Fire Engineering Podcast Network
Fire Engineering Magazine has been dedicated to the training interests of firefighters since 1877. This podcast network features a lineup of shows hosted by professionals from across the fire service, covering topics relevant to firefighting and emergency response.
Episodes
Why Station Rounds Matter
Battalion chiefs and company officers: station rounds aren’t optional. They’re mission critical. In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka break down why chiefs must leave the office, visit firehouses, and engage crews. They cover real-time readiness checks, rumor control, rapid problem-solving, informal training, morale and accountability, targeted roll calls, and bette
Data and Decisions on the Fireground
In this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest, hosts Jerry Knapp and Tim Pillsworth get to the grit of fireground tactics with Brian Brush. The training chief of the Midwest City (OK) Fire Department and Fire Engineering board member shares critical insights. The discussion covers the realities of modern search operations, highlighting victim location patterns, and how pet behavior can guide searcher
Building and Retaining a Volunteer Fire Department
In episode 100 of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill speaks with Brandon Fletcher, chief of the Gilt Edge (TN) Fire Department, about building and sustaining a professional rural volunteer department. They discuss practical leadership, recruiting and retaining younger members, holding people accountable, and in-house and hybrid training. Fletcher shares how small departme
Command Capability vs. Command Capacity
Capability is what the command team knows how to do. Capacity is whether the system has enough trained people, structure, trust, and communication discipline to actually do it under pressure. This episode of Command Show, hosted by Anthony Kastros and Brian Brush, reveals the reasons why fireground success requires both.
This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get
Breaking Down the 'W' for Extreme Weather Tactics
On this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy break down the 'W' from John Norman’s "COAL WAS WEALTH" size‑up acronym and translate it into practical tactics for extreme heat, storms, and flash flooding. They cover preincident planning and hot weather policies; front‑loading alarms and one‑bottle/short‑shift strategies; crew rotations; on‑scene rehab; recognition of
How Thermal Imaging is Elevating the Fire Service
In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steven Shaw speaks with Retired Battalion Chief Andy Starnes. They unpack how thermal imaging became a mission, not just a tool in the fire service, and how relationships and critical thinking shape the fire service. Starnes details his start in volunteer firehouses, an injury that led to the launch of Insight Fire Training, and how sharing hard-
In the Books: Episode 20 - The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics, 2E
In this episode of In the Books, host David Rhodes sits down with respected fire service leaders and co-authors Sean Gray and PJ Norwood to discuss the newly released second edition of The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics.
From the groundbreaking UL FSRI fire research studies to modern fireground decision-making, this conversation explores how evidence-based tactics continue to shape th
Innovations in Navigating Smoke and a Groundbreaking Sleep Study
In this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Division Chief Tom Marvel and Maura "Mo" Shea, both from the Carmel (IN) Fire Department, and Michael Oldham from Texas A&M to discuss innovative projects that are currently underway. During their discussion, the panel unpacks two cutting-edge projects reshaping firefighter safety and wellness and talk about a liv
A Return to Realism During Training
Marc Aloan joins Doug Cline to get back to realism on the fireground for this episode of Fire and Training. They discuss why classroom time is only one component of preparedness and why company officers—not compliance checklists—own most daily training. The two also share the importance of learning practical guidance on training, having structured feedback after drills and incidents, and prudent u
Culture on the Line: How Firehouse Culture Shapes Safety, Trust & Retention | Scott Thompson
Retired chief Scott Thompson joins Larry Conley to cut through buzzwords and show how culture, defined as "how things get done," directly affects safety, trust, recruitment, and daily performance in the fire service. Learn why the company officer role is the tightrope between administration and the crew, why roll call and mentoring matter, and how a deliberate 18-to-36-month program including visi
Effective Tactics for Fire Attack
Hosts David Polikoff and Sam Villani have an in-depth discussion about tactics on this episode of Talking Tactics. They cover outside-in fires, disciplined company assignments, and decisive engine work to darken the C side before committing to interior crews. They also break down building challenges and high-rise issues like failed self-closing doors and hallway smoke travel. Throughout the discus
The Anatomy of a Five-Minute Window Rescue
Hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann welcome Rick Barron and Steve Olswanger to Tactical Impact. The panel discusses a high-stakes residential rescue. They break down a challenging fire in an old, 100-year-old balloon-frame home that was converted into a multifamily dwelling. At this fire, heavy fire was venting from the first floor, where an elderly man was trapped. Barron and Olswanger desc
Situational Awareness: How the Three-Step Model Can Help
In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman breaks down the ways stress and tunnel vision degrade situational awareness on the fireground and at all emergency scenes. He shares the three-step situational awareness model—perception, comprehension, projection—and practical signs that improve size‑up and prediction. Dreiman explains common failures: task fixation, auditory exclusion, poor
The Fireground Blueprint, Part 4
Host Christopher Naum wraps up his Fireground Blueprint series with a focused, practical analysis of building predictability, habitability, and size-up for modern structural firefighting. Naum reviews the five building domains—anatomy/era, occupancy risk, collapse/compromise, methods/materials, and fire dynamics. He critiques prescriptive SOPs and stresses adaptive, multilayered incident planning,
From Probie to Chief: A Look at One Leader's Career
Latosha Clemons, chief of Forest Park (GA) Fire and Emergency Services, joins Lisa Baker, Women in Fire's Southwest Trustee, to share a look back at Clemons's 30-year career for this episode of Women in Fire. Clemons details her personal journey from probationary firefighter to battalion chief, deputy, and now chief. They discuss staffing, line-of-duty death response, mental health, and why mentor
Is It Possible to Close the Generational Gap in the Fire Service?
Want to learn how to close the generational gap in the fire service? In this week's Humpday Hangout, the panel welcomes Creston Ludlow to unpack the hidden curriculum in the fire service. They detail how unspoken expectations, traditions, and communication styles often leave new firefighters confused and create generational fiction. The panel offers advice on how to have honest conversations, appo
Understanding the 'Senior Man'
In this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest, hosts Jerry Knapp and Tim Pillsworth welcome veteran firefighter Jeff Shupe to discuss the importance of "senior man." They explore how experienced firefighters preserve departmental knowledge, enforce the chain of command, and mentor younger crew members. They cover practical culture-building steps: story time on drill night, after-action reviews, stand
Where are the Firefighters Going?
For this episode of The Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer welcome fire service veterans Doug Cline and Stephen Shaw. Together they assess a troubling trend: healthy, capable captains and chiefs retiring after just 20 years. While many blame the younger generation, they argue that the real culprits are administrative fatigue, shifting community politics, and the relentless menta
Where Is the Intersection of Leadership and Management?
Hosts Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett welcome Candace Ashby to this episode of Generation Engine. Ashby discusses her 36-year career, breaking down how standard certifications fail to train actual officers, and arguing that the push for agreeable leadership undermines necessary accountability. They discuss confronting administrative disconnects to ditching formal paperwork for honest, face-to-face
Critical Legal Issues Facing the Fire Service
For this episode of Fire Service Court, John K. Murphy breaks down critical legal issues facing the fire service:
1. Discrimination in hiring and promotion.
2. Wage compliance.
3. Disability.
4. Medical fitness drug policy.
5. First Amendment limits on free speech.
6. Off-duty conduct.
He provides practical steps and encourages taking a proactive approach in matters of legal protection.
To Search or Not to Search?
Hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka talk search on this episode of The Command Post. The hosts debate and weigh the risks, arguing that while fires have dropped, civilian home-fire deaths have risen. They dismantle safety as an excuse, telling others to search. And they remind chiefs to balance risk with the mission. Lasky and Salka explore tactics such as crawl low, check smoke, close doors, expect v
The Secrets to a Successful Social Media Presence
Host Tom Merrill welcomes Rob Reardon to lay out practical social media strategies every fire department needs on this episode of Professional Volunteer Fire Department. Reardon, a former TV reporter turned fire chief, explains how departments use social platforms to build trust, recruit personnel, defend budgets, and control the narrative during incidents. They give concrete advice about how to e
How Daily Training and Empowered Execution Can Save Lives
Host Anthony Kastros welcomes members of the Redwood City (CA) Fire Department to walk through a complex, heavily involved apartment fire on Memorial Day. They detail arriving on scene of a three-story occupancy with fire extended over the roofline, establishing a transitional attack off a hydrant located within 100 feet, coordinating interior searches, and completing multiple rescues.
