A Pre-FDIC Chat: Ladder Tactics, Constructive Criticism, and Leadership

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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