The Weekly Scrap, Firefighter Podcast

I'm fired up to have THE Mike Dugan on the SCRAP! Retired FDNY Captain on Ladder 123, longtime fire service instructor, one of the greatest storytellers in the fire service, and someone who has spent decades pushing firefighters to be better at this job. There's a LOT to get into with this one!

Mike has been around the fire service for more than 50 years, and if you've ever heard him teach or speak, you know he doesn't hold back when it comes to his passion for the job!

We dig into Mike's storied career, the current state of the fire service, and what more than five decades of experience have taught him. Through the lens of time and reflection, we'll get his perspective on the direction the fire service is heading, what we're getting right, what we're getting wrong, and what needs to change.

We also revisit Mike's 2011 FDIC keynote speech and explore what's changed in the 15 years since. There's no shortage of ground to cover, and I'm looking forward to hearing Mike's take on it all!

Mike also has a unique connection to one of the most unforgettable days in our nation's history. On September 11, 2001, he was photographed hanging an American flag from a light pole near Ground Zero, a powerful moment captured amid the devastation.

Episode 380 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:

@ulresearchinstitutes (FSRI) - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

@firestationfurniture

@snaptitehose

Breaking Norms

I'm excited to have Brent Brooks back on the SCRAP! Brent joined me for Episode 220, and here we are almost three years later, getting ready to do it again!

Brent brings more than 30 years of fire service experience, specializing in high-rise and complex-building operations. His work connects fireground tactics, building design, engineering, and operational decision-making, including developing tactics and response plans that have been adopted by departments internationally.

In 2026, he received both the George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award and the Tall Building Fire Safety Outstanding Contribution Award in the UK.

We start by digging into an upcoming high-rise time-to-task study he is rolling out at the International High-Rise Operations Conference (IHROC) in Pensacola Beach next month.

Brent and his team are developing hands-on training tracks to measure critical tasks, from hose stretches and standpipe operations to high-rise search, ventilation, and wind-impacted fires. The goal is to better understand where the time goes and how that information can improve training, tactics, and operational decisions.

ANd of course the live audinece never dissapoints!!!!

Episode 379 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:
@snaptitehose
@IdentiFire - Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.
@ulresearchinstitutes - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Frank Viscuso is coming back on the SCRAP for a SPECIAL MONDAY NIGHT episode! This will be Frank's 5th appearance on the show, and I can tell you that I always look forward to our conversations.

We'll be getting into Frank's newest book, One Degree of Difference, the leadership lessons behind it, building strong teams, and plenty of other topics in Frank's wheelhouse. If you've listened to any of our previous conversations, you already know there's no telling where this one will go! ANd of course the audience did not dissapoint withthe absolute fire they brought!

Episode 378 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:
@snaptitehose
@firestationfurniture
@ulresearchinstitutes - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

I'm excited to have Jenny Grima on the SCRAP! From fireground operations and training to leadership and the challenges that come with this job!

📅 Tuesday, October 13th

Jenny is a Lieutenant, Firefighter/Paramedic, and certified health coach who has been serving in the fire service since 2016, including seven years in Special Operations. She has experience teaching nationally with On Scene Training Associates and has served as a lead HOT instructor at FDIC.

Just some of the topics we covered; firefighter body mechanics, women in the fire service, building confidence, and becoming an instructor. We'll also get into the transition from firefighter to company officer, earning the trust of your crew, leading by example, and building confidence in that new role.

With Jenny's background in biology, health coaching, and training, there was plenty to dig into when it comes to mental and physical health, career longevity, and staying ready to do the job.

We covered a lot of ground, the conversation went further than I anticipated.

The audience, brought such amazing questions as usual!
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Episode 377 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:

Snap-tite Hose

IdentiFire - Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.

UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Kevin Shea is on The Weekly Scrap!

I’ve been trying for a LONG time to land this white whale, and he has finally agreed to come on the Scrap! If you’re familiar with Kevin Shea, you already know why I’ve been chasing this one for so long

Retired FDNY Lieutenant with more than 40 years in the fire service as both a volunteer and professional firefighter. Kevin's career includes time with Rescue Company 1 in Manhattan and involvement in one of the most incredible roof-rope rescues in FDNY history.

Two years later, Kevin was operating with Rescue 1 at the 1993 World Trade Center bombing when he fell more than 40 feet into the blast crater while searching for a reported victim and was critically injured.

He has spent decades sharing his experience with the fire service, teaching firefighting and technical rescue to state, county, and municipal agencies, as well as the military and private industry. He continues to share his knowledge through Glacier Rescue Solutions, his involvement with FDIC, and as a contributing author for Fire Engineering.

I’ve waited a long time for this conversation, and I appreciate all the questions the live audiance brings to the show every single week.

