Talkin’ Tactics: Lessons from the Front Lines and Beyond

In this episode of Talking Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, Robert “RJ” James, and Sam Villani take a close look at the landscape of fire service leadership. Reflecting on James’s recent training at the Jimmy Ellis Memorial and their own careers, they explore when and why firefighters decide to pursue leadership roles. The conversation highlights the importance of humility, accountability, trust, and genuine connection with crew members—qualities often missing in rapid promotions. They emphasize investing time into learning every rank, embracing mentorship, and leading by example on and off the fireground. They also talk about today’s younger firefighters, the impact of military leadership principles post-9/11, and the importance of being accessible both at work and in personal crises.