Firehouse Innovations Corp. - The Multi-Force Forcible Entry Door System

"At FDIC the best door prop ever made was used in the forcible entry class. It was designed by Mike Perrone of FDNY who owns Firehouse Innovations Corp.. There is no better door anywhere. It will do everything you want and it will outlast you and me. Mike is a great guy, and all doors are custom made by Mike and satisfaction is assured. I wouldn't say it if I hadn't used it myself. It feels, acts, and reacts like the real thing".

- Chief Bobby Halton / Editor In Chief - Fire Engineering Magazine

Mike, all members of my firehouse recently participated in the initial training you provided in Palm Beach County, Fl. Our department was fortunate enough to have purchased the Multi-Force Door System. My firehouse is one of the busiest in the department. Our primary response area consists of many challenging residential, commercial, and multiple residential high-rise buildings. Since this training, my companies had many occasions to apply the techniques learned in “real world” application. I am absolutely astonished at the dramatic improvement in the confidence level of my firefighters. The logical steps you taught have contributed to our success rate in gaining entry to these occupancies in a profoundly efficient manner. This type of “back to the basics” training has served us well by enhancing the knowledge, skills and abilities of my personnel. I’ve manage to attend training seminars all over the country. Like many who love the job, I consider all training to be relative and useful. However, in my 19-years of professional service, I have never experienced such immediate and positive results. I commend you for the first-class, high quality training you’re providing. The Multi-Force Door System will have a positive impact in the career of thousands of firefighters. Best regards.

- Captain Sean Pamplona / Engine Co. 55 - Palm Beach County Fire Rescue

"I checked out your web page and viewed the video...and I must tell you, you did an outstanding job. What an a amazing concept; simple, relatively inexpensive and can be used over and over again with what appears minimal damage".

- Captain John Vigiano / Retired FDNY L-176

"My name is Lt. Neil P. Walsh. I am a 26 year veteran of the FDNY. I spent 20 years in L-31 and 6 years as a Lt. in
E-297. In my opinion, Firefighter Perrone's Multi-Force forcible entry door, is clearly the best forcible entry door on the market today. I had the opportunity to work with firefighter Mike Perrone for one year teaching young probationary firefighters the techniques of ladder co. operations. In my opinion firefighter Perrone is one of the most knowledgeable firefighters in forcible entry. Firefighter Perrone used his years of experience with forcible entry to design this state of the art door. This door covers inward and outward, left hand and right hand opening doors. Metal or wooden jambs all in one. One of the greatest features of the door is that it allows each firefighter to customize the door to their level of experience, by using chocks to adjust the size of the GAP between door and door stop.

Besides all the great features that the door offers, it is made to withstand being used multiple times. This was proven when we used the door for three hundred probationary firefighters for two straight weeks, for twelve hours a day. After two weeks had ended, the door was still in the same condition as it was the day we purchased it.

In my opinion, this door is a must for any fire department. I give firefighter Perrone three thumbs up".

- Lt. Neil P. Walsh / FDNY

"Mike, you've done it! You've built the forcible entry door we've been looking for all these years! I like the way it doesn't just teach technique, it offers real resistance up to the breaking point, just like real doors.

No other simulator that I've seen has come close to this type of realism and ability to mimic the spread of what's out there in the real world.

Quick entry can lead to quick water on fires, and that can only help the fire service.
Well done Mike".

- Battalion Chief John Buckheit / FDNY / Mutual Aid Americas Instructor - Training Development / Lead instructor FDIC forcible entry 2008/2009

"Ask any fire instructor. What’s the best type of training?
Hands on with lot of repetition. With the FIRE HOUSE INNOVATIONS forcible entry door simulator you can have both. Mike has developed a door with a unique design that allows you to duplicate the same motions and movements that you would use under real fire ground conditions and best of all do it over and over again. The solid steel construction means it will hold up to the most rigorous training exercise. And its portable design means you can take anywhere. Use it indoors or out. The door is cost effective. One door can train your entire department, now and for years to come. Whether you’re honing the skills of a veteran or teaching the probie the procedures necessary to get the job done. Mike’s door is the best training tool available. And you can continue training until your firefighters are skilled knowledgeable and experienced". "Thank you Mike"

- Deputy Chief John Riker Newark NJ Fire Department

"Our department was preparing to open a forty million dollar training facility and we were in need of a forcible entry door prop. A co-worker attended the forcible entry class at FDIC and told me the prop they used in the class was awesome. I discovered the door prop was built by Firehouse Innovations, Corp. Since we have purchased the door prop over two hundred of our members have used it. The evaluations we received from members who used the prop are extremely favorable and the common denominator is how realistic it feels. To have that many firefighters use something, and all of them say only good things about it, is unheard of in the fire service. The door is sturdy and rigid and I anticipate many years of trouble-free, hands-on training".

