Firefighter Wellness Seminar Series

This FREE two-hour program is open to all New York state fire service personnel. On-site and pre-registration are available. 
Hosted by NYSAFC in partnership with PERMA.

Registration Form & Flyer (PDF)
Registration Form (JPG)
Flyer (JPG)
Online Registration (Creation of an online account required.)

2026 Firefighter Wellness Seminar Series 
"In the Mouth of the Dragon: Fire Dynamics and the Cancer Risk on Today’s Fireground"
With Director/Chief Frank Leeb (First Responder Center for Excellence/FDNY)










The modern fire environment has changed – and so has the risk to firefighters. Today’s fires, driven by synthetic materials, burn faster and are more toxic than ever before. As a result, occupational cancer has emerged as one of the greatest threats to the fire service. Based on the book he co-authored, In the Mouth of the Dragon, Chief Frank Leeb will connect modern fire dynamics with the growing incidence of occupational cancer. The program will examine key fire dynamics concepts essential for optimal fireground performance and the relationship between occupational cancer and the modern fire environment. It will further explore how today’s fire conditions increase exposure and how those exposures directly impact firefighter health and long-term risk. This session will provide practical, operationally relevant strategies to reduce risk without sacrificing aggressive fireground operations. Participants will develop a clearer understanding of the relationship between modern fire behavior, toxic smoke, and occupational illness – and how informed tactics, disciplined decision-making, and fireground awareness can meaningfully reduce risk.

2026 Locations and Dates:
Seminar begins at 7:00 p.m. at all sites. Registration area opens at 6:30 p.m.

Clinton County
September 23, 2026
Beekmantown Middle School • LGI Room • Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Park at 197 Haynes Road – school is across the street

Fulton County
December 14, 2026
Berkshire Fire Department • 320 Steele Avenue Ext. • Gloversville, NY 12078

Oneida County
December 9, 2026
Floyd Fire Department • 8367 Old Floyd Road • Rome, NY 13440

Suffolk County
October 7, 2026
North Babylon Volunteer Fire Company • 20 Hale Road • North Babylon, NY 11703

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