Episode 376 goes LIVE Tuesday, October 6th with Kevin Shea and is made possible by our incredible sponsors:

Snap-tite Hose

Fire Station Furniture

Fire Innovations - Check out fireinnovations.com/weeklyscrap featuring the new Osprey - an NFPA certified carabiner and ladder hook, that fits in the palm of your hand and opens with a simple twist.

UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Sean Duffy is BACK on The Weekly Scrap!

Sean has been part of some great Scrap conversations over the years, and every time he comes on, he knocks it out of the park.

Serving in the fire service since 2004, Sean has built a reputation around search, training, fireground performance, and building a culture that puts the mission first. He’s the founder of the Great Lakes HOT Fire Conference, co-founder of Build Your Culture, and has spent years teaching firefighters across the country and internationally.

In his previous Scrap appearances, we’ve dug into Searchable vs. Survivable, Search and Culture, and the Mega Scrap Echo discussion surrounding OSHA and two-in/two-out. If you haven’t heard those episodes, go back and check them out.

This time around, we’re digging into “training for reality,” SEARCH, and why “policies are our playbook.” There’s a lot of knowledge and experience to pull from with Sean, and it was awesome to dive into.

Fire Innovations

IdentiFire - Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.

Snap-tite Hose

UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

If you want to talk about standards, getting outside your comfort zone, finding your why, and taking ownership of your career, there was plenty to get into with Jeff.

Jeff is an Engine Company Boss in Naples, Florida, now in his 11th year in the fire service after serving 10 years in the United States Marine Corps. He has continued to push himself through some of the most demanding training opportunities out there and now gives back as a cadre member and instructor with Proactive Rescue Operations (PRO).

Just a few of the things we enjoyed digging into: what Jeff calls the “reset button,” getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and finding your “why.” What drives you to sign up for something difficult? What keeps you going when the voice in your head starts telling you to quit?

We’ll also talk about taking ownership of your career path — stepping outside the comfort of your own organization, putting yourself in situations where you’re measured against a different standard, and being willing to find out where you really stand.

And of course, LIVE audience.

Episode 374 goes LIVE Tuesday, September 22nd with Jeff Colon and is made possible by our incredible sponsors:

Fire Station Furniture

Snap-tite Hose

UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

This week on The Weekly Scrap... Chief Mike Salzano!

Talking firefighting, training, engine company operations, and leadership, there’s plenty to get into on this episode.

Mike brings nearly three decades of experience in the fire service, with much of his career spent in engine companies. Today, he serves as a Battalion Chief with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and continues to share that experience through training and teaching.

He's the owner of FS Training & Consulting, founder of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo, and has spent years teaching Engine Company Operations, including the MEGA — Make Engines Great Again class.

We cover a lot including engine company operations, the basics, first-line deployment, preparing for when things don’t go according to plan, leadership, and training. There was a lot of directions we could of taken this one, and with Mike’s experience and passion for the job, we had no shortage of things to discuss.

Mike was last on Episode 196, where we talked respect, leadership, developing others, communication, size-up, and plenty more. If you haven’t heard that Scrap, go back and give it a listen before Episode 373.

And of course the live audience brought the heat!!!! 🤘🤘

Episode 373 was recorded LIVE Tuesday, September 15th with Mike Salzano and was made possible by our incredible sponsors:

Snap-tite Hose

IdentiFire — Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.

UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

This week on The Weekly Scrap... Chief Michael Terpak!

I’ve been looking forward to getting Mike back on the show, and we made it happen.

If you haven’t listened to his first appearance on Episode 87, now’s a good time to go back, give it a listen.

Mike Terpak has built an impressive career in the fire service and continues to share his knowledge and experience with others.

45 years in the fire service, 36 years with the Jersey City Fire Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief and City-Wide Tour Commander, author of six best-selling fire service books, instructor, educator, and retired adjunct professor in Fire Science.

He has spent decades studying the job, teaching it, writing about it, and continuing to give back to firefighters — both those new to the job and those looking to promote.

We talk fireground operations, knowing the basics, knowing your own backyard before worrying about someone else's, high-rise firefighting, and some of those fundamentals of the job that simply never change.

We also get into the promotional side of the fire service. Mike has spent years helping firefighters and fire officers prepare for that next step and has written extensively on both fireground operations and the promotional process.

With Mike’s experience, knowledge, and perspective, I have a feeling we’ll have no shortage of things to discuss.

And of course, LIVE audience brought the questions. 🤘🤘

Episode 372 with Mike Terpak is made possible by our incredible sponsors:

Snap-tite Hose

FireStation Furniture

UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

We’re adding a special episode of The Weekly Scrap this week for a good reason.

Episode 371 went LIVE Thursday, September 3rd—the same day The Romagus Papers officially releases. And we were joined by special guest Ian Bennett because his book "Learning to Burn" went live the very next day. We talk about both books, how they came together, and dive into some of the topics and conversations inside them.

