He gets into the importance of the first 20 minutes of an incident, the predictability of building performance, and moving beyond surface familiarity to applied architectural and engineering knowledge.

Listen to learn more.

Brought to you by AMKUS

This episode of Fire Service Court covers several topics that may have your department talking. The conversation addresses the complex and often contentious issue of facial hair policies in fire departments. The discussion centers around a recent case involving a veteran firefighter whose religious beliefs require him to maintain a beard, conflicting with his city’s clean-shaven rule tied to SCBA safety standards. Experts Brad Pinsky, Curt Varone, and Chip Comstock tackle tough questions relevant to volunteer departments, EMS personnel, and accommodation challenges without compromising safety. The panel calls for updated scientific research to better inform facial hair restrictions rather than ongoing litigation. This episode offers critical insights for fire service leaders grappling with policy development, religious accommodation, and operational integrity in an evolving legal landscape.

Listen to learn more.

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Drawing on years of frontline experience, Dreiman warns against rushing to advanced specialties before solidifying essential techniques like ladder placement, hose deployment, forcible entry, and search procedures. From the perils of skipping routine checks to the impact of stress and sensory overload during emergencies, this episode is a call to return to basics.

This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. https://www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://thefirestore.com

Mayday Monday returns for October as Chief Mike Mulligan, Brian Morgan, and Battalion Chief David Roark of the Atascocita (TX) Fire Department recount a harrowing commercial fire they faced in 2019. The incident reinforced how familiarity, communication gaps, and residential firefighting tactics can create dangerous complications during commercial fires. Despite the tough conditions and limited visibility, the firefighters navigated an 8,000-square-foot bar, ultimately issuing a Mayday when running low on hose and air. Miscommunicated building designations combined with a delayed Mayday response revealed key lessons in command responsibility and standard operating procedures. The department has since adjusted tactics—heavier initial response, larger hoselines, consistent building orientation, and enhanced rigorous training to prepare crews and officers for high-risk scenarios. This conversation offers a transparent look at handling complex commercial fires and the need for ongoing training, situational awareness, and teamwork in the face of adversity.

In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman delves into the complexities of live fire training, sharing lessons from his extensive experience across acquired structures and fixed facilities. He emphasizes the critical balance between adhering to NFPA 1403, Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions, and providing firefighters with realistic, effective training that prepares them for the unpredictable nature of real fires. Dreiman discusses the value of the crawl-walk-run approach in building confidence and skills, the challenges of controlling burn conditions using door management and burn packages, and the limitations of various training props, including gas-fired simulators and flashover chambers. He stresses how overly intense heat can hinder learning and create dangerous “training scars,” while too-safe scenarios risk fostering a false sense of security.  

In this episode of Talking Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, Robert “RJ” James, and Sam Villani take a close look at the landscape of fire service leadership. Reflecting on James’s recent training at the Jimmy Ellis Memorial and their own careers, they explore when and why firefighters decide to pursue leadership roles. The conversation highlights the importance of humility, accountability, trust, and genuine connection with crew members—qualities often missing in rapid promotions. They emphasize investing time into learning every rank, embracing mentorship, and leading by example on and off the fireground. They also talk about today’s younger firefighters, the impact of military leadership principles post-9/11, and the importance of being accessible both at work and in personal crises.

Brought to you by AMKUS

Guests include: 

• Geoff Balton
• Matt Wilson 
• Jason Fox
• Michael Elhihi
• Justin Velasquez

This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

Donnie shares his EMS background, what inspired the updated second edition, and how AI and emerging technology are already reshaping frontline care — often from the ground up, as firefighters and EMTs adopt these tools on their own before formal department policy catches up.

The conversation covers:

• Real-world cases where technology improved response times, provider safety, and patient outcomes.
• Organizational barriers and caution signs departments should watch for.
• The future of patient data sharing between dispatch, responders, and hospitals.
• Ethics, cybersecurity, and the guardrails agencies need before adopting new tools.
• Tracking responder exposures through connected data systems.
• Budget priorities, pilot programs, and ROI metrics for the next 12–18 months.
• The emerging role of autonomous air transport in EMS.

