The Firehouse Podcast

Fireground Accountability, Incident Command and Technology – Doug Myers 06.07.2026 50min

Peter Matthews talks with Fire Chief Doug Myers, from the Berrien Springs-Oronoko, MI, Fire Department, about commanding today’s fireground incidents. Myers led the development of the Scene Watcher App to help incident commanders track tasks and firefighters on scenes when command staff is limited. Myers discusses the NIOSH 5, the five recurring factors that have been mentioned in the NIOSH LODD reports. Myers talks about the NIOSH 5 from the perspective of the incident commander and how they must manage the fireground with all five factors playing a part in their decision making. In his region, with multiple fire departments assigned to fire incidents, Myers developed Scene Watcher to help the incident commanders manage assignments, track personnel and provide an overview of the incident from benchmarks and accountability. Related links: Scene Watcher Connect with Doug Myers on LinkedIn Fire Studies: Volunteer Firefighting Strategies: Where We’ve Been. Where Are We Headed?

Recap of the Interschutz, The World’s Largest Fire Conference – Kristopher Blume 22.06.2026 53min

Chief Kristopher Blume joins Peter Matthews to reflect on what products and innovations he saw while attending the largest firefighter conference in the world, Interschutz, earlier this month in Germany. From robots and apparatus to PPE and training equipment, Blume explains the difference between Interschutz and shows in the U.S. Blume explains how technology filled many of the exhibit halls at the week-long conference, displaying robotics, software and how the Europeans view the use artificial intelligence for the fire service now and in the future. Blume also saw a variety of PPE innovations, rigs and other equipment being used by firefighters in other countries. In a variety of classrooms, Blume engaged in conversations with members of the fire service from around the world and shares what their priorities are while he also highlights some of the unique and awe-inspiring hands-on training that they offer. Related links: Kristopher Blume Firehouse.com biography and articles Interschutz

Beyond the Bugles: Leadership from the Lens of the Pearland, TX, Fire Department 15.06.2026 1godz 1min

Chief Jacob Johnson gets to accomplish a dream of truly putting fire department members on the map by interviewing one of his own from the Pearland, TX, Fire Department, Chief Shane Bridges. The two discuss culture, mentorship and leadership from the lens of their own department.

Inside the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation – Michael Hildebrand 08.06.2026 58min

Peter Matthews is joined by Michael Hildebrand, who sits on the board of directors for the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation, which honors the legacy of Prince George’s County firefighter Jim Yvorra, who died in the line of duty in 1988. Hildebrand recalled his longtime friendship with Yvorra and his dedication to the fire service by being an active member and book publisher in the areas of EMS, hazardous materials, operations and leadership. After his death, the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation was launched to provide scholarships to those whose goal was to promote leadership development in the U.S. fire service. Since 1989, nearly 150 scholarships have been awarded to active members of the fire service who have crafted impactful essays in their response Hildebrand details the process to submit and the various resources available to applicants, including the top attributes of the scholarship recipients. They have also made available the Chief Alan Brunacini Special Project on Leadership, which provides a large award for an ongoing project to improve the fire service. Related links: Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation Awards and Scholarships Jim Yvorra’s National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Role of Honor page Robert Burke’s Tribute to Ludwig Benner Texas HEAT Texas HEAT Hazardous Materials Education and Training Scholarships

Leadership and Life Lessons from the Marines, The Citadel – Thomas Gordon 26.05.2026 1godz 10min

Peter Matthews talks with past FireFusion keynote speaker Thomas J. Gordon, who completed a 30-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, about leadership, resilience and his book, Marine Maxims, Turning Leadership Principals into Practice.” After his military career, Gordon returned to his alma mater, The Citadel, to serve as the Commandant of Cadets and shares stories of developing leaders from a young age, including how the school coaches students in decision-making and provides them with the tools they need to be successful in life. Gordon details some of the military maxims he wrote about his in book, including the pathway to making decisions, the chain of command and character development. He also reflects on what he calls his greatest failure in the Marines and how that shaped the remainder of his career. Related links: Marine Maxims: Turning Leadership Principles into Practice Marine Maxims FireFusion 2025: Military Leadership Principles for Today's Fire Officers The Citadel

Beyond the Bugles: It Comes Down to Legacy and Trust 18.05.2026 1godz 5min

Beyond the Bugles host and chief for the Pearland, TX, Fire Department Jacob Johnson interviews one of his best friends and mentors, Mark Campise, who is the chief of the Sugar Land, TX, Fire Department. They dive off into all kinds of subjects that they have encountered together over the last 23 years together. The conversation reaches depths of more than just chief talk, as they discuss real life, on the job, different situations and how to come out on the winning end.

