Operations & Training

Watch: Firehouse Expo 2022 Keynote Address, Opening Ceremonies

Oct. 25, 2022

Watch Frank Leeb deliver the Firehouse Expo keynote address, along with the Firehouse Hall of Fame and valor and community service awards.

Firehouse.com News,

Frank Leeb

It's been almost a month since firefighters from all over the country descended on Columbus, OH, for Firehouse Expo.

For those who were unable to join us, we wanted to share the opening ceremonies, including Frank Leeb's memorable and inspirational keynote address. As many have shared with Leeb, his delivery has become a must-watch in firehouses all over.

Watch Part 1 - includes the presentation of colors, National Anthem performed by Columbus Firefighter Matt Tibbs, invocation by Columbus Fire Chaplain Steve Carna and welcome messages from Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginter, Columbus Fire Chief Jeffrey Happy and Franklin County Fire Chiefs president Lyn Nofziger. A video celebrating the Columbus Division of Fire's 200th anniversary was also shown.

Watch Part 2 - Firehouse Expo Conference Director Peter Matthews with a remembrance for Firehouse founder Dennis Smith, and contributing editors Philadelphia Deputy Chief James P. Smith and Newark Battalion Commander Dr. Harry R. Carter, who passed away in 2022. Presentation of the Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor to FDNY Firefighter Darren J. Harsch and the Thomas Carr Community Service Award to Cottleville, MO, Firefighters Outreach. Dr. Denis Onieal introduced the 2022 Firehouse Hall of Fame Inductee, Robert "Butch" Cobb from the Jersey City, NJ, Fire Department.

Watch Part 3 - FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb delivers his keynote address, "Fire Service Cornerstones of Success: Training and Teamwork and Why it Matters on Game Day." The opening ceremony wrapped up with a sneak preview of BURN X - a new documentary on the Detroit Fire Department following the popular 2012 release of BURN.

If you are interested in speaking at Firehouse Expo 2023, the Call for Papers closes Nov. 4. You can submit your session idea(s) here.

Firehouse Expo 2023 takes place Sept. 25-29. Stay up-to-date by signing up under "Be in the know" on FirehouseExpo.com.

About the Author

Firehouse.com News

Content curated and written by Firehouse editorial staff, including Susan Nicol, Steven Shaw, Peter Matthews, Ryan Baker and Rich Dzierwa.

About the Author

Frank Leeb

Frank Leeb is a deputy assistant chief in FDNY. He is the acting chief of training. He has served in several senior staff positions, including the chief of training, the chief of the fire academy and chief of safety. Leeb has been a member of FDNY since 1992 and a member of the East Farmingdale, NY, Fire Department since 1983. He holds a bachelor's degree in fire service administration from the State University of New York and a master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security. Leeb served as an advisory panel member for UL's Fire Safety Research Institute's "Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures" and is a principal on the NFPA Technical Committees for 420, 1585 and 1710. He was the keynote speaker for Firehouse Expo in 2022 and published "Cornerstones of Leadership: On and Off the Fireground: Training - Teamwork - Mentorship," based on address. He was a presenter at the 2022 and 2003 U.S. Fire Administrator Summits on Fire Prevention and Control.