Firefighter After Action Review Podcast
The Firefighter After Action Review Podcast from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) honors fallen fire heroes by sharing their stories and the lessons learned from line-of-duty deaths. Each episode examines a past firefighter LODD, exploring what happened, who the firefighters were as people, and how their departments have worked to improve firefighter safety, prevent future tragedies, and honor their fallen members. The series transforms experience into education to help build a safer, more survivable fire service.
Episodes
This episode, part one of a four-part series, honors the five firefighters lost in the 2006 Esperanza Fire and explores how trust, interagency training, and a shared commitment to prevention can strengthen wildfire response and help protect firefighters and communities. For more information, please visit: https://www.firehero.org/2026/10/26/firefighter-after-action-review-podcast-esperanza-fire-1/
More than 60 years later, the story of the 1964 Marshalls Creek explosion still carries lessons for firefighters today. Hear firsthand memories of the tragedy and visit the memorial honoring the firefighters and civilians who lost their lives.
On this episode of Firefighter After Action Review, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation podcast, we recall a devastating explosion in Marshalls Creek, Pennsylvania, claimed the lives of three firefighters and three civilians in 1964. Though largely forgotten today, this tragedy led to nationwide changes in hazardous materials transportation, emergency response, and firefighter safety. In Part 1 of this episode of the F...
On this episode of Firefighter After Action Review, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation podcast, listeners are taken on a guided tour of the memorial site honoring the nine firefighters who lost their lives in the tragic Sofa Superstore Fire in Charleston on June 18, 2007. Led by a firefighter who responded to the incident that day, the conversation offers a deeply personal and moving perspective on one of t...
In this third installment of Firefighter After Action Review, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation podcast, firefighters who responded to the Sofa Superstore fire share a candid and deeply personal look at the tragedy and its lasting impact. They reflect on the memorial built at the site and the significant changes within the Charleston Fire Department, including new stations, enhanced technology, and a s...
In part 2 of the Firefighter After Action Review: Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire series we examine the personal and psychological toll of the incident, including navigating federal investigations, second-guessing decisions on future calls, and leaning on the strength of peer support from across the fire service—especially from departments like FDNY. At its core, this discussion highlights the profound cultura...
Firefighter After Action Review: Charleston Sofa Super Store Fire takes listeners inside the experiences of Charleston Fire Department leaders, as they share their firsthand experiences from the tragic Sofa Superstore fire on June 18, 2007, which claimed nine firefighter lives.
In the powerful final episode of our this Firefighter After Action Review series on the Glen Allen Fire of August 20, 1993, we bring together survivors and fire service leaders for a profound conversation about a tragedy that changed the fire service forever. Gabe and Roy reflect on the moment that shaped their lives, sharing why they continue to tell this story—not only as a source of personal healing, but as a way...
This episode of the Firefighter After Action ReviewPodcast honors Los Angeles County wildland firefighters Arthur Ruezga and Christopher Herman, who died in the line of duty while battling the Glen Allen Fire on August 20, 1993. Hosts Michael Preet and Tom Harbor speak with Firefighter Gabe Larios and Engineer Roy Rodriguez, who survived the incident. Assistant Chief Robert Gaylor of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and ...
This episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast honored the two Los Angeles County wildland firefighters, Arthur Ruezga and Christopher Herman, who died in the line of duty while battling the Glen Allen Fire on August 20, 1993. The hosts, Michael Preet and Tom Harbor, interviewed Assistant Chief Robert Gaylor of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Fire Chief Robert Garcia of the Angeles National Forest....
In this episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast, Kansas City Fire Department leaders—including Chief of Department Ross Grunden, Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins, Chief Ted Henry, and Retired Firefighter John Sirna —reflect on the 2015 line-of-duty deaths of firefighters Larry Leggio and John Mesh during a structure fire on Independence Avenue. They discuss the challenges posed by the building’s co...
In this episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast, Kansas City Fire Department leaders—including Chief of Department Ross Grunden, Chief Ted Henry, and Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins, and Retired Firefighter John Sirna recall the 1988 Highway 71 explosion that killed 6 firefighters. This discussion covers the details of the 1988 incident, how it impacted the department and led to the creation of the KCFD&rsquo...
In this episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast, Kansas City Fire Department leaders—including Chief of Department Ross Grunden, Chief Ted Henry, and Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins—reflect on the 1959 Southwest Boulevard Fire that claimed the lives of five firefighters. Retired Firefighter John Sirna, the grandson of one of the fallen, shares how the tragedy shaped his family, his career, and...
In this episode of the After Action Review Podcast: Kansas City, Fire Chief Ross Grundyson and Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department share historical context and insight into three tragic incidents—and reflect on how each one shaped their department and influenced the broader fire service.
At the Quackenbush Warehouse Fire on March 12, 1938, Paterson, New Jersey, lost five of its bravest. Deputy Chief James P. Sweeney, Captain John Davenport, Fireman Louis Rodeski, Fireman Matthew O’Neill, and Fireman William Lynch died fighting the four-alarm blaze.
This two-part podcast features Fire Chief Brian McDermott of today’s Paterson Fire Department. The interview revealed several in...
At the Quackenbush Warehouse Fire on March 12, 1938, Paterson, New Jersey, lost five of its bravest. Deputy Chief James P. Sweeney, Captain John Davenport, Fireman Louis Rodeski, Fireman Matthew O’Neill, and Fireman William Lynch died fighting the four-alarm blaze.
This two-part podcast features Fire Chief Brian McDermott of today’s Paterson Fire Department. The interview revealed several in...
As part of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast series, the Puccia episodes are a two-part series that shares the story of Firefighter Michael Puccia through the recollections of the two groups most impacted by his loss: his family and his fire department. Listeners will learn about Firefighter Puccia’s life and legacy as a husband, father, and firefighter, while gaining insight into the FDNY’s commitment to hono...
In this epsiode of the Firefighter After Action Review podcast, is the first of a two-part series that tells the story Firefighter Puccia’s through the recollections of the two groups most affected by his loss: his family and his department. Viewers and listeners will gain insight into Firefighter Puccia as a husband, father, and firefighter—and witness FDNY’s solid determination that we will never forge...
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