In the latest episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes guests Joanna Zibbell, fire technology manager, Boise, Idaho, and Blake Boyd, fire and emergency services analyst, Cary, North Carolina. They discuss the emerging role of data analysts in the fire service and take a close look at evolving data maturity frameworks and the challenges of vendor data access. They also address the significance of embedding data literacy within fire departments. Brought to you by TheFireStore. http://www.thefirestore.com/

In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston Fire Department, and Paige Colwell, battalion chief, Forsyth County (GA) Fire Department, take a close-up look at what defines leadership and management in the fire service. They explore essential leadership traits like trust, communication, and integrity, and highlight the challenges leaders face. These include everything from gaining credibility to managing personnel and navigating political pressures. The discussion emphasizes the idea that leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept.   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.

In this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann sit down with Peter Morotto, acting chief of training, Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department, to unpack key firefighting tactics centered on tenable space and focused aggression. Drawing from 30 years of frontline service and extensive instructor experience, Morotto takes a close look at balance between aggressive fireground operations and firefighter safety, emphasizing the critical role of understanding building construction, fire behavior, and the modern fire environment. He shares firsthand insights from his flashover experience and highlights how coordinated fire attack, effective water application, and managing void spaces are essential.

Hooks & Hoses: Rob Grady’s Journey Through Firefighting in Gary, Indiana In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman sits down with Rob Grady, assistant chief of training for the Gary (IN) Fire Department. Grady shares his firefighting journey, which spans over 30 years. He recounts his transition from volunteer to career firefighter, the highs and lows of frontline duty, and memorable moments riding the heavy rescue squad. He reflects on the evolution of fire service technology and training, the physical toll the job takes, and the growing awareness of cancer risks among firefighters. Grady also discusses his role leading the department’s training division, adapting to generational changes, and instilling pride and resilience in new recruits. Along the way, he unpacks the unique history behind Gary’s iconic blue-and-red fire apparatus. Brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.FireFacilities.com   

The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Insights with Chief John Salka In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, Chief John Salka, a seasoned FDNY veteran and lifelong volunteer firefighter, digs into the realities of today’s volunteer fire service. From recruitment challenges and background checks to the crucial role of professionalism without paychecks, Salka shares hard-earned wisdom on the true meaning of service. He reflects on the struggles of turnout numbers during overnight runs and he shares his perspective on the importance of encouraging young firefighters. He also takes a look at innovative ways his department rewards commitment. Salka stresses the power of clear expectations and communication in leadership while acknowledging the unavoidable politics within volunteer firehouses. His stories reveal a fire service filled with passionate, dedicated individuals despite tough times.   Brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.FireFacilities.com  

The Training Officer: The Nontraditional Truck Company In this episode of Fire Engineering’s Training Officer podcast, Chief Jim Silvernail of Kirkwood, Missouri, addresses the critical need for engine companies to train beyond their traditional roles. Drawing from his own  years in suburban fire service and his “The Nontraditional Truck Company,” (Fire Engineering Books, coauthored with Arthur Ashley), Silvernail emphasizes how truck company functions like search, ventilation, and forcible entry must be mastered by all crews, especially where dedicated ladders are scarce. He shares practical insights on apparatus positioning, functional standard operating guidelines, and the challenges of limited staffing in suburban districts. Highlighting the importance of a strong training culture and real-world adaptability, Silvernail advocates for preparing firefighters to handle diverse fireground roles with confidence. Brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.FireFacilities.com   

Generation Engine: Lessons on Engine and Truck Officer Roles from Veteran Firefighters   In this episode of Generation Engine, host Anthony Rowett from Mobile (AL) Fire Rescue, and Mickey Farrell, lieutenant, FDNY, dissect the critical but often overlooked roles of engine and truck officers on the fireground. Drawing on decades of combined experience, they emphasize disciplined preparation, company integrity, and the vital distinction between coaching and micromanaging during emergencies. They explore how real-world training in familiar districts builds firefighter IQ and confidence, the importance of clear communication, especially between engine and truck officers, and the impact of seasoned leadership that remains calm and authoritative under stress. Both share practical drills, such as hose stretching and water flow, that form the backbone of engine company success. The dialogue underscores the definition of true fireground leadership, which shapes not just tactics but the culture that keeps firefighters safe and effective.   Brought to you by FireFacilities. FireFacilities.com

Tailboard Talk: Harvest Hazards, Station Upgrades, and Long-Term Planning in Rural Communities In this episode of Tailboard Talk, hosts Chris Rasmussen, Craig Nelson, and Jeff Wallin discuss the realities facing rural and suburban fire departments, especially during the intense harvest season. They cover the unique dangers posed by 24-hour beet and corn harvesting operations, including driver fatigue and heavy equipment accidents, which strain often volunteer-staffed departments lacking sufficient extrication tools. The conversation then shifts to the pressing need for modernized fire stations, highlighting a recent extensive remodel prompted by structural damage. They also discuss the lessons learned around design shortcomings like insufficient dormitory space. The trio emphasizes strategic long-term planning, advocating for early land acquisition and active engagement with city officials to address community growth and evolving operational demands. Throughout the conversation, they stress the importance of collaboration between neighboring departments and deliberate communication with stakeholders to ensure continued fire service readiness.   Brought to you by FireFacilities. FireFacilities.com

The Command Post: Hiring Challenges and Best Practices with Rick Lasky and John Salka Rick Lasky and John Salka, hosts of The Command Post, dive into the evolving landscape of firefighter recruitment and hiring, sharing decades of firsthand experience. They discuss how societal shifts, comfort-seeking attitudes, and changing norms impact the quality and commitment of candidates entering the fire service. From robust, objective hiring processes, including physical tests, written exams, and background checks, to the dangers of letting problematic personnel resign without accountability, they unpack crucial lessons for fire departments large and small. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community outreach, and inclusive hiring that values passion and dedication over background or identity. Highlighting real-world scenarios and successful volunteer recruitment strategies, Lasky and Salka encourage departments to continuously review and improve their hiring procedures to build a stronger, more reliable firefighting force.   Brought to you by FireFacilities. FireFacilities.com