- Douglas B. Watson / Training Captain /
Palm Beach County, FL Fire Rescue Training & Safety Division
click here to see photos from the training

Mike,

I was one of the attendees who had the distinct pleasure of attending your hands-on training session recently held at Sayville Fire Dept. The guys from my fire department that attended that day cannot stop taking about the excellent experience that you guys provided. As we are all aware, in the volunteer service, it's a rarity that we get the opportunity to get a vacant house where we can practice forcible entry. And let's face it, the forcible entry props that we build in the rear of the firehouse or at the training centers, just don't simulate the "real thing". Your door allows the brothers to train like it's the real thing each and every time and allows them the unparallel ability to practice all the forcible entry techniques necessary in today's fire service. Whether they're a new probie or a seasoned veteran, every firefighter is guaranteed to walk away with an increased sense of knowledge and confidence in the art of conventional forcible entry. With over 18 years in the fire service, I can undoubtedly say that your multi-force door is the best forcible entry prop that I have ever had the opportunity to use. The finest compliment I can give to you is my continuous praise and admiration of the level of experience and technique that you provide to all that attend your training sessions. I will forever be a supporter of your multi-force door and have urged the need for your instruction to my fire department and to our neighboring fire departments as well. Thank you again for the experience and I look forward to establishing a semi-annual refresher for my entire department to appreciate.

- Ex-Chief Safety Officer John R. Giacoppi / Centerport Fire Department, Centerport, NY

"Mike, a big thank you from the members of the Locust Valley Fire Department who had the pleasure of attending your training session. The guys cannot stop taking about how realistic your door prop is compared to others we've researched and tested at the various trade shows and expos. The techniques and tips you and Danny gave us on gapping and conventional forcible entry should be the standard training all firefighters get at the academy but don't. This was by far the best and most realistic forcible entry training we've had in a long time.

As you said, the door speaks for itself as a training system. It's rare that we get the opportunity in our district to get a vacant house where we can practice popping doors. Even then we are resigned to nailing them shut each time, because let's face it, once the first guy pops the door initially, it's going to get easier and easier as you go through the session with many members wanting to take a turn. Your system allows each member to train like it's the real thing each and every time. Thank you....this door is a dream come true to the fire service.

We look forward to purchasing one in the near future and having you and Dan back annually for a refresher training session."

Chief Jeff Baker / Locust Valley Fire Department / Locust Valley, New York

"Mike what an outstanding product! And the training that you and Dan gave us was unbelievable, I learned more about forcible entry and the many different ways to use a halligan bar in four hours then I have in the past ten years. T he little nuances or as you like to say “the power of the adz” blew me away. We have had the product since April 6, 2009 (only four days now), but we have yet been able to walk past it without setting it up for a quick force. It does my heart good to walk out into the bays and see one or two guys just playing with it. Before this prop, if we were lucky, we would only be able to force one or two doors every couple of years, never really having an opportunity to try out different techniques and only a few guys being able to do the force before the door and frame were damaged beyond realistic value or using props that are good for techniques but just unrealistic. The days of us using/teaching one or two ways of forcing a door are now gone and the let’s “pretend” days are dead and buried. Now I can rotate an eight man crew through four different techniques with realistic resistance and that beloved popping/cracking sound in less than two hours, with no down time between forces! I have already noticed the confidence level of my crew, from the oldest to the youngest, increasing with every force we do".

- Lieutenant Tim Sitz / Perry Joint Fire District, Perry, OH
click here to see photos from the training

"Mike, we recently received our Multi Force Forcible Entry door and it was everything you said it would be and more. Upon the doors arrival, I was tasked with training all the Company Officers on the operation of the door. As I taught the classes to the officers they were very impressed with the realism of the prop. It was decided that we would cancel a class that was already scheduled and do a Department-wide in-service training. At the beginning of the training I introduced the door and went over basic information on the operation. Prior to teaching any technique I asked for volunteer to force the door in front of fifty brothers and sisters. This first attempt was to say the least a little slow about 5 minutes, but to the volunteers credit he was still in the academy and stepped up and took a shoot. After teaching some basic techniques I had the same firefighter try again and he got it in less than 1 minute. We spent the next couple of hours forcing the door from all angles and trying some old forgotten and newly taught techniques. The new firefighters were amazed at how well a simple set of tools like the irons can perform if used correctly and the older guys were reminded that simple is better most of the time. At the end of the training there was a pile of wood scraps that any beaver or lumber jack would be proud of and most members had forced more doors in one night then they will in ten years. Since the initial training crews have been using the door in weekly drills and have nothing but good things to say. I believe that the money spent on your Forcible Entry Prop was the best money we have spent in a couple of years on training and have no regrets".

