The Weekly Scrap, Firefighter Podcast

This week on The Weekly Scrap... Chief Mike Salzano! Talking firefighting, training, engine company operations, and leadership, there’s plenty to get into on this episode. Mike brings nearly three decades of experience in the fire service, with much of his career spent in engine companies. Today, he serves as a Battalion Chief with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and continues to share that experience through training and teaching. He's the owner of FS Training & Consulting, founder of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo, and has spent years teaching Engine Company Operations, including the MEGA — Make Engines Great Again class. We cover a lot including engine company operations, the basics, first-line deployment, preparing for when things don’t go according to plan, leadership, and training. There was a lot of directions we could of taken this one, and with Mike’s experience and passion for the job, we had no shortage of things to discuss. Mike was last on Episode 196, where we talked respect, leadership, developing others, communication, size-up, and plenty more. If you haven’t heard that Scrap, go back and give it a listen before Episode 373. And of course the live audience brought the heat!!!! 🤘🤘 Episode 373 was recorded LIVE Tuesday, September 15th with Mike Salzano and was made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose IdentiFire — Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order. UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

This week on The Weekly Scrap... Chief Michael Terpak! I’ve been looking forward to getting Mike back on the show, and we made it happen. If you haven’t listened to his first appearance on Episode 87, now’s a good time to go back, give it a listen. Mike Terpak has built an impressive career in the fire service and continues to share his knowledge and experience with others. 45 years in the fire service, 36 years with the Jersey City Fire Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief and City-Wide Tour Commander, author of six best-selling fire service books, instructor, educator, and retired adjunct professor in Fire Science. He has spent decades studying the job, teaching it, writing about it, and continuing to give back to firefighters — both those new to the job and those looking to promote. We talk fireground operations, knowing the basics, knowing your own backyard before worrying about someone else's, high-rise firefighting, and some of those fundamentals of the job that simply never change. We also get into the promotional side of the fire service. Mike has spent years helping firefighters and fire officers prepare for that next step and has written extensively on both fireground operations and the promotional process. With Mike’s experience, knowledge, and perspective, I have a feeling we’ll have no shortage of things to discuss. And of course, LIVE audience brought the questions. 🤘🤘 Episode 372 with Mike Terpak is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose FireStation Furniture UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

We’re adding a special episode of The Weekly Scrap this week for a good reason. Episode 371 went LIVE Thursday, September 3rd—the same day The Romagus Papers officially releases. And we were joined by special guest Ian Bennett because his book "Learning to Burn" went live the very next day. We talk about both books, how they came together, and dive into some of the topics and conversations inside them. And of course, the audience as always delivered! Episode 371 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose IdentiFire Safety — Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order. UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Jonathan brings nearly three decades in the fire service and a ton of time spent teaching and training firefighters. An instructor with Task Force One Inc. and Street-Smart Tactics, a member of the Frontier Fools, and has a passion for truck work, training, and making sure we pass this job on better than we found it. We talked some shop; truck company operations, riding assignments, ventilation, company officer responsibilities, and training with intent. We also dug into something Jonathan calls "Warehouse Management" - Keeping your own house in order. Looking inward when frustration sets in. Playing the long game. Staying mission focused. Taking care of your people. And becoming the kind of firefighter and leader you expect everyone else to be. Of course, this was The Weekly Scrap, so the Audience took us down some rabbit holes. It was a fantastic, "Can Not Miss" Episode! Episode 370 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose FireStation Furniture UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

I am excited to have Gary Lane join me once again on the Scrap for a conversation that could go in a lot of different directions. Gary has decades in the fire service, has been a state fire instructor since 2008, and is a member of the Brothers In Battle training cadre. He brings a lot of experience to the table, along with practical insight into where we are getting it right and where we could be doing it better. We dig into hit-or-miss leadership and the toll it can take on morale, informal training and drills for busy departments, the lack of quality live fire training, and passion vs. competence. But this is The Weekly Scrap, so you guys know how this works. The live audience and your big beautiful questions have a way of taking the conversation in directions we never planned. Episode 369 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose IdentiFire Safety — Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order. UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