Whether you're an EMS leader, provider, or just curious about where technology is taking emergency medicine, this episode offers a grounded look at both the promise and the pitfalls ahead.

📖 Get The Future of Emergency Medical Services: AI, Technology, and Innovation 2E from Fire Engineering Books → https://fireengineeringbooks.com/shop-all-products/the-future-of-emergency-medical-services-artificial-intelligence-technology-and-innovation-2e/?utm_medium=podcast_episode&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=in_the_books&utm_content=the_future_of_emergency_medical_services

#FireEngineeringBooks #InTheBooksPodcast #EMS #ArtificialIntelligence #EMSInnovation 

The conversation highlights the importance of strong leadership, mentoring, and tailored coaching, balancing toughness with care, to move individuals from weakness through strength to greatness. They examine the diversity of leadership styles and personalities that contribute to a resilient, high-performing firehouse culture.  

In this "Politics and Tactics" edition of the Humpday Hangout, hosts P.J. Norwood and Frank Ricci speak with guests Chris Pfaff and Mark Haugh about the evolving challenges first responders face with the rise of lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles (EVs), and large-scale battery energy storage systems.

https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-08/battery_energy_storage_systems_fact_sheet.pdf   www.HazmatAndRescue.com 

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw and Eric McCoy, chief, Huntington Beach (CA) Fire Department, explore the crucial role of culture in the fire service. Drawing on experiences from both coasts, they discuss breaking down stigmas by building a positive, mission-driven culture that embraces humility, fosters leadership at every level and supports mental health openly. Chief McCoy shares how Huntington Beach involved the entire department in crafting a leadership ethos that reflects shared values rather than legacy practices. They also talk about practical strategies, such as transforming committees into “engagement teams,” prioritizing face-to-face communication, and including families in firefighter support programs. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of creating cohesive teams amid diverse backgrounds and emphasizes servant leadership’s role in advancing a healthy organizational culture.

Brought to you by Fire Facilities https://www.firefacilities.com/

Brought to you by Fire Facilities https://www.firefacilities.com/

Link: https://fireengineeringbooks.com/books/infection-control-policies-and-procedures-for-community-paramedicine-and-mih-2nd-edition/?utm_source=youtube.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=in_the_books&utm_content=infection_control_policies_and_procedures_for_community_paramedicine_and_mih_2nd_edition

In this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, fire safety experts Jill Cotton and Jack Murphy cover a crucial yet underappreciated aspect of firefighting: leveraging data, building technology, and fire prevention strategies to save lives and property. They discuss why residential sprinklers remain vastly underutilized despite proven effectiveness, the complexity of high-rise and groundscraper buildings, and the urgent need for actionable preincident intelligence. Murphy shares insights from decades of fire prevention work and code enforcement challenges, emphasizing the importance of building legacy databases and real-time tactical awareness. Cotton highlights how technology can bridge gaps for under-resourced departments, stressing collaboration with fire inspectors and building owners. The conversation also emphasizes the necessity for firefighters to shift their mindset—viewing prevention and codes not as obstacles but as lifesaving tools.

Brought to you by Fire Facilities

Brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.thefirestore.com

This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

Brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

What's on your streets and in your first-due area? Host Chris Naum shares some thoughts on building construction resolutions for the new year.

Key Hose is dedicated to the manufacture and delivery of the highest quality fire hose products, combining the best in raw materials with expert craftsmanship.

Sponsored by Key Hose: www.keyhose.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

The two draw from national-level insights and frontline experience. They challenge firefighters and officers to evaluate whether they are growing—or simply showing up. Conley and Zaitz also provide perspective on the direction of the fire service and the responsibility of its members to remain engaged, informed, and prepared.