Guests i
In the Books Episode #19: Dealing with Difficult People: For Fire and EMS Organizations
In this episode of In the Books, David Rhodes sits down with retired Fire Chief Jerry Streich to talk about a critical but often overlooked challenge in the fire service: managing difficult people.
Drawing from decades of leadership—and a powerful personal experience that shaped his perspective—Streich shares insights on toxic behavior, workplace culture, and the people skills every firefighter an
What Does It Mean to Be a Pump Operator?
Paul Watlington, assistant chief of the Burlington (NC) Fire Department, joins hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy on this episode of Fireground Strategies to break down the pump operator’s job. They discuss topics including getting the rig to the scene safely, placement, water supply, and advanced pump troubleshooting. Listeners will gain an understanding of the pump operator's responsibilities in
Lessons from a 45-Year Veteran
In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, Chief Mike Nugent of Broward County (FL) Fire Rescue sits down with Stephen Shaw to outline his 45-year career in fire and special operations. Nugent shares the story of a childhood moment in Brighton that sparked this lifelong calling. He discusses technical rescue teams, building regional hazmat and urban search and rescue capabilities, and training
The Benefits of Firefighter Tracking and Indoor Mapping
Firefighter location tracking is emerging as the next major leap in firefighter survival, following SCBA adoption and thermal imaging. In this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, Eddie Buchanan welcomes Peter Burke and Mike Cox to discuss the next wave in firefighter survival: location, indoor mapping, and connected telemetry. The panel highlights the promise of this new technology and the
What Are the Layers of Safety Culture?
Dave McGlynn sits down with Mike Nasti to explore the layers of safety culture in the fire service on this episode of The Training Officer. They cover why competent training creates real protection, how social media and inexperience skew safety messaging, and why ownership and humility matter when things go wrong. Nasti shares lessons from 19 years in operations and the realities of working in the
Mark as 'Junk': Filtering Personal Spam
On this episode of The Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley welcomes Dave Conley to discuss turning the digital frustration of spam into a clear, practical framework for personal leadership. They share some laughs as they define "personal spam" as anything that demands access but delivers negative value. The two stress the use of proactive language, taking time to recharge, and the importance of d
Are Affinity Groups Changing the Face of the Fire Service?
On this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, host Lisa Baker sits down with Reda Bigler and Brian Mike Saylor of the Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department. They tackle the misconceptions surrounding organizations like the Valley Women's Firefighter Society and FireVet, emphasizing that these groups don't alter standards, they provide the essential mentorship, structure, and insight candidates need to navi
What You Need to Know About Building Data‑Driven After‑Action Reviews
Captain Ryan Harris, a Marine veteran with more than 20 years in the fire service, joins this week's Humpday Hangout to explain Fireground Analytics. He built the cloud-based tool to make fireground events measurable and teachable. Designed to keep departments in control of their data, support national reporting workflows, and drive consistent, objective after‑action reviews, the system targets re
Radios, Command, and LODD Lessons Learned
Hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer discuss why communications repeatedly appear as contributing factors in line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) on this episode of The Backstep Boys. They take a look at national LODD reports and field stories, showing where command often fails, along with ways to fix it.
What Recent Research Is Pushing the Fire Service Forward?
Host Eric Dreiman reflects on FDIC, survivability profiling, and practical victim-centered search tactics on this episode of Hooks & Hoses. Drieman discusses recent research and explains why first responders must favor targeted, split searches, saturating structures to prioritize bedrooms, and avoid premature survivability judgments. He details practical, experience-based guidance for company
Getting Real About Using AI and Other Nonoperational Behaviors
On this episode of Tailboard Talk, hosts Jeff Wallin, Craig Nelson, and Chris Rasmussen welcome Eric Rosoff, executive manager of the Career Survival Group to discuss how AI and other nonoperational behaviors are ending firefighter careers. Rosoff explains why AI‑generated content, like deepfakes and altered images, has already led to terminations, and why frontline supervisors must be able to spo
What Does a Season Change Mean for the Fire Service?
Hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka recap this year's FDIC, practical seasonal changes, and the upcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11 on this episode of The Command Post. They detail standing-room-only classes at FDIC, honoring Andrew Fredericks, and supporting the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. The hosts also take a close look at operational readiness for spring and summer, for families, departments, and
After-Action Reviews and Special Event Planning
Want to learn how to keep communities safe during special events? On this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest, hosts Jerry Knapp and Tim Pillsworth speak with Fire Department of New York Captain (Ret.) Christopher Flatley about planning, executing, and evaluating special events. They focus on the importance of after-action reviews (AARs) and improvement plans: conducting hotwashes, drafting actiona
Mergers and Consolidations: Uniting Departments for a Safer Future
Across the volunteer fire service, conversations about mergers and consolidations are becoming impossible to ignore. Departments are facing increasing demands, shrinking membership, and rising expectations from the communities they serve—forcing leaders to take a hard look at how they operate and whether working together might be the path forward. But these decisions are about more than budgets an
The Difference Disciplined Training Can Make
On this episode of Command Show, the panel breaks down how a three-man crew used vent-enter-isolate-search (VEIS) to pull a woman from her bedroom with seconds to spare. While the adrenaline was high, the execution was clinical. The panel shares raw, play-by-play details of the Porterville (CA) Fire Department's overnight response to a house "fully engulfed" with a confirmed victim trapped inside.
Out of the Comfort Zone: The Power of Small-Scale Fire Conferences
This episode explores why fire service professionals must step outside their own jurisdictions to maintain their edge. Hosted by Todd Edwards, this episode's panel includes:
Alan Griffin
Michael Sayles
Dane Yaw
Matthew Bayes
The discussion covers national-level instructors going to regional settings. They discuss massive events like FDIC, smaller "microconferences," and how these events provide
Why Is Being 'We' Focused Better Than Being 'Me' Focused?
Want to learn how to build fire service culture? Combat veteran and NAS Fort Worth (FL) Fire Chief Samson DeSessa joins hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake for this episode of Point of Origin. DeSessa shares lessons from 34 years across military, private security, and the fireground. He explains his simple mentorship model: build the relationship, do the work, then teach others to mentor. He shares ro
Why Incident Command Training Is So Important
On this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn sits down with David Polikoff, a retired battalion chief from Montgomery County, Maryland, to discuss the critical need for structured incident command training. Polikoff shares how his experience at the National Fire Academy revealed a widespread lack of confidence among officers managing high-stress scenes. In order to bridge this gap, h
FireLink and Captium: Full-Fleet Insights
On this episode, Maria Hovanes, product manager at IDEX Fire and Safety, explains how FireLink—powered by the Captium ecosystem—converts vehicle, pump, and water-flow telemetry into actionable maintenance intelligence. Hovanes details how FireLink captures chassis fault codes, pump activity, nozzle pressure (via SAM and SAM Boost), engine and idle hours, and logs events automatically. The platform
What One New Executive Order Means for the Fire Service
This episode of Fire Service Court addresses the grim reality that more firefighters are lost to suicide than to line-of-duty deaths. The panel covers PTSD, suicidal ideation, issues with the traditional "tough it out" mentality, and how mental health services are evolving within the fire service. They explore the recent executive order directing federal agencies to fast-track psychedelic medicati
In the Books: Episode #18: Pressure Proof: A Guide to Performing Under Stress
What does it take to perform under extreme pressure when lives are on the line?
In this episode, retired FDNY Deputy Chief Thomas Dunne shares insights from 33 years on the job and his book "Pressure Proof: A Guide to Performing Under Stress." From real fireground incidents to high-level leadership, he breaks down how to stay focused, make decisions, and lead with confidence under stress.
🔥 In
Is It Possible to Rebuild Firehouse Community?