And of course, the audience as always delivered!

Episode 371 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:

Snap-tite Hose

IdentiFire Safety — Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.

UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Jonathan brings nearly three decades in the fire service and a ton of time spent teaching and training firefighters. An instructor with Task Force One Inc. and Street-Smart Tactics, a member of the Frontier Fools, and has a passion for truck work, training, and making sure we pass this job on better than we found it.

We talked some shop; truck company operations, riding assignments, ventilation, company officer responsibilities, and training with intent.

We also dug into something Jonathan calls "Warehouse Management" - Keeping your own house in order. Looking inward when frustration sets in. Playing the long game. Staying mission focused. Taking care of your people. And becoming the kind of firefighter and leader you expect everyone else to be.

Of course, this was The Weekly Scrap, so the Audience took us down some rabbit holes. It was a fantastic, "Can Not Miss" Episode!

Episode 370 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:
Snap-tite Hose
FireStation Furniture
UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

I am excited to have Gary Lane join me once again on the Scrap for a conversation that could go in a lot of different directions.

Gary has decades in the fire service, has been a state fire instructor since 2008, and is a member of the Brothers In Battle training cadre. He brings a lot of experience to the table, along with practical insight into where we are getting it right and where we could be doing it better.

We dig into hit-or-miss leadership and the toll it can take on morale, informal training and drills for busy departments, the lack of quality live fire training, and passion vs. competence.

But this is The Weekly Scrap, so you guys know how this works. The live audience and your big beautiful questions have a way of taking the conversation in directions we never planned.

Episode 369 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:

Snap-tite Hose

IdentiFire Safety — Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.

UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

My brother Nick Ledin steps in as special guest host, and I'm a little jealous as he got to sit down with Keith Stakes himself.

Nick has spent years digging into civilian rescue data as a contributor to the Firefighter Rescue Survey, helping bring real-world data from thousands of reported rescues into the conversation about search and what that information can teach us about the job.

Keith has been right in the middle of research that continues to shape our understanding of the modern fireground. Keith is a Principal Research Engineer with UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute and a fire protection engineer whose work focuses on fire service tactics, firefighter safety, and fireground operations.

Put these two together and buckle up. Listen in as they dig into NFPA 1700, the data surrounding search and rescue, and how research and real-world rescue data have impacted the fire service.

There is SO much information packed into this one.

Episode 368 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose - FireStation Furniture - and UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Larry Conley is on the Scrap, and what a great conversation.

Larry has served more than thirty years in the fire service, and he's spent much of that time teaching and mentoring other firefighters. Now retired, Larry continues to invest his time in making the fire service better.

If you've followed his work, heard him teach, or listened to The Larry Conley Show, you know there are plenty of directions this conversation can go.

Leadership. Training. The job. The people. And the lessons earned over more than three decades in the fire service.

We'll have a plan...

But the live audience usually has other ideas.

Episode 367 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose, IdentiFire Safety: Use code VIGILANCE to save 10% on any order, and the UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute. Visit a dedicated page just for Weekly Scrap listeners giving you access to one of the best firefighter research resources available - fsri.org/weeklyscrap

Chief Dan Shaw returns to The Weekly Scrap.

If you caught Dan's first appearance on Episode #243, you already know the conversation didn't disappoint. Now he's back, and we're ready to see where this one takes us.

With more than three decades in the fire service, including retiring as the Assistant Chief of Operations for the Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue, Chief Shaw now works with organizations across the country, helping develop leaders, strengthen culture, and challenge the way organizations think about leadership and organizational excellence.

If you've been around The Weekly Scrap for any length of time, you already know that we'll come in with a plan, but the live audiance may take us down some rabbit holes with thier beautiful questions. Some of the best moments happen when the conversation takes a turn no one expected, and that's exactly what makes these live shows so great.

Episode 366 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose, FireStation Furniture, and the UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute. For more on FSRI, visit the special page created just for Weekly Scrap listeners at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Dr. Candace Ashby returns to The Weekly Scrap for a conversation every firefighter needs to hear.

With over three decades in the fire service, a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership, and years of experience climbing through the ranks, Candace—currently serving as a Battalion Chief—has become a respected voice on leadership, accountability, and protecting the culture that makes this profession unlike any other.

We'll dive into what truly makes firefighting the greatest job on Earth, why that culture is worth fighting for, and how company officers and firefighters at every rank have the ability to shape the future of the fire service through their daily actions, conversations, and commitment to one another.

If you've ever wondered how we preserve what makes this profession special while continuing to grow as leaders, this conversation will challenge your perspective and leave you thinking long after it's over.

