Fire Engineering Podcast Network

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 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

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, Proactive, Organize Priorities, Work Together, Empathetic Listening, Recharge) framework.

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-value tasks. They cover retrofit options, real-world benefits for interior attack, how modern fuel loads change tactics, and common myths—including the idea that automation will replace pump operators.   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 [email protected] 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/

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 conducted a primary search for reported occupants as conditions deteriorated rapidly. They discuss how a critical radio system failure—resulting in hundreds of blocked transmissions—clogged communication during the most desperate moments of the rescue attempt. This discussion serves as a grounded study on the stressors and technical obstacles incident commanders face.

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 shortages, and the decline in volunteers. 

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 small and prepare for timing and politics that turn “not yet” into “now.” They debate a trend toward technical rescue and advanced EMS tools while stressing mastery of fundamentals—hose work, searches, patient assessment. They also explore examples of successful change and tips for building champions inside your department.

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 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.

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 technology involved, and how they achieved a common operating picture under very difficult conditions.   This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

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 organizational record, training users with short how-to videos, engaging dispatch centers, and standardizing entries. Jenkins explains dashboards and insights reporting and the help desk and regional outreach. They also discuss why accurate timestamps, dispatch data, and interagency tagging matter for funding, staffing, and community planning.   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

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 hallway. What follows is a masterclass in modern incident command.   This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp   Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-9EB04

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 making on the fireground. They also highlight the value in human storytelling, fallen colleagues, and why hands-on coaching is so important. The panel warns against social media fame, online criticism, and the dangers of surface-level expertise.   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

(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 interior crews, trusting the person next to you to read conditions the same way, and knowing one freelancer can unravel an entire operation in seconds.   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

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 that company officers are more powerful than any chief, yet many have traded real command for endless consensus building. She breaks down six core issues plaguing modern departments in this raw, unapologetic look at why the "brotherhood" is fraying now more than ever and how they can reclaim their stations.   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

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 firefighters online, and urge constructive critique, mentorship, and humility as way to learn more.    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

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, 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.

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 building intelligence, and street-level recon. They preview FDIC classes, symposiums, and encourage attendees to honor responders and exchange knowledge.   Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-9EB04   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/

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 matter, and outlines how teams build trust through consistent problem solving. The discussion also covers managing emotion during conflict and holding people accountable. And they touch on the importance of patience and long‑term change.   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/

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 explores the preventable failures. He lays out clear risk controls: written mutual-aid liability clauses, indemnification, ICS/NIMS command, cross-training, strict PAR and two-in/two-out enforcement, SCBA tracking, and robust documentation.   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/

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 "building as battleground” concept, the limits of on‑the‑job and diluted in‑service instruction, and why architecture, engineering, and fire dynamics must be integrated into curricula.   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/

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 training.    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/

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-to-field workflows—and urge bridging research pilots to scalable deployments with policy guardrails. Tune in for a preview to sessions, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations they'll be hosting at FDIC.   This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

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 discuss the weight of cancer in the fire service, professional legacy, leadership roles, and FDIC. They also explore the obligation veterans have to mentor the next generation and why every minute of training is an investment in someone else's survival.   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/

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, 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/

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 members to rapidly process chaotic scenes. Bonnifield also reviews practical training habits: 15‑minute daily tactical decision games, hot washes, and pattern recognition drills that accelerate rookie development and keep company officers empowered.

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 constraints, and layers of oversight. They unpack why quick operational fixes don't translate to administrative problems, why training and wellness get squeezed by limited budgets, and why crews want plain answers. Together, they explore ways to align priorities so safety, staffing, and community service move forward together.

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 predictability of building performance, and moving beyond surface familiarity to applied architectural and engineering knowledge.

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 read conditions the same way, and knowing one freelancer can unravel an entire operation in seconds.   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.

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 prioritize survivor access and firefighter safety.   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.

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 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

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 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.

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 free, nonpunitive reports are structured, and why they’re essential training tools for recruits and veterans.    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. 

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 expanding role of EMS in home environments. In our conversation, she shares insights that help CP/MIH programs strengthen safety, support diverse community‑care models, and better protect both patients and providers as EMS roles continue to expand.   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

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 solutions.

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 solutions.

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 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.

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 incident action forms, pre-event walk-throughs, clear delegation of authority, and mutual-aid strategies to avoid tying up local services. Tune in for practical tips that will prove invaluable to local officials and event organizers.

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 operations, training, and response, but the reality is that successful fire departments are also built on trust, communication, and collaboration with the people who make policy and control funding. Renshaw offers valuable insight into how chiefs and fire service leaders can get to know their local politicians, build productive working relationships, and advocate effectively for their departments and communities.

Small decisions add up to big effects. And they matter. In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy talk "dominoes" and how tragedies on the fireground are never the result of just one decision. When the dominoes tumble, they add up.  The episode opens with a sobering statistic: More than 350 civilians have already been lost to residential fires this year.  The discussion moves from strategy to the human side of the job. Battalion Chief Mickey Tofexis, of Miramar (FL) Fire & Rescue, joins the show to talk about physical fitness, career longevity, and the reality of nearing retirement after nearly three decades in the fire service. He also shares the mission behind The For Paul Foundation, which supports families of first responders killed or injured in the line of duty.   The result is a grounded conversation about accountability, preparation, and the choices firefighters make long before the alarm sounds.

