Fire Engineering Podcast Network

Women in Fire: Unique Health Challenges and Supportive Firehouse Cultures

Women in Fire: Unique Health Challenges and Supportive Firehouse Cultures
 
This episode of the Women in Fire radio show covers health challenges faced by female firefighters, including heightened risks of breast, cervical, ovarian, and bladder cancers linked to fireground exposures. Panelists from fire departments across Texas, Colorado, and California share insights on the importance of gender-specific annual medical screenings, appropriate PPE fit, and mental health support. Their conversation highlights the need for education, advocacy, and cultural shifts within firehouses.
 
During the episode, the guests address gaps in reproductive health policies, hormone monitoring, and the stigma surrounding PTSD, anxiety, and moral injury. The discussion explores how strong labor-management collaboration, ongoing data collection, and targeted wellness programs can improve safety and longevity for all firefighters. The hosts emphasize that fostering open conversations and peer support networks among women in the fire service is essential to overcoming isolation and ensuring comprehensive care.
 
Guests:
Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire
Kat Desonier, firefighter, Evans (CO) Fire District
Brooke Sims, firefighter, Aurora (CO) Fire Department
Jennifer Nehrig, firefighter/paramedic, Aurora (CO) Fire Department
Isabel Banks, firefighter, Houston (TX) Fire

Mayday Monday: Inside Baltimore County’s Firefighter Mayday

Mayday Monday: Inside Baltimore County’s Firefighter Mayday During this episode of Mayday Monday, Baltimore County’s Scott Ebbert, Ken Hughes, and Michael Dennis share firsthand accounts and insights from a harrowing 2023 commercial fire incident. The dialogue explores critical challenges, including delayed dispatch due to antiquated systems, the complexities of managing large battalions with minimal chief officers, and the evolving role of thermal imaging cameras on the fireground. Dennis recounts his experience getting lost inside the structure, the vital role of buddy breathing, and the swift intervention by rapid intervention teams, which all underscore the importance of training, communication, and risk assessment. Hughes and Ebbert outline a comprehensive after-action review leading to 25 positive recommendations, from improved safety officer deployment to advanced firefighter rescue training. This episode also highlights the department’s commitment to mental health support and ongoing operational reforms.

The Backstep Boys: Preparing Firefighters for Violent Incidents

The Backstep Boys: Preparing Firefighters for Violent Incidents
 
In this episode of the Backstep Boys, fire service veterans Ron Kanterman, Tom Aurnhammer, and guest James Salas reflect on the tragic line-of-duty death of Roswell (NM) Fire Chief Louis Jones in 2002 and recent ambush attacks on firefighters in Idaho. They discuss how these events reshaped departmental protocols, emphasizing staged responses to violent scenes, close cooperation with law enforcement, and the critical role of first-line officers in managing evolving threats. Salas highlights the importance of ongoing joint training, including active shooter scenarios, and implementing mental health resources for affected personnel. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing traditional firefighting duties with emerging hazards like targeted violence and the adoption of ballistic gear.
 
 

Generation Engine: Rethinking Fire Service Training

Generation Engine: Rethinking Fire Service Training
 
In this episode of Generation Engine, Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett talk about the evolving demands on the American fire service and what the future of training must address. From the harsh realities of modern emergencies, including active shooter incidents, to the overload of certifications and specialties expected from new recruits, they highlight the growing complexity of the job. They critique overreliance on online and AI-driven training tools, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of hands-on experience and mentorship from seasoned “senior men.” They also examine the role of social media in training, praising its potential when it’s used responsibly but warning against misinformation and superficial content.

Tailboard Talk: Preparing for the Unthinkable

Tailboard Talk: Preparing for the Unthinkable
 
In this episode of Tailboard Talk, hosts Craig Nelson, Jeff Wallin, and Chris Rasmussen look at the realities of modern emergency response across North America. They discuss the increasing wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada, severe floods in Texas and North Dakota, and the vital role of interagency cooperation in disaster management. Drawing from recent tornado damage and community-led recovery efforts, the hosts emphasize the importance of preplanning, mutual-aid networks, and dynamic staffing strategies for public safety. They highlight how small-town departments must build relationships with neighboring agencies, public works, and emergency managers to effectively respond to large-scale crises.

