At the Point of the Spear
Background:
Developing our operational culture has been identified as a primary goal for the Authority’s advancement and to set the foundation for its future growth. Strengthening our leadership is important to support, reinforce, and model the values and behaviors that are desired in OCFA professional firefighters and leaders.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), a non-profit organization supporting the advancement of all fire services internationally and Mission-Centered Solutions (MCS), will assist the OCFA to achieve its goals in the areas of leader and operational development.
The Challenge:
Building and leading teams in a mission-driven culture to operate in high risk environments.
The Course:
At the Point of the Spear: Leading and preparing emergency response units is a 38-hour program that focuses on helping response leaders build more cohesive, adaptive, and resilient teams. This program teaches principles for leading in high-risk and high-stress environments, building team cohesion, and resolving conflicts and problems within the team. Using a mix of theory, case studies, classroom exercises, and field exercises, this interactive program is designed to reinforce mission-driven operational culture at the team level and to provide a framework from which to launch future organizational development.
Memory and Behavior
Leadership Influence and Leading Adaptively
Building, Training and Learning as a Team
Error Resiliency
Stress as an Operational Risk
Accountability, Standards and Expectations
Communications and Conflict Resolution
Leading Ethically
Who Should Attend:
Those who have a current or forthcoming assignment as a Unit Supervisor, Fire Captain, or Fire Battalion Chief.
Prerequisite:
Although the program has no specific prerequisite programs, the following is beneficial: An introduction to human factors such as L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service.
Application:
The class will be offered three times in 2018 and various dates in 2019. Future dates will be announced in the near future. Priority will be given to those who are on their regularly assigned days off. Backfill and holdover are not authorized, however those who are selected and participate will be compensated special assignment pay. Class size is limited and participant selections will be made shortly after each RSVP deadline.
Certification Earned:
NWCG L-380: Fireline Leadership
Time:
Note: Times are different for each day!
Day 1: 0900‐1830
Day 2: 0800‐1700 (class)
1700‐1900 (dinner break)
1900‐2300 (night exercise)
Day 3: 0800‐1830
Day 4: 0800‐1700
Location:
Orange County Fire Authority RFOTC Classroom 3 and various offsite locations
Cost:
Free
Compensation:
Special assignment pay only
Dress Code:
Business casual attire for classroom days. Helmet, flashlight, hiking shoes, and nomex jacket required for the night exercise.
** Please Note: This class is open to OCFA employees only **