NSFSI Frequently Asked Questions

During the 2009 Les Lukert Winter Conference, attendees were asked to evaluate the Conference and point out areas needing improvement.  NSFSI takes those suggestions seriously and is working to make changes where possible.  The following questions appeared more than once or brought up an especially good point to convey to everyone.

Question:  Why aren’t more vendors available at the Les Lukert Winter Conference?

Answer: A couple issues impact the number of vendors at the Conference.  Primarily, available space limits the number of vendors in attendance.  Interest from vendors to have a booth is also a factor.  If you are a vendor who would like to exhibit at the 2010 Conference, please contact nesociety@hotmail.com .

Question:  Why aren’t there more basic classes for new firefighters?

Answer:  The original intent of the Les Lukert Conference was to provide Nebraska training officers/specialists with an opportunity to attend courses.  For that reason, many of the classes offered are focused on training officers and other fire department officers.

Question:  Why aren’t there more hands-on classes?

Answer:  Due to the time of year, hands-on classes would be challenging.  Ice Rescue, however, has been a well attended, perfectly timed class that may be offered again at future Conferences.

Question:  What is the agenda for the conference?

Answer:  Unless otherwise noted, classes take place on Saturday from 0800 to 1700, and on Sunday from 0800 to 1200.  The Annual Meeting of the Nebraska Society of Fire Service Instructors takes place on Friday night before classes begin (anyone is welcome to attend the meeting, only members may vote).  Also, on Saturday evening, a keynote speaker will present a topic of general interest.  The keynote address is open to everyone.

Question:  Where do I find training schedules for upcoming training courses?

Answer:  NSFSI has made a concerted effort to make www.nsfsi.com  the “one stop shop” for fire training in Nebraska.  Check out the “Calendar” link on the left side of the page for upcoming training.  If you have a course you would like to include, contact nesociety@hotmail.com .

Question:  Why isn’t the breakfast/lunch/food for breaks better/warmer/faster/etc.?

Answer:  Food during the Conference is a courtesy offered to reduce the need for students to find meals elsewhere and help classes stay on schedule.  Could the food be better?  Maybe, but that would surely come at a higher price.

Question:  Why hold classes in two locations?

Answer:  Classroom space in limited at the Midtown Holiday Inn.  The NSFSI Education Committee has, however, been investigating other potential sites to host the Conference.

Question:  Discourage and ask people to leave if they are just here to party and not learn and improve themselves.  There was a problem with sleeping at night due to one department in particular.

Answer:  This was a direct comment from a 2009 Conference student that the Education Committee discussed at length.  It is the goal of the NSFSI to provide a setting that is conducive to learning and we understand that hotel issues may impact that goal.  Please make an officer or member of the Education Committee aware of any issues as soon as possible.  We will do what we can to help work through any issues with hotel staff.

Question:  Could you hold classes in blocks of 4 hour sessions so a firefighter could rotate to a new class each session?

Answer:  This format has been discussed as an option for future Conferences, but many fire service topics are not well suited for it.

Question:  Who was Les Lukert anyway?

Answer:  Les Lukert was the Past President and a long time member of the Nebraska Society of Fire Service Instructors. Les was an individual dedicated to the training and education of firefighters.

He broadened their knowledge and skills and demonstrated to them the importance of preparing today for tomorrows emergencies. Les was elected to the Seward Volunteer Fire Department on January 6, 1954. He was appointed fire chief in the early 1960’s. When he began teaching for the for the Nebraska

State Fire Marshal Training Division in 1967, he relocated to Oshkosh and transferred to the Reserves with SVFD. He returned to active status with Seward in November 1974 and retired to the Reserves again in 1982. He was also a member of the Oshkosh Volunteer Fire Department. As it says on the NSFSI Memorial Plaque: “Let those who pass after him be recognized for their contributions to the educational process and the ultimate goal for all firefighters – To Save Lives.”

Question:  How do I become a member of the Nebraska Society of Fire Service Instructors?

Answer:  Our membership includes those responsible for emergency response education, whether from the state, volunteer, career or private organizations.  The membership year is from January 1 through December 31.  Membership dues shall be paid annually to remain a current member.  Requirements of membership application are as follows:

1). Submit a letter of recommendation by an active member in good standing of the NSFSI.

2). Payment of membership dues.

ACTIVE MEMBER:   Shall be any person who is actively involved in the education of training emergency personnel and subscribes to the practices and code of ethics of the Nebraska Society of Fire Service Instructors.  Annual Dues - $10.00

SUSTAINING MEMBER: Shall be any person, firm or corporation wishing to assist in attaining the objectives of the Society.  Annual Dues - $10.00

We would be pleased to include you as a member of the NSFSI. Please complete the membership application [this is on the website http://www.nsfsi.com/apocalypse/membership.htm – is the membership application posted anywhere?] and written recommendation and submit it to the contact person listed.  Membership dues can be billed to your department; please include billing information.