Firefighter After Action Review Podcast

In this episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast, Kansas City Fire Department leaders—including Chief of Department Ross Grunden, Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins, Chief Ted Henry, and Retired Firefighter John Sirna —reflect on the 2015 line-of-duty deaths of firefighters Larry Leggio and John Mesh during a structure fire on Independence Avenue. They discuss the challenges posed by the building’s construction, the difficulty of locating the arson fire, and the tragic wall collapse that claimed the two firefighters’ lives.

The conversation highlights key lessons learned and the departmental changes that followed, including improved collapse zone management, better time tracking on the fireground, and the widespread adoption of thermal imaging cameras. This discussion also delves into the profound emotional impact of the tragedy, the critical importance of clear communication during operations, and the idea of a “25-year cycle,” where major incidents recur as institutional memory fades.

In this episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast, Kansas City Fire Department leaders—including Chief of Department Ross Grunden, Chief Ted Henry, and Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins, and Retired Firefighter John Sirna recall the 1988 Highway 71 explosion that killed 6 firefighters. This discussion covers the details of the 1988 incident, how it impacted the department and led to the creation of the KCFD’s hazmat response capabilities, as well as the lasting legacy of these tragic events.

In this episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast, Kansas City Fire Department leaders—including Chief of Department Ross Grunden, Chief Ted Henry, and Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins—reflect on the 1959 Southwest Boulevard Fire that claimed the lives of five firefighters. Retired Firefighter John Sirna, the grandson of one of the fallen, shares how the tragedy shaped his family, his career, and the deep bonds within the fire service. Together, they explore how the incident led to lasting changes in tactics, equipment, and remembrance.

In this episode of the After Action Review Podcast: Kansas City, Fire Chief Ross Grundyson and Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department share historical context and insight into three tragic incidents—and reflect on how each one shaped their department and influenced the broader fire service.

At the Quackenbush Warehouse Fire on March 12, 1938, Paterson, New Jersey, lost five of its bravest. Deputy Chief James P. Sweeney, Captain John Davenport, Fireman Louis Rodeski, Fireman Matthew O’Neill, and Fireman William Lynch died fighting the four-alarm blaze.

This two-part podcast features Fire Chief Brian McDermott of today’s Paterson Fire Department. The interview revealed several interesting points, including Paterson’s unique approach to the rehabilitation of vacant and abandoned buildings.

At the Quackenbush Warehouse Fire on March 12, 1938, Paterson, New Jersey, lost five of its bravest. Deputy Chief James P. Sweeney, Captain John Davenport, Fireman Louis Rodeski, Fireman Matthew O’Neill, and Fireman William Lynch died fighting the four-alarm blaze.

This two-part podcast features Fire Chief Brian McDermott of today’s Paterson Fire Department. The interview revealed several interesting points, including Paterson’s unique approach to the rehabilitation of vacant and abandoned buildings.

The second segment provides a closer look at how Paterson Fire Department operates today—and how it responds to challenges that are common to many fire departments.

As part of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast series, the Puccia episodes are a two-part series that shares the story of Firefighter Michael Puccia through the recollections of the two groups most impacted by his loss: his family and his fire department. Listeners will learn about Firefighter Puccia’s life and legacy as a husband, father, and firefighter, while gaining insight into the FDNY’s commitment to honoring fallen members and ensuring we never forget.

In this epsiode of the Firefighter After Action Review podcast, is the first of a two-part series that tells the story Firefighter Puccia’s through the recollections of the two groups most affected by his loss: his family and his department. Viewers and listeners will gain insight into Firefighter Puccia as a husband, father, and firefighter—and witness FDNY’s solid determination that we will never forget.