Winter Symposium

Join the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association for the 2024 Winter Symposium on March 5-6, 2024 at the Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square.


Registration Information

The cost for the 2024 Winter Symposium is $140 for members and $200 for non-members.

Click here to register! 


Scholarship

The OFESF Memorial Scholarship is now available for OFCA members. Click here for the application.

This scholarship must be used toward the Winter Symposium, or Ohio Fire & Rescue Officer Development Conference, registration costs.

Scholarships are open to members of the OFCA. The scholarship is intended for those who are first time attendees of the event(s) at a department with limited budgets. Please submit any necessary documents, such as proof of budgetary needs, along with the scholarship form. 

Please remit the application to:
Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation Memorial Scholarship
450 W. Wilson Bridge Road, Suite 150
Worthington, Ohio 43085


Hotel Information 

Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square
75 E. State Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 365-4500

Group Rate: $145 per night 

Please CLICK HERE to book your hotel room at the OFCA group rate.

The last day to book a hotel room with the discounted group rate is Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The group rate is good for reservations for March 1-9, 2024.  


Agenda

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

1:30 PM - Welcome 

1:30 PM - Employment Law Decisions Affecting Public Sector Management 
                       Presented by Jonathan Downes 

3:45 PM - OFCA Legislative Update
                       Presenters: Chief Steve Agenbroad, OFCA Legislative Committee Chair 

                                                  Michelle Fitzgibbon, OFCA Executive Director and Legislative Agent

4:15 PM - Conclusion (Change into Class A's)

4:45 PM - Picture at the Ohio Statehouse 

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Ohio Statehouse Reception in the Atrium 

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Sheraton

8:30 AM - OFCA Workforce Development & Sustainment Discussion 
                       Moderators: Chief Clayton O'Brien; Chief Steve Agenbroad; Chief Chad Hollinger; Chief Steve Kelly 

9:45 AM - Marijuana and CBD in the Workplace Panel
                       Moderators: Chief Clayton O'Brien; Chief Steve Agenbroad; Deputy Chief Rick Vober; Retired Chief Jack Rupp 

11:00 AM - EMS Updates 
                          Presenters: Ohio EMS Director Rob Wagoner; State Medical Director Dr. Carol Cunningham

Noon - Conclusion


About the Presentations

Employment Law Decisions Affecting Public Sector Management

This session reviews recent court decisions and legislation from the past year that impacts management of sworn and civil personnel.  These will include federal law matters, civil rights of employees, freedom of speech/1st Amendment, and discipline matters. Topics will include ADA, FMLA and FLSA.  Rulings of SERB are included.    Discussion includes the rulings and the practical impact of the developments. Practical solutions are offered. Trends are identified for future planning. Practical application is emphasized.  Changes to rules suggested where advisable. Questions are encouraged.

OFCA Legislative Update

Learn about the issues impacting fire and EMS in the state of Ohio.  With over 1,000 bills introduced each General Assembly there are always numerous bills that positively and negatively impact the fire and EMS service. Find out what is currently on the legislative agenda, how it impacts your department and how to prepare to meet with your legislators to have these meaningful discussions at the OFCA Statehouse Reception.

OFCA Workforce Development & Sustainment Discussion

The OFCA has set a strategic goal of identifying issues and solutions around the development and sustainment of our public safety workforce. This is an issue that currently impacts every type and size of fire and EMS department across the state, and it is not going to be solved quickly or easily. We all have a role and responsibility to have these discussions and work towards sustainable solutions to ensure our communities have the services they require when they need them. Please join us for a candid conversation about where we are currently and what we need to be prepared for in the near future.

EMS Updates

Director Wagoner and Dr. Cunningham will provide a joint presentation on the current and upcoming issues impacting Ohio’s EMS service in Ohio. This dynamic duo always present useful information to take back to your departments. You will not want to miss this!