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

Emphasizing continual scene assessment, clear communication with command, and strict adherence to standard procedures, the episode urges firefighters to stay vigilant and prepared. Cline also touches on the importance of mental and physical readiness, advocating for ongoing training and fitness to sharpen focus in high-stress environments.

Thompson warns against vague slogans and urges leaders to map outcomes, manage the ripple effects of decisions, and prioritize a performance mindset alongside well-being. He recommends books and mindsets—Atomic Habits (James Clear), The Art of Clear Thinking (Hasard Lee), and operator‑driven learning—and urges departments to give officers the tools and standards they need.

The discussion underscores the critical role of rigorous rehab protocols on scene and ongoing fitness programs off duty. Fire departments and individual firefighters alike must embrace comprehensive physical exams and targeted interventions to prevent sudden cardiac deaths and extend careers. Tune in to learn how proactive health strategies and improved awareness can save lives within this demanding profession.

Learn more on FireEngineering.com and from these resources:

https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/resources/resource/healthcare-providers-guide-to-firefighter-physicals

https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/kales-lab/feeding-americas-bravest/

In this episode, guest Ed Collet joins the team to discuss water supply and delivery concerns. Also, host Mike Dugan pays tribute to the fallen of 9/11 and those who continue to suffer and die from the response to the attacks. Key Hose is dedicated to the manufacture and delivery of the highest quality fire hose products, combining the best in raw materials with expert craftsmanship. Sponsored by Key Hose: www.keyhose.com.

In this episode of the Backstep Boys, fire service veterans Ron Kanterman, Tom Aurnhammer, and guest James Salas reflect on the tragic line-of-duty death of Roswell (NM) Fire Chief Louis Jones in 2002 and recent ambush attacks on firefighters in Idaho. They discuss how these events reshaped departmental protocols, emphasizing staged responses to violent scenes, close cooperation with law enforcement, and the critical role of first-line officers in managing evolving threats. Salas highlights the importance of ongoing joint training, including active shooter scenarios, and implementing mental health resources for affected personnel. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing traditional firefighting duties with emerging hazards like targeted violence and the adoption of ballistic gear.

Discover practical tips for aspiring leaders, the significance of leading by example, and how to balance tradition with modern technology in the fire service. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with valuable lessons for firefighters at all levels.

 Listen to learn more.

Brought to you by AMKUS

Listen to learn more.

Brought to you by AMKUS

From the groundbreaking UL FSRI fire research studies to modern fireground decision-making, this conversation explores how evidence-based tactics continue to shape the fire service. Gray and Norwood break down the major updates in the new edition, including expanded content on search operations, water mapping, air entrainment, coordinated ventilation, basement fires, emerging technologies, and the practical application of fire dynamics research.

The discussion takes a deep dive into:

✅ Coordinated ventilation and modern fire dynamics ✅ Search tactics backed by research and real-world experience ✅ Water application, transitional attack, and getting water on the fire quickly ✅ Staffing considerations and tactical prioritization ✅ Legacy vs. modern fire environments ✅ Basement fire operations and decision-making ✅ How departments can turn research into actionable training and operational doctrine

Whether you're a firefighter, company officer, instructor, chief officer, or fire service student, this episode provides valuable insight into understanding the "why" behind modern firefighting tactics and how research can improve firefighter and civilian safety.

📘 The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics (2nd Edition) is designed not only as a reference book but also as a training and promotional resource, complete with chapter objectives, practice questions, and the latest fire research findings.

Purchase Today: https://fireengineeringbooks.com/new-products/the-evolving-fireground-research-based-tactics-2e/?utm_medium=podcast_episode&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=in_the_books&utm_content=the_evolving_fireground

1. Unmet needs. 

2. Unfulfilled expectations. 

3. Underdeveloped self-esteem.

4. Unresolved conflicts.

5. Uncontrolled thoughts.

6. Unprotected lifestyles (negative influences).

7. Unreliable commitment.

Cline explains how each "killer" corrodes morale, teamwork, and public safety. He gives company officers and firefighters the steps they need to follow for a true reset. Cline also frames leadership as influence, not rank, and offers the philosophy: adapt to generational change, learn from everyone, own mistakes, and cultivate a healthy organizational culture.

