News & Stories
Firefighters Teach 3/5 Rescue Skills
From the Pendleton News
US Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, California
Story by: Lance Cpl Ryan Tomlinson
Techniques used by firefighters from all around the United States were introduced to Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment Sept. 11.
Firefighters taught 3/5 Rapid Urban Breaching and Rescue Concepts, and how to use the combat ready techniques at the 3/5 motor pool here.
With these concepts you will be able to bring the Marine from the point of impact to point of extraction," said William C. Wennberg, 31, chief executive officer of Contact Front, from Bryn Mawr, Pa. "This training has not been instilled into the Marines and is a priority."
The Marines learned all concepts in one day. The morning classes taught the Marines how to properly employ combat rescue techniques at any place and time during a firefight, and also a crash course on basic roping knots.
The afternoon involved four individual stations comprised of unique situations that an infantryman could be involved in during a conflict.
At the first station, Marines were taught how to properly perform a medical evacuation of a Marine through a window. The second station trained them how to dismount a combat locked humvee. The third educated them on forcible entry through a wall, doorway and even a humvee hatch. The final stage demonstrated how to perform an extraction on a stairwell when a Marine was out of reach.
Before this training, "it would take up to four Marines to get one man evacuated from the scene, and now it only takes one to two," said Sgt. Chaz J. Valentine, a vehicle commander with Personal Security Detail, 3/5. This "is perfect for my platoon because we're limited in numbers for Marines to be used and it will work in every situation."
The Marines trained vigorously all day to learn the concepts. The instructors were open-minded about different ways the Marines felt it could be done.
"The instructors encouraged us to give our feedback if we thought a technique could be performed better for us," said Valentine, 24, from Ewa Beach, Hawaii. "They opened our minds to different situations and let us adapt and accomplish." The instructors are currently planning at Headquarters Marine Corps to train other infantry units in the future.
"I loved teaching this course because I am able to give back to those who serve," said Bruce J. Schweiger, 27, an instructor from Contact Front Wilmington, Del. "I hoped this has helped them enough to one day save a brother's life."
Press Releases
Belvedere Fire Company (DE) - Incident Command Seminar - Contact Front
Belvedere, Wilmington, Delaware
February 8, 2010
Future Contact Front training is planned to include: Large Area Seach, Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training and leadership seminars with Belvedere Fire Company hosting nearby mutual aid companies.
Contact Front is dedicated to providing training that results in firefighter survival.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Montgomery County (PA) Command Fire Officers Seminar - Contact Front
Conshohocken, Pennsylania
January 30, 2010
Fire officers were given an overview of the advantages and simplicity of methods employed by Contact Front instructors to effect rapid firefigher extraction and rescue. A brief demonstation of tactics was performed for the officers attending in addition to the Contact Front training program overview.
Response was tremendous. Contact Front, LLC is currently working on a coordinated training plan for Montgomery County (PA) firefighters and tactical police officer's training. Please stay posted for our developments.
For information, contact:
Mark Allston
Chief Operations Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.530.8605
Willow Grove Fire Company - Fire Ground Command Course
Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
December 10, 2009
Chief Hojnicki's 30+ years experience in the fire service, while presently serving as a Battalion Chief in his department gave these professional volunteer firefighters and officers the perspective of a seasoned mentor.
Well received and with very active participation, this seminar proved to be a valuable asset to those who attended by review of their responses both during the trianing and comments afterwards.
Contact Front continues to support training plans in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
432nd Wing USAF Security Forces complete 4 day training with Contact Front
Creech AFB, Las Vegas, Nevada
October 21, 2009
Creech AFB is home to the USAF RQ-1 & MBQRB Predator. Contact Front trained Air Forces trainers for pre-deployment preparation for personnel of Operation United Response. Rapid extraction techniques for airman warrior survival was the focus for the Contact Front team.
THE AIRMAN'S CREED
I am an American Airman.
I am a warrior.
I have answered my nation's call.
I am an American Airman.
My mission is to fly, fight, and win.
I am faithful to a proud heritage,
a tradition of honor,
and a legacy of valor.
I am an American Airman,
guardian of freedom and justice,
my nation's sword and shield,
its sentry and avenger.
I defend my country with my life.
I am an American Airman:
wingman, leader, warrior.
I will never leave an Airman behind,
I will never falter,
and I will not fail.
For information, contact:
Mark Allston
Chief Operations Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.530.8605
Contact Front TRET trains the Mid Atlantic Tactical Officers Association
Harborsite USANA Tactical Training Center, New Jersey
September 28, 2009
Officers and medics learned how to employ many methods for rapid extraction and breaching utilized by firefighters, now applied to provide quick egress under hostile fire.
