About this episode

Nick Papa discusses leadership challenges and evolution in the modern fire service.

In this episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast, Jeremy Donch sits down with Deputy Chief Nick Papa for a deep and honest conversation about leadership, culture, training, accountability, and the evolution of the modern fire service. What starts as a discussion about social media and intentionality quickly turns into a powerful breakdown of the realities of leadership in today’s firehouse. Nick shares his unconventional journey from company officer to administrative captain, training captain, and now shift commander, offering real insight into the challenges of transitioning from tactical firefighter to strategic leader. He opens up about mistakes made along the way, including a training initiative rollout that missed the mark, and how humility, communication, and emotional intelligence helped him course correct and rebuild trust with his people. The conversation dives heavily into mentorship, generational divides in the fire service, and why younger firefighters crave purpose, buy-in, and meaningful leadership. Jeremy and Nick discuss balancing old-school accountability with modern leadership approaches, emphasizing that core values and standards cannot be compromised, but…

People in this episode

Host: Jeremy Donch

Guest: Nick Papa

Topics covered

• leadership
• fire service
• mentorship
• training
• accountability
• emotional intelligence

Keywords

• leadership
• fire service
• mentorship
• training
• accountability
• emotional intelligence
• generational divides

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Coordinating Ventilation Supporting Extinguishment and Survivability – Second Edition

More episodes of National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

• Ch 118. Zero Visibility · June 1, 2026 · 9 min
• 469. Building a Young Fire Department the Right Way - AC Brad Coy · May 28, 2026 · 21 min
• Re-Run Chapter 42. Green Beret Jay Collins · May 25, 2026 · 1h 12m
• 468. Balancing Tradition with Innovation - Greenwood Fire Department, Chief Jayme Washel · May 22, 2026 · 35 min
• 467. False Wisdom - DJ Stone · May 20, 2026 · 1h 27m
• Ch 117 Listener Questions with Jeremy · May 18, 2026 · 25 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the National Fire Radio Podcast Platform podcast page.