The crew debates a firehouse classic: If most of our calls are EMS, should most of our training be EMS? With departments running 80%+ medical calls in many areas, is it time to shift focus—or double down on fire because it’s high-risk and low-frequency?

• EMS isn’t going anywhere.
  Call volume continues trending heavily medical. Fires are decreasing due to prevention, codes, and education.

• Train for high-acuity on both sides.
  Even if you run EMS daily, you still need reps on cardiac arrests, strokes, trauma, airway management, and rare presentations. Same logic as training for low-frequency, high-risk fire incidents.

• Service is service.
  Whether it’s a working structure fire or grandma on the floor, we’re there to solve problems. The public expects professionalism no matter the call type.

• Jack of all trades? Good.
  The fire service is an all-hazards profession. Being competent across fire, EMS, rescue, and prevention is the job.

• For new firefighters:
  You’re signing up for both. You’ll pull hose and you’ll run 12-leads. Train hard at both.

• New Engineer Tier Patreon members: Simon Gray & Ty Rowan

• Turnout Drill Wheel Winner: Simon Gray

• Merch shoutout + FDIC Burn Box teaser

• Road to 1,000 Spotify followers

Bottom line:
EMS vs. fire isn’t either/or. It’s both. Train accordingly.

In this episode, the crew sits down with K-Bill from Social FD to talk about the reality of social media in today’s fire service—especially how it impacts volunteer recruitment, retention, and community trust. From “Facebook warriors” and negativity in comment sections, to meeting the next generation where they are (yes… even Twitch), this one hits culture, standards, and how we can do better without tearing each other down publicly.

• Why Social FD exists and the problem it’s trying to solve for volunteer departments

• How social media can build trust → support → recruitment

• The uncomfortable truth: everyone’s an “overnight expert” online (and it’s hurting the fire service)

• Why departments shouldn’t ban everyday station content—the next generation lives online

• A real talk discussion on standards vs. public shaming (beards/NFPA/social media pile-ons)

• How to correct mistakes the right way: educate internally, don’t embarrass externally

• The crew rips Legacy Fire Cards live and talks using them to engage rookies and kids

• Snail Mail highlights + community shoutouts, including powerful mental health feedback

• The Burn Box (housekeeping segment shoutout)

• Unkie Seasonings (plus a fun giveaway tease tied to brisket tags)

  
  

• “Trust builds support, and support builds recruitment.” — K-Bill

• “A simple post can save a life.” — K-Bill

• “We’re tearing the fire service down with these arguments publicly.” — K-Bill

• “Educate first, then advocate.” — Brian

• “We’re the custodians of the fire service.” — Freddy

• “It’s not what you say—it’s how you say it.” — Brian

Social FD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping volunteer fire departments with:

• Online engagement support

• Free website hosting tools

• Social media scheduling/posting help

• Guidance on using content to build community trust and recruitment

Find K-Bill / Social FD:

• socialfd.org/links (all platforms + resources)

Also mentioned:

• Thinline Rock Station (online radio for first responders)

• Saturday nights (5–7pm CST) you can catch K-Bill featured on-air

• Honor Guard uniform opinions (ascot + blouse belt hate = strong consensus 😂)

• Listener shares first Honor Guard detail experience and learning etiquette fast

• Powerful mental health responses: encouragement to normalize getting help early

• Patreon and merch mentions sprinkled throughout (plus “Sorry, Rhett” moments)

If this episode hits home, share it with:

• A volunteer department that needs community support

• A chief/admin team debating social media policies

• A new firefighter who needs encouragement and culture done right

And as always: be kind, build people up, and keep the tradition strong—without becoming the comment-section NFPA police.

What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeSponsors / Housekeeping MentionsKey Moments (Approx. Timestamps)Quotes Worth PullingGuest Info: K-Bill (Social FD)Community / Snail Mail HighlightsCall to Action