WFD Ops Talk
The people, the work, and the ideas driving the fire service forward.
Ops Talk is hosted by Eric Linnenburger, Deputy Chief of Operations at Westminster Fire Department. We profile the people doing the work and discuss the ideas driving the fire service forward.
We sit down with firefighters, officers, specialty teams, and outside voices to cover position profiles that go beyond the job description, leadership at every level, lessons learned from real incidents, and the progressive thinking shaping the industry's future.
Whether you're a firefighter looking to grow professionally, aspiring for leadership, or simply interested in what makes a fire department operate, these honest conversations offer practical insights you can use.
Questions or topic suggestions? Email opstalk.wfd@gmail.com
*Ops Talk is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Always follow your department's procedures and guidelines.
Episodes
15 episodes
Firefighter Sleep & Shift Schedules | Data, Wearables & Driving Real Change: Asst. Chief Mike Binney
Episode DescriptionDiscover how fire service innovations in sleep research and wearable technology are transforming health outcomes and operational effectiveness. Assistant Chief Mike Binney shares insights from his groundbreaking resea...
Fire Captain | Leadership, Influence, & Bridging the Organization: Samuel Pendleton & Jake Lieser
In this episode of Ops Talk, Eric Linnenburger sits down with Westminster Fire Department leaders, Captain Samuel Pendleton and Battalion Chief Jake Lieser, to profile the fire captain position. With over two decades of experience each and care...
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...