In this conversation, David Polikoff, a retired Montgomery County, MD Battalion Chief, discusses his career in the fire service and the importance of conversation and mentorship. He emphasizes the value of aggressive firefighting and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving fire service. David highlights the advancements in equipment and training, as well as the variations in fire service delivery across different regions. He also emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to help the next generation of firefighters. Overall, David's journey showcases the combination of old school values with modern delivery in the fire service. In this conversation, David is currently the Assistant Chief of Volunteer Services for Frederick County, Maryland. They discuss bridging the generational gap in the fire service and the importance of mutual respect and understanding between different generations. David shares his experiences and insights on maintaining identity in a combination system and the collaboration between career and volunteer firefighters. He emphasizes the need for experienced leaders and the role of music in disconnecting from the job and finding personal fulfillment.