Fire Engineering Podcast Network

Operational Readiness and Search-Focused Tactics

Hosts Brian Brush and Anthony Kastros welcome guest Sean Duffy for this episode of Command Show. They open with a nod to the 25 years that have passed since September 11, 2001, and the 343 firefighters lost that day, talking about the ways 9/11 reshaped the fire service's mindset around risk, service, and search operations. The panel also explores how modern data from the Firefighter Rescue Survey and UL Research Institutes challenges older, more passive fireground assumptions. Duffy argues that firefighters shouldn't write off heavily involved spaces before evaluating survivability. The discussion highlights the importance of decentralized command, company-level decision making, and high standards for training to empower proactive firefighters. This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

Engine Company Tactics for Stretching Hose

Host Anthony Rowett welcomes Mickey Farrell, an FDNY lieutenant, and James Stallings, a captain in Mobile, Alabama, to break down size-up and hose stretching. The panel talks through practical, repeatable methods for single‑family homes, garden apartments, center‑hall buildings, and standpipe/vertical stretches. They also emphasize slowing down to see the big picture and simple drills that turn unknowns into knowns.

The Heartbeat of the Neighborhood

In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, and what it means for the fire service today. They discuss the toll World Trade Center-related illnesses continue to take, noting how post-9/11 deaths have now surpassed the original losses from that day. During the episode, the conversation also addresses the cultural importance of the firehouse itself, with Lasky and Salka addressing how these stations serve as sanctuaries, homes, and community anchors.

False Alarms

On this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest, hosts Jerry Knapp and Tim Pillsworth sit down with Kim Weppler, chair of the Rockland County (NY) Chiefs false alarm committee and long‑time code enforcement pro. During their conversation, they tackle automatic fire alarm overload. They discuss how false alarms are burning out volunteers, draining resources, and risking responses to real fires. Weppler offers solutions to these challenges, with a nod to engineering, education, and enforcement, aka the "three Es."

After the Title Is Gone

Leaving the fire service doesn’t necessarily mean leaving behind the friendships, memories, and sense of identity that came with it. In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill and guest Chad Edwards explore how firefighters are treated after they leave. They discuss how the transition into retirement can be tough and finding purpose post retirement. They also talk about the impact that the way a new retiree is treated upon stepping away can have for years to come.

Escaping the SouthPark Construction Fire

On this episode of Mayday Monday, host Tony Carroll speaks with Captains Stephen Pettit and Michael Watts, of the Charlotte (NC) Fire Department. The guests walk through the May 18, 2023, SouthPark construction fire in Charlotte, North Carolina. They get into Ladder 1's inside crew's encounter with a fast, chemical-fueled fire in a parking-deck trailer full of spray-foam materials. They describe the radio and command challenges they ran into, as well as tunnel vision and use of search ropes. Pettit and Watts also address crew continuity and the engineer’s decisive master-stream application.

What Does It Mean to Lead with Love?

On this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down with Dr. Robert "Navy Bob" Roncska. Shaw asks the retired U.S. Navy captain to translate submarine-tested leadership into practical fire service tactics. They unpack the concept of leading with love and a servant mindset. They also identify and explore three early-warning failures and demonstrate the benefits of relationship-first leadership.

Back to the Basics: One Department's Approach to Training

Reflection on 25 Years Since 9/11

Special guests John Norman and John Walters, now both retired, join the Humpday Hangout for a look back at their experiences on and following September 11, 2001. They share firsthand recollections from the pile, command decisions, standpipe and hose incompatibility, mutual‑aid responses, void entries, and long‑term medical and mental health impacts. They discuss that day's immediate effects on FDNY recruitment and how the fire service worldwide rallied for funerals and family support. Sponsored by Key Hose: www.keyhose.com

The 2026 Muddy River F.O.O.L.S. Convention

On this episode of The Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley sits down with Dave Dubowski, president of the Muddy River F.O.O.L.S., to discuss the upcoming 2026 Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (F.O.O.L.S.) Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Running September 14–18, the event overlaps with the chapter's 20th anniversary, the 250th anniversary of the United States, and 25 years since 9/11.

In the Books: Episode 21 - The Future of Emergency Medical Services: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Innovation 2E

In this episode of Fire Engineering's In the Books podcast, host David Rhodes and co-host Mike Brown (developmental editor of JEMS) sit down with Donnie Woodyard Jr., veteran EMS leader, educator, and author of The Future of Emergency Medical Services: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Innovation 2E from Fire Engineering Books. 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 Technology of 9/11: Where We Are Today

In honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Fire Service Data and Tech Talk host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Michael Varney, director of stakeholder collaboration at the First Responder Network Authority, about how responder communications and technology have evolved since 2001. Varney discusses priority access, resilience, and on‑demand deployables, plus the growing role of geospatial tools, indoor locating, and firefighter tracking in GPS‑denied environments. Technical, operational, and planning insights are paired with reflections on how 9/11 reshaped the service and the continuing mission to keep responders safer and more effective. The episode includes operational tips, resources, and planning guidance. This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

Understanding Technical Rescue Operations

On this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn welcomes Kelly Lemmons and Anthony Chen to discuss technical rescue operations, including rope training. They explain how modern technical rescue requires shifting from static procedures to dynamic, critical thinking, balancing evolving industry standards with foundational skills.

