Station Talk

On this very special episode, we sit down with the three men who co-authored the book Rising from Ground Zero, Paul Brown, Greg Shea and Andre Kotze. We discuss the book that tells the story of how one of the world's premier fire departments transformed unimaginable loss into lasting institutional resilience.

Rising from Ground Zero presents the voices of those who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center, principally members of the FDNY. While most accounts of September 11 focus on the day itself; this book takes a longer view.

This special episode of Station Talk is the collaboration between The Firehouse Tribune and the 5-Alarm Task Force. We are honored to re-release episodes from the 5-Alarm Task Force on our platform in recognition of the legacy, dedication, and impact of our great friend, Steve Greene—the longtime host and driving force behind the show.

This collaboration stands as a tribute to Steve’s commitment to the fire service and the conversations that continue to shape it.

On this episode, we sit down with retired FDNY Firefighter Michael Milner to discuss the realities of this job—when things don’t go right, and the impact that follows. This episode Michael talks about the LODD, the Mayday and the aftermath that follows.

This special episode of Station Talk is the second collaboration between The Firehouse Tribune and the 5-Alarm Task Force. We are honored to re-release episodes from the 5-Alarm Task Force on our platform in recognition of the legacy, dedication, and impact of our great friend, Steve Greene—the longtime host and driving force behind the show.

This collaboration stands as a tribute to Steve’s commitment to the fire service and the conversations that continue to shape it.

On this episode, Tom sits down with FF/Paramedic Tyler Whittredge of Sarasota Springs, NY to have one of those conversations that might make you think a little… maybe even make you uncomfortable a bit. But they’re conversations we need to have if we actually care about the future of the fire service - Firefighter Identity, Culture, and Operational Readiness

On this episode, Nick & Tom sit down with retired FDNY Firefighter Tony Bonfiglio, where this is less about tactics and more about the why—the moments that stick with you long after the tones drop. Tony Bonfiglio, a 21-year firefighter with the Fire Department of the City of New York, to talk about the job, the firehouse, and the stories that shape you over a career.

Tony isn’t here to give a class or break down a fire—he’s here to talk like we all do at the kitchen table. The good calls, the tough ones, the funny moments, and the experiences that don’t always make it into the reports. We’ll also get into his journey as a self-published author and why he felt these stories needed to be written down and shared.

TonyBonfiglio.com

On this episode of Station Talk, we talk with Chief Gene Landers about the staffing reality many volunteer departments avoid. From the gap between members on paper and those who respond, to leadership accountability and tough conversations, this episode gets honest about what’s holding departments back.Bottom line: If we avoid the hard conversations, we risk safety, culture, and the future of the fire service.

On this episode Nick & Tom sat down with Captain Alex Mitchum from Summerville Fire-Rescue. Alex has 13 years on the job and has built his career around engine company operations and, more importantly, mastering the basics that actually win fires.

In a fire service that sometimes chases the newest tactic or the flashiest training, Alex believes the fundamentals still matter. Stretching the first line, putting water on the fire, solid communication, and doing the simple things right under pressure.

We’re going to talk engine company responsibilities, common mistakes crews make, how officers should be training their people, and why getting back to the basics isn’t taking a step backward — it’s how you build solid, dependable firefighters.

On this episode Nick & Tom sit down with Travis Baker of the Raleigh Fire Department in Raleigh, NC to discuss how the fire service can honor its traditions while prioritizing firefighter health.

From firehouse meals to training culture, we explore how to preserve pride and brotherhood while embracing smarter nutrition, fitness, recovery, and longevity practices. This isn’t about changing the culture — it’s about strengthening it.

Because protecting tradition starts with protecting the firefighter.

On this episode, Nick & Tom are joined by Joshua Shanley, someone who’s lived on both sides of the fence operationally and academically. Firefighter paramedic, emergency manager, media specialist at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, adjunct faculty at Purdue Global, and deeply involved in emergency management and public safety education.

Josh brings a perspective that isn’t about chasing the next shiny object. It’s about using technology and education to make the fire service more effective, safer, and more accountable to the communities we serve.

Technology, education and how both of those things are changing what it means to be a firefighter and a fire officer.