Weather in Emergency Services is a training program hosted by Central Crossing Fire, designed to help fire, law enforcement, EMS, emergency management, and other public safety personnel better understand and interpret weather, and what it means for the communities they serve.
Date, Times, and Locations
Participants must attend one evening session prior to the hands-on training, unless otherwise communicated by the instructors.
- Evening Session 1 Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM (1800–2100)
- Evening Session 2 Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM (1800–2100)
- Saturday Scenario & Hands-On Training Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 8:00 AM (0800) | Approximately 4–6 hours
All sessions will be held at Central Crossing Fire District Headquarters, located at 23463 State Highway 39, Shell Knob, MO. Training is primarily classroom-based, though participants may utilize the command trailer and other on-site resources depending on the session.
About the Training
This training is led by Cade Woolaway, who serves in a PIO and weather analyst role with Central Crossing Fire. With years of experience in the fire service across Barry County and the broader region, Cade has a passion for bringing practical weather tools and knowledge to first responders and fire departments across Southwest Missouri. He will be entering his final year of a meteorology degree at the University of Missouri, with a focus on GIS, communications, and operational meteorology.
In previous years, this training was hosted across Barry County as a weather refresher course. As weather continues to evolve, and its impact on communities and emergency operations grows, the program has expanded into a multi-module format, allowing for deeper coverage of key topics and more hands-on learning opportunities.
What to Expect
This training is designed to build on your existing weather knowledge, not replace it. Participants can expect to cover severe weather outlooks, watch and warning breakdowns, near-term condition assessment, free and paid weather tools, radar feature identification, and effective communication with spotters.
What is Expected of You
Participants are expected to attend one evening session prior to the Saturday hands-on training, unless otherwise communicated by the instructors. This is an interactive, discussion-based program built on the idea that weather in emergency services is a learning opportunity for everyone, including the instructors. All questions are welcomed, and if something comes up that can’t be answered on the spot, we’ll work through it together. A laptop or tablet is recommended for portions of the training involving live weather tools, though not required. WiFi will be provided by Central Crossing Fire.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please reach out to Cade at [email protected].
Course Breakdown
The 101 Basic Weather Overview serves as a vital foundation for public safety personnel, whether they are new to the field or seasoned veterans. This course focuses on the practical intersection of meteorology and emergency services, covering the essentials of fire weather, severe storm threats, and flooding. Participants will learn to decode the updated 2026 SPC Outlook guidelines and utilize radar technology to identify critical hazards such as hail cores, damaging winds, and rotation. Beyond just identifying threats, the course emphasizes operational safety, teaching attendees how to use radar data to ensure that field personnel and spotters remain in safe, effective positions.
As the training progresses, it delves into specialized environmental hazards like fire weather and hydrologic threats. Attendees will explore how to identify rainfall sources on radar and trace potential impacts to local low-water crossings to better understand the mechanics of flooding. This session is designed to be interactive, encouraging the use of tablets and laptops with specialized weather applications. By utilizing high-quality "dummy" data sets, participants can practice their analysis skills in a controlled environment, ensuring they are prepared for real-world application.
The program culminates in the 201 Advanced Weather Operations, a hands-on session where theory meets tactical execution. In this advanced module, trainees utilize professional-grade radar and modeling software to locate and describe complex storm features. The curriculum shifts toward command and control, with scenarios requiring participants to make critical decisions regarding spotter deployment and positioning. By mastering the communication of imminent threats and coordinating field movements, responders will leave the program with the tactical intelligence necessary to protect their jurisdictions during active weather events.