout the country.

His goal is to develop strong relationships with contractors, engineers and inspectors and to make himself a valuable resource through education for information related to CPVC fire sprinkler systems.

Date: June 16, 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:

Kevin Dellinger
Technical Service Representative
Spears Manufacturing
Cell 714-338-9572
kdellinger@spearsmfg.net

Daniel (Dan)Hickey
FFMIA Northeast Reginal Director
Fire Safety Coordinator
University of Florida
Environmental Health & Safety, Building 0554
2230 Natural Area Drive
P.O. Box 112190
Gainesville, Florida 32611-2200
Office: 352.392.1591 - Direct: 352.294.7109 - Cell: 352.266.3653
Fax: 352.392.6367
Daniel.hickey@ehs.ufl.edu

Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator, phil@oakes.pro, or 407-232-2807

RN: 21182

Class: 204024

Short Term Rentals and the Fire Code - 3 hours (June 19, 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Short Term Rentals and the Fire Code - 3 hr.

Instructor: Rodney Kwiatkoski Fire Marshal West Manatee Fire Rescue

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

The class has been approved for three(3) hours of CEUs for Fire Code Administrator, and Fire Safety Inspector I&II.

Instructors: Rodney Kwiatkowski

As Fire Marshal, Rodney is the primary advocate for public and first‑responder safety—a duty he is honored to perform. He can be contacted at Rod@wmfr.org.

Date: June 19, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Location:

Polk County Fire Rescue Training Facility
41 Vaughn Rd.
Bartow, FL 33830

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:

Jalex Leissler
Bureau Administrator
West Manatee Fire District
701 63rd Street West
Bradenton, FL 34209
941-761-1555 Fax 1-941-237-3935

Rodney Kwiatkowski, MS, CFPS, CFO, FM, MIFireE
Fire Marshal
West Manatee Fire Rescue District
701 63rd St W
Bradenton FL, 34209
Cell 941-201-7904
Office 941-761-1555

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

RN: 20575

Class: 258019

Enhancing Passive Fire Protection in Buildings - 3 CEUs (July 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents

Enhancing Passive Fire Protection in Buildings - 3 CEUs

Instructor: Jeffery Kovach, Director of Outreach and Education
National Firestopping Solutions

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

Passive fire protection plays a critical role in a building’s overall Life Safety strategy by limiting the passage of fire/smoke spread from barrier to barrier. This refresher course will provide the overall evolution of Firestopping, the three pillars of fire protection and understanding their role compartmentation.

Participants will gain clarity on Firestop systems, ratings, and listings, and how these systems must be applied to maintain rated assemblies. The presentation concludes with a visual review of compromised fire barriers, highlighting common deficiencies commonly identified during construction, renovations, inspections and surveys. Reinforcing best practices for maintaining passive fire protection systems throughout building lifecycle.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the evolution of firestopping and passive fire protection and explain its critical role in supporting life safety strategies such as evacuation.
2. Identify common points of failure in fire and smoke compartments—including penetrations, joints, above ceiling spaces, and fire/smoke barriers—using real world examples of compromised assemblies.
3. Interpret UL firestop systems, ratings (F, T, L, and W), and system nomenclature to ensure proper selection, installation and inspection.
4. Understand how to achieve a balanced approach to fire protection by coordinating passive systems with active systems.
5. Highlight how insufficient coordination and awareness lead to incorrect firestop system selection, triggering failed inspections, costly rework, opening delays, and increased liability for project teams.

Date: Thursday, July 9th, 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location:
Pasco County Safety Town
15362 Alric Pottberg Rd, Spring Hill, FL 34610

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:

James Boyette
Deputy Fire Marshal / Division Chief
Law Enforcement Officer
Fire Rescue Department
Pasco County
P 813-929-2750 ext.2645
C 727-389-1962
F 813-929-2756
4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., #208
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639
jboyette@pascocountyfl.net

Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator 307-631-0016

RN: 21568

Class: 296020

Instructor:

Jeffery Kovach
Director of Industry Outreach and Education
National Firestopping Solutions

Jeffery is a fire and life safety professional with more than 11 years of experience in the fire protection industry. He began his career with Hilti, a manufacturer of firestopping products, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of firestopping systems and their critical role in life safety and code compliance. During his tenure at Hilti, Jeffery advanced to the role of Fire Protection Specialist, focusing on industry education, technical outreach, and the promotion of fire protection best practices.

Jeffery currently serves as Director of Industry Outreach & Education at National Firestopping Solutions (NFS). In this role, he leverages his technical expertise and industry experience to support the education of building officials, AHJs, fire marshals, and facility managers. His work emphasizes closing knowledge gaps, strengthening code understanding, and advancing fire and life safety outcomes through education and collaboration.

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

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