MissionCIT Leadership Training

From the Firehouse to the Fireground | Hybrid & In-Person Courses

MissionCIT aims to provide quality leadership training across the fire service. Every single one of our programs is built upon our C.O.M.M.A.N.D. philosophy. These are seven core pillars and principles that form the backbone of effective fireground command and purpose driven leadership. These programs are designed to strengthen both fireground operations and leadership development for today’s firefighters and fire officers.

Culture – Establish a foundation of trust, teamwork, and professionalism that drives high performance

Operations – Sharpen tactical decision-making and execution on the fireground.

Mission – Keep a sharp focus on life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation.

Management – Lead with clarity, coordinate resources, and maintain control under pressure.

Accountability – Ensure responsibility for people, actions, and outcomes to protect crews and your community.

Navigation – Maintain situational awareness and guide teams through the uncertainty of challenges and change in the organization.

Development – A strong commitment to continuous growth, mentorship, and preparing tomorrow’s leaders.

Two Flagship Courses:

Effective Fireground Command: A Practical Approach from the Cab to the Car

No-Nonsense Leadership: A Realistic Approach for the Company Officer

Interested in scheduling Leadership and Command Courses for your department? Click here and fill in the form to schedule your officer development courses today!

Elevate your leadership with our dynamic new Hybrid Officer Classes! Designed for today’s proactive fire officer, our program breaks free from traditional constraints, offering unparalleled flexibility whether you prefer comprehensive 8-hour sessions, convenient split days, or our innovative hybrid model culminating in a hands-on simulation.

This isn’t just training; it’s a confidence-building journey, tackling the real-world challenges faced by officers and chiefs daily. And because we believe in delivering maximum value, our modular approach allows us to exceed the typical 8-hour limit, providing you with even more critical insights and cutting-edge strategies. Experience the future of fire service education – adaptable, comprehensive, and perfectly suited for your demanding schedule. Choose MissionCIT for your fire officer development in CT.

Hear from our clients!

I speak for all our staff as I extend a gracious thank you for your class last night. It was unlike any training we've had before, and hit all the right marks we were looking for. Your blend of real world experiences and observations coupled with established leadership principles and implementation methods really hit home.

I especially appreciated your focus on establishing a rapport, culture, and comradery with new members and maintaining it along with accountability of yourself as an officer. This is something not everyone naturally understands when it comes to leadership, but it applies at all levels and really affects how individuals will view their experience in the fire service.

Deputy Chief Jeff Gerace

Rocky Hill Fire Dept.

Courses By:

Jarrod Sergi

Battalion Chief & National Fire Academy Instructor

Battalion Chief Sergi is a highly experienced and decorated leader with Norfolk Fire-Rescue, currently serving as the Battalion Chief of Logistics and Capital Assets. With a career spanning significant contributions to both the U.S. Navy and the fire service, Chief Sergi brings a wealth of expertise in emergency operations, training development, and strategic leadership.

Chief Sergi is a respected figure in the broader fire service community. He is an NFPA 14 Committee Member and a sought-after instructor at prestigious conferences such as FDIC, Firehouse EXPO, Fire Rescue International, and the Virginia Fire Rescue Conference. His insights are also shared as a regular contributor to Fire Engineering Magazine, and he frequently instructs for various fire departments across the country. He is also a Virginia State Certified Paramedic, further enhancing his emergency response capabilities.

Course Descriptions

Effective Fireground Command: A Practical Approach from the Cab to the Car

Effective Fireground Command: A Practical Approach from the Cab to the Car

Course Description: Effective fireground command doesn’t have to start once a chief officer gets on scene. Effective command and control starts with the first arriving company and continues throughout the duration of the incident. This program reinforces the need for strong command and control from the moment the first air brake hits until demobilization. Focus will be on understanding how to establish appropriate strategies and reinforcing those strategies with sound tactics. We will dive into size up, command presence, communications, resource allocation, risk management, and building out an ICS structure in a practical way. The goal of this program is to give incident commanders of all ranks the tools and knowledge to run effective firegrounds that support decision making at the lowest level, and not micromanagement from the highest.

Purpose: The sole purpose of this program is to give incident commanders of any rank confidence in their role and help them understand the important elements that exist in effective fireground command. Simply put, I want to help people get better. The purpose of this class is to offer realistic and practical approaches to running a god fireground. Lastly, I want to reinforce to all attendees that this is a team sport. That fireground command doesn’t start when the chief arrives. There is a relationship between the officer in the cab of the fire truck and the chief in the car. Their needs to be synergy between them, understanding of each other’s roles, and a common desire to start the command process of on the right track, and to maintain it properly for the duration of the incident.

No-Nonsense Leadership: A Realistic Approach for the Company Officer

No-Nonsense Leadership: A Realistic Approach for the Company Officer

Course Description: This program is designed to be a no-nonsense approach to company officer leadership. No theory here, just realistic, and practical ways proven to build an effective group of performers within your team. I will bring previous military experience as well as experience in my current role to reinforce the importance of unit cohesion and how to achieve it. We will talk about team building and relationships, conflict management, accountability and more. This class is meant to inspire action and produce results in your company and your department. You will be given tools today to make immediate change tomorrow.

Purpose: The purpose of this program is to reinforce just how necessary strong company level leadership is. I think we need it now more than ever and I intend to make sure that everyone that hears this message leaves invigorated and energized to get back and take ownership of themselves and their crews. it is the purpose of this program to inspire action and produce results, almost immediately.

Officer Development Instructors

Jarrod Sergi

Director
Officer Development

Jarrod Sergi has been in the fire service for more than 20 years and is currently a Battalion Chief with Norfolk Fire Rescue (VA) and has held several positions in the organization. He has been assigned to some of the cities busiest fire companies at both the company and command level gaining valuable operational experience. His administrative roles landed him in the training division and logistics. Jarrod has assisted in the development and delivery of multiple department wide and regional training programs covering strategy/tactics, fire dynamics, command and control, leadership, officer development, and more. He is a state instructor for both the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the National Fire Academy. He is a veteran of the US Navy where he served as a Damage Controlman and a Search and Rescue Swimmer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program and holds a master's degree in executive leadership with Liberty University (VA).

Rich Graulich

Instructor
Officer Development

Rich is a 30-year fire service veteran who currently serves as a company officer with Norfolk Fire-Rescue (VA). He began his career in North Jersey as a volunteer and Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic before joining Norfolk in 1996, where he has spent three decades operating in the city’s busiest engine and ladder companies. A Virginia Department of Fire Programs instructor since 2003, Rich specializes in engine company operations, contact tactics, and the development of high-performing crews. He is a frequent lecturer at major regional conferences, including the Virginia Fire Expo and the VA Fire Chiefs Academy, and has contributed to training curriculum at every level of the fire service.