How the Fire Service Psychology Association is Leading Efforts in Firehouses 11.05.2026 1godz 12min

Retired chief Robert Avsec and Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski, who work with the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA), dive into the topics of firefighter mental health and psychology as part of the annual Mental Health Awareness Month. Avsec relates firefighter mental health support for firefighters like hazmat responses, with four levels of resources, which was the basis of a report he wrote and helped guide the organization of the FSPA. From the awareness level, where the topic of mental health is no longer taboo in most firehouses, to offering peer support, up to have properly trained clinicians who can assist firefighters in a variety scenarios, from responses during their careers to family/home life or other factors that can stack up. Dr. Hejmanowski, an experienced clinician for military and public safety responders, looks at the various resources available to firefighters and what they need to know as they navigate the process as a helper who is seeking guidance themselves. The two explain the ongoing outreach by FSPA as they work toward a goal of supporting departments across the country. Related links: Robert Avsec’s full bio Dr. Tracy S. Hejmanowski Fire Service Psychology Association A Comparison Between HazMat Response Levels for Firefighters and Mental Health Clinician Scopes of Practice 9th Annual Fire Service Psychology Conference First Responder Project Halfway There: A Generational Shift in Firefighter Mental Health The Firehouse Yak: David Griffin – Retirement and Lessons from the Hardest Days The Favor Strategy: Reframing How to Help Firefighters in Emotional or Mental Distress The Brotherhood Barrier: How Group Bonding Shapes First Responder Attitudes Toward Treating Mental Health Firefighters' Mental Health Is Aided When Departments Plan for Major Incidents

Retirement and Lessons from the Hardest Days – David Griffin 27.04.2026 1godz 13min

Dr. David Griffin reflects on his 21-year career with the Charleston, SC, Fire Department before as he entered retirement. Griffin talks about the profound impact on his career when he lost nine colleagues at the Sofa Super Store Fire and endured the loss of firefighters from suicide and health-related issues, with a look at leadership and fire service culture. Griffin shares the short- and long-term impacts from his response as the first-due engine driver to the Sofa Super Store Fire and what has changed in Charleston Fire Department over the nearly two decades since the tragedy. During the latter half of his career, Griffin focused on mental health and resiliency at a time where the fire service is encountering turnover while supporting the needs of the members for the duration of their careers and afterwards. Griffin, who serves as Firehouse’s Leadership Lessons columnist, also talks about the need for strong leadership and how that makes a difference in the success of today’s fire departments. Related links: Dr. David Griffin Website Dr. David Griffin’s Firehouse.com biography and content page

Beyond the Bugles: Leadership Is More Than a Title 20.04.2026 1godz 4min

Chief Jacob Johnson is joined by Fire Chief Les Stephens, of the San Marcos, TX, Fire Department, on the new episode of Beyond the Bugles. Understanding that leadership goes further than the title in the fire service, the two discuss integrity, accountability and love of the job.

Finding Your Identity in the Firehouse – Tyler Whittredge 30.03.2026 1godz 1min

Peter Matthews is joined by Saratoga Springs, NY, firefighter Tyler Whittredge to talk about firefighters’ finding their identities in the station, accountability and what makes a good firefighter. Whittredge explains what he’s observed when it comes to members find their personality in a job full of Type-A personalities and how members can build each other through their strengths. Part of the process, Whittredge says, is by crews holding each other accountable on and off the fireground. Whittredge talks about his time as a bunk-in firefighters near Syracuse, NY, and what led him to write the article, “What Makes a Good Firefighter?” which was published on Firehouse.com earlier this month. Focusing on that article, Whittredge explains what the “it” is that makes a firefighter a solid member of the crew, plus a discussion on personality vs. mentality. Related links: Tyler Whittredge Firehouse.com bio and contributor page What Makes a Good Firefighter?

