Fire Engineering Podcast Network

In this episode of Generation Engine, seasoned fire service veterans Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett break down the essentials of effective company-level training. Drawing on decades of frontline experience, they emphasize that the biggest obstacle isn’t resources but consistency. Regular, short, hands-on drills—not lengthy punishments—build the culture necessary for success. Edwards and Rowett stress respect between junior and sen...

In this episode of Point of Origin, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake sit down with Garrett Dyer (ret.), assistant chief, Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department. Drawing on over three decades of experience, Dyer unwraps the critical role leadership plays in shaping department culture and driving organizational success. He emphasizes that leadership isn’t about perfection or rank but about understanding perspective, showing co...

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down Mark von Appen, a retired fire captain from California. Von Appen is a respected voice known for his leadership blog, Fully Involved. During their discussion, they explore the vital role of clear expectations in firefighter leadership and team success. Drawing on 30 years of experience and deep reflection, Shaw and von Appen discuss how trust and communication...

In this episode of Fire Service Court, John K. Murphy, an attorney and retired deputy fire chief, breaks down how fire and EMS leaders can build legally safe, effective organizations. Murphy stresses the importance of strong leadership rooted in clear policies, open communication, and accountability. He highlights legal protections under federal and state laws covering discrimination, harassment, disability accommodations, pregnanc...

For this episode of Command Show, hosts Anthony Kastro and Brian Brush welcome Nick Ledin of the Firefighter Rescue Survey. The three discuss “tactics for life,” a topic inspired by Chapter 6 of Mastering Fireground Command and the modern mindset for considering the impact of tactical decisions on fire victims and their survivability outcomes, not just how they affect the fire.

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In this episode of Mayday Monday, Eric Morgenthaler and Jeff Helle from Castle Rock (CO) Fire and Rescue share a harrowing near-Mayday incident from earlier this year. Responding to a subtle smoke investigation, the team encountered an older ranch-style home where fire was hidden beneath the floorboards in a finished basement. Helle unexpectedly fell through the compromised floor but maintained calm composure, issuing a timely Mayd...

In this episode of Fireground Strategies, seasoned firefighters and officers explore how to make a meaningful impact throughout a firefighting career—from probies learning the basics, to seasoned company officers balancing tactics and leadership, to chief officers shaping strategy and department culture. They emphasize humility, continuous learning, and the importance of mentorship. They also highlight practical skills probies must...

For the latest episode of The Training Officer, join Chief David Rhodes and host Dave McGlynn for an inside look at the upcoming FDIC 2026. They discuss the expanded Hands-on Training (H.O.T.) evolutions running during the week, including cutting-edge classes on electric and hybrid vehicle response and urban rope rescue. And they cover new EMS training innovations featuring high-tech simulations and top-tier instructors delivering ...

In this episode of Fire and Training, Douglas Klein and Captain Wayne Jones explore the evolving dynamics of training the next generation of firefighters. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, they challenge the notion that younger recruits are less proficient, arguing that instructional approaches must adapt to modern learning styles. They reflect on how technology, cultural shifts, and pandemic-related isolation have stron...

In this episode of the Larry Conley Show, David Conley and Larry Conley discuss their personal leadership development with the East Dubuque (IL) Volunteer Fire Department. Drawing on decades of experience, from metropolitan firehouses to small-town brigades, they share the ways their workshop reshaped team dynamics. The conversation reveals the importance of hard conversations and emotional intelligence alongside traditional firefi...

In the latest episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes guests Joanna Zibbell, fire technology manager, Boise, Idaho, and Blake Boyd, fire and emergency services analyst, Cary, North Carolina. They discuss the emerging role of data analysts in the fire service and take a close look at evolving data maturity frameworks and the challenges of vendor data access. They also address the significance of embe...

In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston Fire Department, and Paige Colwell, battalion chief, Forsyth County (GA) Fire Department, take a close-up look at what defines leadership and management in the fire service. They explore essential leadership traits like trust, communication, and integrity, and highlight the challenges leaders face. These include everything from gaining credibility t...

In this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann sit down with Peter Morotto, acting chief of training, Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department, to unpack key firefighting tactics centered on tenable space and focused aggression. Drawing from 30 years of frontline service and extensive instructor experience, Morotto takes a close look at balance between aggressive fireground operations and firefighter safety, e...

Hooks & Hoses: Rob Grady’s Journey Through Firefighting in Gary, Indiana   In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman sits down with Rob Grady, assistant chief of training for the Gary (IN) Fire Department. Grady shares his firefighting journey, which spans over 30 years. He recounts his transition from volunteer to career firefighter, the highs and lows of frontline duty, and memorable moments riding the heavy res...

The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Insights with Chief John Salka   In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, Chief John Salka, a seasoned FDNY veteran and lifelong volunteer firefighter, digs into the realities of today’s volunteer fire service. From recruitment challenges and background checks to the crucial role of professionalism without paychecks, Salka shares hard-earned wisdom on the true meanin...

The Training Officer: The Nontraditional Truck Company   In this episode of Fire Engineering’s Training Officer podcast, Chief Jim Silvernail of Kirkwood, Missouri, addresses the critical need for engine companies to train beyond their traditional roles. Drawing from his own  years in suburban fire service and his “The Nontraditional Truck Company,” (Fire Engineering Books, coauthored with Arthur Ashley), Silvernail emphasizes how ...

Tailboard Talk: Harvest Hazards, Station Upgrades, and Long-Term Planning in Rural Communities   In this episode of Tailboard Talk, hosts Chris Rasmussen, Craig Nelson, and Jeff Wallin discuss the realities facing rural and suburban fire departments, especially during the intense harvest season. They cover the unique dangers posed by 24-hour beet and corn harvesting operations, including driver fatigue and heavy equipment accidents...

The Command Post: Hiring Challenges and Best Practices with Rick Lasky and John Salka   Rick Lasky and John Salka, hosts of The Command Post, dive into the evolving landscape of firefighter recruitment and hiring, sharing decades of firsthand experience. They discuss how societal shifts, comfort-seeking attitudes, and changing norms impact the quality and commitment of candidates entering the fire service. From robust, objective hi...