Fire Engineering Podcast Network

Why Is Being 'We' Focused Better Than Being 'Me' Focused?

Want to learn how to build fire service culture? Combat veteran and NAS Fort Worth (FL) Fire Chief Samson DeSessa joins hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake for this episode of Point of Origin. DeSessa shares lessons from 34 years across military, private security, and the fireground. He explains his simple mentorship model: build the relationship, do the work, then teach others to mentor. He shares roundtable leadership and four promotion pillars: attitude, teamwork, grit, and leading by example. 

Why Incident Command Training Is So Important

On this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn sits down with David Polikoff, a retired battalion chief from Montgomery County, Maryland, to discuss the critical need for structured incident command training. Polikoff shares how his experience at the National Fire Academy revealed a widespread lack of confidence among officers managing high-stress scenes. In order to bridge this gap, he developed a "crawl, walk, run" training methodology that utilizes simulation software and portable radios to build muscle memory before officers ever step onto a real fireground. They dive deep into into the practicalities of scene management, emphasizing the use of tactical worksheets and the delegation of authority through divisions and groups.

FireLink and Captium: Full-Fleet Insights

On this episode, Maria Hovanes, product manager at IDEX Fire and Safety, explains how FireLink—powered by the Captium ecosystem—converts vehicle, pump, and water-flow telemetry into actionable maintenance intelligence. Hovanes details how FireLink captures chassis fault codes, pump activity, nozzle pressure (via SAM and SAM Boost), engine and idle hours, and logs events automatically. The platform provides a single, manufacturer-agnostic dashboard and traffic-light health indicators, so fleet managers, chiefs, technicians and external service providers see the same source of truth. She explains for departments without dedicated fleet staff, visual summaries, and downloadable reports simplify shift readiness and compliance reporting for warranties and NFPA audits. Hovanes describes how Captium ties fire apparatus, rescue tools, and EMS ambulances into one cloud database, improving prioritization and accountability across the fleet.
 
Link to the previous Spotlight podcast with Jason Cerrano: https://www.youtube.com/live/zv5eqbB2-Xk?si=np3bv34NBFJznJTQ
 
Article mentioned: https://www.fireengineering.com/magazine/total-readiness-with-firelink-supporting-crews-before-and-after-the-call/

What One New Executive Order Means for the Fire Service

This episode of Fire Service Court addresses the grim reality that more firefighters are lost to suicide than to line-of-duty deaths. The panel covers PTSD, suicidal ideation, issues with the traditional "tough it out" mentality, and how mental health services are evolving within the fire service. They explore the recent executive order directing federal agencies to fast-track psychedelic medications for serious mental illness, marking a potential shift in treatment for emergency responders. The panel discusses the federal action to transition substances like MDMA and psilocybin from restricted Schedule I research silos into clinical tools for treating treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.

In the Books: Episode #18: Pressure Proof: A Guide to Performing Under Stress

What does it take to perform under extreme pressure when lives are on the line?
 
In this episode, retired FDNY Deputy Chief Thomas Dunne shares insights from 33 years on the job and his book "Pressure Proof: A Guide to Performing Under Stress." From real fireground incidents to high-level leadership, he breaks down how to stay focused, make decisions, and lead with confidence under stress.
 
🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:
 
How to manage stress as responsibility increases
Why fear can be a powerful tool
The importance of command presence and clear communication
The “3 W’s” (Who, Where, Water) for better decision-making
How the “power of pause” prevents costly mistakes
 
Whether you're in firefighting, leadership, or any high-pressure role, these lessons will help you perform when it matters most.
 
#Firefighting #Leadership #FDNY #StressManagement #DecisionMaking

Is It Possible to Rebuild Firehouse Community?

How do you rebuild firehouse community? Host Larry Conley reflects on the lost art of firehouse community and building trust for this episode of The Larry Conley Show. He draws on 33 years on the job, discussing how technology, private rooms, and routines have eroded "community currency." Conley outlines practical steps to rebuild cohesion and reviews the EMPOWER (Envision, Mutual Victory, Proactive, Organize Priorities, Work Together, Empathetic Listening, Recharge) framework.

SAM & SAM Boost: Automated Pump Control That Helps the Whole Fireground

Pete Prochilo sits down with Jason Cerrano, director of R&D at IDEX Fire & Safety, to discuss SAM and SAM Boost—automated pressure-management systems that simplify pump operations, improve firefighter safety, and deliver consistency on the fireground. Cerrano explains how automated control reduces cognitive load, speeds troubleshooting, and allows for pump operators to focus on higher-value tasks. They cover retrofit options, real-world benefits for interior attack, how modern fuel loads change tactics, and common myths—including the idea that automation will replace pump operators.
 
For more technical detail and demos visit samflows.com. Hosted by Fire Engineering. Subscribe for more equipment reviews, tactics, and firefighter-focused tech conversations. Questions? Contact Jason Cerrano at jcerrano@idexcorp.com or reach out to your local OEM for hands-on testing today.
 
Learn more here:
https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting-equipment/tech-that-supports-the-fireground-giving-operators-the-backup-they-deserve/

Remembering a Dark Day: The Legacy of Kyle Wilson

On this episode of Mayday Monday, host Tony Carroll revisits an incident from April 2007, focusing on the incident commander. Jim Forgo from the Prince William County (VA) Department of Fire and Rescue details his actions at the fire that took the life of firefighter Kyle Wilson. Forgo bravely describes the chaotic scene, marked by high winds and dime-sized embers, as he explains how the crews conducted a primary search for reported occupants as conditions deteriorated rapidly. They discuss how a critical radio system failure—resulting in hundreds of blocked transmissions—clogged communication during the most desperate moments of the rescue attempt. This discussion serves as a grounded study on the stressors and technical obstacles incident commanders face.

Practical Advice and Training Methods from Two Jersey Guys

On this episode of Fireground Strategies, guests Bobby Moran and John Lewis join the conversation. They discuss tactics, leadership, and the ever-evolving fire service. The panel members trace their careers from volunteer beginnings and the Bergen County (NJ) Fire Academy to chief roles. They talk incident command, county-level resource coordination, utility response, gas-safety outreach, staffing shortages, and the decline in volunteers. 

How to Turn FDIC Momentum into Real-World Change

FDIC 2026 is behind us. Now what? In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Stephen Shaw sits down with Brian Zaitz to unpack how conference momentum translates into practical change. They discuss leveraging professional networks, mentoring and developing instructors, and why writing short, experience‑driven articles matters. Zaitz offers concrete advice for returning from FDIC: Start small and prepare for timing and politics that turn “not yet” into “now.” They debate a trend toward technical rescue and advanced EMS tools while stressing mastery of fundamentals—hose work, searches, patient assessment. They also explore examples of successful change and tips for building champions inside your department.