Participants included officers and agencies from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and New York. Contact Front is looking forward to returning to Harborsite.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Lieutenant Mike Scotto (FDNY) brings LIDS to Delaware with CF Support
Dover, Delaware
September 17, 2009
During the two days of instruction, Ladder Company Operations were the focus. As the Executive Officer of FDNY Ladder 58, Mike and our firefighter instructors were able to give participants life-saving information to take back to their home company.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
United State Air Force Security Forces considering Contact Front TRET training
Joint Base Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst, New Jersey
August 30, 2009
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Lower Merion Fire Department Dedicated to Saving Firefighter Lives with CF
Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania
March 27, 2009
Contact Front performed Tactical Rescue and Extraction Techniques (TRET) training for Chief Chas McGarvey and his seven companies that make up the Lower Merion Township Fire Department. This progressive department believes in the need to equip their firefighters with the tools for survival that Contact Front offers.
Be Safe!
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Lower Merion Police Department Learns CF Egress Techniques
Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania
March 20, 2009
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
11th MEU (SOC) United States Marine Corps....CF training means saving lives.
MCB Camp Pendleton, CA
January 9, 2009
Contact Front instructors taught Rapid Urban Breaching and Rescue Concepts (RUBR), and how to use these combat ready techniques, for these brave Marine who will face the ememy in only a month.
Saving our Marines lives is the mission, and all these warriors quickly embraced the practical applications of rescue techniques and procedures utilized by fire service professionals.
The Marines of the 11th MEU will take into battle the skills learned from Contact Front's training team, save firefighters lives each year.
Semper Fidelis !
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Talleyville Fire Company completes TRET 2-day course
Wilmington, Delaware
December 8, 2008
Evolutions in downed fightfighter extraction, firefighter window escape, performance of mechanical advantage techniques and various rescue drills were performed with the attitude of "train like we fight, fight like we train" can-do attitude.
Contact Front's Director of Firefighter Training Mike Scotto (Lieutenant - Truck 58 FDNY) was impressed by the effort of those training. Contact Front Instructors, Gordon Davis, Joey Leonetti, Bruce Schweiger and Manny Vasquez used their experience and ingenuity of rescue applications to give the participants valuable information to improve their survivabilty in the hostile environment of fire suppresion. Additional support from Rescue 1 Wilmington Fire Department enriched the training weekend.
Military Advisor Will Wennberg of Contact Front illustrated the similarities of his battlefield experience to the demands faced by firefighters. In all, the weekend ranked as a great success for Contact Front, LLC and the fire service professionals under the direction of Chief Tom Looney, Talleyville Fire Company (DE).
Contact Front Trains Air Force Security Forces Squadron
Moody AFB, Georgia
October 17, 2008
The training took place at Moody's Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) facility where Airmen donned full combat loads and operated in common urban scenarios testing their leadership skills as well as tactical proficiencies. Much of the training integrated the employment of rescue techniques in hostile combat situations taught by Contact Front for the United States Air Force, in an effort to address the current capability gap facing Airmen when tasked with casualty extraction and transport from point of impact to definitive care.
The Warriors of the 824th were so impressed by the new rescue techniques learned that they recommended to Battle Lab personnel, the facilitators of the training event, that Contact Front provide similar training programs to Air Force Security Forces' units service wide.
The TRET served as an addition to the 824th's pre-deployment training package and focused on promoting confidence to casualty response and instilling an offensive mindset in the Airmen. The 824th is tasked with a unique combat mission and will be deployed in theater within the upcoming months.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Contact Front Trains Hawaii Warriors
DOD Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawai'i
March 28, 2008
From March 10-12, Contact Front traveled to various locations at the Pohakuloa Training Area, demonstrating practical combat rescue techniques for the Marines. With a combat deployment just months away for the regiment, the Marines of 1/3 were eager to employ the training received from members of the Contact Front Mobile Training Team. The response was overwhelming.
TRET training procedures are currently being adopted by warriors in Iraq and Afghanistan by select infantry battalions of the United States Marine Corps.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Contact Front Conducts Pre-Deployment Training for BLT 1/6
MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
January 31, 2008
Along with the combat lifesavers, corpsman, and team leaders from the battalion, BLT 1/6 sent elements from their attachments to include scouts from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, crewman from 2nd Amphibious Assault Vehicle Battalion, forward observers from 1st Battalion 10th Marines, and scouts from 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion to participate in the training. The Marines of the BLT rotated through stations where they learned how to employ rescue techniques to negotiate common obstacles, such as stairs and windows, assist in a confined space rescue, and underwent combat lifesaver and tactical considerations training.
