Fire Engineering Podcast Network

David Dubowski on Tradition, Training, and Leading with Purpose

In this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann sit down with David Dubowski , a captain with the Spanish Lake Fire Protection District, St. Louis, Missouri, as he prepares to retire after a distinguished career. He shares stories from decades of frontline firefighting, the evolution of fire tactics, and the priceless value of preserving fireground history through photography. During this discussion, Dubowski offers candid advice for company officers and chiefs, emphasizing the importance of supporting firefighters and embracing change without losing core values. He also highlights the next generation of firefighters, which includes his own son, reflecting on legacy, challenges, and what it truly means to serve. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

So You Want to Be a Firefighter? Insights from Women in Firefighting

In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, experienced fire service leaders break down what it really takes to become a firefighter today. The panel shares unfiltered advice for aspiring firefighters. They take a close-up look at the importance of understanding the physical and mental demands of firefighting. They also discuss navigating the lengthy, costly, and competitive application process. 
The panel stresses the importance of knowing what the job truly entails, addressing the heavy EMS workload, irregular hours, and emotional challenges like trauma and PTSD. They discuss gender-specific considerations, mentorship, and department culture. They also cover shifting recruitment trends and the evolving expectations of newer generations in the fire service. 
 
This episode features: 
-Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire (host)
-Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire Department
-Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston Fire Department
-Paige Colwell, battalion chief, Forsyth County (GA) Fire Department
-Kat Desonier, firefighter/paramedic, Evans (CO) Fire District
 
This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Mastering Fire Service Instruction

In this episode of Talking Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, assistant chief, Frederick County (MD) Fire and Rescue, and Robert "RJ" James, lieutenant, Frederick County (MD) Fire and Rescue, talk about what it takes to be a successful fire service instructor. Drawing from extensive real-world experience including recent training sessions in Charlottesville, Virginia, they explore the critical qualities of credibility, passion, and adaptability that define great instructors. 
During this discussion, the hosts stress the importance of instructors remaining students themselves. They also discuss crafting engaging presentations that connect with firefighters through relevant visuals and storytelling. 
Get practical advice on when to start teaching and how to build confidence by starting small And learn about the importance of knowing your subject inside and out.
This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Safety Is the Destination: Fireground Decisions, Training, and Leadership

In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka discuss the evolving fire service culture with a focus on safety, training, and leadership. They reflect on decades of experience from departments throughout the United States. And they share personal stories that highlight the critical balance between aggression and caution on the fireground. The discussion challenges the “we’re number one” mindset by emphasizing preparation and continuous training as the true path to keeping firefighters safe. From cutting-edge technology like drones and thermal imaging to the simple fundamentals of gear checks and accountability, Lasky and Salka explain why training isn’t an optional extra—it’s the foundation for safe, effective operations. 
This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com 

Empowering Volunteer Firefighters: Enhancing Health, Fitness, and Longevity

In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill sits down with Dr. Allison Barry, assistant professor at the School of Health and Consumer Sciences at South Dakota State University. Dr. Barry shares insights from her groundbreaking community-based research focused on improving physical activity and nutrition among volunteer firefighters. Her work highlights the unique challenges these firefighters face, from limited resources to rural isolation, and the critical need for sustainable wellness initiatives. They discuss barriers including time constraints, lack of policies, and accessibility issues. They also explore the potential benefits of department-level programs, peer support, and state collaboration. Dr. Barry outlines how research-backed interventions tailored to each community can reduce sudden cardiac events and cancer risks, ultimately promoting longer and healthier firefighting careers.
This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Mentorship Matters: Lifelong Lessons and Leadership in the Fire Service

In this episode of the Backstep Boys, Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer welcome  Dr. Denis Onieal, whose 50+ years in the fire service span roles from chief of the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department to superintendent of the National Fire Academy. They discuss the evolving role of mentorship within firefighting, highlighting the critical importance of guiding rookies, navigating career challenges, and supporting firefighters through retirement transitions. 
Onieal shares personal stories of mentors who shaped his path and how those relationships blossomed into lifelong friendships. The hosts explore the balance between formal and informal mentoring, cautioning against choosing harmful role models while emphasizing patience, empathy, and communication as key mentor traits. 
This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com
 
 

Consistency and Creativity in Company-Level Training

In this episode of Generation Engine, seasoned fire service veterans Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett break down the essentials of effective company-level training. Drawing on decades of frontline experience, they emphasize that the biggest obstacle isn’t resources but consistency. Regular, short, hands-on drills—not lengthy punishments—build the culture necessary for success. Edwards and Rowett stress respect between junior and senior firefighters, leaning on shared knowledge rather than rank alone to boost buy-in. From mastering hose stretches to using everyday call scenes for quick size-up drills, they demonstrate how opportunities to train are everywhere, even amid busy shifts.This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Leadership Lessons on Culture and Accountability in the Fire Service

In this episode of Point of Origin, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake sit down with Garrett Dyer (ret.), assistant chief, Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department. Drawing on over three decades of experience, Dyer unwraps the critical role leadership plays in shaping department culture and driving organizational success. He emphasizes that leadership isn’t about perfection or rank but about understanding perspective, showing compassion, and holding individuals accountable in a way that fosters growth. This podcast is brought to you by The Fire Store. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Leadership Lessons on Expectations and Communication in the Fire Service

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down Mark von Appen, a retired fire captain from California. Von Appen is a respected voice known for his leadership blog, Fully Involved. During their discussion, they explore the vital role of clear expectations in firefighter leadership and team success. Drawing on 30 years of experience and deep reflection, Shaw and von Appen discuss how trust and communication form the foundation in firehouse culture and effective leadership. Von Appen shares how conversations with his football-coach father shaped his approach and why assumptions cripple team dynamics. The pair also tackle challenges unique to today’s multigenerational workforce, emphasizing face-to-face connection amid digital distractions. Both leaders stress the importance of owning mistakes, recalibrating failed initiatives through honest dialogue, and providing outlets for passionate firefighters to avoid burnout. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.thefirestore.com

Best Practices for Building a Legally Sound Fire and EMS Department

In this episode of Fire Service Court, John K. Murphy, an attorney and retired deputy fire chief, breaks down how fire and EMS leaders can build legally safe, effective organizations. Murphy stresses the importance of strong leadership rooted in clear policies, open communication, and accountability. He highlights legal protections under federal and state laws covering discrimination, harassment, disability accommodations, pregnancy rights, and social media conduct. This episode’s discussion covers the evolving fire service workforce demographics and the challenges of recruitment and retention amid funding constraints. Murphy encourages departments to embrace mentoring, transparent and complaint procedures, and early intervention to prevent toxic work environments and costly litigation. Drawing from real-world cases and updated regulations like the Fire Brigade Standard, this presentation is a practical guide for fire and EMS organizations seeking sustainable leadership and compliance with the law.
This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.thefirestore.com