LECTURES
Over the course of his distinguished career, John Ceriello has delivered hundreds of lectures and hands-on training sessions to firefighters and emergency personnel across the globe. His teachings span the science and strategy of modern firefighting, leadership ethics, and the continual evolution of standard operating procedures. Through these sessions, he has inspired countless firefighters to challenge themselves, embrace innovation, and elevate the standards of their profession. Among his many presentations, several have stood out as keynote addresses—powerful moments where his expertise, research, and field experience converged to shape the future of fire service leadership and safety.
Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference | 2025
At this premier national conference focused on incident command and fire service leadership, John Ceriello delivered a compelling presentation on the critical influence of wind in structure fires. Drawing from groundbreaking research and real-world experience, his lecture provided actionable insights that continue to shape modern firefighting tactics and command decision-making.
International Association of Fire Chiefs | 2018
At the International Association of Fire Chiefs Conference in Bahrain, Ceriello presented Wind-Impacted Fires, to an international audience of fire service leaders. He revealed how wind dynamics fundamentally alter fire behavior within structures. His presentation bridged science and street-level tactics, offering practical strategies that have since informed global training programs and improved firefighter safety worldwide.
Fire House Expo | 2017
Pulling Back The Curtain: A Cautionary Tale
Ceriello delivered the keynote speech to over 1,000 firefighters in attendance, inspiring them to have the necessary bravery to pull back the curtain on their own knowledge and training, in order to become the best firefighter and public servant they can be.
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Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) | 1999–2025
Over the course of 26 years of FDIC conferences, Ceriello has established himself as one of the fire service’s most respected and enduring voices. His lectures span a wide range of subjects—from the evolving science of fire behavior to leadership, strategy, and modern fireground tactics, each grounded in decades of operational experience and cutting-edge research. Through his dynamic presentations, Ceriello has inspired thousands of firefighters and command officers to think critically, lead decisively, and operate more safely in today’s complex fire environment.
The International Society of Fire Service Instructors | 2016-2025
The ISFSI mission statement is to “bring the science to the streets.” Ceriello has delivered this 8-hour classroom course to numerous Fire Departments around the country, reviewing the basics of how fires develop inside structures, key modern fire-service terms, current research methods, and the limitations of PPE. With that foundation, the course then focused on proven, science-based tactics for handling basement fires and examined several case studies where basement fires led to firefighter line-of-duty deaths.