The Women in Fire Panel

1. Retired Lieutenant Heidi Simon from South Metro, Colorado
2. Retired Lieutenant WIllie Saulsberry from Gainesville, Florida
3. Firefighter/Paramedic Brooke Sims from Aurora, Colorado
4. Women in Fire Trustee Megan Saylors

Panel:

• Lisa Baker, host
• Dr. Kerry Ramella, owner and clinical director of PSCS (Public Safety Crisis Solutions) Wellness
• Reda Riddle-Bigler, assistant chief of the Phoenix Fire Department
• Brian Mike Saylor, captain, Phoenix Fire Department

Link to the FDIC recorded/third installment of the series episode: https://youtu.be/tM3IPTOraBA?si=zp4rTvrNvY23Bzhv

This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

They discuss recruitment and academy culture, why early leadership training matters, and how realistic, stressful drills build the muscle memory crews need on the fireground. The discussion contrasts career and volunteer models, suggests swap programs and targeted on‑apparatus mentoring, and stresses paced promotions so officers learn every job. The panel also examines day-to-day credibility, with a focus on doing the "small" tasks, setting clear expectations, and holding candid post‑incident debriefs.

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

Article link: https://www.fireengineering.com/fire-safety/enhancing-firefighter-health-and-safety-in-the-evolving-built-environment/ 

For more information about the Fire Safety Research Institute: https://s.ul.org/4g1syoH

Link to the previous Spotlight podcast with Jason Cerrano: https://www.youtube.com/live/zv5eqbB2-Xk?si=np3bv34NBFJznJTQ

Article mentioned: https://www.fireengineering.com/magazine/total-readiness-with-firelink-supporting-crews-before-and-after-the-call/

This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

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, training to run calls, mastering tradecraft, and everything else. Young and Gragnani share how they transitioned a "storied" department toward a search-heavy, "victims until proven otherwise" mindset, supported by a significant investment in off-duty training and strong labor-management relationships. They explore why today's toxic fuel loads demand a smarter, more proactive breed of firefighter and firehouse culture.

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

For more technical detail and demos visit samflows.com. Hosted by Fire Engineering. Subscribe for more equipment reviews, tactics, and firefighter-focused tech conversations. Questions? Contact Jason Cerrano at jcerrano@idexcorp.com or reach out to your local OEM for hands-on testing today.

Learn more here:

https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting-equipment/tech-that-supports-the-fireground-giving-operators-the-backup-they-deserve/

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 this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to manage stress as responsibility increases
• Why fear can be a powerful tool
• The importance of command presence and clear communication
• The “3 W’s” (Who, Where, Water) for better decision-making
• How the “power of pause” prevents costly mistakes

Whether you're in firefighting, leadership, or any high-pressure role, these lessons will help you perform when it matters most.

#Firefighting #Leadership #FDNY #StressManagement #DecisionMaking

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities:  https://www.firefacilities.com/

Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-9EB04

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, having been recently promoted to chief—recounts operational decisions, crew coordination, the value of a dedicated driver and captain, and how training, command checklists, and clear radio language shortened response time. He candidly describes his own physiological reaction under stress and the department’s immediate medical and after‑action support. Key lessons include establishing incident routines and command tools ahead of time; empowering company officers to solve problems; front‑loading resources early; and rehearsing realistic simulations that highlight warning phrases and failure points. This conversation features useful and practical takeaways for anyone involved in high‑rise firefighting or incident command operations.

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-9EB04

Avillo gets into the complexities of managing greater alarm fires in tightly packed, multi-exposure environments, emphasizing the importance of predetermined company assignments, effective apparatus placement, and strategic water supply management. 

