WFD Ops Talk
Ops Talk - Real conversations about fire department operations, tactics, and the people doing the work. Hosted by Westminster Fire Department Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger, featuring firefighters, officers, and subject matter experts from inside and outside the organization.
Each month, we explore the challenges facing modern fire service operations - from evolving tactics like electric vehicle fires and hazmat response, to position profiles that go beyond the job description, to lessons learned from real incidents and deployments. We discuss leadership, team building, specialty teams, and the expertise that makes great firefighters even better.
Whether you're a firefighter looking to grow professionally, aspiring to promote, or simply interested in emergency operations, these honest conversations offer practical insights you can use. Think of it as pulling up a chair at the kitchen table - real discussions about the work we do and how we can all learn from each other.
New episodes monthly, with occasional bonus content on timely topics.
Questions or topic suggestions? Email opstalk.wfd@gmail.com
Episodes
13 episodes
Fire Department Water Rescue | Stillwater, Swiftwater, Ice Rescue & Beyond: Alec Shogan
Episode Description:In this episode, Eric Linnenburger dives into the world of water rescue with Alec Shogan, a fire medic and water rescue coordinator, highlighting the unique challenges and advancements within the fire service's water res...
Bonus Episode | Preparing for Large Events: Lessons from a First-Due Apartment Fire with Rescues
This episode is best consumed on YouTube via the Ops Talk channel for the full experience and video footage. Find it here: https://youtu.be/8yr0wwNE7g8This bonus episode shares a presentation that was given at a regional officer developm...
Fire Service EMS | Building a High-Performance Culture: EMS Chief Chad Christian
OpsTalk Podcast - Fire Department EMSHost: Deputy Chief Eric LinnenburgerGuest: Westminster Fire Department EMS Chief Chad ChristianEpisode OverviewIn this episode of the OpsTalk Podcast, host Eric Linnenburger speaks with E...
Fire Service Administrative Leadership | Project Command Crossover - Eric Linnenburger
In this crossover episode of Ops Talk, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger is interviewed by Peter Younes, on the Project Command Podcast. He shares his extensive journey in the fire service, spanning over 25 years. He discusses his transition from ...
Fire Department Project Management | Taking Ideas to Action - Peter Younes
In this episode of Ops Talk, Eric Linnenburger interviews Captain Peter Younes, a Henrico County Fire Captain, project management professional, and host of the Project Command Podcast. They discuss the importance of effective fire service proje...
The Fire Lieutenant | Leadership, Responsibility & the Right Front Seat - Part 2
OpsTalk – Fire Lieutenant Profile: Part TwoHost: Deputy Chief Eric LinnenburgerGuests: Lt. Nolan Bailey, Lt. Sam De Craen, Lt. Greg ScharEpisode OverviewIn Part 2 of this conversation, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger continue...
The Fire Lieutenant | Leadership, Responsibility & the Right Front Seat
Host: Deputy Chief Eric LinnenburgerGuests: Lt. Nolan Bailey, Lt. Sam De Craen, Lt. Greg ScharEpisode OverviewIn Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger sits down with three fire lieutenants at very ...
Fire Officer Development with Chief Kris Blume
SummaryIn this episode of Ops Talk, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger sits down with Fire Chief Kris Blume, author of "Carry the Fire: The Crucible of Leadership in the Fire Service." They discuss officer development, mission-driven culture...
Urban Search and Rescue - Scott Wilmes and Bryce Nilsson
In this episode of the OpsTalk podcast, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger interviews members of the Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team, WFD Captain Scott Wilmes and WFD Engineer Bryce Nilsson. They discuss the motivations behind joining US&am...
Navigating the Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Challenge - David Varney and Luke Gearhard
SummaryIn this episode of the OpsTalk podcast, host Eric Linnenburger discusses the emerging challenges of battery fires, particularly those involving electric vehicles (EVs) and lithium-ion batteries, with Battalion Chiefs David Varney and...
Hazmat, Organizational Involvement...and more - Ryan Meigel
In this episode of Ops Talk, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger and Lieutenant Ryan Meigel discuss the importance of the Hazmat team within the fire service, emphasizing leadership, motivation, and the value of involvement at both local and nationa...