At Williams Direct Dryers, supporting the fire service extends beyond providing reliable fire gear dryers. We are committed to helping firefighters access the training, knowledge, and resources they need to operate safely and effectively. That commitment is why we are proud to partner with National Fire Training to sponsor a no-cost webinar titled “Research-Based Tactics: The Evolving Fireground,” taking place September 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
This educational webinar brings together two of the fire service’s most respected instructors and researchers, Captain Sean Gray and P.J. Norwood, who will share valuable insights into how modern fire science continues to shape firefighting tactics and decision-making on today’s fireground.
Supporting Firefighter Education Through National Fire Training
National Fire Training has built a strong reputation throughout the United States and Canada for delivering high-quality educational programs designed specifically for firefighters. Their mission is to provide fire service professionals with advanced instruction, practical tools, and expert guidance that can be immediately applied in the field.
By partnering with organizations and instructors who are leaders in the industry, National Fire Training helps departments stay informed about evolving best practices, emerging technologies, and research-driven operational strategies.
Williams Direct Dryers is honored to support this mission by sponsoring a webinar that focuses on one of the most important topics in modern firefighting: understanding how fire behavior research is transforming tactical operations. Register today at nationalfiretraining.com.
Understanding the Evolving Fireground
Over the past two decades, significant research has fundamentally changed how firefighters understand fire behavior. Modern building construction, synthetic furnishings, energy-efficient structures, and changing ventilation characteristics have created fire conditions that often behave differently than those encountered by previous generations of firefighters.
As a result, many traditional tactics have been reevaluated through scientific testing and real-world validation. The upcoming National Fire Training webinar, “Research-Based Tactics: The Evolving Fireground,” explores these findings and helps firefighters understand how evidence-based strategies can improve safety, efficiency, and operational outcomes.
Participants will gain insights into current research, tactical decision-making, fire attack methods, and other critical factors that influence success on today’s fireground.
Learn from Captain Sean Gray
Captain Sean Gray brings more than 30 years of fire service experience to this webinar from National Fire Training and Williams Direct Dryers. Having begun his career in 1993, he currently serves with Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services in the Metro Atlanta area.
Throughout his distinguished career, Captain Gray has been deeply involved in advancing fire safety research and applying scientific findings to frontline firefighting operations. He serves as an appointed member of the UL Research Institutes’ FSRI Advisory Board and participates on several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committees as a voting member representing the fire service.
Captain Gray is widely recognized for his contributions to research-based firefighting tactics and is the co-author of The Evolving Fireground, a highly respected publication released through Fire Engineering. He is also a regular instructor and presenter at FDIC International, where he teaches his well-known class, Attack from the Burned Side.
Learn from P.J. Norwood
Joining Captain Sean Gray is P.J. Norwood, one of the most influential educators in today’s fire service. Norwood serves as the Director of Training for the Connecticut Fire Academy and is a retired Deputy Chief of the East Haven Fire Department. In 2025, he was appointed as an East Haven Fire Commissioner and has also served in the Connecticut Army National Guard.
His leadership in firefighter education extends nationwide through his involvement with FDIC International, the Fire Engineering Advisory Board, and multiple training and research initiatives. Norwood is also a co-author of The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics and serves on both the UL-FSRI Technical Panel and Training Advisory Committee.
As an active member of the North American Fire Training Directors organization, P.J. has contributed to the development of national instructor training programs and continues to advocate for innovative approaches to firefighter education.
Why Williams Direct Dryers Supports National Fire Training & Is Sponsoring this Webinar
At Williams Direct Dryers, we understand that firefighter safety depends on more than equipment alone. Ongoing education, professional development, and access to current research play critical roles in protecting firefighters and improving operational performance.
By sponsoring this webinar, we hope to help departments and firefighters gain access to valuable information that can enhance situational awareness, improve tactical effectiveness, and support safer fireground operations.
Just as our PPE gear dryers are designed to help departments maintain readiness by properly drying turnout gear, boots, gloves, and equipment, we believe educational opportunities like this help maintain another critical component of firefighter safety and readiness: knowledge.
Register for This Free Training Opportunity & Explore Trusted PPE Dryers
Williams Direct Dryers is proud to partner with National Fire Training in supporting the fire service not only through dependable fire gear dryers but through education, innovation, and a continued commitment to firefighter safety as well. Firefighters, officers, instructors, and department leaders looking to expand their understanding of modern fireground tactics are encouraged to take advantage of this no-cost educational opportunity from National Fire Training. With instruction from Captain Sean Gray and P.J. Norwood, attendees can gain practical insights grounded in real-world experience and validated by fire science research. Register today at nationalfiretraining.com.
For more information on Williams Direct Dryers, our commitment to fire safety, and how our PPE dryers help keep firefighters safer on the job, contact us today.
