04/16/2026
Join us on Thursday, May 14th, for our next meeting and training discussion - Freelancing or Coordination: On and Off the Fireground. presented in person by Lieutenant and Volunteer Deputy Chief, Chris Byrne.
About the class:
Often, the difference between freelancing and coordination can be a matter of seconds or a few words. We should be working to complement each other on and off the fireground. Throughout this class, we will look at relationships, communication, and research. On the fireground, we will bookend research-based tactics and explore ways to implement them from every seat. Off the fireground, we will discuss leadership, followership, and mentorship. Ultimately, our goal is to support one another in pursuit of the mission.
About the instructor:
After being unsuccessful as a college athlete, Chris found comfort in an Xbox and developed an incredible skill set in first-person shooters. He realized his professional gaming career would also be short-lived and began pursuing other dreams as a coach, ultimately finding himself in the fire service. Chris’ career in the fire service began in 2011. He has gathered perspective from both volunteer and suburban departments. Currently, Chris serves as a lieutenant with the Colorado Springs Fire Department and as the volunteer deputy chief with the Manitou Springs Fire Department.
Wrapping up an 8-year plan that included a lot of Call of Duty, he earned a Bachelor's in Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. He completed his Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy, focusing on integrating time-to-task into organizations. Chris has been fortunate to serve as a technical panel member on UL-FSRI’s Coordinated Fire Attack and Search panels, an instructor for Irons and Ladders, and to have spent several years as an adjunct instructor at Pikes Peak State College. When he’s not working, he’s enjoying the outdoors with his family and friends.
We will be meeting at Peaks N Pines Brewery - Fountain at 6 p.m. This presentation will start around 6:15 p.m. with a virtual option for 719 FOOLS members. Networking opportunities will follow.
