Station Talk

This special episode of Station Talk is the second collaboration between The Firehouse Tribune and the 5-Alarm Task Force . We are honored to re-release episodes from the 5-Alarm Task Force on our platform in recognition of the legacy, dedication, and impact of our great friend, Steve Greene—the longtime host and driving force behind the show. This collaboration stands as a tribute to Steve’s comm...

On this episode, Tom sits down with FF/Paramedic Tyler Whittredge of Sarasota Springs, NY to have one of those conversations that might make you think a little… maybe even make you uncomfortable a bit. But they’re conversations we need to have if we actually care about the future of the fire service - Firefighter Identity, Culture, and Operational Readiness

On this episode, Nick & Tom sit down with retired FDNY Firefighter Tony Bonfiglio, where this is less about tactics and more about the why —the moments that stick with you long after the tones drop. Tony Bonfiglio, a 21-year firefighter with the Fire Department of the City of New York, to talk about the job, the firehouse, and the stories that shape you over a career. Tony isn’t here to give a...

On this episode of Station Talk, we talk with Chief Gene Landers about the staffing reality many volunteer departments avoid. From the gap between members on paper and those who respond, to leadership accountability and tough conversations, this episode gets honest about what’s holding departments back. Bottom line: If we avoid the hard conversations, we risk safety, culture, and the future of the...

On this episode Nick & Tom sat down with Captain Alex Mitchum from Summerville Fire-Rescue. Alex has 13 years on the job and has built his career around engine company operations and, more importantly, mastering the basics that actually win fires. In a fire service that sometimes chases the newest tactic or the flashiest training, Alex believes the fundamentals still matter. Stretching the fir...

On this episode Nick & Tom sit down with Travis Baker of the Raleigh Fire Department in Raleigh, NC to discuss how the fire service can honor its traditions while prioritizing firefighter health. From firehouse meals to training culture, we explore how to preserve pride and brotherhood while embracing smarter nutrition, fitness, recovery, and longevity practices. This isn’t about changing the...

On this episode, Nick & Tom are joined by Joshua Shanley , someone who’s lived on both sides of the fence operationally and academically. Firefighter paramedic, emergency manager, media specialist at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, adjunct faculty at Purdue Global, and deeply involved in emergency management and public safety education. Josh brings a perspective that isn’t about chasin...

On this episode, Nick & Tom are honored to sit down with Dennis Reilly, a retired Fire Chief with 50 years of fire service experience. Dennis shares hard-earned insights on leadership, human performance in high-threat environments, training, and fireground operations. Drawing from decades of service across multiple generations of firefighters, this conversation goes beyond tactics to explore m...

This special episode of Station Talk marks the first collaboration between The Firehouse Tribune and the 5-Alarm Task Force . We are honored to re-release episodes from the 5-Alarm Task Force on our platform in recognition of the legacy, dedication, and impact of our great friend, Steve Greene—the longtime host and driving force behind the show. This collaboration stands as a tribute to Steve’s co...

On this episode, we are joined by Battalion Chief Danny Arroyo from the Perth Amboy Fire Department. Danny also serves as Chief of Training, Chair of the New Jersey FMBA Education and Training Committee, works with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and runs Fire Training and Consultants LLC. We dive into training, leadership, and tactics, and more importantly how those things actually a...

On this episode, we are joined by Fire Chief Kris Childress of the Keowee Fire District in South Carolina. With 16 years in the fire service, Kris has built his career around leadership, mentoring, and maximizing performance in small departments. As one of the youngest chiefs in his area, he brings a fresh yet grounded perspective on leading from the front, building trust within a team, and naviga...

On this episode we’re joined by Firefighter Christopher Whyte from the Elizabeth Fire Department, who also serves as the CISM Team Coordinator for the New Jersey FMBA. With over 16 years in the fire service, including both volunteer and career experience, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for firefighter education and growth. He’s also the creator of Garden State Size Up, a platform d...

