BuildingsonFire: Row House Challenges, Construction, and Operations Part 3

Talkin' Tactics: Mentorship, Mindset, and Stigma in the Fire Service

In this episode of Talking Tactics, hosts David Polikoff and Sam Villani and welcome guest Bryan Riley to explore the realities of stepping into leadership roles in high-pressure, busy fire companies.

Riley shares his journey from volunteer to seasoned company officer and battalion chief, highlighting the challenges of adapting quickly to unfamiliar environments. The conversation explores the critical role of mentorship in preparing new officers, the importance of humility, and effective decision making under pressure. The panel also tackles the ever-important topic of mental health, emphasizing the need for open communication, removing stigma, and supporting firefighters at all times.

Hooks and Hoses: The Nontraditional Truck Company

Generation Engine: Lessons from Conferences and Instructor Insights

The Command Post: Tools, Tradition, and the Firefighter's Mindset

In this episode of The Command Post, Hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka take a meaningful look at the essential tools of firefighting, their care, and the knowledge behind them. From the iconic halligan’s origins in the FDNY to evolving equipment like hydraulic “rabbit” tools, they discuss how tradition meets innovation in emergency response.

The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Turning a Volunteer Fire Department Around

In this episode of the Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill welcomes Chief John Buchan of the Florissant (CO) Fire Protection District. Buchan shares how he turned a struggling volunteer fire department around in just one year—doubling membership while restoring community trust and morale. Facing low numbers, fractured leadership, and financial mismanagement, Buchan focused on realigning the department’s priorities around its volunteers and the community.

In this episode of The Backstep Boys, Ron Kanterman, Tom Aurnhammer, and fire protection expert Jack Murphy explore the critical role fire codes and standards play in firefighter safety and building resilience. From the origins of the International Fire Code to the political challenges of code updates, they unpack why these regulations matter beyond just paperwork. Murphy emphasizes how knowledge of building construction, apparatus access, and emergency planning can save lives during an incident. The hosts also discuss the disconnect between suppression crews and fire prevention, and why more firefighters need to engage with code-making bodies to influence smarter, safer rules. Featuring real-world examples—from flammable refrigerants to gas meter identification—and stressing the importance of preincident planning, this episode offers insight into the invisible backbone of fireground safety.

Fireground Strategies: Insights on Division Supervision, Training, and Fire Dynamics

In this episode of Fireground Strategies episode, Battalion Chief Patrick Wirkus, of the Elizabeth (NJ) Fire Department, shares practical strategies for improving fireground command through effective division supervision. Drawing on 13 years of frontline experience and his family’s firefighting legacy, Wirkus discusses how decentralizing command at larger incidents enhances communication, reduces span of control, and improves firefighter safety. He explains the unique dynamics of mutual aid coordination in New Jersey’s densely populated Union County and the importance of continual training across career and volunteer departments. Wirkus emphasizes understanding fire behavior and dynamics, referencing new Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, and NIST research, to prevent deadly surprises like flashovers. Wirkus advocates for integrating technology like thermal imaging cameras into command post operations to boost situational awareness.