The Firehouse Yak

Endeavor Business Media
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Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews talks with Firehouse authors and speakers and members of the fire service about firefighter training and tactics, leadership, trends and traditions.

  1. Station Design Conference 2026 Preview – Janet Wilmoth, Mike Scott, Patrick Stone

    2D AGO

    Station Design Conference 2026 Preview – Janet Wilmoth, Mike Scott, Patrick Stone

    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

    1h 25m

  2. MAR 9

    Beyond the Bugles: Lessons That Build a Legacy

    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.

    1h 2m
  3. Flipping Fire Service Leadership – Flip Griffin

    MAR 2

    Flipping Fire Service Leadership – Flip Griffin

    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

    1h 12m
  4. Foundations for The Modern Fire Officer – Jared Vermeulen

    FEB 16

    Foundations for The Modern Fire Officer – Jared Vermeulen

    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

    1h 19m

  5. FEB 9

    Beyond the Bugles: Chief Chat with Doug Boeker

    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.

    1 hr
  6. You’re Always a Firefighter First – Ryan Pennington

    FEB 2

    You’re Always a Firefighter First – Ryan Pennington

    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

    1h 4m
  7. Finding Your Leadership Why as a Next Generation Fire Chief – Justin Sherwood

    12/23/2025

    Finding Your Leadership Why as a Next Generation Fire Chief – Justin Sherwood

    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?

    1h 11m
  8. Basement Fires and Hidden Dangers Below – John Lewis and Robert Mora

    12/09/2025

    Basement Fires and Hidden Dangers Below – John Lewis and Robert Mora

    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

    1h 6m
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About

Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews talks with Firehouse authors and speakers and members of the fire service about firefighter training and tactics, leadership, trends and traditions.

Information

  • Creator
    Endeavor Business Media
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Firehouse
  • Show Website
    The Firehouse Yak

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