NFL-STYLE
ENERGY MEETS
FIREFIGHTER SAFETY
LEARN THE LATEST ON NFPA UPDATES, PPE, THERMAL IMAGING, AND MORE
DAILY GIVEAWAYS INCLUDING BIG SCREEN TVS, THERMAL IMAGERS, AND BONUS SURPRISES
HEAR FROM DENVER BRONCOS LEGEND
KARL MECKLENBURG
DATES AND LOCATIONS: ​
EVENT SCHEDULE:
7:30-8:00 AM | REGISTRATION
Welcome and Registration
Attendees can explore the Manufacturer Expo
​​
8:00-9:00 AM | KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Karl Mecklenburg: 3-time Super Bowl Champion
Leadership and Teamwork​
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9:00-9:45 AM | LION
Karen Lehtonen/Eddie Seaton/LION TEAM:
NFPA 1970 Updates and PPE Innovations
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10:15-11:00 AM | 3M SCOTT
Brad Watson: NFPA 1970, 1981/1982 Chapters
Air-Pak™ XD SCBA / Communications
11:00-11:30 AM | FIREFIGHTER HEALTH & SAFETY
Chief Don Lombardi
11:30 AM-12:00 PM | ELKHART BRASS
Jerry Herbst: Brass Tacks Hard Facts
12:00-1:00 PM | LUNCH
Extended lunch to allow attendees to network and explore Manufacturer Expo
1:00-1:30 PM | SCI/PBI
Billy Black and Catalina Ciobanu: Fibers and Fabric Technology
1:30-2:00 PM | GORE
Ryan Hemans: NFPA 1970 and the impact of Moisture Barriers
2:00-2:30 PM | CIRCUL-AIR
Scott Estrada: 1850 update, In-station extractor technology
3:00-3:30 PM | LION SAFETY SOLUTIONS
Kevin Shea: Lion Training Products - Safe, Clean, Repeatable
3:30-4:00 PM | SEEK THERMAL
Scott Herbert and Mike Garrett: Future of Thermal Imaging
4:00-4:30 PM | VSG
Matt Hunt: Next Level Rope Technology
Visit the expo to see the newest gear, meet others
in the fire service, and stay until the end for a shot at prizes like TVs, thermal imagers, and more!
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION BY KARL MECKLANBURG
Karl Mecklenburg rose from a college walk-on and 12th-round draft pick to become one of the most respected and versatile players in Denver Broncos history. Over his 12-year career, he played in six Pro Bowls, three Super Bowls, and was named AFC Linebacker and Defensive Player of the Year in 1987. Known for playing all seven defensive front positions—sometimes in a single game—he’s been inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the Broncos Ring of Fame. Today, Karl brings that same passion and discipline to his work as a motivational speaker.
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
EDDIE SEATON
LION
Eddie Seaton is a Category Sales Manager for technical garments, responsible for North American sales of turnout gear, rescuewear, and CBRN products. With a background in chemistry and over 20 years in sales, including a decade specializing in performance fabrics, he brings deep expertise to the industry. Based in Delaware, Eddie is a proud husband and father of three girls—twin toddlers and a newborn—who keep him on his toes.
BRAD WATSON
3M SCOTT
Brad Watson has over 34 years of experience in the safety industry, including 28 years with Scott Fire and Safety. During his tenure, he held key roles such as Field Sales Specialist, Zone Manager, and US Fire Manager. Brad is 1081 Interior and Exterior Certified, Pro Board Certified, and has spent 22 years as an instructor at Texas A&M Fire School for both municipal and industrial programs. He also serves as an alternate seat representative on an NFPA Committee and once took on the grueling Combat Challenge in 2000.
MATT HUNT
VSG
Matt has been living and playing in the vertical world since he started rock climbing as a teenager. A college high angle rescue course sparked his passion for rescue work, which he’s pursued ever since. For the past 17 years, he’s been with Sterling, supporting firefighters, rescue teams, tactical operators, and rope access pros. He’s presented research at the International Technical Rescue Symposium, currently serves as president of the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians, and is also dad to a feisty toddler.
