What Does the Future of the Fire Service Look Like?
From Fire Engineering Podcast Network by Fire Engineering Podcast
April 27, 2026 · 1h 27m · Episode 2274
About this episode
The episode discusses the future of the fire service, emphasizing the importance of human elements over technology and the value of storytelling and coaching.
On this episode of The Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer welcome Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy to reflect on careers, camaraderie, and the future of the fire service. The hosts discuss volunteer pride and why the firehouse remains a unique hub of both trust and service. They debate technology's role in the future of fire service, arguing that it should not be used in decision making on the fireground. They also highlight the value in human storytelling, fallen colleagues, and why hands-on coaching is so important. The panel warns against social media fame, online criticism, and the dangers of surface-level expertise. 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: Ron Kanterman, Tom Aurnhammer
Guests: Anthony Avillo, Jim Duffy
Topics covered
- future of fire service
- technology in firefighting
- volunteer pride
- human storytelling
- coaching in fire service
- social media impact
Keywords
- fire service
- technology
- volunteer
- storytelling
- coaching
- social media
- expertise
Sponsors
The Fire Store, Fire Facilities
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