Sauk Valley Fire Departments Launch Urgent Command Training

UPDATE: Four fire departments in the Sauk Valley area have just launched a critical training initiative aimed at enhancing emergency response and standardizing leadership. The Calm the Chaos command training, which began on September 20, is part of a two-year collaboration between the Sterling, Dixon City, Dixon Rural, and Rock Falls fire departments.

This vital training focuses on a seamless command structure, ensuring that leaders can take charge effectively during major incidents. “This ensures all four departments follow the same procedures and safety protocols when they respond together,” said Dixon Rural Fire Chief Dustin Dahlstrom. This initiative directly impacts public safety, allowing firefighters to respond more efficiently during emergencies.

The training kicks off with a comprehensive 32-hour online course, featuring over 100 simulations of command incidents. Participants then advance to a two-day operations-level workshop held over the weekend, which combines classroom discussions with hands-on simulations covering residential, commercial, and mass-casualty incidents.

The training emphasizes key areas such as rapid size-ups, clear communication, and consistent use of the incident command system. Moreover, it addresses the NIOSH Five Points, critical factors identified as contributing to firefighter line-of-duty deaths. “Our goal is to address potential misalignments before they escalate into tragic events,” Dahlstrom added.

After the initial workshop, from September 22-24, department members transitioned to a three-day Train the Trainer program, preparing leaders to instruct their crews using a standardized command system. This structured approach is aimed at ensuring that all firefighters learn and implement the same curriculum, fostering long-term consistency in training.

“Creating that consistency just makes the fire ground that much safer,” said Rock Falls Deputy Fire Chief Kyle Sommers. He highlighted that the uniform training also benefits community safety, as it enhances the efficiency of fire response operations. “Fires get extinguished faster, rescues happen more quickly, and overall operations run more smoothly,” he said.

The funding for this extensive training program totaled $58,000, shared among the four departments. Sterling Fire Chief David Northcutt encouraged community members to contribute to covering these essential costs. “Anyone who wants to help donate toward this great program can do so through any one of the departments,” he stated.

This collaborative effort not only strengthens the bond between these fire departments but also ensures that their commitment to community safety remains unwavering. As Dixon City Fire Chief Ryan Buskohl emphasized, ensuring all firefighters are trained uniformly makes them interchangeable, enhancing communication and operational effectiveness.

As the training progresses, the Sauk Valley fire departments are setting a high standard for emergency response, prioritizing safety and efficiency in their operations. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.