Jeff Lenard Live from FDIC: Lessons from the Flight 5342 Black Hawk Disaster

Recorded live from FDIC, this episode of Project Command features Duke Cuneo sitting down with firefighter Jeff Lenard from the Washington, D.C. Fire Department to break down one of the most complex and tragic incidents in recent memory. They walk through the January 2025 midair collision involving a commercial passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter over Reagan National Airport, examining what happened, how responders managed the incident, and the operational challenges faced in the moment. The conversation goes beyond the headlines. Duke and Jeff dig into the technology that played a role in the response, from aviation tracking tools to on-scene coordination systems, and how those tools helped shape decision making during a rapidly evolving disaster. They also talk through key lessons learned, including communication, interagency coordination, and the realities of operating in a dense urban environment with overlapping jurisdictions. The episode wraps with a look at emerging technology in search and rescue and special operations, and how departments can start thinking now about integrating these tools before the next major incident occurs. If you are involved in operations, command, or planning, this is a grounded, real-world discussion on what works, what breaks, and what needs to improve. As always, we do not run ads. If you find value in the show, share it with someone else in the fire service.