He stresses how incident commanders must leverage their senses maintain a strategic overview while trusting trained officers to execute tactical operations on scene. The conversation also covers the integration of modern technology, including drones and thermal imaging, balanced with time-tested practices like thorough pre-fire street intelligence.

They also take a look at station life, where unresolved tension, uneven effort, and poor communication quietly erode performance long before a call comes in. This discussion presents an honest conversation about training gaps, ego, leadership responsibility, and the difficulty of building cohesion across personalities and ranks.

This episode features:

• Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire (host).
• Paige Colwell, battalion chief, Forsyth County (GA) Fire Department.
• Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire Department.
• Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston (TX) Fire Department.

Later in the episode, the show welcomes former Navy SEAL Chris Shea of the North Haven (CT) Fire Department and discuss his decision to run for Congress.

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

Brought to you by FireFacilities. FireFacilities.com

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-9EB04

They also take a look at station life, where unresolved tension, uneven effort, and poor communication quietly erode performance long before a call comes in. This discussion presents an honest conversation about training gaps, ego, leadership responsibility, and the difficulty of building cohesion across personalities and ranks.

This episode features:

• Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire (host).
• Paige Colwell, battalion chief, Forsyth County (GA) Fire Department.
• Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire Department.
• Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston (TX) Fire Department.

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-9EB04

Drawing from personal experience and department practices, Drake stresses why preplanning and understanding local traffic patterns can save lives. They discuss practical, low-cost training methods—like tabletop exercises using matchbox cars—that reinforce blocking techniques and traffic incident management.

Highlighting lessons learned from the tragic loss of Lieutenant Brad Clark, Drake emphasizes how following best practices doesn’t eliminate risks but can minimize harm. They close with details on Drake's upcoming FDIC class “Commanding Alone: Leading the Fireground When You're All You've Got," which focuses on leadership, culture, and preparing to manage incidents solo. Drake's class is Friday, April 24, 206, at 10:30 a.m., at FDIC in Indianapolis.

Hosts Anthony Kastros and Brian Brush break down key classroom tracks, leadership development sessions, and the practical value of being in the room with instructors who’ve led through large-scale incidents, staffing shortages, and organizational change. The hosts also discuss command presence, accountability systems, and how expectations for chief officers have shifted over the last decade.

If you’re attending FDIC, this episode will give you a clearer plan for how to spend your time at the show. If you’re not, you’ll understand what conversations are shaping the national fire service right now. 

This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

The conversation covers regional collaboration across New England, practical benchmarks for tactical communications, and Reading’s next steps. Kastros and Nelson also talk about technology and how leaders empower lieutenants to lead during mutual‑aid responses.

This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

The discussion also covers practical advice covers including early screening, gear decontamination, and several ways to practice self-care. They also discuss the uphill fight against political and industry resistance to stronger safety measures, and the importance of shifting department cultures to prioritize health. 

Mentioned in the episode: https://youtu.be/p6vZNnruYKU?si=m9t-HZ19hVKndI65

This episode features:

• Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire (host)
• Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire Department
• Kat Desonier, firefighter/paramedic, Evans (CO) Fire District

They also address cultural shifts within the fire service, emphasizing the integration of technology while respecting traditional values. Key topics include strategies for budgeting AI solutions, the expanding role of smart traffic preemption in response times, and the importance of fire departments engaging with technological innovation to lead rather than follow.

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

In this candid year-end episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn offers an unfiltered look at the challenges firefighters and training officers faced over the past year, from budget cuts to mental health struggles. McGlynn shares personal reflections on the psychological toll the year took and stresses the importance of including mental health in training programs.

He encourages listeners to assess their individual and departmental growth, identify gaps, and set realistic goals for the coming year. McGlynn challenges fire service leaders to engage in honest self-reflection, forgive past resentments, and start fresh with clear plans that benefit their teams, families, and themselves.

