Perspectives on Leadership: Lessons on Leadership, Legacy, and Life After the Fireground

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, Deputy Fire Chief Steve Shaw, Jupiter (FL) Fire Rescue, sits down with retired Division Chief/Paramedic Chase Sargent (ret.), Virginia Beach (VA) Fire and Rescue, to explore the often-overlooked challenges and rewards of fire service leadership. Drawing from decades of experience—from Virginia Beach Fire Rescue to counterterrorism operations abroad—Sargent shares practical guidance on setting clear expectations, building trust, and navigating the complexities of managing people. Their conversation touches on the importance of viewing leadership as a stewardship of culture and legacy, emphasizing that firefighting is a people-centered mission where every officer contributes to shaping future generations. The conversation also confronts difficult topics such as managing challenging personnel, adapting to rapid technological change, and preparing for life beyond the fire service.

In this Humpday Hangout, members of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) discuss developing a training calendar for your fire department. They consider priorities and must-have drills, balancing your training, technology use, and delegating tasks.

Fire Service Data and Tech Talk: Biometric Tracking and Real-Time Environmental Data

In this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan sits down with Assistant Chief John Payne, of the Bremerton (WA) Fire Department and Scott Holman, CEO of Redline Safety, to explore cutting-edge firefighter tracking technology. Moving beyond traditional emergency buttons, the conversation covers wearable biometric monitoring, location tracking, and atmospheric sensors that capture vital real-time data, from heart rhythms and fall detection to air quality and localized weather conditions. Discover how mesh networks and long-range communication enable reliable data sharing even in remote wildland fires, and how this technology integrates seamlessly with existing incident management systems. Chief Payne shares his journey from thesis research to practical application, while Holman discusses industry collaboration and the potential to revolutionize firefighter health monitoring and operational decision making.

Talkin' Tactics: Multi-Occupancy and High-Rise Fire Tactics

During the latest episode of the Talkin' Tactics podcast the hosts explore the complex world of multi-occupancy fires, focusing on garden and high-rise apartments. The hosts share firsthand accounts of challenging fires, from aggressive void-space blazes in garden apartments to intense, wind-driven high-rise infernos. They emphasize the importance of pre-incident planning, building familiarity through regular drills, and understanding unique construction features, such as English basements and stairwell congestion. The discussion highlights tactical discipline—such as staggered engine placement and effective overhaul practices—to prevent rekindles and enhance firefighter safety. The conversation stresses continuous learning, situational awareness, and clear communication as crucial for success in these high-stakes environments. This episode offers important insights for firefighters looking to sharpen their approach to multi-unit fireground operations.

Fire and Training: Leadership at the Frontline

In this episode of Fire and Training, Douglas Cline sits down with Dave McGlynn to explore leadership rooted at the firehouse floor. They discuss how true leadership transcends rank, focusing on accountability, mentorship, and the critical influence of those “unofficial leaders” shaping day-to-day culture. From personal stories of veterans who inspired lasting impact to the challenges of today’s social media-driven environment, they address how passion and responsibility are essential for building resilient teams. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked importance of fostering camaraderie and mentoring younger firefighters to create a legacy of excellence. McGlynn and Cline emphasize that leadership begins with caring for your teammates, taking ownership, and embracing the fire service’s unique brotherhood—and sisterhood—while balancing the high stakes and everyday moments that define the job.

In the Books: Anthony Avillo on Fireground Strategies, Fourth Edition

In this episode of In the Books, host and Fire Engineering Editor in Chief David Rodes sits down with Chief Anthony Avillo, North Hudson (NJ) Regional Fire and Rescue legend and author of the bestselling Fireground Strategies. Covering over three decades of frontline experience and fire service education, Avillo shares insights from his career. He highlights the development of his influential book through four editions, the challenges of regionalization, and the evolution of firefighting tactics amid modern building construction and high-rise complexities. Avillo also discusses his deep connection to music, drawing parallels between his love for classic rock—especially The Beatles—and his philosophy on leadership.

Tactical Impact: Strategies for Short-Staffed Departments with Lt. Jake Jorgensen

In this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann sit down with Lieutenant Jake Jorgenson, of Watertown (SD) Fire Rescue, to discuss the realities and tactics of operating short-staffed fire departments. Watertown, a smaller city with limited personnel, faces frequent challenges responding to structure fires with minimal crews. Jorgenson shares how his department developed clear prearrival assignments, streamlined roles like nozzle and irons firefighter, and leverages their engine operators’ skills to maintain effective fireground operations despite staffing constraints. The panel also highlights rigorous training methods, including timed drills and scenario-based discussions, to build crew cohesion and adaptability. Jorgenson encourages firefighters from similar departments to share their experiences and participate in advancing fire service tactics through writing and collaboration.

Hooks and Hoses: FSRI’s Keith Stakes on Fire Dynamics, Suppression, and Ventilation Research

In this revealing July episode of the Hooks & Hoses podcast, host Eric Dreiman sits down with Keith Stakes, principal research engineer at Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, and deputy chief with Bethesda-Chevy Chase (MD) Rescue Squad. Stakes shares his unique perspective, which bridges rigorous fire science with frontline firefighting experience. They discuss the origins and evolution of critical fire behavior concepts like flow path and thermal layers, and why clear terminology matters. The conversation cuts through misconceptions about ventilation, emphasizing timing and coordination with suppression to avoid worsening conditions. They also touch on ongoing research tackling the challenges of water application in multistory structures and offer ways for firefighters to access training and research updates.