The Speakers

Brian Moriarty began his career as Chief of the Lawrence (MA) Fire Department in March 2015 after having served 29 years with the City of Haverhill where he obtained the rank of Senior Deputy. He also worked as a paramedic for Lawrence General Hospital from 1989 to 2015. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force having served from 1980-1985. He has been an EMT since 1979 and a paramedic since 1986. He holds an Associate Degree in Applied Fire Science, and a Bachelor’s degree in Individual Studies focusing on Fire and Emergency Management. He is a 2013 Graduate of the National Fire Academies Executive Fire Officer Program.

During his tenure in Lawrence, as chief, he has reopened 2 closed fire stations; replaced all 4 engines, the rescue squad, a ladder, a command car, watercraft, and fire prevention vehicles. The department has replaced its self-contained breathing apparatus and compressor, portable radios, and dispatch software; modified its station's living facilities; lowered its ISO rating from 3 to 2, marked all hydrants to NFPA color code flow rates, and continues to work toward Class one status.

Topic: 2018 Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions
Over-pressurized natural gas lines exploded throughout the City of Lawrence and the Town of Andover, MA. This event caused at least nine simultaneous major fires killing one and injuring many. Over 8000 gas meters and 40,000 residents were affected. The Chief on duty will talk about the emergency response, firefighting, recovery, and the problems facing the community as they lived without gas for heat, hot water, and cooking. This includes a level of sheltering and also safety when the gas lines were recharged. This presentation will include lessons learned as this could affect any community.

Chief Michael O'Brian serves as the Fire Chief for the Brighton Fire Department in Brighton, Michigan. Michael has been the International Director for the IAFC's Fire and Life Safety Section and the past chair of the ICC Fire Code Action Committee. Chief O'Brian is a national code consultant and speaks nationally as well as internationally on community risk reduction and leadership strategies. Chief O'brian is instrumental in the development of the International Fire Code (IFC) adopted by many departments across this country.

Topic: Wicked future problems the fire service is about to face head on.

The new technical conflagration period is upon us. Imagine a world of high rise buildings built of wood, houses running on battery power, and an app that signals a fuel truck to your car for a top off. The industry is coming up with some technology marvels. We argue some of these ideas may not be in the best interest for the fire service. This class will expose you to some around the corner for your fire department to face. The fires you face will be more challenging, more frequent, and present special hazards. Find out what is around the corner for you, from active shooter throw bags to fire related trash cans. Becoming informed of these wicked problems will put you ahead of other departments.

Captain Todd Edwards (Ret) has over 41 years of fire service experience. Starting at 16 years old for a small combination department in Ohio, Captain Edwards spent more than 30 years with the city of Atlanta, serving in various positions and divisions. Immediately following retirement, Captain Edwards spent more than a year in the Atlanta Training Division and designed the department’s Officer Development curriculum. Todd is a member of the Dawson County Fire/Rescue Department, assisting with training and response.

Captain Edwards has also worked as an adjunct instructor for the Georgia Fire Academy, works for County Fire Tactics as an instructor, and oversees the logistics for all conferences. Captain Edwards is the owner and lead instructor of Fire Life Training and speaks at conferences and departments throughout the country. Captain Edwards has written numerous training programs utilized by several departments, specializing in department-based curriculums for training, officer development, and fire ground operations. Captain Edwards has been recognized several times, including the Award of Merit for Bravery and the Fire Chief’s Award of Distinction.

Dr. Rachelle Zemlok is a licensed psychologist in California, specializing in working with firefighter families. She is a fire spouse herself and serves as the Strategic Wellness Director at Lexipol, supporting the content and strategy related to first responder mental health and wellness, with a special focus on supporting spouses and family members through the Cordico Wellness App. Prior to joining Lexipol, Dr. Zemlok founded First Responder Family Psychology, which provides culturally competent therapy to first responders and their family members. She is the author of "The Firefighter Family Academy: A Guide to Educate & Prepare Spouses for the Career Ahead."

Topic: Supporting Firefighter Families: Why It’s Critical to Firefighter Wellness and How to Find Success. Good health and wellness in firefighters benefits the organization and the communities they serve. We now understand how important it is to provide wellness support to our firefighters. But ultimately, a healthy lifestyle starts and ends at home. Family stress only exacerbates a firefighter’s stress. When you invest resources into supporting and educating their loved ones, you can directly increase the wellness of your employees, their safety on the job, and ultimately increase their chances of completing a long successful career with your department. In this presentation, a firefighter spouse and psychologist, discusses the career impacts and provides evidence-based recommendations as to how a department of any size can increase their family support today.

Martin Houston was born in Centre, AL to Henry Houston & Nellie (Henderson) Barnett. He was raised with a great work ethic and encouraged to pursue his dreams. He was influenced by his hardworking mother and a belief in Jesus Christ. These two factors along with his marriage to Cassandra Dobbins, proved to be the driving forces and his greatest source of encouragement.

Football allowed Martin Houston to fulfill his childhood dream. Through the playing of football and a commit to his education, Martin earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama, which he attended from 1988-1992. During his time as a student-athlete, he received a B.S. Degree in Marketing, as well as was a big contributor on the 1989 SEC Championship and the starting Fullback on 1992 SEC Championship and the 1992 National Championship. He followed that up by signing a contract to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a career ending knee injury, Martin returned to Tuscaloosa, AL to resume his role as a husband and father.

Martin and Cassandra married during his redshirt-freshmen year at the University of Alabama. The two of them have seen many days of ups and downs and through it all they have remained faithful to each other and continued to grow and mature. Their union has produced 4 children (2-boys/2-girls) and 3 grandchildren (and growing). His wife and family have encouraged him to continue to thrive to leave a legacy of love that will propel (encourage) them to carry on the work God has started in him.