
A Pre-FDIC Chat: Ladder Tactics, Constructive Criticism, and Leadership
From Fire Engineering Podcast Network by Fire Engineering Podcast
April 16, 2026 · 53 min · Episode 2271
About this episode
Hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka discuss high-stakes fireground decisions and the importance of constructive criticism and mentorship in firefighting.
Hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka break down high-stakes decisions on the fireground, planning ahead of FDIC, and window rescues on this episode of The Command Post. They discuss consoling a terrified, conscious victim, removal options, the importance of ladder selection and placement, using tower buckets, and when to radio for more resources. The hosts also call out "keyboard cowards" who attack firefighters online, and urge constructive critique, mentorship, and humility as way to learn more. This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/ This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/ Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-9EB04
People in this episode
Hosts: Rick Lasky, John Salka
Topics covered
- ladder tactics
- fireground decisions
- constructive criticism
- leadership
- window rescues
- mentorship
Keywords
- fireground
- ladder selection
- tower buckets
- resource management
- mentorship
- constructive critique
Sponsors
The Fire Store, Fire Facilities
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: FDIC
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