Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association upcoming events

Risk, Resources, Results: NFPA 1300, 1730 and the Blueprint for Bureau Effectiveness - 3 hrs. (October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:00:00 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 1300 and 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, October 23rd, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location:
Brevard County Emergency Operations Center (Green Room)
1751 Huntington Ln.
Rockledge, FL 32955

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

Sharon Shivers
Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
1685 Providence Blvd.
Deltona, FL 32725
Office: 386.575.6909
Fax: 386.575.6500
www.deltonafl.gov

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

RN: 20969

Class: 332108

Short Term Rentals and the Fire Code - 3 hours (November 20, 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 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)

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:

Lealman Exchange Community Center
5175 45th St N
St. Petersburg, FL 33714.

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: 355153

A Morning of Education 5 CEUS - 2 Classes (December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents
A Morning of Education - 2 Classes

An Overview of In-Building Public Safety Communication Systems
4 hrs. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Professional Fire Watch & Life Safety Compliance
1 hr. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Instructors: Rick Rausch and Shane Hughes REDLINE Fire Watch,

(5 Contact hours with all classes approved for Fire Code Administrator and Fire Safety Inspector)

Lunch will be provided by Redline FireWatch

An Overview of In-Building Public Safety Communication Systems
The Course will provide a current state Mobility, Basic understanding of RF and In-Building Solution Design approaches and a high level overview on how this relates to -NFPA 72, 1221, and NFPA 1225 Code requirements.

This training session is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of NFPA/IFC Codes applications and how In-Building Distributive Antenna Systems (DAS) work to solve the critical need for ubiquitous communications (ERCES) for the First Responders, AHJ's and Public Safety officials. Q&A opportunity at the end of each section as well.

Rick Rausch
Rick Rausch is an RF/DAS Engineer with over 28 years of experience in the Telecom Industry with expertise in Wireless Carrier Networks, DAS Integration (Public Safety and Cellular), and DAS Equipment Manufacturing.

Professional Fire Watch & Life Safety Compliance
This course provides a comprehensive overview of fire watch responsibilities, regulations, and best practices in the State of Florida. Developed for fire service professionals, building officials, and life safety personnel, the course focuses on how trained third-party fire watch providers support local authorities in maintaining code compliance and reducing risk during impaired fire protection scenarios.

Attendees will review Florida-specific requirements as outlined in the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC), learn proper emergency procedures, and study real-world lessons from recent fire watch failures. The course will conclude with a knowledge check to assess retention and application of key principles.

Shane Hughes
Shane Hughes is an experienced public safety professional currently serving with REDLINE Fire Watch, where he performs fire watch operations and leads community outreach efforts. Prior to joining Redline in 2024, Mr. Hughes served over two decades as a certified law enforcement officer in both Florida and Maine. He holds more than 1,500 hours of advanced training and was certified as a Florida Department of Law Enforcement instructor in multiple disciplines.

Mr. Hughes earned a Master’s degree in Behavioral Studies from Saint Leo University and has presented for the university's Criminal Justice Association. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Keiser University, where he taught courses in Criminal Justice, Forensics, and Legal Studies. His combined field experience and academic background make him uniquely equipped to train others in fire watch compliance and life safety procedures.

Date: December 1, 2026

Time: 8:00 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 Fire Rescue - Prevention
2631 SE Third St.
Ocala, FL 34471
Main: 352-291-8000 | Direct: 352-291-8050 | FAX: 352-291-8098
Ken.McCann@marionfl.org

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

RN: 19934 - ERCES
21578 - Firewatch

Class: 359019 - ERCES
360032 - Firewatch

SPEARS FlameGuard CPVC Inspector Training - 4 hr. (January 19, 2027)

Tue, 19 Jan 2027 13:00:00 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: January 19th, 2027

Time: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location:
Islamorada Fire Rescue
81850 overseas hwy
Islamorada, Florida 33036

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

Terry L. Abel - Fire Chief
Cell: 305-360-1917
Office: 305-664-6490
email: terry.abel@islamorada.fl.us

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

RN: 21182

Class: 361034