Secrets of Success for the Next Generation

Fire Engineering Podcast Network · Mar 23, 2026 · 57m

How often do you think about leaving the fire department better than you found it and setting the next generation up for success? In this episode of Talkin' Tactics, hosts David Polikoff and Sam Villani welcome Frank Ricci, a retired battalion chief from the New Haven (CT) Fire Department to talk about these important topics. They discuss recruitment and academy culture, why early leadership training matters, and how realistic, stressful drills build the muscle memory crews need on the fireground. The discussion contrasts career and volunteer models, suggests swap programs and targeted…