Charlotte Fire Winter Training Builds Skills, Teamwork, Excellence
Published on January 27, 2025
Firefighter Kevin Murphy from Rescue 10 stands ready to tackle a challenging scenario during Charlotte Fire’s winter in-service training. With a focus on teamwork, communication, and tactical precision, Murphy and his crew demonstrate the skills that keep Charlotte’s residents and visitors safe.
By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire
At the Charlotte Fire Department Training Academy, the mantra is clear: Prepare. Train. Excel. This winter, firefighters from across the city converged at the academy for an intensive in-service training session designed to ensure that crews are ready for the unpredictable challenges they face every day.
With a focus on hands-on skill-building and real-world scenarios, the session exemplified Charlotte Fire’s commitment to operational excellence.
Firefighters practice stretching attack lines into a simulated residential structure, honing their speed and precision during Charlotte Fire’s winter training session.
Led by the dedicated instructors at the training academy, the program included a series of skill stations and simulated emergencies tailored to reinforce fundamental firefighting techniques while introducing new strategies and tools. Captain Andre Fuller, one of the academy’s instructors, emphasized the importance of the program.
“Training like this is essential,” Fuller said. “It gives our firefighters the opportunity to practice their skills in a controlled environment and ensures that they’re ready to respond effectively when it counts.”
The in-service training, held over a full day, featured five skill stations in a round-robin format. Each station allowed firefighters to practice key aspects of fireground operations, including engine and ladder company functions. The morning began with a classroom review before transitioning to hands-on drills.
Charlotte Fire Ladder extends into position at the Training Academy, preparing crews for real-world tactical scenarios.
The engine company stations focused on stretching attack lines into residential and apartment-style structures. These drills emphasized speed, efficiency, and teamwork—critical elements in containing a fire and protecting lives and property. Meanwhile, the ladder company stations covered forcible entry and search techniques under simulated smoke conditions, ensuring that firefighters were prepared to navigate the most challenging environments.
“The attention to detail in these drills is what sets our training apart,” Fuller noted. “Every scenario is designed to mimic what crews might encounter in the field, from complex rescues to rapid response situations.”
Firefighter Cangemi from Engine 11 pulls a dry line into position during winter training exercises.
After a morning of skill-building, the training culminated in two large-scale scenarios. These exercises tested the firefighters’ ability to apply what they had practiced in high-pressure, realistic situations. One scenario simulated a fire in a two-story residential structure, while the other involved a multi-family occupancy.
The scenarios were designed to challenge crews’ tactical decision-making and coordination. In one exercise, a simulated Mayday situation required the rapid deployment of a rapid intervention crew to rescue a firefighter in distress. The exercise underscored the importance of clear communication and decisive action during emergencies.
Firefighters prepare to enter a smoke-filled training building, working together to execute a simulated search-and-rescue operation.
“Our goal is to prepare firefighters not just for the routine calls, but for the unexpected moments that can define their careers,” Fuller said.
The Charlotte Fire Training Academy has long been a cornerstone of the department’s commitment to excellence. Offering state-of-the-art resources and a team of experienced instructors dedicated to developing the next generation of firefighters, the facility provides an environment where skills are honed and confidence is built.
Captain Beaver leads his team through critical drills designed to enhance teamwork and safety during Charlotte Fire’s winter in-service training.
“Our instructors bring a wealth of experience to the table,” Fuller said. “They’re not just teaching techniques—they’re sharing the lessons they’ve learned in the field. That’s what makes this training so valuable.”
The academy’s programs are designed to cover every aspect of firefighting, from basic skills to advanced tactics. Whether it’s navigating smoke-filled buildings, managing hazardous materials, or coordinating multi-agency responses, the training ensures that Charlotte’s firefighters are ready for anything.
Fire Chief Reginald Johnson emphasized the importance of these training initiatives, saying, “Our firefighters are the backbone of public safety in Charlotte. This training ensures they are not only prepared but confident in their ability to serve our community with excellence. The work being done at the academy reflects our commitment to staying ahead of the challenges we face as a growing city.”
Engine 27 is staged at the Charlotte Fire Training Academy, where crews refine their skills and prepare for the challenges of urban firefighting.
As Charlotte continues to grow, the demands on the fire department are only increasing. The training academy plays a critical role in ensuring that the department can meet these challenges head-on. Future training sessions will expand on the skills practiced during the winter in-service, with a focus on multi-family occupancies and advanced tactical operations.
“Training is an investment in safety,” Fuller said. “It’s about making sure our firefighters go home at the end of every shift and that our community is protected. The work being done here at the academy is second to none, and it’s a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.”
Captain David Hodnett coordinates with his team during a winter training scenario, emphasizing communication and tactical efficiency.
For the firefighters who participated in the training, the day was an opportunity to refine their skills and reinforce the bonds of teamwork that are essential in emergency response.
“When we train together, we’re building trust,” Fuller said. “That trust is what keeps us safe on the fireground and allows us to do our job effectively. It’s not just about individual skills—it’s about working as a team.”
Sparks fly as a firefighter demonstrates forcible entry techniques, a vital skill for navigating barriers during emergencies.
As the day came to a close, the importance of the training was evident in the confidence and camaraderie of the participants. For Charlotte Fire, the winter in-service training was more than just a series of drills—it was a reaffirmation of the department’s commitment to excellence and its unwavering dedication to the community it serves.
“This is what makes Charlotte Fire stand out,” Fuller said. “Our focus on training, our investment in our people, and our commitment to our mission. The work being done here is laying the foundation for a safer, stronger Charlotte.”
Charlotte Fire Department engines lined up at the Training Academy during Winter Training 2025, ready to support hands-on skill-building and simulated scenarios. The dedication to preparedness and teamwork is a hallmark of Charlotte Fire's commitment to excellence.