In this episode of Frontline Voices, we sit down and talk about one of the steady hands behind the scenes—Engineer Thomas “Tommy” O’Quinn.
Tommy represents the kind of firefighter every department depends on—the one who doesn’t need recognition, doesn’t chase the spotlight, but shows up every time ready to do the job right. As an engineer, he’s known for his deep knowledge of the apparatus, his attention to detail, and the confidence he brings to the pump when everything is on the line.
In this conversation, we highlight:
His path in the fire service and what led him to the engineer role
The responsibility that comes with being the one operators rely on
The importance of knowing your equipment inside and out
How consistency and accountability build trust within a crew
The kind of leadership that doesn’t need rank to make an impact
We also get into who Tommy is beyond the fireground—a guy who listens more than he talks, keeps things steady when it matters most, and brings a quiet strength that people naturally respect.
This episode is about the firefighters who form the backbone of every department—the ones you can count on, no matter the call.
If you know, you know—and if you don’t, this episode will show you exactly why guys like Tommy matter.

In this episode of Frontline Voices, we sit down with Dave Barrand, Fire Chief of the Ashley-Hudson Volunteer Fire Department—a leader committed to service, tradition, and building a department that stands ready when the call comes in.
Chief Barrand shares his perspective on leading a volunteer fire department in today’s environment, where recruitment, retention, training, and community trust are more critical than ever. From managing day-to-day operations to guiding his department through growth and change, he offers a real look at what it takes to lead from the front in a small-town fire service.
In this conversation, we cover:
The challenges and rewards of leading a volunteer fire department
Building a culture of accountability, pride, and teamwork
Recruitment and retention in the modern fire service
The importance of training and preparing for high-risk, low-frequency events
Strengthening the connection between the fire department and the community it serves
We also dive into the legacy side of the fire service—what it means to carry tradition forward while continuing to evolve for the future.
This episode is a powerful look at leadership, service, and the responsibility that comes with wearing the badge in a tight-knit community.
If you care about the future of the volunteer fire service, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Frontline Voices, we sit down with Andy Grote, Chief of Operations for Steuben County EMS—a leader at the center of emergency medical response, system coordination, and frontline decision-making.
Chief Grote brings a unique perspective on what it takes to manage not just patients, but an entire EMS system. From overseeing daily operations to navigating high-acuity calls, staffing challenges, and evolving demands in prehospital care, he shares what leadership truly looks like behind the scenes.
In this conversation, we cover:
The realities of leading EMS operations in a busy and diverse county
How critical decisions are made in fast-moving, high-stakes situations
Building and maintaining a strong EMS culture under pressure
The importance of training, consistency, and accountability across crews
Lessons learned from years in emergency services—and how they shape leadership today
We also dive into the human side of the job—balancing operational demands with the well-being of providers, and why strong leadership matters now more than ever in EMS.
This episode offers a candid, inside look at the challenges and responsibilities of keeping a community’s EMS system running at a high level.
If you want to understand what it takes to lead from the front in emergency medical services, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.