Frank Leeb | Why 'Safety First' Is The Wrong Mindset

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Retired FDNY Chief Frank Leeb, now with the First Responder Center for Excellence, breaks down the "firefighter blindside"—the hidden health risks like cancer, heart disease, and PTSD that are the biggest threats to the fire service today. Discover the leadership principles, training philosophies, and practical steps needed to build more resilient firefighters and create a culture that protects its own, long after the fire is out.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The "Firefighter Blindside": Why cancer and cardiac issues are the leading killers of firefighters off the fireground.
• Safety as a Byproduct: The philosophy that elite training, not a "safety first" mindset, is what truly protects first responders.
• The FDNY Way: How a culture of ingrained mentorship and accountability creates high-functioning teams.
• Cancer Prevention Tactics: Practical, low-cost steps like decon, clean cabs, and annual medicals that save lives.
• The New WUI Threat: Why structural departments, even in places like New York, must begin cross-training for wildland fires.
• FRCE's Mission: How the First Responder Center for Excellence is translating research into no-cost, actionable training.
• Leadership is Key: The critical role of leaders in setting non-negotiable standards and supporting their crews.