A project isn't finished when the work is done — it's finished when it's closed out.

In the fire service, we know an incident doesn't end just because the flames are knocked down. We overhaul. We check for extension. We secure utilities. We give a final report. Only then does command terminate.

Projects work the same way — yet closeout remains one of the most neglected phases of the project lifecycle in fire-EMS organizations.

In this episode of Project Command: Flash Points, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo breaks down why project closeout is not paperwork, but a tactical necessity. From confirming objectives and documenting lessons learned, to effective handoff, leadership briefings, and celebrating the win, this Flash Point draws clear parallels between incident termination and disciplined project leadership.

This episode challenges officers and project leaders to stop treating closeout as an afterthought and start using it as a tool for accountability, learning, and organizational momentum. Because projects that aren't properly closed don't disappear — they become loose ends that blindside the next shift, the next manager, or the next administration.

Close your projects with the same clarity, discipline, and purpose you bring to the fireground — and leave the next crew better prepared than the last.

In this episode of Project Command, I'm joined by Kevin Henson, Deputy Chief of Staff for the John Fire District, for a wide-ranging conversation on technology, leadership, and execution in the fire service. We break down key takeaways from the IAFC Technology Summit 2025, discuss how emerging technology and AI can be used as a practical force multiplier, and explore the strong parallels between project management and the Incident Command System. Kevin also shares hard-earned lessons from projects he's led, including what worked, what didn't, and how fire service leaders can better translate strategy into results.

Welcome to Project Command: Flash Points- quick, sharp hits that turn big project management concepts into everyday tools for the fire service.

Today's Flash Point: How a classic fireground rule can reshape the way we run projects.

In this episode of Project Command, we dive into The 90% Problem: The Hidden Cost of Technical Debt, a challenge almost every fire department faces but few talk about openly. Technical debt builds up every time we roll out a new project without completing the policies, training, communication, or documentation that make it sustainable. Over time, this "almost done" work creates operational confusion, slows down new initiatives, overloads project managers, and drains organizational bandwidth.

We break down what technical debt looks like in the fire service, why the last 10 percent of a project is often the most important, and how unfinished work silently erodes efficiency across every section of the organization. You will hear practical strategies to identify technical debt, prevent it during new projects, and eliminate it from legacy systems, restoring clarity, reducing uncertainty, and improving your department's ability to execute big things.

If your organization feels like it is drowning in loose ends or constantly reacting to problems created by unfinished work, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Project Command, we break down the 7 essential rules for working with your IT department. These are the rules every fire officer needs but most were never taught. From bringing IT the right problem instead of a pre-picked product, to understanding risk tolerance, lifecycle ownership, communication, and why tickets actually matter, this episode gives you a practical framework for building a strong partnership with the people who protect your systems. Whether you are rolling out software, deploying equipment, or managing major projects, these seven rules will help you reduce friction, avoid delays, and create safer, smoother, more successful technology initiatives across your department.

In this episode of Project Command, Captain Peter Younes breaks down the full anatomy of a project using a real-world example: delivering CPR and Stop the Bleed training to 160 K–12 school security officers. Peter walks through the initiation, stakeholder identification, requirements gathering, planning steps, team formation, scheduling, budgeting, and execution. You'll hear how multiple divisions collaborated, how resources were secured, and how deadlines were managed as training dates approached. Whether you're a fire officer or project lead in any organization, this episode gives you a practical look at how to turn challenging requirements from multiple agencies into a fully executed project.

On this episode of Project Command, Jason Patton joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that covers his journey with Fire Dept Coffee and Fire Dept Chronicles, the evolution of firefighter culture, and the growing focus on mental health in the fire service. We get into how humor, honesty, and community can support firefighters through the toughest parts of the job, and where the culture is heading next. Jason also shares his thoughts on the role of AI in the fire service and offers grounded, practical advice for anyone trying to launch new ideas or creative projects. It's an energizing, insightful discussion you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Project Command I sit down with Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger for a candid conversation about the leap from operations to administration and everything that comes with it. We talk about the real challenges officers face when they move behind the desk, how to build credibility in an administrative role, and the habits that keep leaders connected to the crews doing the work. Chief Linnenburger shares practical lessons from major administrative projects, insights on communicating with teams across the organization, and the mindset that turns administrative assignments into career accelerators instead of career detours. We also dig into how AI is emerging as a powerful force multiplier in fire administration, helping leaders streamline processes, improve accuracy, and reduce workload so they can focus on high value priorities. This one is loaded with wisdom for anyone stepping into or supporting administrative leadership in the fire service.