All the Marines agreed that the training provided improved performance, practical utility and flexibility that is useful in lieu of any type of poleless or field expedient litter. There was no question that Marines found essential alternative rescue techniques in instances when a litter is not convenient.
Contact Front is scheduled to conduct similar training for 3rd Marine Regiment in early March.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Contact Front Demonstrates Essential Rescue Techniques for 1st Bn 6th Marine Regiment
MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
December 22, 2007
Contact Front performed this on site training at the home of 1/6, Camp Lejeune, NC.
Scheduled to deploy in support of the Global War on Terror, 1/6 plans to utilize rescue techniques taught by Contact Front, as standard procedure during combat operations, and incorporate its training in their pre-deployment work-ups.
The request for the training demonstration came after 1/6 had heard of other Marine units using rescue techniques for hostile combat environments taught by Contact Front, prior to its deployment. Contact Front intends to continue to work with 1/6 during its pre-deployment training.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Contact Front Trains Wilmington PD SWAT
Wilmington, Delaware
December 14, 2007
The officers were concerned with the rapid and efficient extrication of downed officers during a close-quarter battle, and Contact Front responded with a program highlighting simple and effective techniques to perform extractions in confined spaces while under fire.
The officers were not the only operators involved in the training. A Wilmington PD canine was used throughout the training session in order to develop techniques for the efficient removal of injured dogs during a firefight.
Inspector Sean Finerty, Uniform Operations, Wilmington PD, oversaw the SWAT training and commented, "I have been doing special ops for almost 30 years, and I learned stuff in those few hours with [Contact Front] that I never knew before."
Wilmington PD SWAT intends to start incorporating the associated techniques into its standard operating procedures.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Contact Front Trains Special Operations Marines
MCB Quantico, Virginia
October 25, 2007
This training stresses the need for fast extraction of the wounded and injured and teaches special techniques developed by Contact Front.
William C. Wennberg, Contact Front CEO and himself a former Marine commented, "It's hard to quantify precisely, but there is no doubt in my mind that these techniques will save many lives."
Marines in attendance came from different units to include 2nd MSOS, MARSOC, 3rd Force Recon, EOD, CBIRF, and Security Forces.
This assignment follows the successful conduct of a similar course with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment (3/5) at Camp Pendleton, California the previous month. 3/5 is currently putting their training to the test in operations in Al Anbar province in Iraq.
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955
Contact Front Trains Marines for Special Rescues
Camp Pendleton, California
October 15, 2007
During the course of instruction, the Marines were introduced to innovative rescue techniques, and spent the duration of training at practical application stations, where they honed their rescue skills, and proficiency.
The Marines rotated through six stations which lasted 40 minutes apiece. The stations included basic first-aid assessment, knots and mechanical advantage, basic drags and carries (with standard procedures and new ones learned from Contact Front), stairwell extrication, window extrication, confined space rescue, HMMWV (Humvee) extrication, and basic mechanical breaching with the MOUT Breacher's Kit (MBK).
The Marines of 3/5, many with multiple combat tours in support of Operations Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom, found the training to be very valuable. On numerous occasions the Marines commented that the procedures learned should be used by every Marine.
Before this training, "it would take up to four Marines to get one man evacuated from the scene, and now it only takes one or two," said Sgt. Chaz J. Valentine, a vehicle commander with Personal Security Detail, 3/5. This "is perfect for my platoon because we're limited in numbers and it will work in every situation."
The Marines trained vigorously all day to learn the concepts. The Contact Front staff was open-minded about different ways the Marines felt it could be done. "The instructors encouraged us to give our feedback if we thought a technique could be performed better for us," Valentine added. "They opened our minds to different situations and let us adapt and accomplish."
Warriors from Lima Company, 3/5, discovered new techniques to facilitate the evacuation of a casualty up a flight of stairs. Contact Front has named it the "Dark Horse Drill" in their honor and it will become a staple in the RUBR™ curriculum.
At the session's close, Contact Front instructor Bruce Schweiger summed up the company's vision and commitment. "I loved teaching this course because I'm able to give back to those who serve. I hope this has helped them enough to one day save a brother's life."
For information, contact:
Edward Hojnicki, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Contact Front, LLC
info@contactfront.com
302.218.6955