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Division Command Training, LLC was founded to provide practical, experience-driven training for today's fire service. Our mission is to help firefighters, company officers, chief officers, and instructors develop the leadership, decision-making, and operational skills needed to succeed in an increasingly complex emergency response environment.

What began with a focus on incident command and division supervision has expanded into a growing portfolio of programs covering command and control, tactical operations, thermal imaging, building construction, electric vehicle and micromobility response, fire service instruction, and officer development. We are proud to deliver National Fire Academy programs, New Jersey Division of Fire Safety-approved courses, and custom training solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern fire departments.

Founded by Battalion Chief Patrick Wirkus, Division Command Training draws upon decades of fire service experience in both operational and administrative leadership roles. Chief Wirkus serves as a Battalion Chief with the Elizabeth Fire Department in New Jersey, one of the busiest urban fire departments in the state, and as a Deputy Fire Mutual Aid Coordinator for Union County. He is a designated Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) graduate, and a contributing author for Fire Engineering Magazine.

Supporting our mission is a cadre of experienced fire service instructors who bring decades of combined experience in fire suppression, incident command, rescue operations, emergency response, and firefighter training. Together, our instructional team is committed to providing relevant, realistic, and immediately applicable training that students can take back to their organizations and apply from day one.

At Division Command Training, we believe training should extend beyond the classroom. Our goal is to strengthen leadership, improve firefighter safety, enhance operational effectiveness, and help organizations build a culture of continuous professional development.

Division Command Training, LLC — Where Strategy Meets Tactics.

Courses

Upcoming Events

September 21, 2026

The Missing Tactical Layer: Why Firegrounds Break Down

NJDFS/Kean Fire Training

Morris County, NJ Fire Academy

September 26, 2026

The Missing Tactical Layer: Why Firegrounds Break Down

NJDFS/Kean Fire Training

Cape May, NJ Fire Academy

September 23, 2026

Decoding the Thermal Environment:

Tactical Thermography for the Fire Service

New Providence, NJ Fire Department

September 30, 2026

Decoding the Thermal Environment:

Tactical Thermography for the Fire Service

Berkeley Heights, NJ Fire Department

October 24, 2026

The Missing Tactical Layer: Why Firegrounds Break Down

Maple Shade, NJ Fire Department

November 17, 2026

The Missing Tactical Layer: Why Firegrounds Break Down

Western Monmouth, NJ Mutual Aid Association

February 16, 2027

The Missing Tactical Layer: Why Firegrounds Break Down

Virginia Fire Rescue Conference

Virginia Beach, VA Convention Center

October 10 & 17, 2026

The Missing Tactical Layer: Why Firegrounds Break Down

Hillsborough, NJ Fire District

November 7, 2026

The Missing Tactical Layer: Why Firegrounds Break Down

Colonia, NJ Fire Department

November 30, 2026

The Missing Tactical Layer: Why Firegrounds Break Down

Mine Hill, NJ Fire Department

DIVISION COMMAND TRAINING CADRE

  • Patrick wirkus

    OWNER/LEAD INSTRUCTOR

  • Lathey Wirkus

    SENIOR INSTRUCTOR/ADVISOR

  • DAVID BIALAS

    SENIOR INSTRUCTOR

  • JOHN SYERS JR

    INSTRUCTOR

  • DILLON JENSEN

    INSTRUCTOR

  • WILLIAM "BILLY" DAVITT

    INSTRUCTOR

  • MATTHEW LEMONS

    INSTRUCTOR

  • KEVIN MORAN

    INSTRUCTOR

  • ANDREW SENCHYSHYN

    ADMINISTRATIVE & MEDIA COORDINATOR

UPCOMING OPEN ENROLLMENT COURSES

DIVISION COMMAND TRAINING PARTNERSHIPS

Chief Anthony Kastros has had a significant influence on the way I think about command, leadership, and fireground operations. I've spent a significant amount of time studying and following his work, particularly his approach to decentralizing the fireground and empowering qualified officers to manage geographic and functional areas.

That philosophy strongly aligns with what we teach at Division Command Training. Effective fireground command isn't about one person trying to control everything, it's about building a command structure that allows trained leaders to operate within the commander's intent.

Our one-day Missing Tactical Layer program introduces and reinforces many of these concepts from our perspective and experience. But if you're serious about taking your command knowledge further, I highly recommend Chief Kastros' work through Firefighter Inspiration, Readiness & Education and his book, Mastering Fireground Command.

Never stop studying the craft.

Never stop preparing for the next fire.

-Patrick Wirkus, Owner/Lead Instructor

At Division Command Training, partnerships mean more than putting a logo on a website. I believe in products I actually use, and Flame Decon is one of them.

I use Flame Decon products every day, even when I haven't been at a fire. Their activated-charcoal-based products help remove the smoke, soot, and odors that have followed firefighters home for generations. Whether it's getting the smoke smell out of my clothes or actually feeling clean after a shower, Flame Decon has become part of my everyday routine.

We spend our careers talking about reducing exposures and protecting our people. For me, that commitment doesn't end when the gear comes off. It's about making small, practical changes that can contribute to a cleaner fire service and, ultimately, a longer and healthier life.

I use it. I believe in it. That's why I'm proud to partner with Flame Decon.

-Patrick Wirkus, Owner/Lead Instructor

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