3 Point Firefighter

Send us Fan Mail Pete Michalak comes back for Part 2 with a mentoring mistake he owns, the relationship he had to repair, and what he learned about showing people you care. We talk about accountability, potential, everyday firehouse behavior, and being a good teammate. A tough conversation can still be the wrong conversation if you haven't built the relationship first. In Part 2, Pete explain...

Send us Fan Mail Pete Michalak from Northville Township joins me to talk about the people we hire and the way we teach them. We get into academy culture, connecting with students, keeping the job fun, and helping firefighters think for themselves. Part 1 of two. Part 2 and the full YouTube conversation arrive Monday, November 9 at 9 a.m. Eastern. I love working with Pete, and this conversation get...

Send us Fan Mail Mike Kennedy and I continue with the hard parts of leading people: working with the union, turning good ideas into work the department can sustain, and making careful personnel decisions. We finish with practical ways to prepare for the chief's job before the promotion. Our earlier conversation: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1412497/episodes/10744647-mike-kennedy Presented by Fi...

Send us Fan Mail Being chief changes the job—and the conversations at the kitchen table. Mike Kennedy joins me to talk about the work crews don't see, the loneliness of the role, honest feedback, and applying the same rules to everyone. We also get into building trust with the city and union, then choosing a shared priority people can actually move forward. Presented by Fire Facilities: https...

Send us Fan Mail Part 2 opens with a simple challenge: If you do not like your fire chief, what are you doing to prepare the future lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, and chiefs who come after them? Dr. Candace Ashby explains why her national message resonates across departments, how the 90% can neutralize destructive behavior, and why peer accountability matters more than another memo from...

Send us Fan Mail Season 7 of 3 Point Firefighter starts here. Dr. Candace Ashby joins Jake Barnes for a direct conversation about the negative 10% in the fire service—and she does not pretend she was always on the right side of it. Candace explains how she became checked out during the first half of her career, what changed after her department consolidated with Indianapolis Fire, and why the othe...

Send us Fan Mail Captain Arthur Ashley returns for Part 2 with a candid conversation about fireground decision-making, command triggers, accountability, retirement, crew recognition, and lessons earned over decades in the fire service. From a roof collapse narrowly avoided to the 10-minute / 2,000-gallon rule, this episode is about reading conditions, owning decisions, and keeping the fire service...

Send us Fan Mail Retired Lexington Fire Captain Arthur Ashley joins Jake Barnes to discuss what makes a truck company effective—even when the apparatus is not a traditional ladder truck. They dig into truck-company culture, aggressive search, ventilation, RIT preparation, leadership, and the responsibility every firefighter has to contribute beyond the assignment. Arthur Ashley has served in the f...

Send us Fan Mail "Welcome back to Three Point Firefighter from Day 2 at FDIC 2026, live at the Fire Facilities booth! Host Jake Barnes sits down with training leaders and friends to talk building a strong training culture from the top down. First up, Chuck Gunner — Decatur Training Supervisor and Highlander Fire’s go-to rope and training guru — shares why a great training facility is only as...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on a journey into the world of firefighting with industry leaders Chris Wiggins, Scott Wallace, and Kevin Milan. This podcast delves into the challenges and triumphs of modern fire service, exploring how logistics, leadership, and innovative training shape the future of firefighting. Chris Wiggins, known for his strategic approach to department leadership, shares insights...

Send us Fan Mail Today's first two guests are Zach Willard from Fire Facilities and Tony Ambrosia from Scottsdale Fire Department! Most fire departments underestimate the longevity and durability of their training towers—until they realize a Fire Facilities structure can last over 30 years with minimal maintenance. In this episode, Fire Facilities self-professed expert Jake Theman Barnes unco...

Send us Fan Mail This episode isn’t just a pep talk—it's a blueprint for those who want to stay passionate, competent, and connected. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned veteran, you'll get practical tips on making your career meaningful and how to love this job every day, despite its challenges. If you've ever wondered how to be a better leader, help your brothers and sister...

