Fire Engineering Podcast Network

Leadership, Legacy, and Lifelong Service in the Fire Service
 
In this episode of the Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley welcomes recently retired Arlington County (VA) Deputy Chief Tiffanye Wesley. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of a firefighting career and life beyond the fireground. Reflecting on decades of breaking barriers, mentorship, and community building, Wesley shares her journey of leadership grounded in courage, integrity, and empathy. The conversation touches on the vital role of emotional intelligence, the importance of creating safe spaces for vulnerability, and how retirees can continue shaping the fire service today. They also honor the legacy of Dr. Carl Holmes and the transformative Executive Development Institute, an inclusive leadership pipeline dedicated to empowering firefighters of all backgrounds. With candid stories and powerful insights, they lay out a call to action for the next generation to lead with boldness and heart.  

The Mikey G and Mikey D Show: Firefighter Operations in High-Rise and Big-Box Structures
Hosts Mike Dugan and Mike Gagliano talk with a panel of fire service experts about the Firefighter Air Coalition supplement in Fire Engineering, and their respective articles that cover the complexities of firefighting operations concerning high-rise buildings and rapidly emerging big-box structures. Featuring insights from seasoned firefighters, including Jimmy Davis, Tom Merrill, and Daniel DeYear, the discussion highlights the critical importance of air management, situational preparedness, and interdepartmental collaboration.
 
The experts emphasize the need for comprehensive preplanning, rigorous training processes, and real-world scenarios that require mutual-aid partnerships. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on operational burdens, the realities of high-rise firefighting, and strategies for enhancing firefighter safety and effectiveness amidst evolving challenges.
To read the Fire Engineering supplement, go to https://digital.clarionevents.com/clarionsupplements/2025_firefighter_air/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=2&folio=1#pg1
 
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First Due Battalion Chief: Building Hazards and Response Strategies
Seasoned firefighters Danny Sheridan and Erik Pettaway discuss the challenges presented by void spaces in residential and commercial buildings. Drawing insights from Frank Brannigan's seminal work, Brannigan’s Building Construction for the Fire Service, the hosts highlight critical concepts such as the rapid spread of fire in concealed spaces and the potential hazards posed by renovated structures. They share firsthand experiences, emphasizing the importance of thorough size-ups, effective communication among crews, and the use of thermal imaging equipment. The discussion underscores the need for ongoing education in building construction and fire behavior, equipping today's firefighters and incident commanders with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

Women in Fire: Mental Health in the Fire ServiceIn this episode of the Women in Fire radio show, hosted by Lisa Baker, leading voices from the fire service engage in a critical discussion on mental health, coinciding with National Mental Health Awareness Month (May). The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing mental health challenges faced by firefighters, exploring the stigma associated with vulnerability, and advocating for a culture of openness and support. Featuring insights from seasoned professionals, the panel emphasizes the need to cultivate resilience within teams and the significance of providing mental health resources right from the start of a firefighter’s career. As the members of the panel share personal experiences and strategies for fostering emotional well-being, the episode serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies in acknowledging our challenges and supporting one another.
 
The Panel:
-Kat Desonier, firefighter/paramedic, Evans (CO) Fire District
-Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston, TX
-Kimberly Lightley (ret.), United States Forest Service
-Heidi Simon (ret.), lieutenant, South Metro (CO) Fire 
-Megan Saylors, trustee, North West Region, Women in Fire 
-Kristi Bellock, professional basketball player (ret.) and athletic director, The Bay Club Company (CA) 
 
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Talkin’ Tactics:  Mastering Engine Company Operations
In this episode of Talkin’ Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, Robert "RJ" James, and Sam Villani discuss the essential components of engine company operations. Drawing from their extensive experiences in the fire service, they discuss the critical importance of promptly putting water on the fire and the need for effective communication and coordination within a crew. The conversation spans various topics, including the role of the engine company in rescue operations, the nuances of deploying long lines, and the fundamental training required for new firefighters to excel in their roles. 
 
 
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Tactical Impact: The Essential Role of Air Replenishment SystemsIn the latest episode of Fire Engineering's Tactical Impact, host Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann welcome guests Mike Gagliano and Kris Blume to explore the transformative role of firefighter air replenishment systems (FARS) in modern firefighting. As fire departments face increasing operational challenges, particularly in complex multistory and large-scale structures, the accessibility of high-quality air supply for effective fire and rescue operations becomes even more critical. With firsthand accounts on the necessity of air management technology, the episode highlights how integrating FARS into building codes can fundamentally change response strategies, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of firefighters on the front lines.
 
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Hooks & Hoses: Mastering Fireground Size-Ups
In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, expert fire service professionals explore the fundamental strategies for conducting effective size-ups during emergency responses. Building on experiences from the recent FDIC International, the discussion focuses on best practices for initial and ongoing fireground communications.
You’ll learn about practical acronyms like BELOW, which help firefighters assess building types, fire location, life safety factors, and water supply.
 
The conversation also covers the significance of preincident planning, crew awareness, and adapting to unique challenges during various emergencies. As firefighters learn to accurately relay crucial information over the radio, they enhance their team’s readiness and response efficiency.
 
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BuildingsonFire: Row House Challenges, Part 2
 
In this episode, host Christopher Naum discusses how intricate dynamics of firefighting within row house structures are explored. He covers several lethal incidents from 2014 to 2023, which resulted in 11 line-of-duty firefighter deaths, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by these common yet complex building types. Naum presents a thorough analysis of building characteristics, risk management, operational tactics, and human performance, detailing how these factors influence firefighting efficacy and safety. Listen to gain valuable insights into the predictability of performance in these structures and the critical need for informed decision making during emergency operations.
 
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The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: The Younger Generation of Firefighters
Often labeled “the problem” with today’s volunteer fire service, the young people joining the ranks today are different from generations past. But that is true of every generation, and these young men and women are NOT the problem. Yes, there are some problems and serious challenges in the volunteer fire service. But why are so many so quick to judge and dismiss, chastise and throw under the bus the younger generation that is stepping up and volunteering? In this episode of The Professional Volunteer, Tom Merrill met several young volunteer firefighters at a conference recently. He was impressed with their strong desire to proudly serve and train hard to get better. He also noted their readiness to honor and respect veteran members, as well as our fire service history and traditions.

Backstep Boys: Confined Space and Technical Rescue
In this episode, Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer discuss technical rescue and confined space operations within the fire service. The conversation covers historical perspectives, revealing the evolution of rescue protocols since the introduction of OSHA regulations in the 1990s, and the dire need for accountability and interagency cooperation. From the challenges faced by first responders in hazardous environments to the importance of building relationships with local industries, the hosts underscore the need for comprehensive training and community engagement. With informative anecdotes and personal reflections from seasoned professionals, this episode serves as both a tribute to fallen heroes and a vital resource for all firefighters looking to enhance their rescue expertise.  
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