On this episode of Station Talk, we talk with Chief Gene Landers about the staffing reality many volunteer departments avoid. From the gap between members on paper and those who respond, to leadership accountability and tough conversations, this episode gets honest about what’s holding departments back.Bottom line: If we avoid the hard conversations, we risk safety, culture, and the future of the fire service.

On this episode Nick & Tom sat down with Captain Alex Mitchum from Summerville Fire-Rescue. Alex has 13 years on the job and has built his career around engine company operations and, more importantly, mastering the basics that actually win fires.

In a fire service that sometimes chases the newest tactic or the flashiest training, Alex believes the fundamentals still matter. Stretching the first line, putting water on the fire, solid communication, and doing the simple things right under pressure.

We’re going to talk engine company responsibilities, common mistakes crews make, how officers should be training their people, and why getting back to the basics isn’t taking a step backward — it’s how you build solid, dependable firefighters.

On this episode Nick & Tom sit down with Travis Baker of the Raleigh Fire Department in Raleigh, NC to discuss how the fire service can honor its traditions while prioritizing firefighter health.

From firehouse meals to training culture, we explore how to preserve pride and brotherhood while embracing smarter nutrition, fitness, recovery, and longevity practices. This isn’t about changing the culture — it’s about strengthening it.

Because protecting tradition starts with protecting the firefighter.

On this episode, Nick & Tom are joined by Joshua Shanley, someone who’s lived on both sides of the fence operationally and academically. Firefighter paramedic, emergency manager, media specialist at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, adjunct faculty at Purdue Global, and deeply involved in emergency management and public safety education.

Josh brings a perspective that isn’t about chasing the next shiny object. It’s about using technology and education to make the fire service more effective, safer, and more accountable to the communities we serve.

Technology, education and how both of those things are changing what it means to be a firefighter and a fire officer.

On this episode, Nick & Tom are honored to sit down with Dennis Reilly, a retired Fire Chief with 50 years of fire service experience. Dennis shares hard-earned insights on leadership, human performance in high-threat environments, training, and fireground operations. Drawing from decades of service across multiple generations of firefighters, this conversation goes beyond tactics to explore mindset, team dynamics under stress, and what it truly means to lead when the stakes are high. No matter where you are in your career—probie, senior firefighter, or officer—this episode delivers perspective you can apply on and off the fireground.About - First Line Fire Service Training

This special episode of Station Talk marks the first collaboration between The Firehouse Tribune and the 5-Alarm Task Force. We are honored to re-release episodes from the 5-Alarm Task Force on our platform in recognition of the legacy, dedication, and impact of our great friend, Steve Greene—the longtime host and driving force behind the show.

This collaboration stands as a tribute to Steve’s commitment to the fire service and the conversations that continue to shape it.

On this episode, we are joined by Battalion Chief Danny Arroyo from the Perth Amboy Fire Department. Danny also serves as Chief of Training, Chair of the New Jersey FMBA Education and Training Committee, works with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and runs Fire Training and Consultants LLC.

We dive into training, leadership, and tactics, and more importantly how those things actually affect firefighters on scene.

Fire Training & ConsultantsNational Fallen Firefighters Foundation

On this episode, we are joined by Fire Chief Kris Childress of the Keowee Fire District in South Carolina. With 16 years in the fire service, Kris has built his career around leadership, mentoring, and maximizing performance in small departments.

As one of the youngest chiefs in his area, he brings a fresh yet grounded perspective on leading from the front, building trust within a team, and navigating the challenges that come with limited staffing and resources. We discuss leadership, mentorship, and what it takes to keep small departments strong and effective.