Fire Engineering Podcast Network

Command Show: Insights on Command, Communication, and Fireground Innovation
 
In this episode of Command Show, retired Fairfax County (VA) Chief Dan Shaw shares deep insights from a massive multi-alarm fire that challenged conventional tactics and command structures. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience, Shaw breaks down the evolution of incident command during complex fires, highlighting the crucial role of communications, accountability, and strategic risk assessment. He emphasizes the importance of decentralizing command to empower tactical officers and the necessity of realistic training beyond routine fires, especially for large-scale or defensive operations.
 
Shaw also discusses his continued impact on the fire service post-retirement through teaching, keynotes, and developing performance analytics to objectively evaluate fireground success. Welcomed by cohosts Brian Brush and Anthony Kastros, the conversation explores how collaboration within fire service organizations like Fire Engineering and FDIC drives innovation and shared learning.

Perspectives on Leadership: Lessons on Leadership, Legacy, and Life After the Fireground
 
In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, Deputy Fire Chief Steve Shaw, Jupiter (FL) Fire Rescue, sits down with retired Division Chief/Paramedic Chase Sargent (ret.), Virginia Beach (VA) Fire and Rescue, to explore the often-overlooked challenges and rewards of fire service leadership. Drawing from decades of experience—from Virginia Beach Fire Rescue to counterterrorism operations abroad—Sargent shares practical guidance on setting clear expectations, building trust, and navigating the complexities of managing people. Their conversation touches on the importance of viewing leadership as a stewardship of culture and legacy, emphasizing that firefighting is a people-centered mission where every officer contributes to shaping future generations. The conversation also confronts difficult topics such as managing challenging personnel, adapting to rapid technological change, and preparing for life beyond the fire service.

In this Humpday Hangout, members of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) discuss developing a training calendar for your fire department. They consider priorities and must-have drills, balancing your training, technology use, and delegating tasks.

The Training Officer: Setting the Tone for New Firefighters & Making the Unseen Dangers Real
 
In this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn sits down Chris Hagan, a battalion chief from the Orion Township (MI) Fire Department, to explore the challenges of onboarding probationary firefighters and fostering a strong, professional culture from day one. Hagan shares his unique approach to setting expectations early, emphasizing ownership, engagement, and making small but critical duties meaningful. The conversation explores creative ways to teach mundane (but vital!) topics like firefighter decontamination, cancer prevention, and the hidden hazards of modern fires. They also discuss the complicated landscape of social media use for firefighters, balancing free speech with departmental discipline. Finally, Hagan gets into the importance of training beyond tactics, including report writing, presentation skills, and leadership development.
 

The Larry Conley Show: Faith, Family, and Firefighting
 
In this episode of The Larry Conley Radio Show, Larry Conley, David Conley, Kyle Taylor, and Galen Taylor take a long look at the ways faith, family, and their firefighting careers intersect with their St. Louis roots. Reflecting on growing up primarily in single-parent households, they reveal how strong mentorship, community involvement, and disciplined upbringing shaped their paths. The conversation explores the power of intentional leadership, the resilience needed to overcome neighborhood challenges, and the unique role of faith in maintaining balance amidst life’s pressures. From childhood memories of scouts and church to the lessons learned through martial arts, listeners will learn what it truly means to “make it out” while giving back.

Fire Service Data and Tech Talk: Biometric Tracking and Real-Time Environmental Data
In this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan sits down with Assistant Chief John Payne, of the Bremerton (WA) Fire Department and Scott Holman, CEO of Redline Safety, to explore cutting-edge firefighter tracking technology. Moving beyond traditional emergency buttons, the conversation covers wearable biometric monitoring, location tracking, and atmospheric sensors that capture vital real-time data, from heart rhythms and fall detection to air quality and localized weather conditions. Discover how mesh networks and long-range communication enable reliable data sharing even in remote wildland fires, and how this technology integrates seamlessly with existing incident management systems. Chief Payne shares his journey from thesis research to practical application, while Holman discusses industry collaboration and the potential to revolutionize firefighter health monitoring and operational decision making. 

Talkin' Tactics: Multi-Occupancy and High-Rise Fire Tactics
 
During the latest episode of the Talkin' Tactics podcast the hosts explore the complex world of multi-occupancy fires, focusing on garden and high-rise apartments. The hosts share firsthand accounts of challenging fires, from aggressive void-space blazes in garden apartments to intense, wind-driven high-rise infernos. They emphasize the importance of pre-incident planning, building familiarity through regular drills, and understanding unique construction features, such as English basements and stairwell congestion. The discussion highlights tactical discipline—such as staggered engine placement and effective overhaul practices—to prevent rekindles and enhance firefighter safety. The conversation stresses continuous learning, situational awareness, and clear communication as crucial for success in these high-stakes environments. This episode offers important insights for firefighters looking to sharpen their approach to multi-unit fireground operations.

Fire and Training: Leadership at the Frontline
In this episode of Fire and Training, Douglas Cline sits down with Dave McGlynn to explore leadership rooted at the firehouse floor. They discuss how true leadership transcends rank, focusing on accountability, mentorship, and the critical influence of those “unofficial leaders” shaping day-to-day culture. From personal stories of veterans who inspired lasting impact to the challenges of today’s social media-driven environment, they address how passion and responsibility are essential for building resilient teams. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked importance of fostering camaraderie and mentoring younger firefighters to create a legacy of excellence. McGlynn and Cline emphasize that leadership begins with caring for your teammates, taking ownership, and embracing the fire service’s unique brotherhood—and sisterhood—while balancing the high stakes and everyday moments that define the job.

In the Books: Anthony Avillo on Fireground Strategies, Fourth Edition
In this episode of In the Books, host and Fire Engineering Editor in Chief David Rodes sits down with Chief Anthony Avillo, North Hudson (NJ) Regional Fire and Rescue legend and author of the bestselling Fireground Strategies. Covering over three decades of frontline experience and fire service education, Avillo shares insights from his career. He highlights the development of his influential book through four editions, the challenges of regionalization, and the evolution of firefighting tactics amid modern building construction and high-rise complexities. Avillo also discusses his deep connection to music, drawing parallels between his love for classic rock—especially The Beatles—and his philosophy on leadership.

Tactical Impact: Strategies for Short-Staffed Departments with Lt. Jake Jorgensen
In this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann sit down with Lieutenant Jake Jorgenson, of Watertown (SD) Fire Rescue, to discuss the realities and tactics of operating short-staffed fire departments. Watertown, a smaller city with limited personnel, faces frequent challenges responding to structure fires with minimal crews. Jorgenson shares how his department developed clear prearrival assignments, streamlined roles like nozzle and irons firefighter, and leverages their engine operators’ skills to maintain effective fireground operations despite staffing constraints. The panel also highlights rigorous training methods, including timed drills and scenario-based discussions, to build crew cohesion and adaptability. Jorgenson encourages firefighters from similar departments to share their experiences and participate in advancing fire service tactics through writing and collaboration.