Navigating Generational Challenges in Fire Service | Dave Pethick

About this episode

Jennifer Darling and Dave Pethick discuss the generational challenges faced in the fire service, focusing on the dynamics between different age groups.

summary In this conversation, Jennifer Darling and Dave Pethick discuss the generational challenges faced in the fire service, focusing on the dynamics between different age groups, particularly millennials and Gen Z. They explore how these generational differences impact leadership, teamwork, and hiring practices. The discussion also highlights innovative approaches to recruitment and the importance of diversity in thought and experience within fire departments. The conversation emphasizes the need for mentorship and adapting to change while maintaining valuable traditions in the fire service. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of leadership styles across generations, particularly in the fire service. The speakers discuss the differences between transactional and transformational leadership, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and respect for individual strengths in managing a multi-generational workforce. They highlight the significance of engagement in learning, the impact of workplace culture, and the misconceptions surrounding work ethic among different generations. The discussion also touches on the challenges of bridging technological gaps and the…

People in this episode

Host: Jennifer Darling

Guest: Dave Pethick

Topics covered

• generational challenges
• fire service
• leadership styles
• teamwork
• recruitment
• mentorship
• workplace culture

Keywords

• fire service
• generational differences
• leadership
• mentorship
• workplace culture
• recruitment
• team dynamics

More episodes of A Duty To Act

• Empowering Women in Fire: Rachael Staebell · April 16, 2026 · 48 min
• Love in the Line of Duty: Bill and Rebecca Dane · October 22, 2025 · 1h 4m
• Shining a Light on First Responder Wellness | Conrad Weaver · October 8, 2025 · 1h 2m
• The Power of Shift Meals in First Responder Teams · September 18, 2025 · 1h 1m
• Michael Carunchio | The World's Okayest Medic · August 13, 2025 · 1h 8m
• Warren Olsen: A Legacy in Fire Safety · July 30, 2025 · 53 min