How do you rebuild firehouse community? Host Larry Conley reflects on the lost art of firehouse community and building trust for this episode of The Larry Conley Show. He draws on 33 years on the job, discussing how technology, private rooms, and routines have eroded "community currency." Conley outlines practical steps to rebuild cohesion and reviews the EMPOWER (Envision, Mutual Victory, Proacti
SAM & SAM Boost: Automated Pump Control That Helps the Whole Fireground
Pete Prochilo sits down with Jason Cerrano, director of R&D at IDEX Fire & Safety, to discuss SAM and SAM Boost—automated pressure-management systems that simplify pump operations, improve firefighter safety, and deliver consistency on the fireground. Cerrano explains how automated control reduces cognitive load, speeds troubleshooting, and allows for pump operators to focus on higher-valu
Remembering a Dark Day: The Legacy of Kyle Wilson
On this episode of Mayday Monday, host Tony Carroll revisits an incident from April 2007, focusing on the incident commander. Jim Forgo from the Prince William County (VA) Department of Fire and Rescue details his actions at the fire that took the life of firefighter Kyle Wilson. Forgo bravely describes the chaotic scene, marked by high winds and dime-sized embers, as he explains how the crews con
Practical Advice and Training Methods from Two Jersey Guys
On this episode of Fireground Strategies, guests Bobby Moran and John Lewis join the conversation. They discuss tactics, leadership, and the ever-evolving fire service. The panel members trace their careers from volunteer beginnings and the Bergen County (NJ) Fire Academy to chief roles. They talk incident command, county-level resource coordination, utility response, gas-safety outreach, staffing
How to Turn FDIC Momentum into Real-World Change
FDIC 2026 is behind us. Now what? In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Stephen Shaw sits down with Brian Zaitz to unpack how conference momentum translates into practical change. They discuss leveraging professional networks, mentoring and developing instructors, and why writing short, experience‑driven articles matters. Zaitz offers concrete advice for returning from FDIC: Start sm
Here's What Will Kill Your Relationship with the Fire Service
On this episode of Fire and Training, host Doug Cline challenges fire service leaders to stop coasting and rebuild vital relationships within their departments. He draws on his 46 years of frontline experience, identifying seven relationship killers:
1. Unmet needs.
2. Unfulfilled expectations.
3. Underdeveloped self-esteem.
4. Unresolved conflicts.
5. Uncontrolled thoughts.
6. Unprotected li
Response Management and Tech: The January 2025 D.C. Plane Crash
On this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Jeffrey Lenard, a firefighter/EMT for the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department, and Mike Cox, director of fire and EMS Solutions for Esri. Lenard, who is also a master public safety diver, and Cox discuss the January 2025 crash of American Airlines Flight 5342. They cover the way the response was managed, the
NERIS: What Do You Need to Know?
Want to learn more about NERIS? On this episode of Professional Volunteer Fire Department, Tom Merrill checks in with Tom Jenkins for a four-month status report on the National Emergency Response Information System. This system went live January 1st, replacing NFIRS. They cover who's on board, common onboarding snags, and practical steps departments should take now, such as verifying their organiz
Eight Saves at 800 Casanova: Mastery of Command
Hosts Anthony Kastros and Brian Brush welcome Monterey (CA) Fire Department firefighters Lou Valdez, Patrick Moore, Greg Greenlee, and Matt Harris. On this episode of Command Show, the panel discusses responding to a nightmare scenario structure fire at the Casanova apartment complex. They detail this three-story, 90-unit building and how they were able to save residents from a smoke-filled hallwa
What Does the Future of the Fire Service Look Like?
On this episode of The Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer welcome Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy to reflect on careers, camaraderie, and the future of the fire service. The hosts discuss volunteer pride and why the firehouse remains a unique hub of both trust and service. They debate technology's role in the future of fire service, arguing that it should not be used in decision ma
The Truth About Teamwork
(This episode originally aired in March 2026.)
Inside a firehouse, teamwork isn’t part of a slogan—it’s the difference between control and chaos. For this episode of Women in Fire, host Lisa Baker and guests Heather Mozdean, Paige Cowell, and Kim Phillips get candid about what teamwork actually looks like. They move past textbook definitions and into the reality: coordinating ventilation with inte
Taking Back the Firehouse: Stop Waiting to Be Saved
This week on the Humpday Hangout, Brian Zaitz, P.J. Norwood, and Candace Ashby discuss FDIC, problematic employees, leadership, and management. Ashby challenges firefighters to stop waiting for administration to save them and star saving themselves. They discuss a leadership crisis in the fire service and how negative people spread through the ranks while the majority stay silent. The panel argues
A Pre-FDIC Chat: Ladder Tactics, Constructive Criticism, and Leadership
Hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka break down high-stakes decisions on the fireground, planning ahead of FDIC, and window rescues on this episode of The Command Post. They discuss consoling a terrified, conscious victim, removal options, the importance of ladder selection and placement, using tower buckets, and when to radio for more resources. The hosts also call out "keyboard cowards" who attack fi
High-Rise Mayday: One Fire Chief's Account
In this episode of Mayday Monday, host Tony Carroll speaks with Chief Wells Wilson of the Alexandria (VA) Fire Department about a March 2024 working high‑rise fire that involved a Mayday.