Two Vollies and a Guest, a new podcast hosted by Jerry Knapp and Tim Pillsworth, is dedicated to practical fireground knowledge. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience, they focus on technical and tactical skills firefighters need when every second counts. Expect robust discussions about real-world scenarios, including hazardous materials awareness, natural gas emergencies, nozzle reactions, and building construction considerations. Knapp and Pillsworth pull from decades of frontline experience, FDIC seminars, and fire service expertise to share actionable advice designed to improve safety and decision making on the fireground.  Brought to you by FireFacilities. FireFacilities.com

Command Show: Inside Leadership and Lifesaving Strategies with Waco Fire Chief Robby Bergerson In this episode of Command Show, host Anthony Kastros welcomes Robby Bergerson, chief, Waco (TX) Fire Department. With 28 years in Waco and over three decades in the fire service, Chief Bergerson shares his unique journey from recruit to fire chief and the leadership lessons he learned along the way. He talks about a high-stakes apartment fire command, highlighting aggressive and coordinated tactics that resulted in multiple rescues. He also covers Waco’s fire department culture, community engagement, and the importance of servant leadership in today’s fire service. Brought to you by Tablet Command.  TabletCommand.com

Mayday Monday: Lessons from the 2019 Atascosa Fire Mayday Monday returns for October as Chief Mike Mulligan, Brian Morgan, and Battalion Chief David Roark of the Atascosa (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.

Fireground Strategies:  Lessons from Baseball to the Blaze In this edition of Fireground Strategies, Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy dive into the complexities of decision-making under pressure by drawing parallels between baseball managing and incident command during fires. Using recent Yankees playoff controversies as a starting point, they explore how incident commanders must balance instinct, analytics, and experience when making critical calls on the fireground. The conversation touches on relying on company officers’ intimate knowledge of districts, the evolving use of data in firefighting, and the challenges of communication at every leadership level. They also unpack the importance of public relations, managing personnel dynamics, and understanding the strategic versus tactical roles in emergency response. Real-life anecdotes highlight the difficulty of seeing the full picture from inside a fire and the necessity of trust and perspective shifts.  Brought to you by Fire Facilities. firefacilities.com

Perspectives on Leadership: Transforming Fire Service Culture,  Leadership, Mental Health, and Inclusion   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/

Fire and Training: Company Officers' Evolving Challenges in Fire Service Leadership   In this episode of Fire and Training, Douglas Cline and Christopher Naum assess the mounting challenges company officers face in today’s fire service. The discussion focuses on the many ways the role of the company officer has become increasingly demanding. They look at managing multigenerational crews within increasingly complex station environments, the influence of social media, and confronting dynamic and unpredictable fireground conditions shaped by rapid changes in building construction and community diversity. The conversation highlights how leadership must evolve to balance administrative duties, operational readiness, and interpersonal dynamics, all while maintaining discipline and unity. Cline and Naum stress the importance of continuous professional development, adaptive communication, and district familiarization to meet these challenges head-on. They also preview upcoming training focusing on how building construction affects fireground tactics, emphasizing the need to stay current amid fast-paced environmental shifts.   Brought to you by Fire Facilities https://www.firefacilities.com/

The Larry Conley Show: Cultivating Leadership and Passion in Fire Service Training In this episode of the Larry Conley Show, David Conley and Larry Conley sit down with DJ Stone, division chief of training, South Walton (FL) Fire District. Stone shares his journey into the training officer role, revealing the challenges and profound responsibilities that come with shaping a fire department’s culture and capability. The conversation dives into five critical steps for training officers: surveying the landscape before initiating change, harnessing passion without alienation, earning respect through humility and authenticity, playing the long game by explaining the “why” behind change, and understanding the importance of building a supportive network. Both hosts emphasize character development and personal leadership as the foundation of effective firefighting, exploring how passion must be balanced with self-care and empathy.  Brought to you by Fire Facilities

Fire Service Data and Tech Talk: The Critical Role of Data, Building Intelligence, and Fire Prevention   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

The Backstep Boys: Mastering Command Decisions and Crew Resource Management   In this episode of The Backstep Boys, guests Dennis Rubin and Tom Currao join hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer to dissect the complexities of fireground decision making. From battling large-scale urban fires to pioneering crew resource management, they draw from decades of frontline and leadership experience to explore how instinct, training, and teamwork shape command success under intense pressure. Highlights include the critical role of checklists, accountability systems, and communication structures, as well as managing stress during high-stakes incidents. The conversation also covers invaluable lessons from cockpit resource management in aviation and how these translate to firefighting operations.   Brought to you by FireFacilities

Point of Origin: NFPA, Code Development & How to Make Your Voice Heard   In this episode of the Point of Origin podcast, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake sit down with Rob Dawson, regional director at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), to demystify how fire service standards are created, updated, and consolidated. Dawson shares his journey from volunteer firefighter to NFPA leadership, shedding light on the vital role technical committees play in balancing industry, enforcement, and end-user perspectives.   Learn how to get involved in the standards development process—from submitting public inputs to engaging with committee members—and why NFPA’s deliberate, multiyear update cycles matter. The discussion also tackles common misconceptions about appendix language, code references in state fire prevention codes, and more.   Brought to you by Fire Facilities

n this Humpday Hangout, guests Frank Ricci and Dave McGlynn join members of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) to talk about setting standards in fire training and how that can influence the direction of an organization.