Professional Development Conference
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The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) today announced that registration is now open for its 2026 Professional Development Conference, a 2.5-day event that will bring together firefighters, EMS professionals, public safety leaders, and industry experts from across the region to advance the future of the fire service.
This year's conference expands on previous years with a new format that combines practical field training with classroom instruction and collaborative discussion.
The conference will begin with a full day of live, hands-on training at the Detroit Fire Department's Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center, followed by a full day and a half of conference sessions at Huntington Place.
Thanks to the generous support of DFD's sponsors, the conference is free to all attendees. Breakfast will be provided each day, with lunch included on the first and second days.
"Our profession never stands still, and neither can we," said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. "The Detroit Fire Department is committed to creating opportunities for firefighters and EMS professionals to sharpen their skills, strengthen their leadership abilities, and learn from one another. By investing in professional development, we are investing in safer communities and a stronger fire service for the future."
The hands-on training component at the Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center will feature immersive, real-world instruction in:
- Rapid Intervention
- Live Fire Training
- Search and Rescue
- Drone Operations
Conference sessions at Huntington Place will explore a wide range of topics impacting today's fire and EMS service, including leadership, wellness, emerging technology, operational readiness, and organizational culture.
Featured presenters include:
- Edward Cann – Leadership, Teamwork, and Individual Growth
- Chief Mike Kennedy – Preparing the Next Company Officer: Bridging Training to Command
- Chief Mike Kennedy – Training for Black Swan Incidents
- Chief Theresa Robinson – Preparing for Promotion
- Jeff Dill – PTSD vs. Moral Injury
- Firefighter Matthew Dunaj – Accountability
- Jim Brown – AI: Policy to Practice
- Jim Brown – Practical AI Use Cases
- National Fallen Firefighters Association – Supporting Our Own
- Dr. Michele Lewis Watts – Communication Under Stress: What Firefighters Need from Leaders
- DeShawn Wallace – Stronger Families, Stronger Shifts: Communication and Relationship Skills for Firefighters
- Chief Justin Brooks – The Search for Stability: Fundamentals of a Solid Foundation
The Detroit Fire Department Professional Development Conference is open to firefighters, EMS personnel, command staff, emergency managers, and public safety professionals.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. More info