William Gottke

William L. Gottke

Instructor/Firefighter
Tailboard Training Solutions, LLC
Washington Court House, OH

With 25 years in the fire service, Bill began his career with a highly aggressive volunteer fire department, where he developed a passion for aggressive firefighting and gained invaluable hands-on experience. He later earned a full-time position with a township fire department, serving as the officer in charge of Rescue, Ladder, and Engine companies. Today, he serves with a busy career department, where he continues to do what he enjoys most—fighting fire alongside dedicated firefighters. A passionate advocate for aggressive fire attack, Bill is committed to sharing his knowledge and helping others become more effective firefighters. He maintains his Rescue Technician certification and proudly serves as a member of the Central Ohio Strike Team. Whether operating on the fireground, teaching in the classroom, or responding to technical rescue incidents, Bill remains dedicated to continuous learning, professional excellence, and serving his community with pride.

Minute Zero: The First-Due Blueprint (Saturday, October 24, 2026 - 8:00-11:00am)

When the wheels stop, the clock starts. This high-impact presentation breaks down the critical actions of the first-due engine and truck during the earliest and most chaotic moments of a fire. With a focus on limited staffing environments, participants will explore aggressive yet calculated tactics, rapid decision-making, and the operational discipline needed to turn confusion into control. Attendees will learn how to maximize small-crew efficiency, establish initial command presence, prioritize life safety, and develop a scalable plan before additional resources arrive. “Minute Zero” equips firefighters and company officers with the tools and mindset needed to set the fireground up for success, from the first breath of smoke to the final knockdown. Bring your questions, challenges, and experience—this session is designed to sharpen the tip of the spear.

Victim Removal Reality: Data-Driven Search Priorities (Saturday, October 24, 2026 - 4:00-5:15pm)

When seconds count, guessing kills. This high-impact seminar cuts through opinion and tradition using real rescue data from the Firefighter Rescue Survey, UL FSRI studies, and modern fire behavior research. We’ll break down where victims are actually found, why certain rooms matter more, and how to aggressively search with limited manpower and limited time. Attendees will learn actionable tactics—VEIS without the drama, oriented search that works, door control that buys survivability, and search sequencing that saves lives. This class replaces outdated assumptions with evidence-based decision-making to put you where the victims really are, before it’s too late.