- Chris Steeves / Chugiak Volunteer Fire Rescue, Chugiak, Alaska

"Hello Mike, I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed the training In Perry on October 6th. I am 26 year veteran and I can honestly say that you're never too old or have been on the job too long to learn. Thanks to you and all the other guys for teaching this "old dog" some new tricks! Take care and stay safe"!

Firefighter Edward Jividen / City of Painesville, Ohio

"Mike, as a 24 year fire service veteran and an instructor for several different fire academies I have had the opportunity to use several different conventional forcible entry props. The mulit-force door is the best prop I have ever had the opportunity to use. The thing that sets your door above all the other ones is that it forces you to change your techniques and apply forces differently. This makes you think and increases your ability to size up your forcible entry problem. Things that make us think and try other approaches are invaluable training tools".

"Just as important is the level of training you bring with the door. Your conventional entry class is one of the best I have ever attended. The level of experience and techniques that you bring to the table as an instructor are absolutely outstanding. You have certainly helped me become a better fire officer. Thanks again".

Lieutenant Thomas Sitz / Painesville Township Fire Department, Ohio

"My name is Robert James. I have been in the fire service over 10 years now. My department recently purchased this forcible entry prop. I will say that before taking on delivery of this prop our forcible entry techniques have been basic and we have been lucky with getting doors open. Since the door our forcible entry tactics have been amazing. I don't think that there is anything that my guys can't get into now. Since we have had the door in the firehouse, wood has no longer been safe around there. Every time the guys find wood in the firehouse they are cutting it up and sliding it in the prop to force. We have guys currently hiding wood from each other so that no one gets more force time than another. This prop is without a doubt the best thing out there for forcible entry training".

Firefighter Robert James / Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, Montgomery County, Maryland

"I recently had the opportunity to train with your team at the hands on forcible entry seminar held at Sayville Fire Department. First I would like to compliment you on an excellent training program. That was the best hands on instruction I have received in a long time. As a career and volunteer firefighter I have had the chance to train with some stellar instructors at top notch training academies. Your training props were the best I have ever seen.

Once again thanks for an excellent training experience".

- Lt. James Schmidt / Blue Point FD, Blue Point, NY

"Mike, Thanks again from all the members of Prospect Park Fire Co. and the neighboring departments who had the pleasure of attending today. We very much enjoyed the class and the door prop. The techniques you and Dan reviewed will surely enhance the skills, young and old, of all the members who attended. Your door prop by far is the most versatile and practical of the doors we have looked at. The door prop provides excellent opportunities for training members in all facets of conventional forcible entry which has become a lost art".

- Deputy Chief Dennis Gallagher / Prospect Park Fire Company, Delaware County, PA
click here to see photos from the training

"We love the door and have been using it extensively. We have Incorporated it into every drill we have had since its purchase and the guys have been using it daily! Thank you and your team"!

- Mike Signora / Prospect Park Fire Company, Delaware County, PA
click here to see photos from the training

"My name is Tony Iliano and attended the drill put on by Perry FD on Monday April 6th. My Lieutenant is big on forcible entry and not just getting in a door, but like you said, being a professional about it. Mike, you have come up with one heck of a simulator. The beating that door took and the turnaround time for teams to rotate through was great. The information you and Dan possess and shared with us can't be stressed enough. I've been a fireman for 8 years and that was one of the best drills, personally, I've attended. Some fireman think they can use the irons and get through doors once they get sworn in with no practice. The drill today showed how silly that is as most of us at one point or another had to be shown the how's and why's we do things. I'm looking forward to showing the guys back at the station what we learned. I really can't wait to use these skills on the fireground. Thanks again and best of luck to you".

- Tony Iliano / Painesville Township Fire Department, Painesville, OH
click here to see photos from the training

"Mike, I’d just like to take a moment to thank you and Danny for a great training. Your door is basically a dream come true to the fire service and to forcible entry training. The ability to force multiple types of doors and in both directions in training has been a long time coming, and you’ve done it!

As you’ve always taught, be sure to have a plan A, B, C and so on, for the worst case scenario. It’s great to be able to actually demonstrate each plan of attack as the door gets harder to force. Your Multi-Force door allows the newest probie, to learn size-up and tool placement, as well as challenging senior members with extra wood or placing some angle iron that is so prominent in today’s high security world, that hinders our entry every day.

