Testimonials

Chief Bryant, the Command 2A Class was the most beneficial class I have taken in regards to the fire captain position. I promoted 1 year ago and have been out of Operations for 10 years, 8 years in fire camps and 2 years in fire prevention. This class has helped me to understand the process of decision making and responsibility of an incident commander. The audio/visual content of the various incidents were invaluable, as well as the Fire Ground Survival portion. The command post simulations were very beneficial. The use of the size-up process, command process and IAP/transfer of command processes you presented really makes sense. I look forward to taking the rest of the Fire Command Series. Your dedication to command training is much appreciated. Thank You!!!

Chief, that was possibly the best command fire class I’ve ever attended and I’ve been to many now (Fire Science Cert., PM School, USAR, Fire Officer Cert. to name several). My brain was so stimulated from our week’s activities. I woke up early Saturday morning still thinking about fireground tactics and strategies! I’m not kidding! I think your participation made it especially valuable. You gave us cutting edge information and related it to real L.A. County F.D. incidents, while incorporating policies and procedures (present and future). You can’t beat that! I’m really excited about this Command series and am looking forward to the next class. Thank you.

Chief Mike Bryant is a dynamic, student centered teacher whose classroom instruction is made relevant and credible by virtue of his distinguished professional career. Through his personal experiences as an incident commander, Chief Bryant brings to life both the art and science of incident management. He provides a classroom setting that meets the needs of the adult learner. Students learn in an environment that is filled with collaboration and incorporates the personal experiences of each student. I found a perfect balance of theory and practice in Chief Bryant’s courses. I’ve greatly expanded my knowledge about the various components of incident management and successfully applied the principles he teaches in developing my incident management skills. My confidence and ability as an incident commander have improved greatly since completing my training with Chief Bryant. I would recommend that anybody seeking to improve their knowledge and understanding of incident management take a course taught by Chief Bryant.

I just wanted to write and let you know how much impact your classes (Safety and Command) have had on me. I returned to work with a new and much-needed enthusiasm not only for my job but for my position as lieutenant. Somehow, in listening to you, a lot of things clicked. Sounds corny, but something inside of me truly was set into motion by the end of that week. Since then I have come to work feeling more confident and am better able to assess situations (identify the hazard) and tackle the job (mitigate it). I still need work, but I am more concise on the radio, doing my best to relay only critical information. I also feel much more connected to the people assigned to me each day. It feels good to understand our purpose and to relate it to the crew instead of just going through the motions. I honestly think you have made me a better firefighter and a better boss, and I am sincerely grateful to you. Thank you so much for sharing not only your time, but also for generously giving me so much of the data and discs in your collection–I have already put them to good use.

Mike, we all can’t thank you enough for the time, energy, preparation, quality of work and instruction which you provided San Jose Fire this past week. Upon hearing that I was going to be emailing you, multiple people came to me wanting to convey their gratitude and appreciation. You may never know the lives and property you saved by teaching this class, but I have no doubt that you have. I hope one day soon, we can provide video, audio and stories from San Jose where we were able to implement a decision making process and execute an incident action plan, which supported the incident’s priorities.

Hi Mike, I wanted to thank you for an excellent safety officer class this week. You really are the fire service’s version of an evangelist and I definitely felt renewed by your outlook and the passion by which you get your message across. For many of the scenarios that you covered- it’s so obvious that the troops were failed by their command. I am certain that the lessons learned emphasized by your dynamic and simple to understand perspective will save lives. I am absolutely committed to your line of thinking and will apply it daily to the folks I am responsible for. I will also insist that it be actively applied to my supervisors and instructors who are responsible for others. I really admire and somewhat envy your career accomplishments and the level of responsibility that you carry with your Department. Thanks again Mike.

Hello Chief Bryant, I took your class titled “Managing the Fire Ground” and decision making at the Jefferson County Fire School in Louisville, Kentucky. I thoroughly enjoyed your class and took much from it. It strengthened my perseverance in doing my part to make it better on many issues. Thank you!

Hi Chief – I’m finishing my final prep for our BC assessment center; mine is tomorrow. I Thought I’d let you know how much I appreciate the education (command, leadership & management) classes you gave me the last 2 years. Much of my “Binders of Knowledge” (it takes several thick ones to fit everything) are packed with Bryant material; about a trees worth. It is more than just knowing much more than before, but I feel much more confident of myself and I know that I’m ready. My target is #1, but where ever I place, I know that your program pushed me higher.” I was able to get the Chief Officer Certification in July and started by online BA degree last fall. Kind of felt like I was missing out when you were in town teaching the command classes. I’ll let you know how it works out. Thanks again and take care.

Chief Mike Bryant- My thanks for teaching the decision making and situational awareness class, one of the best I’ve ever attended, a real eyeopener!