Step inside the Greenwood, IN Fire Department with Assistant Chief Brad Coy as he joins Jeremy from National Fire Radio for an honest conversation about leadership, culture, training, and preparing the next generation of firefighters. In this episode, Chief Coy shares how Greenwood is navigating rapid growth while building a department rooted in pride, ownership, and firemanship.

With nearly 65% of the department having three years or less on the job, Greenwood has embraced an aggressive in-house training model focused on mentorship, accountability, and preserving the traditions of the fire service. From recruit development to company culture, Chief Coy explains why investing in people and teaching initiative are critical to the future of the job.

The conversation also dives into apparatus design, operational readiness, customer service, and the evolution of the modern fire department. As Greenwood continues expanding with new stations, specialized companies, and a state-of-the-art training facility, this episode highlights a department focused on growth without losing sight of its identity and history.

Jay Collins, a former Green Beret, shares his journey of service and sacrifice. Raised by his grandparents, who instilled in him the value of being part of something bigger than himself, Jay joined the military and fell in love with it. He later entered politics because he saw the need for good people to step in and make a change. Jay emphasizes the importance of teamwork, accountability, and leaving things better than you found them. He also discusses the challenges of mental health in the military and the need for support and open communication. Jay shares his experiences of being in jump school during the September 11th attacks and his deployment to Afghanistan, where he sustained injuries but continued to serve. Despite facing setbacks and physical limitations, Jay's determination and commitment to service remain unwavering. Jay Collins, a retired Green Beret and founder of Operation Barbecue Relief, shares his inspiring story of resilience and service.

National Fire Radio traveled to Greenwood Fire Department in partnership with HME Ahrens-Fox to document a department that is not only experiencing explosive growth, but intentionally building for the future of the fire service. In this episode, Chief Jayme Washel shares the vision, leadership philosophy, and operational strategy driving the Greenwood Fire Department forward as one of the fastest-growing communities in the state of Indiana.

From new station construction and expanded staffing to innovative deployment models and in-house recruit training, Greenwood is proving what can happen when strong leadership, data-driven decision making, and municipal support align with a commitment to culture and firefighter well-being. Chief Washel discusses the department’s focus on training, mentorship, health and wellness initiatives, cancer prevention efforts, and operational flexibility — all while preparing a young workforce for the demands of a rapidly expanding city.

The conversation also explores Greenwood’s progressive use of squad companies, mobile integrated healthcare initiatives, apparatus strategy, and how the department is using real-world analytics and response data to justify growth and improve service delivery. More importantly, it highlights the importance of investing in people, preserving firehouse culture, and creating an environment where firefighters can thrive professionally and personally.

This episode offers an inside look at a modern fire department focused on balancing tradition with innovation while building a sustainable future for both its firefighters and the community it serves.

Episode 467, Jeremy Donch sits down with DJ Stone for a raw and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, culture, wisdom, and the evolving landscape of the fire service. Together, they dive deep into the rise of “fire fame,” social media influence, and the challenge of preserving authenticity in a profession built on trust, experience, and service.

DJ shares his perspective on the importance of mentorship, storytelling, and learning from the generations that came before us. The conversation explores the value of wisdom earned through experience, the dangers of chasing popularity over substance, and how younger firefighters can balance modern tools and information with the timeless lessons learned through hard work and humility.

Jeremy and DJ also discuss officer development, leadership training, and the human side of the fire service. From building future leaders and creating meaningful training programs to understanding empathy, accountability, and communication, this episode highlights the reality that leadership is learned in the trenches through relationships, mistakes, and growth.

This is an honest conversation about legacy, influence, and the responsibility firefighters have to each other and the generations that follow.

Mickey and Jeremy sit down and go through a few listener questions about situational awareness versus situational response and how we react once stress hits the equation. The conversation gets into recognizing changing conditions, controlling tunnel vision, firefighter IQ, and the love of the job that keeps guys constantly trying to get better.

A straight conversation between two dear friends about awareness, response, and keeping your head clear when the dominoes start falling the wrong way at a fire.