And because the live audience and their questions help make this show the absolute best.. we'll start with a plan, but where the conversation ends up is anyone's guess. Join us live, bring your questions, and be part of the discussion.

Episode 365 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose, IdentiFire Safety, and the Fire Safety Research Institute. For more on FSRI, visit the special page created just for Weekly Scrap listeners: fsri.org/weeklyscrap

Benjamin Martin is coming back to the Scrap, and we've got more to unpack than we'll have time to cover.

Benjamin started his career riding the jump seat of a busy urban engine company and recently retired as an Acting Battalion Chief after more than 23 years in the fire service.

Many of you know him through EmbraceTheResistance.com, his articles, podcast appearances, or his nationally recognized class, Intoxicated Leadership.

Over the last decade, he's challenged many of the assumptions inherited about leadership, helping firefighters at every rank recognize the hidden forces that shape culture, leadership, and performance... and what we can actually do about them.

Benjamin isn't afraid to go where a lot of leadership conversations stop. He's willing to talk about the mistakes, the burnout, the difficult conversations, the organizational politics, and the emotional weight that comes with trying to do right by your people. He believes credibility isn't built only on the fireground but rather around the kitchen table, in the hallway, and during the conversations most people would rather avoid.

If your ego's flammable... consider this your warning.

Some of the rabbit holes we hope to head down include why leaders shouldn't always eat last, why organizations push back against improvement, and why good people quietly stop caring.

As always, the live audience helps drive where this conversation goes. Some of my favorite episodes have taken unexpected turns because of the questions and comments coming from the chat.

Joined on this episode by Jerry Wells!

Jerry retired as a Battalion Chief from the Lewisville (TX) Fire Department after 35 years in the fire service. Throughout his career, he's taught firefighters across the country while challenging them to think differently about the profession.

We'll dive into some of the ideas that have shaped Jerry's career, including what "The Kitchen Table" really means, why every firefighter needs an equity stake in their department, the importance firehouse stories and kitchen table conversations have, how culture is built through ownership instead of obligation, and why Jerry believes firefighting is the ultimate team sport.

As always, the audience helps drive the conversation, so get your big, beautiful questions ready, and we'll gladly head down whatever rabbit hole the live chat takes us.

Episode 363 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-Tite Hose and IdentiFire Safety.

Stephen Runyan, aka Tommy Gunn, is coming back to The Scrap, and this one is going to be loaded... again!
With more than 20 years in the fire service, Stephen has dedicated his career to developing firefighters, challenging conventional thinking, and sharing the lessons he's learned from some of the best mentors in the profession.

A Georgia Smoke Diver, FDIC H.O.T. Class Specialist, Wichita Fire Department Hiring Coordinator, and Wichita HOT Board Member and Instructor, Stephen has become a respected instructor in the fire service, teaching firefighters across the country and helping shape the way many approach the job.

If you've seen Stephen teach or heard him speak before, you already know he isn't afraid to challenge the way we think. He deep dives into his peptide journey and explains where it started and what he has learned along the way. .. there is no shortage of great information.

As always, the audience helps drive the conversation, so get ready, as we head down whatever rabbit hole the live chat takes us.

Episode 362 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-Tite Hose and Fire Station Furniture.

Joined on this episode by my friend, the one and only Dana Larkin!

Dana currently serves as Battalion Chief with Camano Island Fire & Rescue, leading C-Shift while overseeing the department's training division. From starting as a volunteer in 2001 to becoming one of the driving forces behind firefighter development, Dana has spent years building firefighters, officers, and future leaders.

Beyond his department, Dana founded the Cascade F.O.O.L.S. chapter in 2019, served four years as Chapter President, and now serves as Treasurer for F.O.O.L.S. International. His passion for the fire service, leadership, and training has made him a respected voice across the country.

This conversation is going to be packed, so get your notebooks and pens ready! We'll be discussing what F.O.O.L.S. really stands for, why membership and getting involved matter, and why every firefighter should make it a priority to attend conferences and get outside of their own bubble. We'll also dive into the leadership epidemic of micromanagement, how to build leaders before you need them, why succession planning is often overlooked, and why so many organizations are focused on recruitment while neglecting retention. We'll also tackle how we may be unintentionally creating imposter syndrome in the academy, why hearing the same message from a different voice can completely change someone's perspective, how the Task–Tactic–Strategy model can help develop better officers, and why simply talking to people, sharing ideas, and learning from others can have such a profound impact on both your career and your department. If time allows, we'll also get into lessons Dana has learned from training hundreds of firefighters, leading live-fire instruction, developing cadets, and how his journey through F.O.O.L.S. changed the trajectory of both his career and his outlook on the fire service.

As always, the live audience helps drive the discussion, and we gladly head down whatever rabbit hole their questions take us.

Episode 361 made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-Tite Hose - IdentiFire - Flame Decon