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Firefighter Nichole O’Donnell joins us to discuss the real‑life experiences behind her book, Diary of a Probie: Turning Setbacks into Strengths. Through her diary‑style reflections, O’Donnell opens up about the self‑doubt, pressure, and personal challenges that shape a firefighter’s earliest days in the service, showing how resilience and perseverance turn adversity into growth. In our conversation, she shares insights that resonate with new firefighters, EMS and fire service professionals, and anyone curious about the demands of the job. O’Donnell explores how setbacks can build strength, how confidence develops through struggle, and why persistence matters both in the firehouse and in life.

Beyond educating firefighters on recognizing and mitigating these fires, Flynn and Laird discuss the challenges families face after line-of-duty deaths, including navigating complex benefits and support systems. Through their nonprofit, Phoenix Advocates, they provide free training, data collection, and family assistance nationwide. 

The conversation moves from leadership to street-level tactics. What makes a “firefighter’s fire chief”? Not popularity. It’s credibility earned through experience, preparation, and a clear understanding of how firefighters actually operate on the fireground.

The panel stresses the importance of knowing what the job truly entails, addressing the heavy EMS workload, irregular hours, and emotional challenges like trauma and PTSD. They discuss gender-specific considerations, mentorship, and department culture. They also cover shifting recruitment trends and the evolving expectations of newer generations in the fire service. 

This episode features: 

-Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire (host)

-Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire Department

-Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston Fire Department

-Paige Colwell, battalion chief, Forsyth County (GA) Fire Department

-Kat Desonier, firefighter/paramedic, Evans (CO) Fire District

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore: thefirestore.com.

In this episode of The Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer explore the nuances of fire service culture, leadership challenges, and the legacy that shapes today’s firefighters. From Aurnhammer's long-awaited trip to a West Point football game, rich with history and tradition, to profound discussions on organizational culture inspired by pioneers like Edgar Schein and Dr. Kim Allen, the conversation unpacks the ways culture drives behavior, impacts safety, and defines leadership effectiveness. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at what it truly means to lead and belong in the fire service today.

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned conference veteran, this conversation will help you avoid burnout, overspending, and missed opportunities. And it will ensure you return home with measurable leadership growth. Don’t just attend. Deploy.

The conversation also touches on firefighting history, an upcoming book compiling major U.S. and international conflagrations, and the human cost behind statistics. They also talk about the unseen workload of incident management teams who support families after tragedies. 

The panel stresses that while NFPA standards are valuable safety benchmarks, they are not absolute law. They highlight the critical need for fire departments to audit compliance, educate personnel, and engage expert legal and operational defense. Through practical advice, including checklist implementation and risk management, this episode equips firefighters and chiefs to protect both their teams and their departments from legal and safety pitfalls.

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Brought to you by FireFacilities. FireFacilities.com

Onieal shares personal stories of mentors who shaped his path and how those relationships blossomed into lifelong friendships. The hosts explore the balance between formal and informal mentoring, cautioning against choosing harmful role models while emphasizing patience, empathy, and communication as key mentor traits. 

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Listen to learn from personal anecdotes dating back to the 1970s to the present day. The discussion spans the introduction of state-of-the-art technologies in firefighting, including virtual reality training and contemporary challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries. The discussion also focuses on the importance of selecting relevant classes tailored to individual firefighting roles and the necessity of fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within fire departments. 

Brought to you by thefirestore.com and  firefacilities.com 

Brought to you by thefirestore.com and  firefacilities.com   

Instead, leadership is situational and requires adaptability and honesty. They also address the specific hurdles women encounter in this traditionally male-dominated field. On that front they talk about imposter syndrome and heightened scrutiny, stressing the importance of vulnerability and ongoing learning. With candid stories and practical advice, the episode reveals the ways effective leadership combines motivating people, managing resources, and fostering trust.

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11 by honoring the heroes and victims—firefighters, police, and everyday citizens—who stood strong during one of the darkest days in U.S. history. They explore the ongoing physical and emotional toll on responders and emphasize the importance of keeping the memory of September 11, 2001, alive for new generations.  The hosts pivot to discuss “domino recognition” in fireground safety: how small, overlooked factors can cascade into serious incidents. They also cover innovative safety programs like prefire street intelligence and line-of-duty death reviews.