In this episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast, Jeremy Donch sits down with Deputy Chief Nick Papa for a deep and honest conversation about leadership, culture, training, accountability, and the evolution of the modern fire service. What starts as a discussion about social media and intentionality quickly turns into a powerful breakdown of the realities of leadership in today’s firehouse.

Nick shares his unconventional journey from company officer to administrative captain, training captain, and now shift commander, offering real insight into the challenges of transitioning from tactical firefighter to strategic leader. He opens up about mistakes made along the way, including a training initiative rollout that missed the mark, and how humility, communication, and emotional intelligence helped him course correct and rebuild trust with his people.

The conversation dives heavily into mentorship, generational divides in the fire service, and why younger firefighters crave purpose, buy-in, and meaningful leadership. Jeremy and Nick discuss balancing old-school accountability with modern leadership approaches, emphasizing that core values and standards cannot be compromised, but the delivery and connection with firefighters must evolve.

Nick also discusses his new book, Coordinating Ventilation Supporting Extinguishment and Survivability – Second Edition, explaining the importance of ventilation as a coordinated support function and how understanding fire dynamics, search operations, staffing realities, and tactical timing can dramatically improve fireground outcomes. The discussion explores how smaller and resource-limited departments can maximize effectiveness through deliberate training, strategic coordination, and practical application of ventilation principles.

This episode is packed with authentic leadership lessons, operational insight, and real-world experience that applies to firefighters at every rank. From culture building and mentorship to tactical coordination and survivability, this is a conversation every firefighter and fire officer should hear.

Coordinating Ventilation - Supporting Extinguishment and Survivability, 2nd Editionhttps://fireengineeringbooks.com/books/coordinating-ventilation-supporting-extinguishment-and-survivability-2nd-edition/?srsltid=AfmBOorAIEGgevyMfX6IohQJLDRw2ffHzdkl_gWIUgCO-D3tIpUCcCK6

In this episode, Mickey talks about why taking the half landing window above the fire in a multiple dwelling is more than just breaking glass. He breaks down stairwell pressure, timing, door control, and how coordinated ventilation supports movement, search, and positioning above the fire. This episode dives into reading the building, understanding flow path, and why every opening you create changes the fight. Professional firefighting is about controlling the environment before it controls you.

Rob Ridley returns to the studio as the guest of Episode 465. Rob is a founding member of National Fire Radio in 2018 and over his time with the platform, his contributions and passion was evident at each step. Realizing life takes turns, he decided to step back from the podcast and focus on his home and career. Today. Rob is a Deputy Chief with the Fairview Fire District (NY) and has worked hard at raising the bar within his department. In this episode, Rob talks about his current position and how his department has transitioned into a focused, aggressive, culture-driven fire department. The conversation explores the importance of preserving department history, creating meaningful SOPs, mentoring younger firefighters, and building a firehouse culture rooted in accountability, pride, and operational readiness.Jeremy and Rob also discuss the realities of leadership, including isolation at the top, balancing personal life with responsibility, and staying connected to the street as a chief officer. The episode takes an unfiltered turn into the modern fire service social media landscape, discussing authenticity, accountability, ego, and the dangers of manufactured influence within the fire service.This is a raw and reflective episode about growth, leadership, culture, friendship, and staying true to the mission of making the fire service better for the next generation.

Jeremy catches up with longtime friend Sean Eagen of the Buffalo Fire Department as he discusses his transition from longtime company officer to battalion chief after nearly 30 years on the job.

Sean shares what it has been like stepping away from the truck company environment and adjusting to the responsibilities that come with the chief’s position. The conversation focuses on leadership, decision making, mentoring firefighters, and learning how to manage an entire battalion instead of a single crew.

Jeremy and Sean also break down a major multi alarm fire that occurred early in Sean’s time as a battalion chief. Sean talks through the operational challenges, accountability, and the thought process behind command decisions during a rapidly evolving incident.

The episode also touches on firefighter wellness, sleep deprivation, the long term effects of shift work, and how the fire service impacts members over the course of a career. Sean offers honest perspective on balancing leadership responsibilities while still trying to support and advocate for firefighters on the street.

This episode is a candid conversation about leadership, experience, personal growth, and the realities of transitioning into a chief officer role in today’s fire service.