Fire Engineering Podcast Network

In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka take a closeup look at the often-overlooked but highly effective pressurized water can. From its heavyweight presence in major departments like Chicago and FDNY to practical tips on its use and maintenance, they explore why this simple two-and-a-half-gallon device can be a critical asset on the fireground. 

For this episode of Mayday Monday, host Tony Carroll welcomes guest Todd Leduc, from LifeScan Wellness. As cardiovascular events remain the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide, this episode explores the unique physiological challenges the fire service faces, from intense heat and heavy gear to persistent dehydration and high stress. Leduc shares insights from over three decades in...

For this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest, the hosts welcome Christopher Flatley, a retired captain who worked at the FDNY Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness (CTDP), where he spent 15 years as an analyst involved with special event planning and response. Flatley has produced threat assessments for some of the city’s most high-profile events. He is also a Master Exercise Practitioner...

On this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, Lieutenant John Russ from the Brentwood (TN) Fire and Rescue Department joins host Tom Merrill to discuss an often-avoided topic in the fire service: having difficult conversations. From leadership challenges, to addressing performance issues and holding people accountable, Russ shares practical ideas and real-world experience on how t...

In The Books: Diary of a Probie: Turning Setbacks into Strengths Firefighter Nichole O’Donnell joins us to discuss the real‑life experiences behind her book, Diary of a Probie: Turning Setbacks into Strengths. Through her diary‑style reflections, O’Donnell opens up about the self‑doubt, pressure, and personal challenges that shape a firefighter’s earliest days in the service, showing how resilienc...

Alex Anthony Seaman is a captain/paramedic with the City of Tamarac (FL) Fire Rescue and an acting battalion chief, bringing 16 years of fire service and emergency medical experience to his leadership role. In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, Seaman opens up about what drives him every day—from his commitment to his crew to pushing past complacency in the fire service. He shares practic...

In this episode of Fire Service Court, legal experts and fire service veterans tackle critical liability issues faced by fire departments during severe weather and emergency responses.    The discussion covers the duty to respond amid hazardous conditions like ice storms and heavy snowfall, emphasizing the special duty rule that limits individual liability unless a direct promise is made to a vict...

In this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, a guest panel joins the show to discuss electric fire pumpers. They discuss cost, delivery, maintenance, facility modifications, training, and the operation of electric fire pumpers. They also cover battery range, vehicle weight, and clearance in hilly terrain, as well as the quiet operation and intuitive technology that sets electric rigs apart...

In this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn welcomes Battalion Chief Bobby Drake of Hanover County (VA) Fire-EMS. They discuss the critical but often overlooked topic of fire apparatus positioning at motor vehicle accidents and roadway incidents.   Drawing from personal experience and department practices, Drake stresses why preplanning and understanding local traffic patterns can s...

In this episode of Fire and Training, host Doug Cline breaks down the "deadly sins" of the fireground. In this solo episode, Cline addresses critical issues including ignoring critical signs, poor risk assessment, tunnel vision, freelancing without communication, and failing to follow orders. Cline notes that such mistakes often result in near misses or tragedies. The discussion also highlights ho...

This episode of The Larry Conley Show explores Black History Month, with a focus on Fredrick Douglass. The panel looks at the connection between Douglass and the signature EMPOWER model taught in the host's workshops. They discuss the EMPOWER model in detail and the ways they apply it to what they call the Douglass Standard.   Beyond a historical backdrop, the conversation uncovers how Douglass’s...

On this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman welcomes guest Anthony Avillo for a discussion about the challenges of large-scale fires that expand past the initial response. They cover apparatus placement, water supply, and incident command.   Avillo gets into the complexities of managing greater alarm fires in tightly packed, multi-exposure environments, emphasizing the importance of pr...

On the latest episode of the Women in Fire podcast, the panel discusses the ways evolving technology reshapes the fire service landscape. They discuss groundbreaking tools like drones, thermal imaging, and wearable devices, all of which enhance operational safety and efficiency. During the conversation, they also explore AI’s role in policy development and communication, weighing its benefits and...

For the latest Humpday Hangout, host Frank Ricci welcomes David Polikoff , Robert “RJ” James , and Dave McGlynn . They get into the art of creating effective training props without breaking the budget. The panel shares strategies for sourcing materials, from scrap wood and pallets to discarded furniture and garage door parts. They highlight creative partnerships with local businesses and housing a...

In this episode of the Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer take a careful look at the firefighting world’s toughest battle yet: cancer. As they announce the final year of their 15-year podcast journey, they reflect on the ongoing tragedies in public assembly fires worldwide and stress the urgent need for change beyond just fire marshals. Sharing personal stories of early cancer d...

In this episode of the Point of Origin podcast, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake get into the complexities of fire service legislation with guest Dr. Spencer Willet, a Virginia firefighter and EMT who is deeply involved in legislative efforts. They explore how the legislative season impacts firefighters and fire marshals, highlighting the importance of a unified voice across volunteer and career de...

In this episode of Tactical Impact, guest cohost Steve Olshwanger joins hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann for a discussion about fireground tactics and training. They welcome guest David "DJ" Stone and highlight some of his current work as well as his 2026 FDIC class, "The Grab Analysis." The conversation stresses the critical role of proactive, intentional training led by engaged officers...

This episode originally ran on December 26, 2024. What's on your streets and in your first-due area? Host Chris Naum shares some thoughts on building construction resolutions for the new year.

In this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest, veteran firefighter and training expert Jerry Herbst dives into practical fire attack strategies that every department needs. With 45 years in the fire service and extensive experience as a training officer and equipment specialist, Herbst breaks down the critical relationship between hose sizing, nozzle reaction, and flow rates. He stresses the importan...

On this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, Dave Denniston, fire commissioner, Virgil (NY) Fire District, and past chief of department, Cortlandville (NY) Fire Department, joins host Tom Merrill to discuss driving with due regard and embracing the mindset that just because the pager activates or the rooftop siren sounds does not mean members need to respond with lights and siren...

In this episode of Generation Engine, Mike Rumsey reflects on his 34-year firefighting career spanning Georgia's Cherokee County and the city of Atlanta. He contrasts “the good old days,” shaped by smaller crews and blue-collar roots, with today’s fast-paced, data-driven fire service. The discussion explores the ways evolving safety protocols like rapid intervention team drills have enhanced firef...

In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka explore what it truly takes to create outstanding fire service teams. Drawing on decades of firsthand experience from iconic departments like FDNY and emerging leaders in Texas, they discuss how disciplined training at the academy lays the groundwork for transforming new recruits into confident, competent firefighters.  The conve...

Mayday Monday marks its 50th episode with a closeup look into a harrowing gas explosion incident in Loudoun County, Virginia. Fairfax County (VA) Battalion Chief Matt Burns, who directed crews from Loudoun County (VA) Rescue 635 and Fairfax County Rescue 493 along with other responding units, shares his frontline experience responding to this catastrophic event.    Burns details the challenges of...

In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy talk about journeys transitioning into leadership roles within new fire departments. They welcome guests Jim Trzaski, chief of the Middletown South (CT) Fire District, and Jim Buck, chief of the Wallingford (CT) Fire Department. During their discussion, the guests reveal the realities of stepping into established cultures...

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down with Mark Rossi to explore what truly makes a firehouse crew great. With 20 years in the fire service, Rossi shares lessons on fostering trust, empowering team members, and creating a culture where every role, from rookie to seasoned firefighter, matters. He emphasizes the power of genuine connection, ongoing training, and le...