In this episode, Mickey talks roof operations—legacy buildings versus modern construction, and why common sense still matters on the fireground.

Inspection cuts aren’t there to tell you what kind of building you’re on or what your next move should be. That work should already be done through size-up, district knowledge, and experience.

Once the saw starts, the decision is already made. The roof isn’t a place to hesitate or figure things out in real time. Inspection cuts are for confirming fire extension and fire travel, not for determining steps that should already be understood.

If you’re using the saw to learn the building, you’re already behind the tempo of the fire.

Know the building before you get there and you’re already in position to make a positive impact.

KEEPING CALIFORNIA ENGINE CULTURE ALIVE- FROM THE BACK SEAT

Preserving Engine Culture from the Back Seat is a fire service discussion on mentorship, leadership, and the traditions of the engine company. From the back seat of the rig, firefighters learn more than the job-they learn culture, accountability, and what it means to lead. Through shared experience and guidance, engine culture is passed down, shaping the next generation of firefighters.

Jeremy moderates this coffeehouse roundtable during the Long Live the Engine Conference in Santa Monica, CA. Joined by Jeff Adams, Santa Monica Fire (CA), Devin Strehl, Oakland Fire (CA), and Adam Ramirez, Richmond Fire (CA), they discuss the California culture that is fueling the love and passion for the job.

Special thanks to:

Fire Nuggets California

Six 5 0 productions

Access Granted

Bay Area Fire store

Dogtown Coffee

Fight Fire Get Dirty

In this episode, Mickey tackles a critical issue plaguing the American fire service: the widespread misunderstanding between OPENING UP and OVERHAUL on the fireground. The discussion breaks down tempo, the role of modern technology, and the responsibility to stay professional while still making decisive moves. The episode also emphasizes clean margins during overhaul and offers practical, building-specific strategies that translate directly to the street.

In this episode of National Fire Radio, Jeremy Donch reconnects with Shimek for another candid, unscripted conversation that feels more like therapy than a traditional podcast. What begins with humor quickly turns into a meaningful discussion on leadership, mentorship, accountability, and the responsibility the fire service has to its newest members.

Shimek shares his experience speaking to a new recruit class and the realization that today’s probies are not only inexperienced in the job, but often inexperienced in life. Together, they explore the growing generational disconnect in the firehouse, the importance of laying a strong foundation early, and why “doing the dirt work” through conversation and presence matters long before the first bad call.

The discussion dives into the emotional side of the job that no one prepares you for—trauma, late nights, and the tendency for young firefighters to pull back when things get heavy. Jeremy and Shimek stress that while mentorship is critical, personal ownership and accountability are just as important. Not everything can be taught, and growth requires both guidance and self-driven effort.

The episode also touches on legacy, storytelling, and why capturing experience from senior firefighters matters now more than ever. Honest, reflective, and deeply relatable, this conversation reinforces why conversation truly is ventilation—and why these talks resonate far beyond the firehouse.

In this episode, the Mickey discusses the critical aspects of forcible entry in firefighting, breaking down two recent fires to emphasize the importance of understanding the theory behind techniques and the experience required to execute them effectively. The conversation explores the distinction between tempo and time, the misconceptions surrounding aggression in firefighting, and the ongoing debate between conventional and mechanical forcible entry methods. Real-life scenarios illustrate how decisions made at the door can significantly impact the outcome of firefighting missions, highlighting the need for instinctual decision-making and the effective use of tools like the Hydra Ram and irons. Ultimately, Mickey stresses that the door is merely an obstacle, and the true mission lies within the fire building.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the National Fire Radio podcast, Jeremy Donch sits down with Bo Butler for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, integrity, sacrifice, and the true cost of doing what is right. What begins as a discussion rooted in public service and firehouse culture quickly evolves into an honest examination of identity, purpose, and moral conviction.

Bo Butler shares his story of being thrust into the national spotlight after taking a public stand as Fire Chief in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Faced with mounting pressure to reduce staffing despite overwhelming voter support for increased fire protection, Bo refused to compromise the safety of his firefighters or the will of the community. That decision ultimately led to his resignation and changed the course of his life. In this episode, Bo opens up about what happened after the cameras turned off and the applause faded, including the personal toll on his family, his career, and his sense of belonging.

The conversation explores the weight of leadership and the reality that every decision carries consequences. Bo speaks candidly about regret and resolve, and how both can exist at the same time. He reflects on the pain of walking away from the people he loved most in the fire service and the grief that followed. He also explains why integrity and character were lines he could not cross, even when presented with the opportunity to return and reclaim his position.

Jeremy and Bo dive into broader themes that extend far beyond the fire service, including mentorship, faith, accountability, and personal growth. Bo discusses his military service, how faith guided him through adversity, and how purpose and fulfillment became central to his healing after leaving the firehouse. He shares how losing his identity forced him to confront himself, and how that process ultimately led him to a new mission as a Chief People Officer in the private sector, where he continues to lead, mentor, and serve others.

This episode is not about tactics or tools. It is about being human. It is about making hard choices when the easy ones would cost you your integrity. It is about family, legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility leaders carry both on and off the job. Most importantly, it is a reminder that character matters, and that doing the right thing often comes at a personal cost, but it is a cost worth paying. This is a conversation every firefighter, leader, and human being can learn from.

Jeremy sits down with retired Newburgh, New York firefighter and chief officer Tim Dexter for an unfiltered and deeply personal conversation about the realities of firefighting in an understaffed urban department. Drawing from seventeen years on the job, Tim shares firsthand insight into what happens when fire companies are browned out, staffing levels are cut, and firefighters are still expected to deliver the same level of service under increasingly dangerous conditions.

Tim explains how Newburgh’s aging infrastructure, tightly packed row buildings, and high call volume leave no margin for error on the fireground. With limited staffing and delayed second due companies, firefighters are often forced to make tactical compromises that impact both civilian outcomes and firefighter safety. The conversation explores how politics, grant decisions, and city leadership choices directly affect operations, morale, recruitment, retention, and fire prevention efforts.

Now retired, Tim has begun releasing helmet camera footage from incidents he commanded to educate the public and provide undeniable evidence of what firefighters are facing when resources are stripped away. He speaks candidly about the emotional toll of leading fires with no backup coming and why he ultimately chose to retire early rather than risk being responsible for a line of duty death.

This episode is a powerful look at the operational reality behind closed and browned out companies and the impossible decisions firefighters are forced to make when the system fails them. It is a conversation about accountability, firefighter safety, and the responsibility to provide communities with the level of protection they believe they are receiving. Take this one back to the firehouse because talking about the job is how we make the job better.

Jeremy sits down with Danny Arroyo, Battalion Chief of Training with the Perth Amboy Fire Department, for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about leadership, training culture, and the evolution of the modern fire service.

Danny shares his journey into the fire service, shaped by growing up in a tight-knit urban community and the impact of September 11th, which ultimately set him on a path from dispatcher and EMT to paramedic, firefighter, and now training chief. With over two decades of service, Danny offers a grounded perspective on what it means to serve the same community you were raised in—and the responsibility that comes with it.

The discussion dives deep into practical, effective training: why structure matters, how buy-in from leadership and firefighters is essential, and why training should build confidence—not exhaust or endanger firefighters. Danny outlines his philosophy on transparency, long-term planning, and empowering company officers and instructors to take ownership of training at every level.

We also explore leadership beyond the fireground—how ego, communication style, and environment shape firefighter behavior. Danny speaks candidly about generational differences, the importance of explaining the “why,” and how creating a culture where people feel safe to speak up can directly translate to safer, more effective operations.