Command With Confidence

Incident Commander (NFPA 1026) & Command Simulation Lab

Develop. Practice. Lead.

Two Programs:

40-Hour Incident Commander Program or 16-Hour Command Simulation Lab

 

NIMS Command Training Built for Your Department Powered by SimsUShare:

Request a demo of the software we use so you can maintain your skills.

Use this button when you are a part of our ICS, ISO or Fire Officer Courses.

Quick facts:

  • Duration: 5 days / 40 contact hours (8 hours strategy & planning + 32 hours scenario application).

  • Standards: NFPA Professional Qualification 1026 (2024 edition)

  • Scenarios: Multiple NIMS Type 4 & 5 simulated incidents — single- and multi-alarm fires, technical rescues, warehouse, commercial, factory, aircraft, IEDs, and all-hazard events. 

  • Class size: Minimum 12 / Maximum 20 students. 

  • Tuition: $550 per student (PO) / $568 when paying by credit card (includes $18 processing fee). Destination fees may apply. 

  • Host this class: We do all the work! We handle registrations and offer you discounts for hosting!

 

Textbook not included: Klaene, B. J., & Lakamp, T. C. (2022). Structural firefighting: Strategy and tactics (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Order your textbook here:

https://checkout.jblearning.com/cart/Default.aspx?bc=18029-9&ref=psg&coupon=ascent25

What we teach — practical outcomes:

By the end of the week, participants will be able to:

  • Use recognition-primed decision-making under time and information pressure.

  • Fulfill the Incident Commander role with clear, ICS-based organization and accountability.

  • Apply ICS across rapidly changing incidents and coordinate multi-unit responses.

Why this course and not others:

When the call escalates, the people in command must act decisively. Our Incident Commander course is built for company officers and chiefs who want more than textbook answers — it’s immersive, scenario-driven command training that builds recognition-primed decisions, ICS mastery, and the ability to lead across fires, rescues, hazmat, and complex multi-unit incidents.

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Course format — no shortcuts:

This is live, instructor-led training — no prerecorded drills, no passive exercises. Students rotate through command and support roles in realistic, evolving scenarios that force real decisions, risk management, and incident organization. Expect hands-on fatigue, fast-paced decision cycles, and immediate feedback from experienced chief-level instructors.

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Host and Save Big!

Bring this class to your department and unlock major discounts—plus, extend the opportunity to your mutual aid partners for even greater value.

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No Subscription fees. CEU requirements are set by your Department!

These 40 hours meet CEUs for BC recertification

(as recorded by your department trainer).

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Upcoming Trainings are listed below. Start your registration today!

ICS Simulations Only: 16-Hour Command Simulation Lab

ASCENT FD ACT's 16-Hour Command Simulation Lab is an intensive, hands-on, two-day program designed for company officers, chief officers, and aspiring incident commanders who want to sharpen and maintain their command skills.

Whether you manage by the functions of command or the incident priorities for your responses, this class will sharpen your skills.

After a brief orientation to our simulation software, communications equipment, and command process, students spend nearly the entire program in the command seat managing realistic emergency incidents. Participants will work through a wide variety of evolving scenarios requiring critical thinking, decision-making, situational awareness, resource management, and strategic command.

This is not a lecture course. It is a performance-based developmental experience designed to challenge participants and strengthen skills they already possess through repetition, feedback, and realistic application.

Program Highlights:

✅ 16 hours of simulation-based learning
✅ Realistic emergency incident scenarios
✅ Immediate coaching and performance feedback
✅ Focus on command presence, decision-making, and incident management
✅ Ideal for current and future officers

Hosting Information:

  • Minimum Enrollment: 10 Students

  • Maximum Enrollment: 16 Students

  • Tuition: $275 per Student

If your department is committed to developing confident, competent incident commanders, contact ASCENT FD ACT today to host a Command Simulation Lab.

Our Instructors for Incident Commander NFPA 1026

Real-world command wisdom, delivered by experienced chief-level instructors.

Jim Steele

Fire Chief (retired)

Van Wert, OH

Allen Scott

Fire Chief (retired)

Prairie Township, OH

Charles Rielage

Asst. Chief (retired)

Tipp City, OH

Rob Morton

Battalion Chief,

Washington Township (Dublin), OH

Upcoming Classes: 

Limited seats

ICS NFPA 1026 Woodlawn, Ohio

US$568.00

Get ICS 1026 Certified in one week at:

Woodlawn FD

November 16th-20th, 2026

10050 Woodlawn Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45215

$568 includes the $18 credit card processing fee

Class limited to 20 people

$550 to pay by PO, select PO during checkout.

*Only 2 seats open to outside fire departments*

See details

Comments from our students:

"The Cadre of instructors brought a wealth of knowledge to the students, and the scenario-based course format was exactly what was needed to illustrate the importance of command and control of emergency incidents. Highly recommend this class." - DC Michael Guadagno, Moraine FD

"Well thought-out class. Good simulations, given the limitations of the software. Heavy on practical application, which was the stated intent of the course. I also appreciate the adaptability to different IC styles and departmental procedures." - Deputy Chief Jeff Bruggeman, Xenia FD

"Excellent class in building confidence in running incident command.  Instructors are very knowledgeable and professional." - Matt Fahncke

"Great experience that impressed me. I feel immensely more comfortable commanding any type of scene due to the many reps and instruction from this class." -  Capt. Chris Klug, Middletown FD

"It was beneficial working with firefighters from other fire departments to see how they do things. Great teamwork!" - Capt. John Scranton, Middletown FD

"After taking traditional FEMA courses in incident command, this class led itself to be more of a fire ground operation class. It was nice to have the opportunity to use common department vernacular and operations. The amount of repetitions in different roles was overwhelming in a positive way. I would recommend this course to any company officer looking for command experience." - Lt. Tad Parks, Washington Twp. FD (Montgomery County, OH)

Who is this class designed for?

New and experienced incident commanders. The course can be used for continuing education credit with other incident command programs. It places the student in the officer seat of the first due company and rotates them into a battalion chief role. Even if they will never ride in the BC role, they understand that perspective to make them a better decision-maker and communicator on the fire ground.

What kinds of simulations do you utilize?

Our simulations include:

Structure fires single-family, multi-family, commercial, strip malls, and large warehouses. (with and without entrapments)

Hazardous materials incidents while in transit and in fixed facilities.

Improvised explosive incidents

Mass casualty incidents

What happens after certification?

Ascent FD ACT has partnered with Sims U Share to provide your organization the means to develop and utilize training tools to maintain your skill sets. Contracting with SimsUShare enables your organization to continue to develop your skills. You can always request refresher training from Ascent FD ACT with their ability to train your people and place them in the same simulations from anywhere internet access is available. These refreshers are inexpensive and easy to schedule.

What are scheduling options?

Currently, the program is a 5-day, 40-hour program all completed within one week. Other options can be discussed, such as 5 Saturdays.

What is the minimum size for a class to be hosted?

Minimum class size is 12 and the maximum is 20 students.