Fire Engineering Podcast

September 11 changed the lives of first responders and communities forever. Jerry Knapp and Tim Pillsworth step away from their usual interview format to reflect on 9/11, sharing personal memories from West Point and local firehouses while honoring the friends they lost and remembering the lasting health impacts on first responders.This heartfelt conversation goes beyond remembrance to examine the lessons emergency services and communities must carry forward. Knapp and Pillsworth discuss the importance of local emergency planning, establishing clear incident command structures, preparing communities for the unexpected, and educating younger generations about the events of September 11 and their lasting impact.We cannot change what happened, but we can honor those who were lost by supporting survivors, strengthening preparedness, and ensuring the lessons of 9/11 are never forgotten.In this episode:Personal reflections on September 11 from West Point and local firehousesRemembering fallen friends and the ongoing illnesses affecting first respondersWhy effective emergency planning and incident command matterBuilding community resilience through preparedness and educationKeeping the memory and lessons of 9/11 alive for future generationsTwo Volleys and a Guest is a podcast for the volunteer fire service, bringing important conversations and firsthand perspectives to the fire service community.Subscribe to Fire Engineering for more fire service podcasts, training insights, and conversations that matter to firefighters.#FireEngineering #VolunteerFirefighters #September11This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: TheFireStore.com

Are your ground ladders ready when seconds count? Hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka discuss portable ladder maintenance, single-firefighter deployment, proper climbing angles, and proactive ladder placement to improve fireground safety. They also explore how historic fires, including the Great Chicago Fire, shaped fire prevention practices and modern building codes.This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: TheFireStore.com

How do you ensure an adequate water supply at a major commercial fire? On The Humpday Hangout, host Clark Lamping joins chiefs Dan Shaw, Brent Brooks, Jimmy Davis, and Daryl Liggins, along with Andy Soccodato, author of Water Thievery, to discuss fireground hydraulics and water supply operations. The panel examines friction loss in large-diameter hose (LDH), heavy hydrant hookups, multiple supply lines, four-way valves, drafting challenges, and mobile water supply equipment. They also discuss why incident commanders must recognize when to increase water supply capacity as fire conditions evolve. This episode offers practical considerations for firefighters, company officers, and incident commanders responsible for effective fireground water delivery.Key Hose is dedicated to the manufacture and delivery of the highest quality fire hose products, combining the best in raw materials with expert craftsmanship.Sponsored by Key Hose: www.keyhose.com

What separates a good fire service instructor from a great one? It takes more than experience, rank, or knowing the drill manual. Great instructors know how to connect with students, deliver constructive feedback, and build the next generation of firefighters.In this episode of Talkin’ Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, Sam Villani, and Robert “RJ” James share lessons from their careers in fire service training, from the station drill ground to national conferences. They discuss the mindset, communication skills, and teaching techniques that help instructors become more effective educators.In this episode:Fire Service Instructor Development: Making the transition from experienced firefighter to effective educator.Constructive Feedback: Correcting mistakes calmly without relying on yelling or ego.Training New Recruits: Adapting your teaching style to different students and environments.Instructor Leadership: Why humility, passion, and a willingness to learn matter.Mentorship and Legacy: Honoring the instructors who shaped their careers and reflecting on the lasting impact of 9/11.Whether you're a fire academy instructor, company officer, training officer, or firefighter looking to share your knowledge, this conversation offers practical insights for becoming a stronger teacher and helping elevate the fire service.Subscribe to Fire Engineering for more firefighter training, tactical discussions, leadership insights, and fire service education.#TalkinTactics #FirefighterTraining #FireServiceThis episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: TheFireStore.com

In this episode of Mayday Monday, Tony Carroll revisits the fatal fire in Howard County (MD), that claimed the life of firefighter Nate Flynn. Retired Incident Commander Chuck Ridgely joins to discuss what happened on the fireground and what the incident can teach firefighters about command, communication, and decision making under stress.Ridgely walks through the challenges commanders faced during the incident, including conflicting information about the building, delays with the water supply, and limited visibility between different sides of the structure. He also discusses how command routines, tracking tools, and practiced procedures can help keep operations moving when conditions start to overwhelm the incident commander.The conversation also looks at task saturation, the physical effects of stress, and what happens to decision making when a firefighter's heart rate and stress level climb. Carroll also covers box breathing as this episode's survival skill drill.This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: TheFireStore.com