MURFREESBORO, TN - Last weekend, Murfreesboro firefighters joined over 80 firefighters from 36 departments across 12 states for a transformative training conference made possible by the Gary Sinise Foundation. Held from November 8-10 at the Doug Young Public Safety Training Facility on January Street, the three-day event provided free tuition, lodging, and meals to attendees.
Gary Sinise, widely recognized for his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump, established his foundation to honor and support defenders, first responders, and their families. The training focused on sharpening fireground operations and emergency medical service (EMS) skills, benefiting both urban and rural departments.
Participants engaged in hands-on drills and workshops, including:
- Performance Psychology for the Fire Service
- The First Five Minutes
- Vent Inter Search
- Fire Attack: The Nozzle Team
- Resident Primary Search
- Fundamentals of Thermal Imaging
Robert Blassetti, CEO of Performance Under Pressure, highlighted the significance of the training. “This provides opportunities for folks who do not have a facility like Murfreesboro has to practice the fundamentals. It allows them to operate more effectively on fireground or EMS scenes, ultimately serving their communities better,” he said.
The conference also prioritized sustainability by equipping participants with materials to train their peers. “We call it a force multiplier,” Blassetti explained. “Four to six people from each department attend, then take these skills and knowledge back to train others.”
Smaller departments without access to advanced training particularly benefited, creating a ripple effect that enhances emergency response capabilities in communities across the region.
The Gary Sinise Foundation has long been a champion of America’s heroes. Their mission, grounded in philanthropy and gratitude, underscores their commitment to strengthening first responders, veterans, and their families year-round.