During the episode, Wesley discusses the importance of leadership accountability, while Reid addresses the challenges in recruitment and retention within modern firefighting. Larry Conley talks about navigating the complexities of effective and efficient leadership in high-stakes environments. Hearing a combination of personal experiences and expert insights, listeners gain valuable perspectives on fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and mentorship in firefighting.

Brought to you by thefirestore.com and  firefacilities.com 

Recorded live at the First In Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, this episode captures the diverse perspectives of firefighters, from new volunteers to seasoned chiefs. Listeners will learn what drives firefighters to attend training away from home. Through honest conversations, these public servants share their motivations: serving community, embracing legacy, fueling passion, and refusing complacency. They explore the value of networking, fresh ideas, and constant learning in a profession that never stands still. The episode also highlights the challenges and rewards of organizing fire-service conferences that bring meaningful education and connection to small and large departments alike.

In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, host Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire, welcomes experts from California and Colorado dissect the realities behind fire service promotions, from driver/operator to captain and beyond. Deputy Chief Heather Mozdean of the Fremont (CA) Fire Department, Lieutenant Heidi Simon of the South Metro (CO) Fire Department, and Firefighter Brooke Sims of the Aurora (CO) Fire Department, share their hard-earned insights on the motives behind seeking promotion, the rigors of written and practical testing, and the critical leadership responsibilities that departments often overlook. They also address common pitfalls like test integrity, balancing firefighter and engineer experience, and the tough conversations that must happen when officers fall short. Sims offers a frontline perspective on juggling study demands with family life, while Mozdean and Simon emphasize mentorship and ongoing development through task books and probationary periods.

Brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.FireFacilities.com    

Burns details the challenges of hazardous conditions, communication breakdowns, and rapid decision-making under pressure. The discussion reveals the complexity of coordinating volunteer and career firefighters, highlights the critical importance of knowing your teams and areas, and underscores how practiced radio protocols can save lives. Burns recounts the intense efforts to rescue trapped firefighters amid collapsed structures and thick smoke, illustrating the resilience and adaptability demanded by such emergencies.

Guest Panel:

• Kevin Tye, captain, Denton (TX) Fire Department
• Shea Enos, lieutenant, Denton (TX) Fire Department
• Michael Ventrca, lieutenant, Denton (TX) Fire Department Chris Parker, assistant chief, Cary (NC) Fire Department
• Ted Larson, battalion chief, Roseville (MN) Fire Department
• Dan O’Neil, senior firefighter, Roseville (MN) Fire Department

This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

In this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn sits down with Brandon Corey, who shares his raw and personal journey dealing with the mental and emotional aftermath of losing a brother in the line of duty. Corey explores the unseen wounds firefighters carry, emphasizing the urgent need for mental health training alongside traditional tactics. They discuss the gaps in existing post-incident support programs, such as critical-incident stress management (CISM), the importance of authentic peer support, and how leadership plays a pivotal role in changing the fire service culture. Brandon’s story highlights the struggle with guilt, closure, and the ongoing process of recovery, offering hope and practical advice for those silently battling their own “invisible storms.” This episode challenges the fire service to rethink how mental health is addressed—making it as integral as physical readiness—while honoring those who serve and remembering those lost.

In this episode of the BuildingsonFire podcast, host Christopher Naum dives into the complexities of rowhouse construction and its direct impact on firefighter safety and fireground operations. Drawing from recent line-of-duty death investigations in Baltimore and Philadelphia, Naum highlights how predictable building features and subtle variations like the presence of Formstone facades can drastically influence fire behavior and structural integrity. Naum explores regional construction methods and the challenges posed by aging materials such as eastern hemlock wood. He also looks at the consequences of overlooked architectural elements that contribute to collapse risks.  

This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/

This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

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