Peter Matthews talks with Dr. Rich Gasaway about what firefighters need to know about situational awareness in 2021. Gasaway, who retired at rank of fire chief after a 30-year career in the fire service, has studied situational awareness impacting firefighting operations that resulted in near-miss, injury and firefighter fatality incidents. The two discuss what firefighters working on today's fireground need to know and how they can avoid becoming a statistic.

Peter Matthews talks with John Lewis and Robert Moran about training, tactics and leadership in today's fire service. Known as The Jersey Guys, Lewis, a retired lieutenant from Passaic, NJ, and Moran, currently fire chief in Brewster, MA, explain how firefighter training tactics has evolved since they began teaching. Having served in volunteer and career fire departments, the two discuss effective training, plus share tips share leadership tips for officers and chiefs. Find out more about their Firehouse Expo 2021 HOT and classroom session. 

Peter Matthews talks with retired Fire Chief Charles Werner about how fire departments and other public safety agencies are deploying drones for countless operations. 

Peter Matthews talks with Battalion Chief Demond Simmons about his article, "Smart Training and Firefighting." Simmons explains the basis for the article and concept, which explains the roles of "smart" and "aggressive" in educating firefighters. Also, a discussion on the role of company officers in encouraging their firefighters to  work smarter on the fireground. 

Peter Matthews talks with Nashville Fire Department Director/Chief William Swann about the Christmas Day explosion. Chief Swann shares how previous incidents and trainings with local, state and federal agencies allowed for a unified command to be established and operate smoothly after the bombing that damaged over 40 buildings. The two discuss the lessons Nashville Fire has learned from the Christmas Day explosion and the deadly March 2020 tornado and how important training and preparation are for all first responders. 

Peter Matthews talks with longtime Firehouse contributor and speaker Lt. Mike Daley about his December magazine article on training and operating at night. Daley, who is a longtime fire instructor, explains the challenges firefighters encounter at night on the fireground or emergency scene and the need for training in after sunset. Get tips and tricks for training and operating safely and effectively and how to use the tools on your rig to help you see the real scene.

Peter Matthews talks with Battalion Chief Chad Costa about working the front lines of 2020's devastating wildfires. Costa, from the City of Petaluma, CA, Fire Department, worked the the August Complex Fire - California's largest wildfire for several weeks. Costa explains decision-making at wildland incidents and the importance of communications in incident action plans. He also shares what happened when 2017's fires threatened his wife and children as he worked another incident.  

Peter Matthews talks with Lt. Jonathan Baxter, the recipient of the 2019 Firehouse Thomas Carr Community Service Award. Baxter, who serves as the public information officer/homeland security operations for the San Francisco Fire Department, was nominated for his extraordinary outreach efforts on everything from fire prevention to surf safety. Baxter shares the incredible outreach the department has had during his time overseeing the efforts and how his law enforcement background has led to additional safety programs.  

Peter Matthews talks with firefighters Jason Beck and Jon Metz about the harrowing incident that led them to be named the recipients of the 2019 Firehouse Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor. The two McCall, ID, firefighters arrived first to find a large debris field and a 20-foot wall of flames following a propane explosion that heavily entrapped a young girl. Hear how the two were able to rescue the girl and what role training played in the miraculous rescue. 

Peter Matthews talks with East Contra Costa, CA, Fire Protection District Fire Chief Brian Helmick about the recent policy limited interior fire attacks at structure fires. Helmick called the policy the toughest decision in his 20-plus year career, stating the district's funding model, which has not changed since the 1970s, only allows for three engines to over 250 square miles and creates long response times. Find out what led to the decision and how Helmick is working to improve the district's budget and future plans.