National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

As part of the ongoing HME Ahrens-Fox collaborative project highlighting the people and apparatus driving the future of the fire service, National Fire Radio's Jeremy Donch sat down with Greenwood Fire Department Battalion Chief Matt Shinkle to discuss leadership, growth, culture, and what it means to help shape a rapidly evolving department.With 27 years of service and the distinction of being Greenwood's longest-tenured career firefighter, Chief Shinkle offers a unique perspective on the department's transformation from a small, partially staffed organization into a thriving, fully career department serving one of Indiana's fastest-growing communities. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the importance of company officers, maintaining connection to the firefighters on the floor, and ensuring the next generation understands the sacrifices and hard work that built the department they serve today.Chief Shinkle shares candid thoughts on the transition from company officer to battalion chief, the challenges of staying connected after promotion, and why strong leaders must continue advocating for the firefighters riding the backstep. As Greenwood continues to expand with new stations, new apparatus, additional staffing, and a state-of-the-art training facility, he emphasizes the department's commitment to preparing young firefighters for long-term success while preserving the culture and traditions that have defined the organization for decades.The conversation also highlights the rewarding experience of watching firefighters develop, promote, and build careers of their own. For Chief Shinkle, leadership is measured not by rank, but by the impact left on the people who follow. As retirement slowly approaches, his focus remains on ensuring Greenwood Fire Department is positioned for continued growth and excellence long after his final shift.This episode is a powerful look at mentorship, leadership, organizational growth, and the responsibility of passing the torch to the next generation of firefighters.

Glenn Corbett returns to the National Fire Radio studio for a wide-ranging conversation on fire service history, building construction, and the lessons that continue to shape the modern fireground.Drawing from decades of experience as an educator, fire protection engineer, Fire Engineering editor, and steward of Brannigan's Building Construction for the Fire Service, Glenn explains why understanding the past remains one of the most important responsibilities of today's firefighters.Jeremy and Glenn discuss historic fires, building construction changes, lightweight materials, warehouse fire challenges, single-stairwell residential buildings, sprinkler system performance, and the growing influence of codes, regulations, and litigation on the fire service.Throughout the conversation, Glenn reinforces a simple but powerful message: history is not about nostalgia. History is about learning, adapting, and ensuring that hard-earned lessons are not forgotten.Whether you're a probie, company officer, chief officer, or fire service student, this episode delivers valuable insight into where we've been, where we're going, and why the fire service must continue to balance tradition with innovation.Key TopicsFire service history and why it mattersFrancis Brannigan's legacyBuilding construction educationLessons from historic line-of-duty death firesLightweight and modern construction concernsWarehouse and high-challenge commercial firesSingle-stairwell apartment building debateFirefighter safety and risk managementTradition versus innovationPreserving knowledge for the next generationNational Fire Radio — Conversations that preserve the culture, traditions, and lessons of the American fire service.