Steve Shaw welcomes Scott Thompson, chief, The Colony (TX) Fire Department, to this episode of Perspectives on Leadership. The two have a conversation about how to intentionally build, sustain, and measure a high‑performance fire service culture. Practical topics from the 2024 FDIC keynote speaker include prearrival assignments, training as a performance discipline, mentoring and probationary programs, hiring for cultural fit, and closing the micro/macro culture gap.   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.

Do you ever think about how your department would—or should—address fraternization issues? In this episode of Fire Service Court, John K. Murphy explores the importance of having clear guidelines around fraternization and how an organization can create and enforce policies that govern conduct among its members. These policies are essential for maintaining professional standards and ensuring a respectful and safe workplace for everyone.

On a winter night in Loudoun County, Virginia, an underground 500‑gallon propane tank leaked as it was refilled, sending invisible gas into a suburban neighborhood. What started as a routine odor-of-gas call escalated when firefighters entered a home, found explosive concentrations in a basement, opened vents, and were present seconds later when an explosion collapsed the house. This episode of Mayday Monday reconstructs the incident, the multiagency response, patient care and recovery, and the hard lessons learned.   Guest: Chris Kerkstra, Loudoun County (VA) Fire & Rescue

How does the accreditation process provide meaningful value for firefighters and fire departments? And what does that look like in the boardroom vs. on the fireground? In this episode of Fire Service and Data Tech Talk,  a fire chief with 30 years’ experience and a commission program manager unpack why accreditation and good data are changing how departments plan staffing, station location's and response doctrine.   Guests: Rick Potter, chief, Shawnee (OK) Fire Department Jim White, program manager, Commission on Fire Accreditation International at the Center for Public Safety Excellence   This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

Mike Scotto, lieutenant (ret.), FDNY, joins host Dave McGlynn for a discussion about truck company and tower ladder operations for this episode of The Training Officer.  Scotto addresses apparatus positioning, tower-bucket tactics, victim removal into the bucket, search techniques from outside venting, and more. He shares crew-drill ideas—roll‑down gate cutting, saw handling, hook tricks, portable stream considerations—and how to build low-cost props for realistic practice. This episode provides helpful info for new truck operators, chief officers planning training, and veteran firefighters wanting concise, no‑nonsense ways to improve safety and effectiveness on every call. 

Host Doug Cline urges firefighters and emergency responders to preserve their history and mentor the next generation during this episode of Fire and Training. Drawing on four decades of frontline experience—from a 1985 gymnasium fire to early paramedic days and formative training events—Cline mixes personal anecdotes with practical advice. He uses the metaphor "be the salt" to argue that preserving memorabilia, stories and procedures not only honors the past but flavors the future, stressing that leadership isn't granted as a result of rank but instead it's earned through coaching, curiosity, and a passion for lifelong learning. 

FDIC 2026 is right around the corner, and this preview episode lays out exactly why it matters for today’s command staff. The focus isn’t hype. It’s preparation. From chief-level decision making to evolving fireground strategy, this episode of Command Show centers on what officers will actually take back to their departments after a week at FDIC International.   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

Every year firefighters and officers invest thousands of dollars to attend FDIC International in Indianapolis — but many arrive without a plan. In this episode of The Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley and his guest, Dave McGlynn, break down how to approach FDIC as if it's a fireground operation. From size-up and building familiarization to strategy, contingencies, rehab, and after-action review, they outline a disciplined framework designed to maximize professional and financial return on investment.   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.

What makes training across generations effective? And how does training affect career trajectories and firehouse culture? In this episode of The Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer welcome guest Dave McGlynn. They unpack generational shifts and talk through concrete ideas for recruiting, mentoring, curriculum design, and how to make training stick long term. 

What makes high-rise firefighting unique? Dave McGrail, an author and retired assistant chief from the Denver (CO) Fire Department, joins host Eric Dreiman for this episode of Hooks & Hoses. The two take a closeup look at the challenges of operating at and commanding high-rise buildings. Dave McGrail will teach "The High-Rise Firefight" at FDIC in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For Command Show's Firefighter Rescue Survey Update, hosts Anthony Kastros and Brian Brush take a look at the Firefighter Rescue Survey release on The First 5,000 Rescues. Join them to learn where to access this information the context of the numbers and how to use it for making data-driven decisions and establishing evidence-based procedures.   This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

This episode of the Women in Fire podcast tackles tough subjects. Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston Fire Department, and Paige Colwell, battalion chief, Forsyth County (GA) Fire Department, explore trust and ethics in a profession defined by courage and service, emphasizing how individual missteps can damage entire departments’ reputations and community support. They look at challenges brought on by social media, from viral videos impacting public perception to the complexities of free speech versus professional responsibility. They also address internal culture issues like hazing, harassment, and disciplinary accountability, highlighting the need for consistent standards enforced from the top down.