On this episode of the Station Talk Podcast , we’re honored to welcome retired FDNY Firefighter Joseph Bonanno . With 21 years on the job, Joe has dedicated his life to the fire service both on and off the rig. Following the loss of his brother Michael, also of the FDNY, to suicide in 2012, Joe has become a strong advocate for firefighter mental health and wellness. He’s also the creator of Americ...

On this episode, we sit down with Chief Dave Robertson to explore how chief-level officers can bridge the gap between frontline firefighters and white-shirt leadership. Chief Robertson dives into the dichotomy of leadership —balancing command presence with approachability—and shares insights on why hiring for character is crucial to building a resilient and effective team. We also discuss practica...

On this episode, Nick & Tom sit down with Battalion Chief Patrick Wirkus of the City of Elizabeth Fire Dept (NJ) to discuss chief officers as division supervisors on the fire ground. They discuss the premise of the concept, how and when to implement it and about his journey through continually learning in the fire service. This conversation was based on his article " Using Chief Officers...

On this episode, we sit down with Firefighter Chris Maleta, the founder of Carry the Flag . Chris brings with him 17 years of experience and a mission-driven mindset that’s helped launch a brand that resonates with patriotism, service, and leadership. We’re excited to dive into his story, the purpose behind the brand, and the lessons he’s picked up along the way. www.carrytheflagusa.com

On this episode, Nick & Tom sit down with Brandon Smith of Beating Disability Daily to discuss his time in the US Air Force, his injuries sustained from a rough landing while on a mission in the Middle East and how the injuries lead to physical and mental trauma for years following. Further, they discuss how Brandon overcame in the physical and mental injuries and how he is using his voice as...

In this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Lieutenant Paul Patrikis, who brings 16 years of combined career and volunteer fire service experience and currently serves with the Simpsonville Fire Department in South Carolina. Paul is also the owner of Paulie’s RX Burns. We dive into the world of wildfires—how they vary across different parts of the country—and explore the critical role prescribed...

On this episode, Nick & Tom had the honor to sit down with retired Battalion Chief Andy Starnes and owner of Insight Fire Training to discuss all things thermal imagining. They discuss Andy’s curriculum is used internationally, and his expertise which has contributed to the development of several thermal imaging cameras and the first thermography-based firefighter certification credentialed th...

From North England to across the pond, we sat down with Crew Manager James Meredith to explore the differences between UK and US firefighting.  From operations to mental health and culture, James shared real talk and valuable insight from 15 years on the job. It's more than tactics, it's about people, passion, and purpose on both sides of the Atlantic. Tap in to hear the full episode on Station Ta...

On this episode, the boys sit down with retired Chief Tony Correia to discuss emotional intelligence and character in today's fire service. Tony discusses tackling an essential but often overlooked topic: Emotional Intelligence & Character in the Fire Service. What does it mean to lead with emotional intelligence? How does character impact decision-making, teamwork, and resilience in this high...

In this episode, Tom discussed mindfulness meditation for first responders with John Grandinetti, Captain of the Eloy Fire District in Eloy, Arizona. Mindfulness meditation has emerged as a vital tool for first responders, providing them with essential techniques to manage stress and enhance overall well-being. The rigorous demands of their profession can lead to heightened anxiety and emotional f...

On the episode, Nick & Tom sit down with EJ Henninger of Building Firefighter Development to discuss his newly published article in Fire Engineering, " Success Starts Early: Building Knowledge and Relationships for Effective Operations " and how and why building relationships with town officials, zoning boards and building managers plays a role in your early preplanning and building...

On this episode, Nick and Tom had the pleasure to discuss leadership with retired Lt. Colonel Oakland McCulloch of the United States Army. Oak discusses what leadership means to him, how to establish a winning culture and the importance of a professional leadership developmental program. Home | Your Leadership Legacy | LTC Oak McCulloch | United States Amazon.com: Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming...

Tom sat down with Firefighter Jeffrey Price of the Windsor Heights Fire Department (IA) to discuss tips, tricks and tactics revolving around shorthanded firefighting, a situation that affects fire departments across our country.