When both a probie and a former Chief of Department with 20 plus years, each approached you to tell you how much they’ve learned in a few short hours about the art of forcible entry and the halligan, I think you have succeeded in keeping the fire service tradition of passing on knowledge alive.

The truest recommendation that I can make to anyone is to simply purchase your door, and / or have a training session. It is a great training prop and will give all members a great experience in forcing doors, over and over without the worry of having to fix it each time. This tool will prepare the entire membership for the hardest doors they will face while operating on the fire ground".

- Bill Bedell / Floral Park Fire Department, Floral Park, NY
click here to see photos from the training

We have been using the simulator for a few months since it's delivery and everything you said about it is true. Our department hasn't ever been able to practice their forcible entry skills to this level. We are really happy with the product. Thanks again for helping us make the right decision about how to spend our funds.

- Nate Williams / Chesterton Fire Department / Division Chief of Training

I would like to start off by saying your Multi-Force door is AWESOME!
Everyone could not be happier. We have invited other companies over and have taught
some of them your tips we have learned from your DVD. They are amazed how
helpful and easier your tips make forcible entry. Hopefully in the future we can get you down here to do some training with us so we can
get more in depth training.

- Clifton Krok / Firefighter / National Naval Medical Center / Bethesda, Maryland

I would just like to update you on our use of the Multi-Force Door. This training equipment has exceeded all of our expectations. It offers firefighters the opportunity to practice skills that in the past were done with simulations. There is a huge difference to talking about using irons versus actually doing it. The door has been used by our department, neighboring fire departments, and at several regional firefighter 1 classes. The value of the door is spreading quickly throughout the state. The DVD on how to force doors is excellent. The Multi-Force Door seems indestructible. It has stood up to severe pounding and has not required any maintenance. The Multi-Force door will be a valuable training aid for many years to come.

- Stephen Leinoff / Fire Chief / Norwich Fire Department / Norwich, Vermont

We’ve had your door for quite some time now and love it! It lives at the training center from May through September and then we send it on a road trip to each firehouses for a month at a time in the winter. It’s a great indoor drill in the winter when it’s nice to stay out of the cold. In the summer, it’s versatile at the training center. We put it in front of other doors and make them force their way into the tower or put it against a wall and make the members work “at the end of a hall.” Last Fall it took a road trip to a vacant hotel we had for a volunteer conference we did with the department north of us. We put it in the hall of the hotel and had a good smoke condition going and had the guys force their way into the hall and then do some searches.

I’m going to take a guess and say we’ve had close to 200 different firefighters use it and many of them have had the use of it during several different trainings. The technique that it teaches is invaluable.

Thanks again for the great prop! It’s outstanding!

Scott Eckels / Lieutenant / Quint 155B-Shift / Castle Rock Fire Department / Castle Rock, Colorado

Mike, I just wanted to say that the door is exceeding our expectations. In a Volunteer Department we do not get the opportunity to force doors on a regular basis. The Multi-Force Door has helped us to keep our skills sharp and teach newcomers the "art" of forcible entry. The Multi-Force Door is easy to use and about as realistic as you can get with a training prop. Not only is it a great tool but it is fun to use and really engages the members who are participating in the drill. It is very difficult to teach forcible entry without having the firefighters actually get their hands on the tools and force the door. I would recommend this to any department wishing to teach their firefighters about forcible entry. The DVD's were extremely helpful. Great job developing this training tool.

Chris Redmond / Woodbury Fire Department / Highland Mills, New York

The Firehouse Innovations Forcible Entry Door Prop has been a great addition to the PHFD. The prop has held up extremely well and has exceed all of our expatiation's. The prop is very easy to use and the cost to use is very low. Before the chance to train on a real door was few and far between and staff got limited time on training. But with this prop we have been able to train staff hands on and we have incorporated the prop into other drills also. The training DVD and the owners DVD are very informative and explained the door prop very well.
On a recent commercial assignment that our department responded to, the skills learned on the door prop paid off. My crew forced a left hand inward swing door in less that 30 seconds. The command staff on scene was very impressed on the entry time on the building.

Lt. Chris Ford / Pleasant Hill Fire Department / Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Mike,

The door arrived here Friday and its awesome!!!! It has been a big hit with all the guys and i cant get them to stop using it!

Once again THANK YOU!!!

V/R Sergeant John Thomas / Bay District Volunteer Fire Department / Lexington Park, MD

The training props featured in this site and in our videos are designed by Mike Perrone and are

available through Firehouse Innovations, Corp. which is owned and operated

by Mike Perrone. All props are made in the U.S.A.