My brother Nick Ledin steps in as special guest host, and I'm a little jealous as he got to sit down with Keith Stakes himself. Nick has spent years digging into civilian rescue data as a contributor to the Firefighter Rescue Survey, helping bring real-world data from thousands of reported rescues into the conversation about search and what that information can teach us about the job. Keith has been right in the middle of research that continues to shape our understanding of the modern fireground. Keith is a Principal Research Engineer with UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute and a fire protection engineer whose work focuses on fire service tactics, firefighter safety, and fireground operations. Put these two together and buckle up. Listen in as they dig into NFPA 1700, the data surrounding search and rescue, and how research and real-world rescue data have impacted the fire service. There is SO much information packed into this one. Episode 368 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose - FireStation Furniture - and UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Larry Conley is on the Scrap, and what a great conversation. Larry has served more than thirty years in the fire service, and he's spent much of that time teaching and mentoring other firefighters. Now retired, Larry continues to invest his time in making the fire service better. If you've followed his work, heard him teach, or listened to The Larry Conley Show, you know there are plenty of directions this conversation can go. Leadership. Training. The job. The people. And the lessons earned over more than three decades in the fire service. We'll have a plan... But the live audience usually has other ideas. Episode 367 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose, IdentiFire Safety: Use code VIGILANCE to save 10% on any order, and the UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute. Visit a dedicated page just for Weekly Scrap listeners giving you access to one of the best firefighter research resources available - fsri.org/weeklyscrap

Chief Dan Shaw returns to The Weekly Scrap. If you caught Dan's first appearance on Episode #243, you already know the conversation didn't disappoint. Now he's back, and we're ready to see where this one takes us. With more than three decades in the fire service, including retiring as the Assistant Chief of Operations for the Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue, Chief Shaw now works with organizations across the country, helping develop leaders, strengthen culture, and challenge the way organizations think about leadership and organizational excellence. If you've been around The Weekly Scrap for any length of time, you already know that we'll come in with a plan, but the live audiance may take us down some rabbit holes with thier beautiful questions. Some of the best moments happen when the conversation takes a turn no one expected, and that's exactly what makes these live shows so great. Episode 366 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose, FireStation Furniture, and the UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute. For more on FSRI, visit the special page created just for Weekly Scrap listeners at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Dr. Candace Ashby returns to The Weekly Scrap for a conversation every firefighter needs to hear. With over three decades in the fire service, a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership, and years of experience climbing through the ranks, Candace—currently serving as a Battalion Chief—has become a respected voice on leadership, accountability, and protecting the culture that makes this profession unlike any other. We'll dive into what truly makes firefighting the greatest job on Earth, why that culture is worth fighting for, and how company officers and firefighters at every rank have the ability to shape the future of the fire service through their daily actions, conversations, and commitment to one another. If you've ever wondered how we preserve what makes this profession special while continuing to grow as leaders, this conversation will challenge your perspective and leave you thinking long after it's over. And because the live audience and their questions help make this show the absolute best.. we'll start with a plan, but where the conversation ends up is anyone's guess. Join us live, bring your questions, and be part of the discussion. Episode 365 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose, IdentiFire Safety, and the Fire Safety Research Institute. For more on FSRI, visit the special page created just for Weekly Scrap listeners: fsri.org/weeklyscrap

Benjamin Martin is coming back to the Scrap, and we've got more to unpack than we'll have time to cover. Benjamin started his career riding the jump seat of a busy urban engine company and recently retired as an Acting Battalion Chief after more than 23 years in the fire service. Many of you know him through EmbraceTheResistance.com, his articles, podcast appearances, or his nationally recognized class, Intoxicated Leadership. Over the last decade, he's challenged many of the assumptions inherited about leadership, helping firefighters at every rank recognize the hidden forces that shape culture, leadership, and performance... and what we can actually do about them. Benjamin isn't afraid to go where a lot of leadership conversations stop. He's willing to talk about the mistakes, the burnout, the difficult conversations, the organizational politics, and the emotional weight that comes with trying to do right by your people. He believes credibility isn't built only on the fireground but rather around the kitchen table, in the hallway, and during the conversations most people would rather avoid. If your ego's flammable... consider this your warning. Some of the rabbit holes we hope to head down include why leaders shouldn't always eat last, why organizations push back against improvement, and why good people quietly stop caring. As always, the live audience helps drive where this conversation goes. Some of my favorite episodes have taken unexpected turns because of the questions and comments coming from the chat.

Joined on this episode by Jerry Wells! Jerry retired as a Battalion Chief from the Lewisville (TX) Fire Department after 35 years in the fire service. Throughout his career, he's taught firefighters across the country while challenging them to think differently about the profession. We'll dive into some of the ideas that have shaped Jerry's career, including what "The Kitchen Table" really means, why every firefighter needs an equity stake in their department, the importance firehouse stories and kitchen table conversations have, how culture is built through ownership instead of obligation, and why Jerry believes firefighting is the ultimate team sport. As always, the audience helps drive the conversation, so get your big, beautiful questions ready, and we'll gladly head down whatever rabbit hole the live chat takes us. Episode 363 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-Tite Hose and IdentiFire Safety.

