464. From Company to Command - Sean Eagen

About this episode

Sean Eagen discusses his transition from company officer to battalion chief and the challenges of leadership in the fire service.

Jeremy catches up with longtime friend Sean Eagen of the Buffalo Fire Department as he discusses his transition from longtime company officer to battalion chief after nearly 30 years on the job. Sean shares what it has been like stepping away from the truck company environment and adjusting to the responsibilities that come with the chief’s position. The conversation focuses on leadership, decision making, mentoring firefighters, and learning how to manage an entire battalion instead of a single crew. Jeremy and Sean also break down a major multi alarm fire that occurred early in Sean’s time as a battalion chief. Sean talks through the operational challenges, accountability, and the thought process behind command decisions during a rapidly evolving incident. The episode also touches on firefighter wellness, sleep deprivation, the long term effects of shift work, and how the fire service impacts members over the course of a career. Sean offers honest perspective on balancing leadership responsibilities while still trying to support and advocate for firefighters on the street. This episode is a candid conversation about leadership, experience, personal growth, and the realities of…

People in this episode

Host: Jeremy

Guest: Sean Eagen

Topics covered

• leadership
• firefighter wellness
• transition to chief officer
• mentoring
• decision making
• operational challenges

Keywords

• battalion chief
• fire service
• multi alarm fire
• accountability
• shift work
• personal growth
• mentoring firefighters

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Buffalo Fire Department

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