A routine alarm escalated when elevators and water supply complications slowed access, smoke rapidly charged a stairwell, and firefighters who were low on air called a Mayday. Wilson—with 19 years on the job, h
FDIC 2026 Preview: Classes, Symposiums, and the Anniversary of 9/11
In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy speak with Jack Murphy about their upcoming FDIC classes, classroom offerings, and the 25th anniversary of 9/11. They break down what's new for FDIC, the ins-and-outs of opening ceremonies, hands-on evolutions, and commemorations of 9/11. They also explore responding to high-rise "superblocks," practical preincident build
Leadership, Humility, and Patience with Nozzle Forward Founder Aaron Fields
Aaron Fields joins host Steve Shaw to discuss ways to cut through the hype in modern fire service training and leadership on this episode of Perspectives on Leadership. They argue for humility over spectacle, deliberate practice over one-off tricks, and measurement over opinion. Fields details his unconventional path into the service, explains why standard operating procedures and shared language
Who’s Responsible When Firefighters Cross Into Mutual Aid?
Who is liable when firefighters cross into mutual aid? On this episode of Fire Service Court, John Murphy breaks down the "borrowed servant" doctrine. He explores how control, duration, equipment, and pay decide which agency is liable during mutual aid, mobilizations, and task-force deployments. Murphy details a tragic Illinois case, reviews OSHA findings, details a $31 million settlement, and exp
The Blueprint to Modern Construction
How are rapid changes in building materials and construction methods outpacing firefighter training? On this episode of Fire and Training, host Doug Cline and guest Christopher Naum argue for a return to rigorous, formalized building-construction literacy, from basic firefighter responsibilities to company officer and commander levels, and outline suggested training targets. They explain the "buil
Are You Staying Relevant?
What is professional relevance and do you have it? On this episode of The Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley sits down with Brian Zaitz, assistant chief of the Kirkwood (MO) Fire Department and president of the ISFSI, to discuss four critical pillars of professional relevance in today's fire service: being active, staying current, building meaningful relationships, and delivering effective train
FDIC 2026: NextGen Fire Rescue Tech Summit Preview
With FDIC right around the corner, host Eddie Buchanan and guests Mike Cox, Trevor Wilson, and Kirk McKinzie preview the NextGen Fire Rescue Tech Summit. They discuss how real-time sensor streams, AI, and indoor 3D mapping will change command, mutual aid, and firefighter safety. They explore actionable use cases—near‑real‑time decision support, resource tracking across jurisdictions, and tabletop-
Training for the Worst Shift of Your Career
The most grueling fire of your career may not wait for you to have seniority. In fact, it can easily happen on a rookie’s second shift. Or first! So the fire service must handle health and safety training with the same urgency as it does for fireground operations. On this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn sits down with seasoned fire chief and FDIC instructor Dennis Reilly to disc
How to Achieve Tactical Excellence
What is the role of leadership? And how can it shape an "aggressive" fire service culture?
On this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jason Hoevelmann and Jim Silvernail welcome Jamie Young and Joe Gragnani to the show. They explore how to move beyond clichés and how to build organizations that prioritize tactical excellence. They discuss the "Four Pillars" of departments: running calls, trainin
How to Prioritize with RECEO
Jay Bonnifield, a captain with the Everett (WA) Fire Department, joins this episode of Hooks & Hoses to discuss how RECEO—Rescue, Exposures, Confinement, Extinguishment, and Overhaul—helps firefighters prioritize life-saving actions and navigate chaotic fire scenes effectively. He discusses the hierarchy of RECEO and how it helps inform decision making and situational awareness while enabling
Why Leadership and Their Crews Need to Get on the Same Page
What's the significance of aligning leadership and crews in modern fire departments? On this episode of Tailboard Talk, hosts Jeff Wallin, Chris Rasmussen, and Craig Nelson welcome Kent Orvik and Andy Dingman, of the Fargo (ND) Fire Department. The panel discusses how firefighters who become chiefs keep the instincts of the engine room yet inherit a very different job: long timeframes, political c
The Fireground Blueprint, Part I
Host Christopher Naum's two-part series for BuildingsonFire takes a closeup look at building literacy and reshaping decision making on the fireground. This episode explores the operational framework that links building era, construction, occupancy, and functional domains. Naum discusses tactics, safety, and command.
