In this episode of The Fire Bay Podcast, we take a hard look at the issues shaping today’s fire service.

We break down the ongoing Clarksville firefighters lawsuit, where members were terminated after advocating for better pay, staffing, and retention—raising serious questions about leadership, culture, and the right for firefighters to speak up.

We also shift to the traditions that define our profession, exploring the history and meaning behind pipes and drums in the fire service, and why that tradition still carries weight today.

Finally, we dive into the NIOSH 5—five factors identified nearly 30 years ago that continue to show up in line-of-duty death reports—and ask the tough question: why haven’t we changed the outcome?

This episode connects advocacy, tradition, and accountability—and challenges the fire service to be better.

In this episode of The Fire Bay Podcast, host Colton Young breaks down how the modern fireground is changing — from the rise of lithium-ion battery fires to nationwide staffing challenges impacting firefighter safety. Colton gives a shout-out to the Atlanta Firefighters Association (Local 134) for their push for four-person staffing and dives into what research says about why it matters. He also touches on leadership, mental health, and the balance between technology and training in today’s fire service.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Eubanks, founder of First Alarm Fire Training and a 24-year veteran of a major metro fire department. Jason shares his journey through the ranks, the lessons learned along the way, and why strong training—especially for officers and incident commanders—is key to preparing the fire service for the future.

This episode looks at how training prepares us for the future—developing new firefighters and sharpening our officers. Because the fire service doesn’t just rely on today’s skills, it depends on building tomorrow’s leaders

In this episode of The Fire Bay, I sit down with my own crew to talk about how each of them found their way into the fire service. From early inspirations to the turning points that made this career a calling, we share stories of what drew us in, and the challenges we faced. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the paths that shaped the people you see on the front lines — and a reminder that every firefighter’s journey is unique, but the passion for serving our community is what unites us.

Join Colton as he sits down with Matt Elliott, Vice President of Hendersonville Firefighters Local 3460, for a candid conversation about what their local is up against—from political roadblocks to misinformation campaigns—and what it really takes to stand up for your department.

They talk through the challenges firefighters face when elected officials ignore their voices, the importance of transparency, and how members can effectively engage with their local boards and city leadership. This episode isn’t just about Hendersonville—it’s about every firefighter who’s ever felt silenced, pushed aside, or punished for speaking the truth.

If you care about the future of the fire service, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Ready to hear the untold stories and challenges of the fire service? Join Colton in the first episode of The Fire Bay and discover why fire unions still matter in Tennessee, and how the fire service in the South is fighting for change—one call at a time.