Peter Matthews talks with Battalion Chief Grant Tinker about the normalization of deviance, often mistaken for complacency, and how deeper in the fire service and carries serious consequences.

In this episode the two discuss how it shows up in day-to-day habits at home or the fire service and can result in dangerous consequences. They talk about crew resource management, pioneered by the aviation industry and adopted by the fire service, and how aviation incidents have prompted headlines and questions about checks and balances in both industry and end-user operations.

Tinker shares real-world examples of the normalization of deviance and the need for accountability and hard discussions to prevent close calls.

Related links:

• Mile High Fire Conference

• Center for Public Safety Excellence

Peter Matthews talks with Jeremy Blair and Courtney Hull about a unique program that prepares high school seniors to become firefighters through Waukesha County Technical College in Wisconsin.

The two share how fire departments can better connect with Gen Z recruits by rethinking education and engagement through recruitment. Blair explains why today’s students want to feel part of something bigger and why teaching methods must evolve. Hull offers insight into adolescent brain development and why vulnerability-based trust is essential for building strong future firefighters.

Related links:

• Don’t Blame the Lettuce! Developing the Next Generation of First Responders
• Waukesha County Technical College: Fire and EMS Training Center
• Plugged In

Peter Matthews sits down with Assistant Chief Steve Baker to discuss the mental health challenges firefighters face, and the life-changing events of a single day in 2019 that reshaped his journey.

With two decades in emergency services, Baker shares how he reached a breaking point, what he discovered when he took a hard look at the “rocks” weighing down his backpack, and how he began shedding those rocks while rebuilding himself. He outlines five key steps that everyone can use to take care of themselves and his reflection offers valuable lessons for anyone in the fire service who is carrying more than just their gear.

Related links:

• The Firehouse Yak: Steve Baker - Pushing Beyond the Status Quo in the Fire Service