Send us a text

This episode features Josh Blum and John Vance.

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

John Vance and Josh Blum deliver the Blue Card Rundown for May 2025, covering educational opportunities and system enhancements for Blue Card users and instructors. They highlight new training initiatives, conference information, and tools designed to improve command effectiveness and firefighter safety.

• Big Box Workshop successes featuring Shane Ray from the National Fire Sprinkler Association
• Mayday Workshop focusing on prevention rather than just management
• Hazard Zone Conference details for September 30-October 3 at the Sharonville Convention Center in Ohio.
• New Blue Card Command Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Train-the-Trainer program launching in June
• After Action Reporting system gaining traction as a tool for targeted improvement
• New data export feature for instructors to easily track student certification status
• Silverback Leadership Series adding new modules connecting firehouse culture to fireground success
• Multiple Train-the-Trainer opportunities available through the end of 2025

Visit bshifter.com to register for the Hazard Zone Conference, workshops, and to access all the new Blue Card resources.

Send us a text

This episode is hosted by Nick Brunacini, Chris Stewart, and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded on May 7, 2025.

Strategy creates safety by aligning tactics with actual conditions, ensuring crews don't operate in unsuitably dangerous environments while maximizing effectiveness against the fire.

• Strategic decisions have the greatest effect on everyone working at the incident scene
• Stating the strategy three times forces conscious evaluation of conditions and clear communication of intent
• Strategy dictates positioning—offensive inside hazard zone, defensive outside hazard zone
• Near-miss story demonstrates how proper strategy recognition saved five firefighters' lives
• Incident commanders must validate strategy with 360-degree size-ups and adjust as conditions change
• The command system distinguishes between offensive and defensive conditions which should never be mixed
• Communication "tickets" prioritize radio traffic and reduce unnecessary transmissions
• 37% of initial Mayday calls are missed, making efficient communication critical
• Regular command training (quarterly 4-hour sessions) prevents reversion to bad habits
• The incident commander outranks everyone on scene regardless of formal rank structure

If you have questions for the B Shifter podcast team, send us an email (addresses in show notes) or click the fan mail option on our Buzzsprout platform to send us a direct message.

Send us a text

The B Shifter Podcast examines how bad training practices can create dangerous operational habits in the fire service that are difficult to break and potentially dangerous.

This episode is hosted by Josh Blum, and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded on April 30, 2025.

Line-of-Duty Death Report Available
B Shifter now has the NIOSH report available for download regarding the tragic loss of Firefighter James Michael Muller of the Irmo Fire District. On May 26, 2023, Firefighter Muller was killed in the line of duty while operating at a structure fire in an apartment building. There were many heroic acts at this incident and also many lessons to be shared and learned.
Download the full report and honor Firefighter Muller’s sacrifice by learning from this critical event: https://bshifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NIOSH-FINAL-REPORT-202307.pdf

• Training scars are ingrained behaviors taught during training that don't reflect best practices on the fireground
• Dan Madrzykowski describes how teaching firefighters to "pencil" water creates dangerous muscle memory
• Emergency activation button training creates hesitation in real emergencies when the button should be used
• Chris Stewart emphasizes focusing on higher performers rather than the vocal minority resistant to change
• Pat Dale discusses how poor leadership behaviors become learned and perpetuated through generations
• Keith Stakes highlights how training facilities don't resemble real structures where firefighters operate
• Nick Brunicini explains how rapid intervention teams operated for decades before effectiveness was evaluated
• Terry Garrison stresses spending valuable training time on meaningful skills not arbitrary traditions
• Training must align with operational realities and provide realistic context for skills development
• Effective training allows firefighters to make mistakes in a supportive environment without career consequences

Join us at the Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference in Cincinnati September/October 2024. Register now at BShifter.com to secure early bird pricing and discounted hotel accommodations

Send us a text

This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison, and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on April 17, 2025.

Creating a positive fire department culture drives better service both inside and outside the organization, ultimately leading to safety and success for everyone involved.

• Culture is more powerful than rules, regulations, and SOPs in guiding behavior
• A "Way" document preserves cultural values and helps transmit them to new members
• Effective customer service requires treating firefighters well so they can treat citizens well
• Organizational boundaries must be established and enforced consistently to maintain culture
• Safety culture requires accountability at all levels and cannot be overlooked by supervisors
• New fire chiefs should build on organizational strengths rather than change things for change's sake
• Leadership should focus on personal power rather than positional power to gain true buy-in
• Training and operations must align under a common vision focused on the work
• After-action reviews help reinforce cultural values through honest assessment without blame
• Good crews will intervene to help each other maintain professional standards with customers

Remember, you will resent and resist any supervision you receive that you don't need. Good leaders understand when to provide guidance and when to get out of the way.

Send us a text

This episode features Josh Blum and John Vance.

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

Josh Blum, Blue Card Program Manager, delivers a comprehensive update on Blue Card's expanding universe of command training programs and system enhancements. 
• Successful FDIC presence with over 1,000 meaningful visitor conversations, addressing misconceptions about Blue Card being "just a communication system"
• B Shifter website (bshifter.com) offers free weekly training resources, articles, podcasts, and downloadable SOGs
• New Train-the-Trainer classes announced in Central County (MO), Sterling Heights (MI), Volusia County (FL), and Bay County (FL)
• 2025 Blue Card Conference features pre-conference workshops including safety train-the-trainer, mayday, strategic decision-making, and incident expansion courses
• New Dispatcher 2.0 program launches with refreshed interface, updated content, and comprehensive e-book reference
• Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) program debuts with first train-the-trainer in June, featuring modules for various aircraft emergencies
• New CE modules cover multifamily buildings, radio communications, strategy shifts, and upcoming Technical Rescue Team awareness-level training
• After Action Review module receiving enthusiastic adoption, helping departments target training to specific improvement areas
• Schedule filling rapidly through end of 2025; departments encouraged to book training slots soon

Visit bshifter.com to access free resources or contact Josh directly to schedule training for your department.

