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This week on the B Shifter Podcast, Josh Blum and Johsn Vance are joined by Steven S. Sarver, Assistant Chief of Operations with the Monroe Fire Department (OH). Chief Sarver breaks down his department’s response to three separate incidents at a 1.3-million-square-foot distribution center, sharing hard-earned command lessons from complex, high-risk events. He explains how Blue Card principles—especially lessons reinforced in the Big Box Workshop—helped drive effective decision-making, coordination, and successful outcomes in a challenging big-box environment.

We unpack how a 1.3 million square foot Amazon facility fire was held by sprinklers and managed by disciplined command. We share what changed across three incidents, why pumping the FDC is non-negotiable, and how preplans, tech, and patience keep crews safe.

• department profile, coverage area, staffing
• mutual aid setup across two counties
• Amazon facility design, hazards, commodities
• alarm upgrade logic and high-hazard card
• attack team, on-deck, roof report essentials
• FDC and fire pump priorities, water supply
• ESFR head performance and stream discipline
• locating seat with TICs, video, drones
• evacuation confirmation and search mindset
• riser maps, zone isolation, shutdown language
• forklift-led overhaul and safety
• AAR process, lessons learned, SOP updates
• training resources, workshops, and standards

“Hook up, pump up, and let the system run.”

This episode was recorded at the Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center in Phoenix on December 10, 2025.

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