Fire Engineering Podcast Network

During this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Mike Cox, director of Fire & EMS Solutions, Esri; Baylie Scott, research scientist for UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute; and Jason Orellana, community risk reduction specialist for the Cape Coral (FL) Fire Department. 

During this discussion on leveraging data for community risk reduction in the age of NERIS, the panel...

In this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn welcomes Billy Hux, the chief state fire marshal in Virginia. Hux brings nearly three decades of fire service experience to the conversation, which explores the critical role of fire marshals, including code enforcement, fire prevention, arson investigation, and public education. During the discussion, Hux sheds light on the complexity of code adoption and enforcement, ...

This episode of Fire Service Court explores the complex role NFPA standards play in firefighting operations, criminal cases, and civil litigation. Hosts Brad Pinsky, John K. Murphy, Chip Comstock, and Curt Varone discuss how failing to understand or comply with NFPA guidelines can lead to devastating outcomes, including jail time and a multi-million-dollar lawsuit. They examine a 2002 New York case where ignorance of NFPA standards...

Marking the end of year two for the Talkin' Tactics podcast, hosts Robert "RJ" James, lieutenant from Frederick County (MD) Fire and Rescue; Sam Villani, battalion chief from Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue; and David Polikoff, assistant chief from Frederick County Fire and Rescue, reflect on their individual journeys, fire service leadership challenges, and their plans for 2026. They emphasize the importance of early prepar...

In this episode of The Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer explore the nuances of fire service culture, leadership challenges, and the legacy that shapes today’s firefighters. From Aurnhammer's long-awaited trip to a West Point football game, rich with history and tradition, to profound discussions on organizational culture inspired by pioneers like Edgar Schein and Dr. Kim Allen, the conversation ...

In this year-end discussion on Generation Engine, Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett unpack the complex issues of hazing, practical jokes, and inappropriate behavior within firehouses, highlighting the crucial role of intent and crew dynamics. They examine a recent severe hazing incident in Ocala, Florida, and its wider implications on leadership accountability and fire service culture.

In this episode of the Point of Origin podcast, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake are joined by Dave McGlynn, host of The Training Officer. The three cover the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by fire service leaders. Drawing from their combined decades of experience, they look at the unique pressures chiefs encounter, the difficulty of finding trusted outlets, and practical strategies like writing and ...

In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka discuss what defines a great boss in the fire service. Drawing from decades with the FDNY and beyond, they share stories of inspiring leaders—from tough, no-nonsense officers to approachable mentors who genuinely cared about their crews and families. They explore how different leadership styles, whether firm or friendly, can equally motivate firefighters and creat...

In this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest, hosts Jerry Knapp and Tim Pillsworth welcome Celeste Flynn and Sara Laird. Flynn and Laird share their deeply personal stories of losing their firefighter husbands to fires caused by failures in corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST), which is used in residential gas piping. They detail how lightning strikes can energize CSST, causing arc perforations and rapid, hidden fires in intersti...

In this episode of the Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill welcomes guest Tim Pillsworth a firefighter/EMT and past chief of Winona Lake Engine Co. #2, Orange Lake (NY) Fire District. They explore how consolidation, duty crews, and embracing new training methods can help departments thrive amid rising call volumes, budget constraints, and shifting community expectations. They also addres...

Civilian victims have less time than ever before to be rescued by firefighters. Modern construction, contents, and fires create a razor-thin window of opportunity for crews to make a grab. In this episode of Command Show, hosts Anthony Kastros and Brian Brush welcome guest Captain Justin McWilliams of Clackamas (OR) Fire. They discuss the vital intersection of leadership, communication, and aggressive search and rescue tactics in m...

In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy reflect on the challenges and rewards of a firefighting career spanning decades, from the first day as a volunteer to leading large, regional departments. They discuss motivation, mentorship, and the importance of remembering your roots, while stressing the role of company officers in nurturing growth and morale. The hosts share personal stories about ...

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down with Stephanie White, recently retired firefighter and current editor in chief of Firefighter Nation. They explore the complexities of building a meaningful legacy in the fire service, the emotional challenges of retirement, and the crucial role of leadership rooted in time, patience, and genuine care. White shares stories about mentors who shaped her career a...

In this episode of Fire Service Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Mike Cox and Jeff Dulin to discuss the future of technology in fire and EMS. They preview the upcoming 2025 Technology Summit International in Irving, Texas—a three-day event dedicated exclusively to fire service technology. The Summit covers data analytics, AI, robotics, advanced firefighter tracking systems, and more. The conversation highlights how real-...

In this candid year-end episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn offers an unfiltered look at the challenges firefighters and training officers faced over the past year, from budget cuts to mental health struggles. McGlynn shares personal reflections on the psychological toll the year took and stresses the importance of including mental health in training programs.

He encou...

In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman covers the importance of being good at the basic skills and techniques of firefighting. Many firefighters want to move past the basics and train on more advanced techniques or topics. This creates a lack of a good foundation for firefighters to rely on during responses. 

Drawing on years of frontline experience, Dreiman warns against rushing to advanced specialties before ...

In this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann sit down with David Dubowski , a captain with the Spanish Lake Fire Protection District, St. Louis, Missouri, as he prepares to retire after a distinguished career. He shares stories from decades of frontline firefighting, the evolution of fire tactics, and the priceless value of preserving fireground history through photography. During this discussion, D...

In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, experienced fire service leaders break down what it really takes to become a firefighter today. The panel shares unfiltered advice for aspiring firefighters. They take a close-up look at the importance of understanding the physical and mental demands of firefighting. They also discuss navigating the lengthy, costly, and competitive application process. 

The panel stresses the importance...