From the Marine Corps to the Louisville Fire Department, Chief Brian O’Neill has built a career defined by discipline, transparency, and service. After two decades of rising through the ranks — including a decade as Union President — Chief O’Neill shares how his military experience shaped his leadership style, what it’s like transitioning from labor to management, and why communication and relationships matter most when working with your local. In this conversation, he dives into how Louisville is tackling apparatus challenges, the lessons learned from history that still guide leadership today, and the importance of broadening your perspective as you move up the ranks.