Fire Engineering Podcast Network

In this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann sit down with David Dubowski , a captain with the Spanish Lake Fire Protection District, St. Louis, Missouri, as he prepares to retire after a distinguished career. He shares stories from decades of frontline firefighting, the evolution of fire tactics, and the priceless value of preserving fireground history through pho...

In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, experienced fire service leaders break down what it really takes to become a firefighter today. The panel shares unfiltered advice for aspiring firefighters. They take a close-up look at the importance of understanding the physical and mental demands of firefighting. They also discuss navigating the lengthy, costly, and competitive application process....

In this episode of Talking Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, assistant chief, Frederick County (MD) Fire and Rescue, and Robert "RJ" James, lieutenant, Frederick County (MD) Fire and Rescue, talk about what it takes to be a successful fire service instructor. Drawing from extensive real-world experience including recent training sessions in Charlottesville, Virginia, they explore the critical qualiti...

In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka discuss the evolving fire service culture with a focus on safety, training, and leadership. They reflect on decades of experience from departments throughout the United States. And they share personal stories that highlight the critical balance between aggression and caution on the fireground. The discussion challenges the “we’re...

In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill sits down with Dr. Allison Barry, assistant professor at the School of Health and Consumer Sciences at South Dakota State University. Dr. Barry shares insights from her groundbreaking community-based research focused on improving physical activity and nutrition among volunteer firefighters. Her work highlights the uniq...

In this episode of the Backstep Boys, Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer welcome  Dr. Denis Onieal, whose 50+ years in the fire service span roles from chief of the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department to superintendent of the National Fire Academy. They discuss the evolving role of mentorship within firefighting, highlighting the critical importance of guiding rookies, navigating career challenges, and...

In this episode of Generation Engine, seasoned fire service veterans Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett break down the essentials of effective company-level training. Drawing on decades of frontline experience, they emphasize that the biggest obstacle isn’t resources but consistency. Regular, short, hands-on drills—not lengthy punishments—build the culture necessary for success. Edwards and Rowett st...

In this episode of Point of Origin, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake sit down with Garrett Dyer (ret.), assistant chief, Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department. Drawing on over three decades of experience, Dyer unwraps the critical role leadership plays in shaping department culture and driving organizational success. He emphasizes that leadership isn’t about perfection or rank but about un...

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down Mark von Appen, a retired fire captain from California. Von Appen is a respected voice known for his leadership blog, Fully Involved. During their discussion, they explore the vital role of clear expectations in firefighter leadership and team success. Drawing on 30 years of experience and deep reflection, Shaw and von Appen...

In this episode of Fire Service Court, John K. Murphy, an attorney and retired deputy fire chief, breaks down how fire and EMS leaders can build legally safe, effective organizations. Murphy stresses the importance of strong leadership rooted in clear policies, open communication, and accountability. He highlights legal protections under federal and state laws covering discrimination, harassment,...

For this episode of Command Show, hosts Anthony Kastro and Brian Brush welcome Nick Ledin of the Firefighter Rescue Survey. The three discuss “tactics for life,” a topic inspired by Chapter 6 of Mastering Fireground Command and the modern mindset for considering the impact of tactical decisions on fire victims and their survivability outcomes, not just how they affect the fire. This podcast is bro...

In this episode of Mayday Monday, Eric Morgenthaler and Jeff Helle from Castle Rock (CO) Fire and Rescue share a harrowing near-Mayday incident from earlier this year. Responding to a subtle smoke investigation, the team encountered an older ranch-style home where fire was hidden beneath the floorboards in a finished basement. Helle unexpectedly fell through the compromised floor but maintained ca...

In this episode of Fireground Strategies, seasoned firefighters and officers explore how to make a meaningful impact throughout a firefighting career—from probies learning the basics, to seasoned company officers balancing tactics and leadership, to chief officers shaping strategy and department culture. They emphasize humility, continuous learning, and the importance of mentorship. They also high...

For the latest episode of The Training Officer, join Chief David Rhodes and host Dave McGlynn for an inside look at the upcoming FDIC 2026. They discuss the expanded Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) evolutions running during the week, including cutting-edge classes on electric and hybrid vehicle response and urban rope rescue. And they cover new EMS training innovations featuring high-tech simulations a...

In this episode of Fire and Training, Douglas Klein and Captain Wayne Jones explore the evolving dynamics of training the next generation of firefighters. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, they challenge the notion that younger recruits are less proficient, arguing that instructional approaches must adapt to modern learning styles. They reflect on how technology, cultural shifts, and pa...

In this episode of the Larry Conley Show, David Conley and Larry Conley discuss their personal leadership development with the East Dubuque (IL) Volunteer Fire Department. Drawing on decades of experience, from metropolitan firehouses to small-town brigades, they share the ways their workshop reshaped team dynamics. The conversation reveals the importance of hard conversations and emotional intell...

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 al...

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 ev...

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 o...

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 mem...

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 ha...

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...

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, compan...

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 fa...

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...