In this episode of National Fire Radio, Rob Pollack delivers a raw and honest conversation about leadership, accountability, and the evolving culture of today’s fire service. From the firehouse to the fireground, Rob breaks down what’s been lost—and what must be rebuilt—when ownership, humility, and hard conversations are avoided.

The discussion explores the challenge of leading across generations, balancing ego with responsibility, and navigating the difficult line between being a boss and a friend. Rob shares real-world examples of how accountability, communication, and people skills directly impact company performance, morale, and trust—long before the tones ever drop.

Rob also reflects on his international training experience in Poland, offering a global perspective on training culture, firefighter health, cancer prevention, and innovation. The comparison highlights how different approaches can sharpen our own practices without sacrificing the aggressive, effective nature of American structural firefighting.

This episode is a candid reminder that the fire service is built on daily actions, not titles—and that the future depends on leaders willing to listen, mentor, challenge complacency, and protect the culture worth fighting for.