In this episode of Project Command, I sit down with Jared Vermeulen to talk about leadership in the modern fire service and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

Jared is the author of The Modern Fire Officer and Building Legacy That Endures, and this conversation dives deep into the ideas behind both books. We move beyond tactics and operations and focus on the leadership skills that often get overlooked but ultimately determine long-term success.

We discuss the importance of soft skills in leadership, including communication, emotional intelligence, trust building, and influence. These are the skills that shape culture, drive performance, and determine whether an organization improves or stays stuck.

We also talk about what chiefs and organizational leaders need to understand in 2026. The job is changing. Expectations are higher. The environment is more complex. Leaders who rely only on traditional approaches are going to struggle. Jared lays out what leaders need to focus on now to stay effective in the years ahead.

This is a conversation about leadership that goes beyond rank, beyond title, and beyond the fireground. It is about building people, building systems, and building a legacy that actually endures.

If you are serious about leadership, this one is worth your time.

Check out Jared's books here: The Modern Fire Officer: https://a.co/d/0fWpY99k Building Legacy That Endures: https://a.co/d/0iu0bMvQ

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