Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association

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Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association

Duty of training, and recognizing the specialized requirements necessary for fire operations.

08/13/2026

CFDIA September Membership Meeting

Date: Wednesday, 9.02.2026

Location:
Westfield Fire Department
653 East Street
Middletown, CT 06457

Time(s): 0930 - 1130 hours

Educational Presentation will be "Student Engagement: Part 1 - Gamification" presented by Dr. Will Perez.

EXCELLENCE THROUGH TRAINING

07/28/2026

Tuesday, 7.28.2026

Congratulations to Brian DeSilva, the recipient of the 2026 Richard Pratt Sylvia Instructor of the Year Award.

The Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association (CFDIA) is proud to recognize Brian as an outstanding leader in firefighter education whose unwavering commitment to training has made a lasting impact on the Connecticut fire service.

As Lead Instructor for the Firefighter I Program at the Eastern Connecticut Fire School and a driving force behind the development of the innovative First Due Tactics live fire training program, this year’s honoree has exemplified instructional excellence, professionalism, and a steadfast dedication to preparing the next generation of firefighters.

This well-deserved recognition reflects years of service, leadership, and a passion for advancing firefighter safety and operational readiness.

We look forward to formally recognizing this achievement at the 2026 CFDIA Awards Dinner at the TPC River Highlands.

07/09/2026

Award Recipients & Keynote Speaker Announced

The Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association (CFDIA) is proud to announce the keynote speaker and award recipients for the 2026 CFDIA Awards Dinner, taking place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Our keynote speaker will be retired Deputy Chief Aaron Heller, a 40+ year fire service veteran, nationally recognized instructor, founder and owner of On Scene Training Associates, fire service author, and founding member of the Jersey F.O.O.L.S. Throughout his career, Chief Heller has served in operational, training, and leadership roles and has presented at fire service training events across the country and internationally, including FDIC International.

CFDIA is also proud to recognize the following 2026 award recipients:

• Richard Pratt Sylvia Instructor of the Year Award: Lieutenant Brian DeSilva, New London Fire Department

• Harry Kelly Award: Captain Stephen O'Hara, Stratford Fire Department

• CFDIA President’s Award: Middlesex County Fire SchoolInstructor Cadre

• CFDIA President’s Award: Connecticut State Representative Pat Boyd

Please join us for an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence in fire service instruction, leadership, and service to Connecticut’s fire service community.

Cocktails begin at 5:30 PM, followed by dinner and awards at 6:00 PM and our keynote presentation at 6:45 PM.

Tickets are $50 per person.

We look forward to celebrating these outstanding individuals and organizations with you on October

06/24/2026

Wednesday, 6.24.2026

Please join the CFDIA Executive Board in welcoming Chief Phillip Coco of the Westfield Fire Department as our newly appointed Treasurer.

Chief Coco is a dedicated fire service professional with decades of experience in emergency services, fire prevention, training, and leadership.

Having served the Westfield Fire Department in numerous capacities (including Lieutenant, Deputy Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief, and now Fire Chief), he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to firefighter safety, operational excellence, and community service.

In addition to his leadership within the department, Chief Coco is a paramedic, instructor, and public safety professional who is highly respected throughout Connecticut’s fire service community.

We are honored to have Chief Coco share his knowledge, experience, and passion for the fire service with us.

06/16/2026

⭐️ KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT ⭐️

The CFDIA is proud to announce the keynote speaker for our 2026 CFDIA Awards Dinner.
__________________________________________

Chief Aaron Heller is a retired Deputy Chief from the Hamilton (NJ) Fire Department with more than 40 years of fire service experience.

He is the founder and owner of On Scene Training Associates and a nationally recognized fire service instructor.

Throughout his career, he has served in leadership, training, and operational roles and has presented at local, regional, national, and international training events, including FDIC International.

His areas of expertise include fireground operations, firefighter rescue, leadership development, and emergency response tactics.

Heller is also a fire service author, educator, and founding member of the Jersey F.O.O.L.S. chapter.
__________________________________________

This year's event will take place on Wednesday, 10.07.2026 at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT.

Ticket sales will go LIVE Friday, 6.19.2026 with event details such as sponsors, dinner selection, and award recipients.

06/15/2026

Monday, 6.15.2026

The Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association (CFDIA) is currently seeking event sponsors for its 2026 Awards Dinner, which recognizes excellence, dedication, and leadership within Connecticut’s fire service training community.

Sponsorship support helps make this annual event possible while providing valuable visibility for businesses and organizations that support firefighter education and professional development.

We invite interested sponsors to review the attached sponsorship flyer, which outlines the available sponsorship tiers and associated benefits.

Your partnership is greatly appreciated and directly contributes to the continued success of this premier fire service event.

-AB

06/11/2026

Thursday, 6.11.2026

The Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association (CFDIA) was represented this morning in the “Whaling City” at the New London Fire Department’s North Station for the signing of House Bill 5003 by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont.

CFDIA President AB Turenne, along with several Executive Board members (Steve Hoffmann, Kevin Cooney, Shelly Carter) and active members of the Association, were in attendance as Governor Lamont signed Public Act No. 26-12, legislation focused on workforce development and improving working conditions throughout the state, with a strong emphasis on the recruitment and retention of first responders.

Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association
Connecticut State Community College
Connecticut Firefighters PAC
Connecticut Fire Academy
Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut
Connecticut Fallen Firefighters Memorial
The Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA)
CT Fire Marshals Association
CT Career Fire Chief's Association

06/04/2026

The Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association (CFDIA) is seeking interested and qualified individuals to serve on the Executive Board in the capacity of Treasurer.

This appointment will fill the remainder of the current term, which concludes in October 2027. The Treasurer plays a vital role in overseeing the financial affairs of the association, maintaining accurate financial records, and providing financial reports to the Executive Board and membership.

Members interested in being considered for this position are encouraged to submit a letter or email expressing their interest to AB Turenne, CFDIA President, no later than the close of business on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Address

34 Perimeter Road
Windsor Locks, CT
06096

Website

http://www.cfdia.com/

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