26. Legacy with David Rhodes on Firefighter Nation

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, Chief David Rhodes shares his extensive experience in the fire service, discussing his journey from a small municipal department to becoming the editor in chief of Fire Engineering. He emphasizes the importance of continuous training, innovation, and adapting to the changing landscape of firefighting. Chief Rhodes also highlights the role of FDIC in providing valuable education and training opportunities for firefighters, while addressing the challenges posed by budget constraints in fire departments. The conversation delves into the balance between knowledge and experience, and the need for firefighters to invest in their own training to stay effective in their roles. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the challenges and intricacies of firefighting tactics, the scrutiny faced from administration, and the importance of data in decision-making. He emphasizes the need for a balance between risk management and aggressive tactics in firefighting, while also addressing the cultural shifts within the fire service. Velez calls for active participation in shaping standards and training to improve the overall effectiveness and safety of firefighting operations.