Triple P Podcast

Promotion changes your title but earning trust and leading your crew takes much more. In this episode of the Triple P Podcast, host Clayton O’Brien sits down with retired Elyria Fire Chief Joe Pronesti to discuss the transition from firefighter to company officer. Drawing on 37 years in the fire service, Joe shares candid stories, hard-earned lessons, and mistakes that helped shape his leadership. From moving from “buddy to boss” to setting expectations, holding consistent standards, and working with senior firefighters, this conversation explores what it takes to lead both in the firehouse and on the fireground. Clayton and Joe also discuss managing frustrated firefighters, keeping ego in check, building relationships with labor, and earning the trust your crew needs when a Mayday occurs. The episode previews Joe’s Ohio Fire Chiefs Association Officer Development Series class on "Transitioning from the back step to the officer’s seat." Whether you’re preparing for promotion, newly promoted, or an experienced officer, this conversation offers practical lessons to bring back to your crew. 🎙️ Triple P Podcast — Premier • Professional • Proactive The official podcast of the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association. #TriplePPodcast #OhioFireChiefsAssociation #JoePronesti #FireServiceLeadership #CompanyOfficer #OfficerDevelopment #Firefighter #FireChief #FirehouseLeadership #LeadByExample #FirefighterSafety #Mayday

In this episode of the Triple P Podcast, we sit down with Paul Combs—internationally recognized fire service cartoonist, speaker, author, artist, and retired firefighter/paramedic. Paul's work has challenged the fire service to think differently about leadership, culture, mental health, firefighter wellness, organizational accountability, and the future of our profession. Through powerful illustrations, compelling artwork, and thought-provoking commentary, he has sparked important conversations across the fire service and beyond. During this conversation, we discuss leadership challenges facing today's fire service, the importance of self-awareness, the role of culture in organizational success, and how honest dialogue can drive meaningful change. Paul shares insights from his decades of experience and offers practical perspectives for chiefs, company officers, aspiring leaders, and firefighters at every level. Whether you're leading an organization, preparing for promotion, or simply striving to be a better firefighter and leader, this episode delivers valuable lessons you can apply immediately. Topics Covered: • Fire service leadership and accountability • Organizational culture and change • Mental health and firefighter wellness • Professional development and growth • Communication and influence • The power of art and storytelling in the fire service • Lessons from a career in public service Learn More About Paul Combs: Paul's website: https://paulcombsart.com/ Art Gallery 317: https://artgallery317.com/ Subscribe to the Triple P Podcast for conversations that help fire service professionals become Premier, Professional, and Proactive leaders. Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Penn Care For more than 35 years, Penn Care has been a trusted provider of EMS and public safety solutions, helping agencies deliver exceptional service to their communities. Visit: https://www.penncare.net/ Symtech Fire Symtech Fire provides innovative fire apparatus and equipment solutions designed to support today's fire service professionals. Visit: https://symtechfire.com/ Connect with Triple P Podcast: 👍 Like the video ✅ Subscribe to the channel 🔔 Turn on notifications 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 📘 Follow us on Facebook 🎵 Follow us on TikTok Leave a review and help us reach more fire service leaders dedicated to excellence in leadership, service, and community trust.

Property tax reform in Ohio is gaining serious momentum, but for fire departments, this isn’t just policy… it’s operational reality. In this episode of the Triple P Podcast, hosts Clayton O’Brien sits down with David Thomas to break down what’s happening at the state level and what it means for fire chiefs, command staff, and departments that rely heavily on levy-based funding. From levy fatigue to proposed reforms that could limit revenue growth, this conversation gets into the real-world impacts and long-term sustainability. If your department depends on property tax funding, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. Reach out to Representative David Thomas - Website - https://www.ohiohouse.gov/members/david-thomas Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/friendsofdavidthomas You tube- @davidthomasforohio Tic Tok - David Thomas for Ohio 🔥 In This Episode: What’s driving property tax reform in Ohio The reality of levy fatigue across communities Risks and unintended consequences of reform What fire chiefs should be doing right now 🎯 Who This Is For: Fire Chiefs Command Staff Company Officers Municipal Leaders Anyone involved in fire service funding and policy 🎙️ About Triple P Podcast: Premiere. Professional. Proactive. We focus on real-world leadership, operations, and the issues shaping the fire service today. 👍 Don’t Forget: Like 👍 Subscribe 🔔 Share with your department 🔗 Follow & Connect: You tube- https://www.youtube.com/@UC81WCUfRjY5LAmOjHGbvmEA Tik Toc - @triple.p.podcast Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559937983139 #TriplePPodcast #FireServiceLeadership #FireChief #PropertyTax #OhioFire #PublicSafety #FireDepartment #EMS #LocalGovernment #Levy #HB920 #FireService #Leadership #Firefighter #EmergencyServices

In this episode of the Triple P Podcast, we sit down with James Geering, host of the Behind the Shield Podcast, for a deep dive into one of the most talked-about topics in the fire service today: the 24/72 work schedule. James brings a global perspective shaped by his experience in the fire service and conversations with some of the most respected voices in health, wellness, and performance. Together, we break down the operational realities, cultural resistance, and long-term health implications tied to traditional schedules—and why more departments are seriously evaluating a shift to 24/72. This episode isn’t just theory. It’s a candid, experience-driven discussion on: Firefighter sleep, recovery, and long-term health Recruitment and retention impacts Work-life balance in today’s fire service Cultural barriers to change What departments need to consider before making the transition If you’re a fire chief, union leader, or firefighter thinking about the future of your department, this is a must-listen conversation that challenges the status quo while staying grounded in real-world application. 🔗 Learn more about James and his work: https://www.jamesgeering.com 🎙 Triple P Podcast — Premiere. Professional. Proactive.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve, Dave, and Gina for an honest and engaging conversation about leadership, collaboration, and the realities facing today’s fire service and local government professionals. We discuss what it takes to build strong teams, navigate organizational challenges, and keep people at the center of public service decision-making. From lessons learned to practical takeaways, this episode is packed with insight for fire chiefs, officers, administrators, and anyone committed to serving their community with integrity and purpose. Whether you’re leading from the front office or the fireground, this conversation reinforces why relationships, communication, and trust still matter most.