Peter Matthews talks with Chief Kristopher Blume about the realities of leading fire departments today, as they evolve quicker than ever and what is driving people away from the fire service in historic numbers.

Blume highlights key parts of his recently published book, Carry the Fire: The Crucible of Leadership in the Fire Service and the two discuss the background of his recent Firehouse.com article, “Beyond the Smoke: What Is Driving People Away from the Fire Service?” and what three key factors are causing serious issues int fire department ranks.

Related links:

• Carry the Fire: The Crucible of Leadership in the Fire Service
• Beyond the Smoke: What Is Driving People Away from the Fire Service?
• Kristopher Blume’s bio and article on Firehouse.com

Peter Matthews is joined by Eileen Bellew, widow of FDNY Lt. John Bellew, and his daughter, Katreana, to discuss their paths through PTSD since John lost his life during the 2005 Black Sunday fire in the Bronx.

Eileen shares her journey, which began Jan. 23, 2005, when she learned that John was seriously injured after jumping from an apartment building. From being escorted to the hospital, the fire service funeral, memorial services raising four children, Eileen shares what fire departments need to know to assist the survivors.

Katreana, who was only two on Black Sunday, talks about memories of her dad, attending services and how she developed vicarious anxiety as she grew up. Her journey sparked her desire to share the story of Black Sunday and the subsequent trial in the movie Black Sunday: Trial by Fire.

Related links:

• Trial by Fire: JohnBellew.com
• The Firehouse Yak: Jeff Cool – Remembering FDNY’s Tragic Black Sunday

Peter Matthews talks with Bill Niemann, who spent nearly two decades in the Prince William County, VA, Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Bureau. During that time, Niemann and his team relaunched the department’s arson investigation unit and logged many headline-making arson arrests.

Niemann provides insight into his 17-year assignment in the fire marshal’s bureau and the relaunch of their fire investigation unit, which they mostly built from scratch because there were no investigation standards or policies at the time. From attending the police academy to creating their own processes, Niemann and his small crew handled hundreds of arson fires annually.

He reflects on some close calls and big blazes during his time as a line firefighter and some of the most memorable and impactful fire investigations and making high-profile arrests and how a serial arson case led him to the end of his career.

Related links:

• Heavy Fire Showing

• Heavy Fire Showing Audio Book