JERRY HERBST
ELKHART BRASS
Jerry is a 45-year Fire Service veteran and a New York State certified Training Officer. He currently serves as Director of Municipal Markets and Training for Elkhart Brass, traveling worldwide to support Elkhart’s field force and end users with expert guidance on fire attack equipment solutions. He’s been published and referenced in leading industry media, actively instructs at national hands-on training events, and is the co-creator of the Brass Tacks Hard Facts video series.
CATALINA CIOBANU
PBI PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
Catalina Ciobanu is the Vice President of Global Marketing at PBI Performance Products, overseeing branding, communications, and business development across North America. With 20+ years of experience in protective textiles and PPE, she’s led major rebranding efforts, impactful campaigns, and strategic sales initiatives. Catalina also manages key accounts in the U.S. and Canada and is a strong advocate for firefighter safety, ensuring PBI’s fire-resistant fabrics continue to set the industry standard.
RYAN HEMANS
WL GORE
Ryan Hemans found his passion for the fire service early, inspired by his father, a Seattle firefighter. After three years as a volunteer firefighter, he spent over two decades in motorcycle industry sales before returning to the fire world. He joined a turnout gear manufacturer, and three years later, accepted a role with WL Gore as the field sales associate for the Western U.S. His work supports firefighter protection—including his own son, who recently joined the fire service.
SCOTT ESTRADA
SHUR-SALES AND MARKETING
Scott Estrada is our PPE Specialist representing the Southern California market. Scott started his fire career in 1993 as a seasonal firefighter and worked his way through the ranks to Captain in 2004. Scott retired early due to a cancer diagnosis and went to the fire equipment sales industry. He was the VP at a Southern California company where he specialized in Firefighter health and safety. Scott joins us bringing his knowledge he has gained in the 29+ years in the fire service in both using and representing all equipment.
KEVIN SHEA
SHUR-SALES AND MARKETING
Kevin Shea is a retired Lt. from FDNY. Kevin has over 40 years of experience in the Fire Service, as both a volunteer and professional Firefighter. He has taught Firefighting and Technical Rescue classes for State, County & Municipal agencies, as well as to the Military & Private Industry. Kevin is currently a contributing author for Fire Engineering magazine.
CHIEF DON LOMBARDI
WEST METRO FPD
Fire Chief Don Lombardi has served West Metro Fire Protection District since 1991, rising through the ranks to lead one of Colorado’s largest fire and EMS agencies. He holds degrees in Physical Education and Public Administration and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. Chief Lombardi also sponsors Colorado Task Force 1 (FEMA USAR), co-authored firefighter health legislation, and has held leadership roles in multiple fire service associations. His honors include Colorado Fire Chief of the Year and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
KAREN LEHTONEN
LION
Karen has been with LION since 2000 and is the Global Vice President of Innovation and Product Development. She leads product, fabric, and material development across all markets, manages the innovation pipeline, oversees product certifications, and runs the LION Lab. Karen began her career in 1995 testing fire service products and has served on NFPA technical committees ever since. She currently sits on seven NFPA committees and is a past Chair of the ASTM F23 protective clothing committee.
SCOTT HERBERT
SHUR-SALES AND MARKETING
Scott Herbert is a retired firefighter with 28 years of service in California through Cal Fire and Riverside County Fire. A certified instructor, he led live fire training at Cal Fire academies and has spent over 20 years teaching and studying fire behavior with UL, FSRI, and NIST. Scott has served on thermal imager spec committees since 2004, sits on a factory advisory board, and teaches TIC-focused search and live fire classes nationwide. His background includes engine, ladder, and FEMA USAR experience.
BILL BLACK
SAFETY COMPONENTS
Bill Black has served the fire service for over 32 years on both the distribution and textile sides of the PPE industry. With deep knowledge from fiber to fabric and current NFPA standards, he’s supported gear procurement for agencies at the local, state, federal, and international levels across the Western U.S. and Canada. He holds degrees in Public Administration and Fire Science and serves on the boards of the San Diego Firehouse Museum and SAFER. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golfing, boating, and spending time with his wife Nikki, a nurse.