Too many chiefs talk about leadership like it’s a slogan on a poster. In this raw Side Alpha Leadership conversation, I sit down with Corley Moore (The Weekly Scrap, Firehouse Vigilance) to rip into what leadership in the fire service really looks like. We break down: Why hiding behind a desk makes you a 50% failure right out of the gate What “taking care of your people” actually means (and what it doesn’t) How weak discipline and sliding standards destroy firehouse culture Why succession planning is broken everywhere — and how it cripples departments The difference between command presence and command failure This isn’t theory. It’s hard lessons from decades in the seat. If you’re an officer, a chief, or a firefighter climbing the ranks, this episode will hit you square in the chest. 👉 Stop coasting. Start leading. Because leadership isn’t optional — it’s the job. #FireService #FirefighterLeadership #FirehouseCulture #CommandPresence #LeadershipDevelopment
🔥 On this episode of Side Alpha Leadership, I sat down with my good friend Hank Henline to dig into what it really means to lead from the front as a fire service lieutenant. We didn’t just talk theory—we got into the real-world stuff that makes or breaks an officer on the fireground: size-ups that start before the tones drop, making the right call on water supply, whether you’re in the city or the sticks, and how understanding building construction can literally save lives. Hank and I broke down the importance of the 360, especially when you’re dealing with complex layouts like garden apartments, where one wrong assumption can get your crew jammed up fast. We also talked about the latest rescue tools hitting the street and why staying current isn’t optional—it’s survival. If you’re an officer, an aspiring leader, or just someone who wants to sharpen their edge in the fire service, this conversation is packed with lessons you can use the next time the bell hits. _________________________________________________________________________ 🚨 Key Takeaways Size-up starts before dispatch. If you’re waiting for the tones to think, you’re already behind. Know your people. Crew dynamics can make or break the operation. Water supply matters. City and rural tactics aren’t the same—adapt or fail. Building construction saves lives. Know what you’re walking into before you commit. Never skip the 360. Situational awareness starts outside. Garden apartments = hidden traps. Learn the layouts before you’re crawling them. Gear is evolving. Stay ahead with new rescue tools and techniques. Talk it out. Communication under pressure keeps the fireground from unraveling. Train like lives depend on it—because they do. Experience is earned, not given. Don’t be a dinosaur. Embrace new tools, training, and leadership styles. HRS Follow the link to get this awesome RIT tool http://www.hastyfireproducts.com https://linktr.ee/side_alpha_leadership
In this episode, Mike Goldstein and I discuss various aspects of the fire service, including Mike's journey, the importance of passion, mental health, toxic leadership, and the balance between work and family life. we emphasize the need for supportive environments, self-awareness in leadership, and the significance of engaging youth in fire service opportunities. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by firefighters and the importance of communication and understanding in fostering a positive culture within fire departments.
In this conversation, David Polikoff and Jason Rivera discuss the challenges and experiences within the fire service, with a focus on recruitment, retention, and training. Jason shares his extensive background in firefighting, highlighting the importance of community and interpersonal relationships in maintaining volunteer engagement. They explore innovative training methods and incentives that can help attract and retain firefighters, as well as the impact of local training programs and initiatives on recruitment efforts. In this conversation, Jason Rivera and David discuss the evolution of live-in programs in firefighting, the challenges faced by volunteer firefighters, and the importance of hands-on experience in career progression. They emphasize the importance of continuous learning, particularly in special operations, and the value of camaraderie and community service within the fire department.
Summary In this conversation, David Polikoff interviews Raymen Dorival, a seasoned firefighter and lieutenant, discussing his journey from being a firefighter to taking on leadership roles. They explore the challenges of transitioning into officer positions, the importance of training and teaching in the fire service, and the need for consistency in recruit training. They also touch on the significance of understanding diverse communities and the responsibilities that come with promotions in the fire department. In this conversation, Raymen and David discuss the significance of mentorship in the firefighting profession, the challenges of career progression, and the importance of addressing mental health issues within the fire service. They share personal experiences related to traumatic calls and the impact these experiences have on firefighters. Additionally, they touch on the process of writing and sharing personal stories to inspire and motivate others in the field.
In this engaging conversation, Dave McGlynn and I explore the multifaceted world of the fire service, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, mental health awareness, and the innovations in training. They discuss the significance of networking at events like FDIC, the challenges leaders face in supporting their teams, and the necessity of self-care for those in leadership positions. The dialogue is rich with personal anecdotes and insights, making it a valuable resource for anyone in the fire service. In this conversation, Dave and I discuss the need for improved training in the fire service, particularly at the National Fire Academy. They emphasize the importance of leadership development, proactive training, and the challenges posed by budget constraints. The discussion also touches on their upcoming book project focused on training and leadership in the fire service, highlighting the need for collaboration and innovative training methods.
In this engaging conversation, David Polikoff and Joe Grossi share insights from their firefighting careers, focusing on the challenges of urban environments and the importance of effective decision-making. They discuss innovations in equipment, the balance between traditional and modern forcible entry techniques, and the need for ongoing training and adaptability in the field. Additionally, they highlight the role of social media in connecting the firefighting community and the significance of maintaining safety protocols.
I’m thrilled to chat with Mike Nasti, a dedicated fire officer from the Washington metropolitan area in this episode! Join us as we explore Mike's incredible journey in the fire service, highlighting the crucial role of mentorship and the power of learning from our mistakes. We dive into the rewarding yet challenging transition from firefighter to officer. Together, we discuss the pressing need for modern recruitment and training standards to draw in the right talent and ensure a bright future for the fire service. Our conversation emphasizes the value of continuous training and the importance of setting clear expectations for officers to foster effective leadership. We also spotlight the culture, standards, and accountability that are vital in our field. Our discussion includes strategies for attracting talented individuals, nurturing a positive atmosphere, and balancing bold firefighting techniques with safety. Lastly, we reflect on the significance of traditions, pride, and personal responsibility in shaping a supportive and efficient fire department. Tune in—there’s so much to learn and celebrate!