Stephen Runyan, aka Tommy Gunn, is coming back to The Scrap, and this one is going to be loaded... again! With more than 20 years in the fire service, Stephen has dedicated his career to developing firefighters, challenging conventional thinking, and sharing the lessons he's learned from some of the best mentors in the profession. A Georgia Smoke Diver, FDIC H.O.T. Class Specialist, Wichita Fire Department Hiring Coordinator, and Wichita HOT Board Member and Instructor, Stephen has become a respected instructor in the fire service, teaching firefighters across the country and helping shape the way many approach the job. If you've seen Stephen teach or heard him speak before, you already know he isn't afraid to challenge the way we think. He deep dives into his peptide journey and explains where it started and what he has learned along the way. .. there is no shortage of great information. As always, the audience helps drive the conversation, so get ready, as we head down whatever rabbit hole the live chat takes us. Episode 362 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-Tite Hose and Fire Station Furniture.

Joined on this episode by my friend, the one and only Dana Larkin! Dana currently serves as Battalion Chief with Camano Island Fire & Rescue, leading C-Shift while overseeing the department's training division. From starting as a volunteer in 2001 to becoming one of the driving forces behind firefighter development, Dana has spent years building firefighters, officers, and future leaders. Beyond his department, Dana founded the Cascade F.O.O.L.S. chapter in 2019, served four years as Chapter President, and now serves as Treasurer for F.O.O.L.S. International. His passion for the fire service, leadership, and training has made him a respected voice across the country. This conversation is going to be packed, so get your notebooks and pens ready! We'll be discussing what F.O.O.L.S. really stands for, why membership and getting involved matter, and why every firefighter should make it a priority to attend conferences and get outside of their own bubble. We'll also dive into the leadership epidemic of micromanagement, how to build leaders before you need them, why succession planning is often overlooked, and why so many organizations are focused on recruitment while neglecting retention. We'll also tackle how we may be unintentionally creating imposter syndrome in the academy, why hearing the same message from a different voice can completely change someone's perspective, how the Task–Tactic–Strategy model can help develop better officers, and why simply talking to people, sharing ideas, and learning from others can have such a profound impact on both your career and your department. If time allows, we'll also get into lessons Dana has learned from training hundreds of firefighters, leading live-fire instruction, developing cadets, and how his journey through F.O.O.L.S. changed the trajectory of both his career and his outlook on the fire service. As always, the live audience helps drive the discussion, and we gladly head down whatever rabbit hole their questions take us. Episode 361 made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-Tite Hose - IdentiFire - Flame Decon

Joined on this episode by the one and only Steve Prziborowski, retired Deputy Chief with the Santa Clara County Fire Department who continues to shape the fire service as an instructor with Chabot College and the National Fire Academy. A respected mentor to many, Steve spends much of his time coaching and developing firefighters and officers at all ranks. Steve has spoken across the country, authored multiple career development books, and has become a recognized voice in the fire service on leadership, succession planning, and preparing the next generation of fire service professionals. On this episode, we will get into what it truly means to be here for "them", the people we serve and the people we lead. We will discuss building and maintaining relationships, mentoring, passing the baton to those coming behind us, and why every firefighter is both a leader and a follower regardless of rank. We will also dive into leadership versus management, strategic versus tactical thinking, and why understanding the expectations of the ranks above you matters, even if promotion is not part of your plan. Which will lead us right into promotion... why not everyone needs to promote, and why those who choose that path should do it for the right reasons. The live audience helps drive the discussion and we dive down all the rabbit holes their questions open up! Episode 360 made possible by our incredible sponsors: FireStationFurniture.com - Snap-Tite Hose - and Flame Decon

Joined on this episode by my man Brandon Chapman! Brandon is the Co-Founder and Instructor of GRIT Fire Training LLC, Driver on Truck 17 in the City of Pittsburgh, Assistant Fire Chief for Stowe Township Fire Department, and firefighter with West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Company 28 in Prince George's County, Maryland. With 17 years of combined career and volunteer fire service experience, Brandon has earned a reputation as both a passionate student of the fire service and a respected instructor. As a PA State Suppression Instructor, City of Pittsburgh Recruit School Instructor, and Lead Instructor for Butler County Community College, he has dedicated himself to developing firefighters through realistic training and proven systems. This was a killer conversation as we dove into what it really means to train firefighters with purpose. We talk about predetermined assignments, SOPs, SOGs, JOGs, and why having clear systems in place builds confidence, accountability, and consistency on the fireground. One topic I was especially looking forward to discussing was experience. Brandon has strong opinions on the difference between time served and experience earned. As always, the audience was huge for this one with their big beautiful questions and drove the conversation!!!

Joined on episode 358 by Jason Worthy of South Spartanburg Fire Department. A second-generation firefighter with 18 years on the job—many of them spent riding the truck. Jason currently serves as Captain on Ladder 24. Throughout his career, he has continually invested in his craft, completing OBT2, the NC Breathing Equipment School, Truckman Academy, and the South Carolina Fire Officer’s Academy. A true student of the game, Jason leads by example. He is passionate about mentoring those around him while remaining humble, coachable, and committed to growth. Whether on the training ground or in the world of fitness, he is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others. During this conversation, we'll dive into the influence of his father and the path that led him into the fire service. We'll also discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with taking a lateral Captain's position, building and shaping department culture from the bottom up, the art and science of truck work, and the importance of family both on and off the job. As always, the live audience helps drive the conversation. Every week you all bring outstanding questions, and the discussion goes wherever the curiosity takes it. The Weekly Scrap - Episode 358 made possible by these amazing folks at: Snap-Tite Hose, Fire Station Furniture, and Yaw On Fire.

