Paul Shapiro, the Director and founder of Fire Flow Technology (FFT), specializes in the research, development and training of large flow water delivery systems and fire stream management. His extensive research and outcomes of large diameter hose, both as supply and discharge lines, has been published frequently in fire service trade magazines. Paul has made significant contributions to fire response efficiency with his application-based research of large caliber fire streams working with handline and master stream operations.

Paul has been involved with the fire service since 1981, and has served the Las Vegas area as an Engineer (Driver) with the City of Las Vegas Fire Department for more than 18 years. He is a certified Fire Instructor II for the State of Nevada, has served on the faculty of many fire academies throughout the United States, and was named Instructor of the Year-1999, by the Colorado State Fire Fighters Academy, and in 2006 by his own department, Las Vegas Fire-Rescue as Engineer of the Year-2006. Paul is recognized nationally as an expert in his field, and is also the author of the popular book, Layin' the Big Lines as well as the producer of the first video in a planned series entitled Large Flow Water Delivery.

How "Big Paulie" Got Started

Paul asked the training Chief one day, "why don't we use our LDH as a discharge line instead of just a supply line?" The Chief said, "that's a good question, how would you like to do some research on that to determine whether it's feasible or not." So this was the starting of what Paul thought would be an easy task being that "laying a large diameter hose line is like taking the hydrant to the fire, or like laying an above the ground water main".

Needless to say, two years of constant research later, Paul got back to the Chief with an answer to the question. It was this research project that alerted Paul to the need for more understanding on water delivery in fireground operations.

Others at Fire Flow Technology

A tremendous help and major supporter of all my efforts is my lovely wife Nancy. She is the rock that keeps me going. She handles all the office duties and accompanies me to a majority of the classes to keep me organized. I couldn't do all this and be successful without her guidance, love and a little nagging when necessary.

Ask Big Paulie!
LayinLine@aol.com

Email me with any questions or "hot" issues
LayinLine@aol.com