The Importance of Closing the Experience Gap

On this episode of Fire and Training, Paul Watlington joins host Douglas Cline to talk about officer development in today’s fire service. They discuss the reality of younger officer ranks, what “experience” really means, and how departments can close training gaps without lowering standards. Watlington and Cline emphasize the importance of being a student first: Seek conferences, regional courses, and peer networks. They share examples from station training boards, captain/lieutenant transitions, and organizational programs that give firefighters ownership of development.

Lightning Risks, Outside-In Fires, and Team Discipline

In this episode of Talking Tactics, hosts Dave Polikoff, Sam Villani, and Robert "RJ" James break down real‑world firefighting lessons: outside‑in fires, disciplined 360s, and why the first‑in officer must “call the play.” They discuss staging engine/truck resource and the importance of maintaining a team‑based mentality to stop strip and townhouse fires. The conversation also gets into deadly lightning‑induced basement fires tied to corrugated stainless steel gas tubing: how lightning can perforate piping, ignite concealed spaces, and why immediate gas shutoff and concealed‑space checks are critical.

Getting Analytical on the Fireground

Why is data-driven decision making so critical? Sean Duffy joins host Eric Dreiman to discuss the importance of search at fire scenes, data, and the analytical side of firefighting on this episode of Hooks & Hoses. Duffy shares his thoughts on his recent Fire Engineering article, “Fireground Decision Making: The Data‑Driven Edge for Search.” He draws on Firefighter Rescue Survey findings, FSRI research, and frontline experience. The conversation also touches on reasons why traditional occupancy cues can't be trusted. The guest and host share advice on developing search policies and training and communicating clear progress reports.

Building Applied Knowledge on the Fireground

Host Christopher Naum discusses the fireground blueprint: how building construction, occupancy, and predictability drive risk, tactics, and safety. He reviews recurring summer incidents and line‑of‑duty deaths and the need to improve building literacy. He also looks at the following critical reads: the fireground, the building, the compartment, and the company. Naum outlines practical steps including curbside conversations, post-incident walkthroughs, increased training, and walking lecture tours and roundtables for building applied knowledge.

Women in Fire International Conference 2026

On this episode of Women in Fire, host Lisa Baker speaks with a panel to discuss the upcoming 2026 Women in Fire International Conference, in Austin, Texas. The conference will offer specialized training and networking for fire service professionals. The members of the panel emphasize that the environment allows attendees to drop their guards, build hands-on skills without fear of judgment, and establish mentorships with peers from around the United States. The conference also welcomes male firefighters and officers seeking to support their teams and improve department mechanics. The Women in Fire Panel Retired Lieutenant Heidi Simon from South Metro, Colorado Retired Lieutenant WIllie Saulsberry from Gainesville, Florida Firefighter/Paramedic Brooke Sims from Aurora, Colorado Women in Fire Trustee Megan Saylors

How to Align ICS and HICS in a Crisis

On this episode of The Humpday Hangout, Frank Ricci sits down with Scott Martus to discuss his Fire Engineering article, "Two Systems, One Mission: How to Align ICS and HICS in a Crisis." Martus explores the critical relationship between the fire service and healthcare systems, highlighting how sponsor hospitals, medical direction, and hospital emergency management teams can serve as force multipliers during emergencies. He uses real examples to show what works and what doesn't. Ricci and Martus emphasize practical fixes: Empower medical dispatch triage, use nurse navigation and third-party call centers to reduce low-acuity engine responses, and align prehospital strategy with capacity to improve outcomes. Link to Scott Martus’ article, Two Systems, One Mission: How to Align ICS and HICS in a Crisis: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/fire-ems/two-systems-one-mission-how-to-align-ics-and-hics-in-a-crisis/

Responding to the Evolving Fire Environment

From modern construction and synthetic fuels to lithium-ion battery hazards, today’s fireground looks different. In this episode, Keith Stakes and Meghan Maloney of UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute discuss what recent research is revealing about search, suppression, ventilation, and exposure reduction. Learn how the Fire Safety Research Institute works with the fire service to turn research findings into practical training to support more informed fireground decision-making. 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