The Command Post: Advice to the New Company Officer

The Command Post: Advice to the New Company Officer In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka share important guidance for firefighters stepping into company officer roles. Drawing from decades of their own frontline and command experience, they emphasize the importance of preparation, mentorship, and embracing the full scope of officer responsibilities beyond firefighting. Learn firsthand how leadership involves mastering communication, enforcing discipline, and handling administrative duties as much as commanding on the fireground. The hosts highlight critical points like knowing when to say no, setting clear expectations, and the ongoing need for training as the foundation of safety and effectiveness. Real-life stories underscore the necessity of evolving from crew member to respected boss, modeling professionalism in every action while fostering the growth of future leaders. This episode offers a realistic look at challenges new officers face and realistic advice to tackle those challenges head-on. 

Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Understanding NERIS

Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Understanding NERIS
 
In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill sits down with Tom Jenkins, a fire service veteran and senior advisor at Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes. They discuss the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). Set to replace the decades-old National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) by January 1, 2026, NERIS introduces a modern, streamlined approach to fire incident data collection. The conversation covers the evolution from NFIRS, key improvements like geospatial data integration and tactical timestamps, and how this data will empower departments in training, resource allocation, and firefighter safety. Jenkins also discusses the rollout process, accessibility via a free app, vendor integration, and the cultural shift required for accurate reporting. Fire departments of all sizes—career or volunteer—will find helpful guidance here for transitioning to NERIS, a system designed to better capture the realities of today’s fire service and support firefighters nationwide. 

Fireground Strategies: Heat, Hydration, and The Human Factor

Fireground Strategies: Heat, Hydration, and The Human Factor
 
In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Jim Duffy and Anthony Avillo cover the critical challenges firefighters face battling extreme heat. They explore how scorching temperatures and high humidity impact operational effectiveness and safety, emphasizing the strain on cardiovascular health, hydration needs, and the importance of strict rehab policies on the fireground. Candid insights reveal the human factors—ego, emotion, and physical fitness—that influence decision making under stress. Duffy and Avillo discuss best practices for managing heat injuries, the value of mutual aid during multi-alarm incidents, and the evolving realities of volunteer departments struggling with aging personnel and staffing shortages. Through real-life stories and practical advice, they underscore why proactive preparation, effective hydration, and continuous training remain vital.  

Perspectives on Leadership: Advocacy, Connection, and Succession with Lindsay Judah

Perspectives on Leadership: Advocacy, Connection, and Succession with Lindsay Judah
 
In this insightful episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw welcomes Lindsay Judah to explore the multifaceted responsibilities that define modern fire service leadership. Judah shares her extensive journey from firefighter to rescue chief and consultant, highlighting her passion for advocacy, education, and advancing firefighter safety. They discuss the Firefighter Mayday Survey’s critical role, navigating vulnerability in sharing difficult experiences, and the importance of consistent, authentic engagement with crews. Lindsay emphasizes fostering psychological safety, encouraging professional development, and acknowledging the powerful impact of recognizing personnel—not just for the individual, but also their families. They also talk about strategies for bridging research and field operations, mentoring future leaders, and the value of “plus one” thinking to build succession pipelines. 

The Training Officer: Leadership, Legacy, and Mental Health with Danny Arroyo

The Training Officer: Leadership, Legacy, and Mental Health with Danny Arroyo
 
In this episode of The Training Officer, Danny Arroyo of Perth Amboy, NJ, shares candid insights from his 23-year career in the fire service. As a battalion chief and training officer, Arroyo discusses the critical balance of leading training divisions, managing seasonal operational demands, and fostering a culture of safety and transparency. He debunks common misconceptions about the training officer role, emphasizing the importance of delegation and empowering all ranks to take part in education. Arroyo goes beyond operational strategy and opens up on the mental toll leadership can take, advocating for mental health awareness and self-care in an often-overwhelming profession. His commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy resonates throughout, inspiring new and seasoned training officers alike to build stronger, safer fire departments.