Summary In this engaging conversation, David Polikoff and Rob Policht discuss the evolution of the fire service, emphasizing the importance of education, critical thinking, and collaboration in training. They explore the challenges of budgeting and apparatus costs, the need for better retention strategies for volunteers, and the significance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience. The discussion highlights the changing dynamics of the fire service, particularly with the new generation of firefighters who seek to understand the reasoning behind their training and operations.
In this episode of Side Alpha Leadership, host David Polikoff speaks with Anthony Rowett, a captain in the Mobile Fire Rescue Department. They discuss Anthony's journey from a volunteer firefighter in New Jersey to his current role in Alabama, the unique challenges of firefighting in a port city, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in the fire service. The conversation also touches on recruitment challenges, the significance of training, and empowering junior firefighters to take initiative. In this conversation, David Polikoff and Anthony Rowett discuss the importance of training, leadership, and mentorship in the firefighting community. They emphasize the need for senior staff to participate in training exercises, the significance of preparing future leaders, and the development of policies and standards within fire departments. The discussion also highlights the value of tradition and history in the fire service, as well as current initiatives aimed at providing accessible training opportunities for firefighters.
This month I had the honor to speak with FDNY Chief John Norman (ret). Take what you learned and pay it forward. Make the fire service better than you found it. Cherish the kitchen table talks and strive to learn something new every day. This is the best job in the world, and it is a blessing to be part of it.
This month I welcome Dr. Shelley Wheeler back to the show. This show is all about making decision on the fire ground. We offer advice to the new officer on making critical decisions with little information. We discussed Recognition Prime Decision model. This model is what firefighters use on the scene when we have little information. This model is rooted in knowledge, skills and experience.
This month i talk with Capt. Mike Burkett. Mike is a Captain with the Baltimore City Fire Department assigned to Truck 5 and an instructor with Capitol Fire Training. Mike and I discuss being the Truck boss. Crew expectations Operating in commercial and residential structures Searching vacant training to keep your crew sharp
Sleep deprived, anxiety and inflammation ,CBD is helping first responders as well as nurses and doctors cope with the stresses our work hands us. Jon Vought and I discuss the stresses our job has. John is the owner of Rescue 1 CBD. His product is 100% THC free. Jon and I dig deep into what his product is, what it does and how it is helping. Feel free to contact Jon on: Instagram @rescue_1_cbd YouTube @rescue1CBD Web site rescue1cbd.com
This month i sit down with Stephanie White. We discuss CBD in the fire service, the kitchen table, keeping a heathy shift and changing the culture by looking at the past. We are firefighters, our job is to go into burning buildings and put fires out. It seems we have steered away from our past culture of being aggressive firefighters and morphed into a culture of safety. We need to steer the fire service back to the 70's and 80's and be the firefighters the public counts on us to be. Our newest rookies are coming into this job ready to be aggressive, we must teach them and drill it into their heads, we are firefighters our job has inherent risk, and we accept that risk to get the job done. Teach them right make them firefighters.
Tactical Considerations for Garden Apartment Fires One of the more complex fires we are faced with is fires in garden apartments. This month I welcome back Capt. Bobby Eckert of the Camden New Jersey Fire Department. Bobby and I dig deep into the subject. Garden Apartments are in all areas of the country. Firefighters must be proactive and preplan these structures before the alarm is ever answered. Take advantage of running non fire calls in these buildings and get the layout of the complex and the individual apartment units. This preplan will pay dividends when you pull up to a job at 3am. Bobby and I discuss: · Pulling long lines · Laddering the building · Apparatus placement · Command considerations · Building construction · Fire spread Small fire can grow and spread quickly if engine and truck companies are not aggressive with their tactics.
This month I ask the questions, why are people reluctant to make decisions? How do we overcome the fear of making a decision on the fireground? what tools can we use to help people to make quick decisions with less than perfect information. I enlist the help of Deputy Chief Shane Darwick. Shane is a longtime friend, mentor, and teacher. Shane can keep calm, filter out the external noise and distraction on chaotic emergency incident and instill command presence. Shane offers over 40 years of experiences in the fire service to answer my questions on the art of decision making.
This month I sit down with my boys RJ and Sam. we talk tactics, learning new things, keeping your emotions in check and dealing with the dreaded word, change! It was great to just freestyle the conversation.
This month I speak with Steve Jones. Steve retired from Montgomery County MD as the Operations Deputy Chief. Steve and I have known each other for many years. We both started as High School Cadets for the fire department. Steve talks about his career in the fire service and what he learned along the way. He used what he learned as he progressed through the ranks to the number 2 spot in the county. Steve has the old school mentality when it comes to firefighting and lives by the simple philosophy, treat people how you want to be treated. Steve shows no signs of slowing down. He accepted the position, Fire Administrative Manager in Dover Delaware. Steve will be the first career leader in this new combination system.
In this episode I talk with Battalion Chief Rafael Gibson. Chief Gibson is assigned to the Training Academy in Montgomery County Maryland. As chiefs we demand our people to train every day and be the best. Your people expect you to be equally trained to be the best. Chief Gibson discusses the new line officers training program, the advancements in command officers command competency program and continuing professional development. For more information on these programs contact Chief Gibson at Rafael.gibson@montgomerycountymd.gov