Send us a text

Worcester Fire Department District Chief Gary Fleischer joins the B Shifter podcast to share his expertise on critical fire ground factors in century-old wood-frame buildings, particularly New England's iconic triple-deckers.

• Construction characteristics of triple-deckers, typically built between 1890-1920 as worker housing near factories
• Balloon frame construction creates continuous void spaces from basement to attic with no fire stops
• Original materials include true dimension 2x4s (full 2"x4") and often asphalt or asbestos siding
• Buildings typically built very close together (sometimes just 5 feet apart) creating exposure problems
• Vertical fire spread challenges requiring simultaneous tactics on multiple floors
• First-arriving company officers must "own the incident" with thorough size-up and clear assignments
• Importance of quick water application on exterior fires before they extend into concealed spaces
• Search priorities in densely populated residential structures
• Primary access challenges including blocked rear exits and cluttered stairwells

When you see these older structures in your community, remember they require specific tactical considerations due to their construction methods and arrangement. Train your officers to recognize critical fire ground factors that will drive your incident action plan.

This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart, Gary Fleischer and John Vance.

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025.

Send us a text

This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance.

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025.

Lincoln Fire Department demonstrates Blue Card implementation during a  fire involving three structures in sub-zero temperatures.

• Incident began with one fully involved structure that had already spread to exposures on both sides
• Battalion Chief established defensive strategy for main fire building while directing offensive operations in salvageable exposures
• IC maintained disciplined radio communication despite managing 13 companies across three structures
• Company officer successfully stepped into Division Supervisor role when command staff was limited
• Strategic decision to transition Delta exposure from offensive to defensive prevented resource waste
• Effective use of deck guns and aerial operations to control main fire while protecting exposures
• Incident demonstrates value of critical factor-based assignments over standard arrival-based protocols
• Fire occurred in extreme weather conditions that complicated access and operations
• Lincoln FD's commitment to After Action Reviews reveals areas for improvement despite successful outcomes

Join us in Cincinnati for the Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference, September 29-October 3rd. Register now at bshifter.com to secure your spot!

Send us a text

This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison, Pat Dale and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on March 14, 2025.

Nick Brunicini and John Vance introduce a conversation about Silverback leadership principles with fire service veterans Pat Dale and Terry Garrison, exploring how internal culture directly impacts external service delivery.

• Silverback leadership program currently contains two modules available on B-Shifter website with more being developed
• Full program will eventually include nine modules with a two-day workshop
• Inside-outside customer service approach forms the foundation of service delivery excellence
• We discuss scenario-based leadership situations involving problem behaviors
• Corrective, progressive and lawful discipline creates accountability without destroying morale
• Department culture starts with leadership behaviors that cascade through ranks
• The "kindness conspiracy" occurs when positive examples outperform negative ones
• Fire service recruitment crisis stems from leadership problems, not compensation issues
• Second chance management allows recovery from mistakes without career-ending consequences
• Effective leaders assume good intent while still enforcing professional standards

The 2025 Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference will be held September 29-October 3 in Cincinnati, Ohio, with Silverback leadership training included. Visit bshifter.com for registration information.

Send us a text

This episode features Frank Leeb, Chris Stewart and John Vance.

For drills and more go to https://30fires.com/

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded on February 12, 2025.

This episode delves into the critical importance of learning from past firefighting tragedies through the lens of the book "30 Fires You Must Know," co-authored by Chief Billy Goldfeder and Chief Frank Leeb. We explore how documenting these historical incidents creates a powerful learning tool for preventing future line-of-duty deaths.

• The book examines 31 fires that have significantly impacted the fire service, with all royalties supporting firefighter charities
• Chief Frank Leeb discusses fighting the "historical illiteracy" that leads to repeating the same mistakes that cost firefighter lives
• Detailed examination of the 2001 Southwest Supermarket fire that killed Phoenix Firefighter Bret Tarver
• How an exterior fire at a loading dock quickly spread through a grocery store, creating deadly conditions
• The 13 maydays called during rescue attempts and the lessons learned about rapid intervention
• Phoenix Fire Chief Brunacini's courageous decision to be completely transparent about what went wrong
• How the incident fundamentally changed the fire service's approach to commercial structure fires
• Why exterior fires must be extinguished from the exterior before moving to interior operations
• The critical importance of understanding that residential tactics don't work in commercial buildings
• How these lessons continue to shape firefighter training and response protocols today
 

Send us a text

This episode features Nick Brunacini and John Vance.

We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Please subscribe and share. Thank you for listening!

This episode was recorded at the AVB CTC in Phoenix, AZ on February 13, 2025.

Command Safety intertwines safety with effective firefighting tactics and operational control. Each discussion point highlights critical aspects of situational awareness and fire behavior. 

• Introduction to Command Safety and its significance 
• Reflection on past firefighting incidents and lessons learned 
• Importance of dynamic situational awareness for firefighters 
• The cultural shift needed around safety in the firefighting community 
• How Command Safety evolves traditional firefighting tactics 

Thank you for tuning in! We encourage you to subscribe, share, and leave a review.