Host: Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger
Guests: Lt. Nolan Bailey, Lt. Sam De Craen, Lt. Greg Schar

Episode Overview
In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger sits down with three fire lieutenants at very different stages of their careers to unpack what the fire lieutenant position really looks like today.

This episode goes beyond job descriptions and promotional checklists. Through personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and candid discussion, the panel explores how lieutenants build trust, lead experienced crews, navigate people problems, and balance operational decision-making with the human side of the job.

Listeners will hear why there is no single “right” path to becoming a successful company officer—but why shared values like humility, adaptability, accountability, and service consistently matter.

Part 1 focuses on:
• The role of the fire lieutenant as the first-line company officer
• Each guest’s unique path to leadership
• Early challenges in the seat
• Building credibility and trust with crews
• Why relationships off the fireground matter as much as decisions on it

Part 2 (coming in two weeks) will shift toward mentorship, leadership development, and how to prepare for promotion.

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & Episode Focus
What the company officer role really demands

02:45 – Acting Officer vs. Promoted Officer
When responsibility becomes 24/7

08:10 – Ownership of the Crew & the House
Everything under (and outside) the roof is yours

14:30 – The “Unsexy” Side of the Job
Discipline, admin issues, and constant problem-solving

20:10 – Influence Beyond the Firehouse
Why relationships outside your department matter

27:40 – Auto Aid & Regional Firefighting
Thinking bigger than your station or city

35:15 – Being an Ambassador for Your Department
Protecting credibility, culture, and reputation

42:05 – Kitchen Table Leadership
Managing venting, conflict, and division

50:30 – Setting Expectations & Controlling the Climate
Letting people vent—without letting it rot morale

58:40 – Why Being a Company Officer Is Fun
Influence, decision-making, and loving the job

1:03:20 – Confidence in the Gray Area
Experience, crew trust, and early decision-making

1:10:45 – Mentorship & Learning from Giants
Standing on the shoulders of great officers

1:16:50 – Building a Crew That Makes You Better
Why officers don’t succeed alone

1:22:40 – Part 2 Tease: Mentorship & Preparation
What’s coming next

#FireServiceLeadership
#CompanyOfficer
#FireOfficerDevelopment
#FireServicePodcast
#leadershipdevelopment

Referenced:
"Having the Leadership Mindset" Eric Linnenburger
https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/having-the-leadership-mindset/

"First Due: Preparing for Large Events" Eric Linnenburger
https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/structural-firefighting-first-due-preparing-for-large-events/

"Successful Leaders Must Get Comfortable Operating in the Gray" Eric Linnenburger
https://www.firerescue1.com/leadership/articles/successful-leaders-must-be-comfortable-operating-in-the-gray-X8JMSBkZMJOiUJBP/

"Leadership Isn't Easy, but Stop Making it so Complicated" Eric Linnenburger
https://www.firerescue1.com/leadership/leadership-isnt-easy-but-stop-making-it-so-complicated

"Focusing on the Firsts" Brian Brush
No link available. Email if you'd like a copy.

Contact:
opstalk.wfd@gmail.com

Eric Linnenburger
linkedin.com/in/eric-linnenburger
elinnenb@westminsterco.gov

Nolan Bailey
nbailey@westminsterco.gov

Sam de Craen
sdecraen@westminsterco.gov

Greg Schar
gschar@westminsterco.gov