The Firefighter After Action Review Podcast series is another of the NFFF’s initiatives dedicated to ensuring no firefighter who dies in the line of duty is forgotten.
The series selects a line-of-duty death from the past, and visits with the fire department to find out what occurred during the event; who the firefighters were as people; and what the fire department has done to prevent a future occurrence and/or how they honor and remember their fallen.
This episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast honored the two Los Angeles County wildland firefighters, Arthur Ruka and Christopher Herman, who died in the line of duty while battling the Glen Allen Fire on August 20, 1993.
In this episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast, Kansas City Fire Department leaders—including Chief of Department Ross Grunden, Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins, Chief Ted Henry, and Retired Firefighter John Sirna —reflect on the 2015 line-of-duty deaths of firefighters Larry Leggio and John Mesh during a structure fire on Independence Avenue.
In this episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast, Kansas City Fire Department leaders—including Chief of Department Ross Grunden, Chief Ted Henry, and Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins, and Retired Firefighter John Sirna recall the 1988 Highway 71 explosion that killed 6 firefighters, and the more recent 2015 incident that claimed 2 more lives. This discussion covers the details of the 1988 incident, how it impacted the department and led to the creation of the KCFD's hazmat response capabilities, as well as the lasting legacy of these tragic events.
In this episode of the Firefighter After Action Review Podcast, Kansas City Fire Department leaders—including Chief of Department Ross Grunden, Battalion Chief Ted Henry, and Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins—reflect on the 1959 Southwest Boulevard Fire that claimed the lives of five firefighters. Retired Firefighter John Sirna, the grandson of one of the fallen, shares how the tragedy shaped his family, his career, and the deep bonds within the fire service. Together, they explore how the incident led to lasting changes in tactics, equipment, and remembrance.
In this episode of the After Action Review Podcast: Kansas City, Fire Chief Ross Grundyson and Battalion Chief Mike Hopkins of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department share historical context and insight into three tragic incidents—and reflect on how each one shaped their department and influenced the broader fire service.
This two-part podcast features Fire Chief Brian McDermott of today’s Paterson Fire Department. The interview revealed several interesting points, including Paterson's unique approach to the rehabilitation of vacant and abandoned buildings.