In a world where flashy techniques and viral training videos often steal the spotlight, Derek Currao and the team at MissionCIT are on a mission to bring firefighter training back to its roots. Their philosophy is simple but powerful: focus on reality, emphasize the basics, and train firefighters for the environments they’ll actually face. 

Train for Limitations 

Currao, a seasoned firefighter and instructor, believes that too much firefighter training has become disconnected from the chaos of real-world fireground operations. “By watering down and sterilizing training,” he says, “we are setting up firefighters for failure or worse.”  

He says that while sterilized training has its place, it cannot fully prepare firefighters for the real world. “Firefighters need to not only know their skillset but also their limitations and reactions,” he says. By not finding those limitations or being aware of reactions, firefighters don’t adequately train for the conditions they’ll face. “Far too often,” he says, “catchy and flashy take hold in the modern training world and the truth behind tactics and operations get lost.” 

For Currao and MissionCIT, that training begins with the credibility of the instructors. Their instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re experienced firefighters who’ve lived the job. That real-world experience is what gives their lessons weight.  

“We pride ourselves on not only delivering quality training,” he says, “but also quality instructing by having instructors with credible, real-world experiences.” 

One of the most important pieces of advice Currao offers to fellow trainers is to “stay in your lane and don’t make anything up.” In a profession where lives are on the line, honesty and humility go a long way. “It’s ok to not be an expert in everything,” he says. “By being honest not only with your students but yourself, you will actually add to your credibility and reputation as an instructor.” 

Success on the Fireground and Beyond 

For Currao, success as a trainer means that his training has a real effect on his students. He says nothing makes him feel more proud than when a student calls him to tell him that they were able to apply tactics they learned during training on a call. He says, “Knowing that something I taught someone helped them and assisted in a positive outcome is an immeasurable feeling as an instructor.” 

That feeling extends to his family as well.  

One of his proudest moments as an instructor was teaching his older brother’s recruit class. As someone he’s always looked up to, he says, being able to carry on a legacy of firefighting with his brother was extremely impactful. Their grandfather, Retired Battalion Chief Joseph Cardella of the FDNY, laid the foundation for a firefighting tradition that Currao and his brother now carry forward. “Getting the opportunity to teach him and watch him become a well-respected fireman means more to me than anything,” Currao says. “I love it every day that both he and I get to carry on the legacy of our grandfather” 

Beyond the classroom and the fireground, Currao’s passion for the job is deeply personal. It’s about family, pride, and purpose. “I love that I am able to have a career that my children can be proud of,” he says. “They are getting to the age now where they understand what dad does and they love it as much as me.” 

But even behind the pride in family and legacy, Currao admits there’s one other reason he’s so passionate about firefighting. “I would be lying if I didn’t say I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie, as most of us are. There is nothing like the rush of catching a good job and getting to do fireman stuff with your friends.” 

Real Training for the Real World 

Together, Currao and the instructors of MissionCIT are helping to prepare the next generation of firefighters to meet the challenges of the fireground.  

Real, authentic instruction comes from a place of recognizing the importance of good training built on sound doctrine and a love of the firefighting profession.