Command Show: Frank Ricci on Politics, Leadership, and the Mayday Mugging

 

In this episode of Command Show, fire service expert Frank Ricci joins hosts Anthony Kastros and Brian Brush to explore the intersection of fireground command, politics, and labor relations. Ricci, a seasoned battalion chief and labor leader who won the landmark Supreme Court case Ricci v. DeStefano (2009), shares his unique insights on navigating the often-overlooked political landscape that shapes staffing and operational resources. He delivers a gripping case study from a harrowing house fire in New Haven, Connecticut, where a basement blaze turned into a personal life-or-death "mugging." From missed staircases and critical communication gaps to the crucial role of RITs and command presence, Ricci’s story emphasizes vital lessons for firefighters and officers.