Station Design Conference 2026 Preview – Janet Wilmoth, Mike Scott, Patrick Stone 16.03.2026 1godz 25min

Station Design Conference Director Janet Wilmoth and architects Mike Scott and Patrick Stone discuss this year’s conference, which takes place in May in Reno, NV. Peter Matthews digs into their sessions, asks what’s new at the public safety facility design conference and what they suggest attendees do to get the most out of the conference. Janet Wilmoth offers highlights from around the conference, including new topics and trends that a variety of speakers will cover, along with the need for collaboration with other public safety agencies for training and operations facilities. Patrick Stone from H2M architects + engineers, who is also a firefighter, previews his sessions on next-generation public safety facilities and how that will impact buildings in the future, plus a look at why designing a station requires a lot of questions to be asked, like the design of a new fire apparatus. Mike Scott, with RRM Design, talks about critical need for programming, which is the first step of laying out needs and plans for a fire station. Both architects, who are veterans of the Station Design Conference, explain how the event fosters a collaborative effort between architects, service providers, builders and attendees to build the facility properly the first time and how attendees can return home ready to start the process. Related links: Station Design Conference Janet Wilmoth’s Firehouse Contributor Page Mike Scott’s Firehouse Contributor Page Patrick O. Stone’s Firehouse Contributor Page Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award

Beyond the Bugles: Lessons That Build a Legacy 09.03.2026 1godz 2min

In the second episode of Beyond the Bugles, Chief Jacob Johnson is joined by retired Chief Dennis Reilly. The legacy that Chief Reilly left behind is one to be admired and one that is extended on this episode. The two chiefs discuss integrity, moral courage, setting the tone and family.

Flipping Fire Service Leadership – Flip Griffin 02.03.2026 1godz 12min

Flip Griffin, a retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief, talks with Peter Matthews about his new mission, Firehouse Freedom. Griffin has been teaching fire departments about the impact of leadership in recruitment, retention and burnout at all levels of the departments. Griffin relates to his time in the military when recruitment was at an all-time high following the Sept. 11 terror attacks to the fire service’s current dilemma of hiring and keeping good firefighters and leaders in the ranks. Burnout comes at all levels, Griffin says, and some of it can be prevented with a new approach to operations. Griffin ties his time in the military, which involved fire, EMS and search and rescue, to help fire departments examine where they are to tighten up the gaps the fire service has seen with so many leaving the ranks over the last decade. Related links: Firehouse Freedom

Foundations for The Modern Fire Officer – Jared Vermeulen 16.02.2026 1godz 19min

Capt. Jared Vermeulen talks with Peter Matthews about his book, “The Modern Fire Officer,” and his approach to being a fire service leadership in current times. The book was born from Vermeulen’s experiences as an officer and from the promotional process, leading him to share practical, modern leadership skills for fire service leaders. Vermeulen’s goal is to build strong companies by focusing on the members, from their health and wellness to understanding their strengths and weaknesses as a foundation. They talk about the steps to build a strong unit, how to help others through challenging times and why the mindset of customer service is important throughout the chain of command because a firefighter is the officer’s customer, like the citizen is the firefighter’s customer. They discuss the role of informal leaders, developing and maintaining positive attitudes, helping each other grow and focusing on an overall healthy, positive attitude in the firehouse. Related links: The Modern Fire Officer Jared Vermeulen on LinkedIn

Beyond the Bugles: Chief Chat with Doug Boeker 09.02.2026 59min

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Beyond the Bugles, where Assistant Chief Jacob Johnson of the Pearland, TX, Fire Department, sits down with Fire Chief Doug Boeker of the Fulshear, TX, Fire Department. Together, they dive into leadership at the chief officer level, covering the do’s and don’ts of command, firehouse culture and the importance of meaningful kitchen-table conversations. The discussion blends professional insight with candid moments, offering both practical takeaways and authentic perspectives from two experienced leaders. This energetic first episode delivers wisdom, laughter and real-world leadership lessons.

