Watch: Firehouse Expo 2022 Keynote Address, Opening Ceremonies
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.
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Content curated and written by Firehouse editorial staff, including Susan Nicol, Steven Shaw, Peter Matthews, Ryan Baker and Rich Dzierwa.
Frank Leeb
Frank Leeb is the managing director of the First Responder Center for Excellence. He previously served as a deputy assistant chief in FDNY, retiring in June 2024 after more than 31 years. During his tenure with FDNY, Leeb held several senior staff positions, including chief of the fire academy, chief of training and chief of safety. He also has been a member of the East Farmingdale, NY, Volunteer Fire Department since 1983. Leeb holds a bachelor's degree in fire service administration from SUNY Empire State and a master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security. He served as an advisory panel member for UL's Fire Safety Research Institute's "Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures" and was the keynote speaker for Firehouse Expo in 2022 and FireFusion 2024. Leeb is the author of "Cornerstones of Leadership: On and Off the Fireground." He was a presenter at the 2022 and 2023 U.S. Fire Administrator Summit on Fire Prevention and Control. Leeb can be contacted at [email protected].
