Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association Presents
A Day of Training - 3 Classes
Short Term Rentals and the Fire Code - 3 hr. 9:00 AM-Noon
Professional Fire Watch & Life Safety Compliance - 1 hr. Noon-1:00 PM
Food Truck Safety and the Florida Fire Prevention
Code (8th Edition) - 2 hrs. 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Instructors: Rodney Kwiatkoski, Shane Hughes, and Donald McKiernan
(6 Contact hours with all classes approved for Fire Code Administrator and Fire Safety Inspector)
Lunch will be provided by Redline FireWatch
Short Term Rentals - Course Description
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.
Professional Fire Watch & Life Safety Compliance - Course Description
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.
Food Truck Safety and the Florida Fire Prevention Code (8th Edition) - Course Description
The growing popularity of food trucks across Florida has brought with it a unique set of fire and life safety concerns. In response, the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC), 8th Edition, has incorporated specific requirements aimed at ensuring the safe operation of mobile food dispensing vehicles (MFDVs). These regulations, which align closely with the 2021 edition of NFPA 1 and Florida-specific amendments, provide fire and life safety inspectors with a comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating the risks associated with food trucks.
Permitting and regular inspections are crucial components of the enforcement strategy. Before operating at public events or within municipal jurisdictions, food trucks must undergo a fire inspection. Fire inspectors should utilize a standardized checklist that address LP-gas systems, fire suppression, ventilation, and spacing to ensure consistent evaluations.
Overall, the FFPC’s 8th Edition offers a clear and enforceable path to food truck safety, protecting both vendors and the public. Consistent inspections, education, and collaboration are key to successful implementation.
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.
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.
Donald McKiernan
With over 18 years of experience in the fire service, Don has served in a wide range of operational, investigative, and leadership capacities across multiple Florida counties, including Pasco, Hernando, Tarpon Springs, Manatee, and Polk. My career has encompassed front-line response as a Firefighter, Paramedic, and SWAT Paramedic, as well as advancement into roles such as Acting Lieutenant, Driver Engineer, Aerial Engineer, and Acting Fire Marshal. He has also served as a member of a specialized Water Emergency Team (WET), responding to high-risk aquatic incidents.
Date: June 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location:
Polk County Fire Rescue Training Facility
41 Vaughn Rd.
Winter Haven, 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
or
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
or
Donald McKiernan
Fire Codes Inspector III
Polk County Fire Rescue
Cell: 863.344.9407
email: donaldmckiernan@polk-county.net
or
Philip Oakes, Training Coordinator, phil@oakes.pro, or 307-631-0016
RN: 20575, 21578, 21579
Class: 258019, 297019, 297021