NYSAFC’s Spring Seminar Series in Full Bloom

Begbie	Zayas

NYSAFC’s Spring Seminar Series, "Taxpayer/Strip Mall Fires: Is the Risk Worth the Reward?" is off and running having already held two programs in February, one in Onondaga County and the other in Saratoga County.

Captain Ken Begbie (FDNY) and Chief George Zayas (West Haverstraw Fire Department) spoke to students about what makes fires in "taxpayers" so dangerous for firefighters, as well as what tactics and procedures will help keep firefighters safe. Program participants – consisting of both firefighters and officers – got an in-depth look at the many hidden dangers involved with this type of building fire, with one question in mind: "Is the risk worth the reward?"

Combined, the two seminars hosted more than 150 students. There are still three seminars remaining:

• March 20 – 7:00 p.m. – Monroe Co. – Henrietta, NY
• March 24 – 9:00 a.m. – Clinton Co. – West Chazy, NY
• March 29 – 7:00 p.m. – Otsego Co. – Worcester, NY

If one of these locations is not convenient for you, Begbie and Zayas will be lecturing at FIRE 2012, NYSAFC’s 106th Annual Conference and Expo, on Friday, June 15, 2012, at the Turning Stone. There they will present "Know Your Role – The Officer’s Tactical View."

Ken Begbie is a 29-year veteran of the fire service currently assigned as captain of Engine Co. 63 in the Bronx. His previous assignments include Engine 82 and Ladder 31 as a firefighter and Engine Co. 47 as a lieutenant. Begbie is also a life member of the Haverstraw Fire Department where he reached the rank of captain. He is a certified New York state fire instructor working at the Rockland County Fire Training Center, as well as a NYSAFC Hands-On Training Program instructor.

George Zayas is a 27-year veteran of the fire service currently serving as chief of the West Haverstraw Fire Department. Zayas is also a certified New York state fire instructor working at the Rockland County Fire Training Center, as well as an instructor for the NYSAFC Hands-On Training Program and FDIC H.O.T. Program.

Take advantage of the discounted registration fee for NYSAFC Individual and Department Members. Pre-registration and on-site registration is available for all locations.

For additional information, or to download a pre-registration form, click here.

New York State Association of Fire Chiefs