Send us Fan Mail Dive into the transformative journey of Jake Barnes as he challenges the traditional, militaristic training methods in the fire service. Discover how respect, mentorship, and open communication can revolutionize leadership and foster a thriving environment for new firefighters. This episode is a candid reflection on building better fire departments through modern approaches and pe...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode of "3-Point Firefighter," host Jake Barnes welcomes his good friend Justice Dulinsky to discuss their shared passion for firefighting and training. They dive into the importance of emotional intelligence in the fire service, share humorous anecdotes from their careers, and explore the challenges and rewards of training new recruits. With a mix of...

Send us Fan Mail This conversation delves into the passion for training and the importance of building confidence in trainees. The speakers discuss their experiences with training facilities, the significance of confidence courses, and the impact of effective training on motivation and perseverance. Email me at 3pointFirefighter@Gmail. Com Check out our Facebook Page 3 point Firefighter Podcast ht...

Send us Fan Mail This is pt3 of my PTSD series. I will update from time to time on my progress. Please reach out if there is anything I can do. https://www.frsn.org/ https://institutesofhealth.org/ptsd-in-first-responders/ https://www.nextrung.org/ Email me at 3pointFirefighter@Gmail. Com Check out our Facebook Page 3 point Firefighter Podcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560769894306...

Send us Fan Mail I hope this emphasizes the importance of early communication and relationship-building with first responders in crisis management. It discusses the necessity of mental health resources, the role of community support, and strategies for effective crisis response. https://www.frsn.org/ https://institutesofhealth.org/ptsd-in-first-responders/ https://www.nextrung.org/ Email me at 3po...

Send us Fan Mail I talk about my personal journey with PTSD as a firefighter, discussing the symptoms he experienced, the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service, and the lack of support he faced. He reflects on the impact of his experiences on his family and his struggles with coping mechanisms, ultimately emphasizing the importance of seeking help and breaking the silence around men...

Send us Fan Mail In this interview Mark Van Oppen, a seasoned firefighter with 27 years of experience in California's fire service. They discuss the importance of grounded leadership, the challenges of firefighting in wildland urban interfaces, and the evolving nature of communication across generations. Mark shares his insights on the need for chief officers to stay connected with their crew...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 3-Point Firefighter, hero/host Jake Barnes welcomes Mark Van Oppen, a seasoned firefighter and leadership expert. They discuss the origins of the phrase 'Excellence is my responsibility,' the critical role of company officers in the fire service, and the importance of accountability and trust within teams. Mark shares insights on leadership, the evolut...

Send us Fan Mail Jason Hendrian shares his journey as a firefighter and battalion chief, discussing the importance of leadership, culture, and personal development within the fire service. He emphasizes the 'whole person' concept, which focuses on character, competency, and conditioning as essential qualities for firefighters. The discussion also touches on the challenges of maintaining...

Send us Fan Mail Jason Hendrian, a battalion chief with the Northville Township Fire Department, shares insights on the evolution of fire department culture, the importance of leadership, and personal responsibility. He discusses the challenges faced by the department over the years, the significance of a positive culture, and how individual actions contribute to the overall morale and effectivene...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and inspiring episode, I sit with down with Pearland Firefighter Eddy Liceaga to unpack the incredible story behind Pearland’s new slogan: "42 Seconds Can Change the World." Eddy recounts his October 2023 Mayday incident — a near-fatal entrapment that lasted just 42 seconds but changed his life forever. He shares the intense moments on the fireground, th...

Send us Fan Mail Eddie Liceaga, a firefighter who shares his journey from volunteering to working in the Houston Fire Department and then to the Pearland Fire Department. Eddie discusses the challenges posed by politics in the fire service, the importance of mentorship, and the unique culture of camaraderie in Pearland, including the innovative 'No Rank Hour' initiative. He also recounts...

Send us Fan Mail I uploaded part 1 instead of part 2. I was even told and I forgot! Sorry!  In this conversation, Jake Barnes interviews Eric Roden, a seasoned firefighter with 29 years of experience. They discuss the evolution of firefighter training, the cultural shifts within the fire service, and the importance of generational perspectives. Eric shares insights on the challenges faced by moder...