You’re Always a Firefighter First – Ryan Pennington 02.02.2026 1godz 3min

Charleston, WV, Battalion Chief Ryan Pennington joins Peter Matthews to talk about his approach to every shift, reminding himself that he’s a firefighter first and foremost. With that approach, Pennington’s foundation remains rooted in the basics while he has promoted through the fire department. Pennington falls back on the principles he used to launch his training company, The Views from the Jumpseat, reminding listeners that the jumpseat is where all firefighters plant their roots in the fire service. They talk about climbing the career ladder and reacting to the number of podcasts, articles and social media talking calling for better fire service leadership and discuss the recurring challenges faced in departments across the country. How do you start every day as with a firefighter first mentality? Listen to the podcast to find out! Related links: Ryan Pennington’s biography and articles on Firehouse.com Views From The Jumpseat book

Finding Your Leadership Why as a Next Generation Fire Chief – Justin Sherwood 22.12.2025 1godz 10min

Justin Sherwood, who became fire chief in Bemidji, MN, nearly five years ago, reflects on the journey and shares what he learned at both personal and professional levels. Sherwood didn’t plan to follow his father’s footsteps into the fire service and pursued a degree in education, but that changed following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. In 15 years, Sherwood climbed the ranks and was named fire chief, starting a journey focused on serving the community and his members, while also navigating life. During the podcast, he reflects on the small moments that made big impacts on his life and helped shore up the foundation for the bigger challenges he would face. As the ranks of the fire service continue to see turnover, Sherwood shares advice for the next group of fire service leaders, from a serious personal struggle to daily fire service scenarios. Related links: Justin Sherwood biography and article on Firehouse.com Every Face Has a Name, Every Name Has a Face Am I Out of the Game or in a Different One?

Basement Fires and Hidden Dangers Below – John Lewis and Robert Mora 09.12.2025 1godz 6min

John Lewis and Robert Moran have been teaching basement fire tactics and strategies for nearly two decades, after a series of close call incidents they were involved with. The two, known as Jersey Guys Fire Service Training, discuss tactics, construction and command for below-grade residential fires on this episode. From the use of the ELBOW acronym for basement fire size-up, to hoseline placement, ventilation tactics and search operations, Lewis and Moran dig into key strategies that can be used to prevent close calls, or worse, during residential basement fires. Related links: John Lewis’ biography and article on Firehouse.com Robert Moran’s biography and article on Firehouse.com Jersey Guys Fire Service Training on Facebook

An Urban Fire Captain’s Approach to Fires in Vacant Structures – Sean Eagen 24.11.2025 1godz 3min

Capt. Sean Eagen joins Peter Matthews to talk about firefighting operations in vacant structures, because many vacant buildings can still be occupied, posing a serious life hazard. Eagen, a 28-year veteran of the Buffalo, NY, Fire Department, shares his experiences and takes listeners through his size-up approach. From cues and clues on suspected vacant homes, Eagen talks about how firefighters should plan to conduct searches, including the use of a VES-like method to limit the number of firefighters on the interior, plus other fireground tactical decision-making ideas. As cold weather in many parts of the country has homeless people seeking protection from the weather, Eagen says now is the time to review your vacant structure policies and talk with crews at the kitchen table. Related links: Sean Eagen’s biography and article on Firehouse.com Truck Tactics: Vacant Properties: Search or Go Defensive?

Firefighters Reflect on Military Service, Veterans Day – Dan Byrne, TJ Cullison, AJ Kehl 10.11.2025 53min

Peter Matthews is joined by former U.S. Marine Daniel Byrne; T.J. Cullison, who served in the U.S. Army; and A.J. Kehl, who just retired from a career in the U.S. Air Force. They discuss the similarities and differences between serving in the fire service and military and what carried over from their time serving in the U.S. military to the firehouse and what Veterans Day means to them. They offer insight into the various military benefits, from the journeyman program, education and promotional points to other services for veterans, plus a look at mental health, and share the one military lesson that they continue to use today. Related Links: Daniel Byrne’s Firehouse.com bio pages and content A.J. Kehl’s Firehouse.com bio page and content My Rich Uncle: An Informal Guide to Maximizing Your Enlistment