Keeping firefighters safer with robotic fireground support

In this episode of the FSJA Leaders in Fire & Safety Podcast, host Duncan J. White is joined by Chief John Pope, Fire Chief of the City of Collins Fire Department in Mississippi, Ron Lemons, Sales Manager at Howe & Howe, a Textron company, and Captain Richard Diede, Los Angeles City Fire Captain and Heavy Equipment Supervisor, to discuss the use of robotic systems in frontline firefighting operations.

The conversation focuses on the Thermite RS3, a remotely operated firefighting vehicle designed to support crews in high-risk environments by applying water, moving debris and helping departments manage incidents from a safer distance. Drawing on operational experience from Los Angeles and Collins, the guests discuss how robotics can support firefighter safety, reduce physical strain during long-duration incidents and provide another tactical option at commercial fires, industrial sites and hazardous situations where direct access is limited.