He gets into the importance of the first 20 minutes of an incident, the predicta
The Truth About Teamwork
Inside a firehouse, teamwork isn’t part of a slogan—it’s the difference between control and chaos. For this episode of Women in Fire, host Lisa Baker and guests Heather Mozdean, Paige Colwell, and Kim Phillips get candid about what teamwork actually looks like. They move past textbook definitions and into the reality: coordinating ventilation with interior crews, trusting the person next to you to
Humpday Hangout: The Evolving Fireground
On this week's Humpday Hangout, Frank Ricci and Josh Miller talk to guests P.J. Norwood and Sean Gray about The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics, which they cowrote. They discuss why transitional attacks and ventilation must be coordinated with hoseline placement, argue for early water application from outside to improve interior conditions, and reframe “search” and “door control” to pr
Ways to Modernize Incident Command
Command Show host Anthony Kastros and guest Rick Nelson, Chief of the Reading (MA) Fire Department, discuss how a small New England fire department modernized incident command to close the tactical gap. They unpack NIOSH 5 failure points and show how decentralized leadership, mutual-aid run cards, and tactical supervisors improve accountability, reduce radio traffic, and improve outcomes.
The conv
Secrets of Success for the Next Generation
How often do you think about leaving the fire department better than you found it and setting the next generation up for success? In this episode of Talkin' Tactics, hosts David Polikoff and Sam Villani welcome Frank Ricci, a retired battalion chief from the New Haven (CT) Fire Department to talk about these important topics.
They discuss recruitment and academy culture, why early leadership tra
What We Can Learn from Fatality Reports
On this episode of The Backstep Boys hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer discuss firefighter line‑of‑duty reports and the hard lessons that persist: breakdowns in incident command, poor communication, accountability gaps, and the ongoing danger of modern building construction and synthetic fuels. They trace the origin and purpose of the national firefighter fatality investigation program, how f
In The Books: Infection Control Policies and Procedures for Community Paramedicine and MIH, 2nd edition
Katherine West joins us to discuss the expertise behind her newly updated Infection Control Policies for Community Paramedicine and MIH, 2nd Edition. With decades of experience, West explains the differences between emergent care and home‑care practices, offering practical, evidence‑based guidance. She highlights challenges such as healthcare‑associated infections, inconsistent training, and the
Understanding the Fight to Keep Good People
If you teach, lead, or want to grow the talent in your department, give this conversation between Billy Hux and Bobby Drake a listen. The Point of Origin hosts unpack the lone‑chief challenge, stressing trust, training, and emotional intelligence as the antidotes to isolation. They also offer tactical reminders about audience engagement, workload balance, and using conferences to find allies and s
Looking to Teach, Lead, or Grow in the Fire Service?
If you teach, lead, or want to grow the talent in your department, give this conversation between Billy Hux and Bobby Drake a listen. The Point of Origin hosts unpack the lone‑chief challenge, stressing trust, training, and emotional intelligence as the antidotes to isolation. They also offer tactical reminders about audience engagement, workload balance, and using conferences to find allies and s
Can You Beat the Clock?
Your choice of tactics, your attitude, and your training are all factors in whether you can beat the clock at incident. In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka dig into a truth every experienced firefighter learns sooner or later: the building is the real opponent. Fire is just the ammunition.
The conversation moves from leadership to street-level tactics. What makes
Parades Are Great Unless You Have No Plan
From parades and fireworks to large town gatherings, with an emphasis on terrorism-aware preparation, this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest focuses on the process of building an operational plan for public events. The panel discusses topics including threat assessment, interagency coordination, chain of command, resource allocation, staging and access, and more. They stress using scalable incide
Navigating Local Politics
Fire Commissioner Jared Renshaw, from the Western Berks (PA) Fire Department, joins host Tom Merrill on this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department. They discuss a topic that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in the fire service: building strong relationships with the local elected officials who help shape the future of our departments. Too often we focus only on operatio
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