Joined on this episode by the one and only Tom Richardson, retired FDNY Chief of Department! Chief Richardson walks the walk, serving 42 years with the FDNY, rising through every rank to lead as the top uniformed officer in the busiest fire department in the nation. A lifelong firefighter, he’s been a volunteer in Deer Park since 1978 (serving as Chief of Department there in 1999-2000 and 2009-2011) and currently serves on the Board of Fire Commissioners. He holds a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School - Center for Homeland Defense and Security, along with extensive leadership training including the FDNY Advanced Leadership Course, Fire Officers Management Institute, and West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center. We’re going deep into leadership in the fire service - everything from command presence, to the critical importance of trust in the firehouse and on the fireground, building crews that operate with implicit authority (no constant micromanaging), the make-or-break role of the first hoseline, staffing and response challenges facing the volunteer fire service, and effective communication with the troops. Hard-earned lessons from the highest levels of command, and practical wisdom that applies to every firefighter and officer out there. As always, the live audience one hundred percent light this one up with questions, and we go wherever the conversation takes us. Because we all know that’s what makes The Scrap the absolute best live firefighter podcast out there!

Joined on episode 356 by firefighter/paramedic and founder of VEST First Responder LLC, the one and only Jake Hecht!!!! Tuesday, May 26th 8 PM CST From high school history teacher to pro MMA fighter (3× UFC veteran) and now firefighter, Jake turned a violent patient encounter into a mission, dedicating his career to protecting those who protect others. As a former Army Combatives Instructor and former Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor for the Columbia, Missouri Police Department, Jake has now trained more than 3,000 firefighters and EMS providers across 10 states on practical, field-tested workplace violence survival. On this episode we’re digging into: How VEST was born from real calls and why there’s virtually no standardized training for violent patient encounters in fire/EMS . Why most de-escalation talk is empty buzzwords and exactly where the line is before physical options kick in. Common admin objections and the culture that treats getting assaulted as “part of the job”. We will also discuss the reporting platform that Jake built to stop sweeping these incidents under the rug - www.firstresponderviolence.com Of coure, we can always count on the live audience to bring the heat with their questions. It is what continues to make the Scrap the absolute best. We go wherever the conversation takes us. Episode 356 made possible by our incredible sponsors: SnapTite Hose & FireStation Furniture

Joined on this episode by the one and only Cody Trestrail, Founder and Instructor of Brothers in Battle and the man behind Firemanship! Cody has been on the Scrap for episodes 179 (one of the most listened to episodes of all time), 295, and the Firemanship special, and is coming back on for episode 355! Join us for another epic episode where truth bombs drop as we discuss the driving force behind Cody and his mission! It would be remiss not to talk Firemanship and the massive impact it is having on the fire service! The audience as always lights it up with their questions and we enjoy where the conversation took us because that is what makes the Scrap the absolute best!!!!! ENjoy the show!

Joined on this episode by the one and only Kiel Samsing; firefighter, paramedic, neuroscience coach, instructor, and author of the game-changing book Mind of Fire: The Science and Art of Decision Making. Kiel founded Mind of Fire back in 2018 after seeing a massive gap in the fire service: we crush tactics and hands-on skills, but we’ve been starving the cognitive side - the mental sets and reps that separate good decisions from the ones that get people hurt. In this episode we’re diving straight into the science and art of fireground decision-making, how the brain actually works under extreme stress, and the practical tools every firefighter and officer needs to build better mental models, cut through chaos, and make the right call when it matters most. We’ll talk about the OODA loop fire-service style, empowered leadership, why cognitive training is just as critical as nozzle technique, and the real-world stories and lessons that went into Mind of Fire. Kiel’s also got the companion workbook dropping soon and it is loaded with mental drills and exercises you can actually use on shift. Expect straight talk on building decision-making muscle, staying sharp through the years, and why the “mind of fire” might be the most important tool on the truck. Of course the audience is going to light this one up with questions, and we’ll go wherever the conversation takes us... because that’s what makes the Scrap the absolute best!!!! And if you haven’t read Mind of Fire yet, fix that. It’s already becoming required reading in engine houses and training divisions across the country. www.mindoffire.com | @kielsamsing | @mindoffire Share this everywhere. Set your reminders. Tag your crew! Episode 354 made possible by FireStation Furniture, Snap-Tite Hose, and LCC Fire School