The people, the work, and the ideas driving the fire service forward.
Ops Talk is hosted by Eric Linnenburger, Deputy Chief of Operations at Westminster Fire Department. We profile the people doing the work and discuss the ideas driving the fire service forward.
We sit down with firefighters, officers, specialty teams, and outside voices to cover position profiles that go beyond the job description, leadership at every level, lessons learned from real incidents, and the progressive thinking shaping the industry's future.
Whether you're a firefighter looking to grow professionally, aspiring for leadership, or simply interested in what makes a fire department operate, these honest conversations offer practical insights you can use.
Questions or topic suggestions? Email opstalk.wfd@gmail.com
*Ops Talk is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Always follow your department's procedures and guidelines.
The New Fire Officer | What It Takes to Lead in Today's Fire Service: Chief Jason Hoevelmann
In this episode, Jason Hoevelmann shares insights on leadership, the importance of humility, developing company officers, and adapting to rapid changes in the fire service. Discover practical strategies for building resilient teams and fostering a positive organizational culture. Key Topics: The importance of humility in leadership Developing effective company officers The impact of emotional intelligence on team performance Strategies for community engagement and relationship building Adap...
1 Sept 2026
Company Officer - the Fire Department Leverage Point | The Research
Eric Linnenburger shares a virtual presentation delivered to a Fire Department’s officer development class, focused on leadership development during rapid organizational growth. He argues that company officers are the most influential role in a fire department because they shape safety, culture, training, retention, and public trust every day. In this episode, Eric combines his research from NIOSH line-of-duty death reports with interviews from 10 fire service leaders across the country to s...
4 Aug 2026
Fire Service Innovation | Leadership, Breaking Barriers & Building Perimeter: Bailey Farren
In this episode of Ops Talk, Eric Linnenburger interviews Bailey Farren, founder and CEO of Perimeter, a groundbreaking platform designed to enhance coordination and information sharing during emergencies. At just 22, Bailey's innovative approach is transforming public safety responses—she shares her journey from growing up in a first responder family to building a company that bridges critical information gaps in fire and disaster response. Main Topics: •Bailey’s early life and how her upbr...
7 Jul 2026
Firefighter Sleep & Shift Schedules | Data, Wearables & Driving Real Change: Asst. Chief Mike Binney
Episode Description Discover how fire service innovations in sleep research and wearable technology are transforming health outcomes and operational effectiveness. Assistant Chief Mike Binney shares insights from his groundbreaking research that led to policy changes and changes to shift start times. Key Topics The journey from firefighter to researcher, blending data science with fire service realities The comprehensive sleep study at Yale and its implications for responder health ...
2 Jun 2026
Fire Captain | Leadership, Influence, & Bridging the Organization: Samuel Pendleton & Jake Lieser
In this episode of Ops Talk, Eric Linnenburger sits down with Westminster Fire Department leaders, Captain Samuel Pendleton and Battalion Chief Jake Lieser, to profile the fire captain position. With over two decades of experience each and careers that have evolved side by side, Sam and Jake bring unique perspectives on what separates the captain from the lieutenant, the leadership challenges of the role, and how captains bridge the gap between line personnel and the chief's office. The conv...
7 Apr 2026
Fire Department Water Rescue | Stillwater, Swiftwater, Ice Rescue & Beyond: Alec Shogan
Episode Description: In this episode, Eric Linnenburger dives into the world of water rescue with Alec Shogan, a fire medic and water rescue coordinator, highlighting the unique challenges and advancements within the fire service's water rescue programs. Discover how a small department like the Westminster Fire Department manages specialized operations like swift water, ice rescue, and even wildfire responses using boats and cutting-edge technology. #FireService #WaterRescue #SwiftWater #Ice...
15 Mar 2026
Bonus Episode | Preparing for Large Events: Lessons from a First-Due Apartment Fire with Rescues
This episode is best consumed on YouTube via the Ops Talk channel for the full experience and video footage. Find it here: https://youtu.be/8yr0wwNE7g8 This bonus episode shares a presentation that was given at a regional officer development class on a challenging apartment fire response, highlighting critical lessons for first-due officers, incident management, and preparedness. Whether you're on the fireground or leading crews, these insights aim to improve your response strategies and deci...
3 Mar 2026
Fire Service EMS | Building a High-Performance Culture: EMS Chief Chad Christian
OpsTalk Podcast - Fire Department EMS Host: Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger Guest: Westminster Fire Department EMS Chief Chad Christian Episode Overview In this episode of the OpsTalk Podcast, host Eric Linnenburger speaks with EMS Chief Chad Christian about the remarkable achievements of the Westminster Fire Department EMS section in 2025, including a 200% increase in cardiac arrest ROSC rates. They discuss the importance of high-quality CPR, the integration of new equipment, and the critica...
3 Feb 2026
Fire Service Administrative Leadership | Project Command Crossover - Eric Linnenburger
In this crossover episode of Ops Talk, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger is interviewed by Peter Younes, on the Project Command Podcast. He shares his extensive journey in the fire service, spanning over 25 years. He discusses his transition from line officer to deputy chief, emphasizing the challenges and growth opportunities that come with moving into administration. Eric highlights the importance of leadership, officer development, and the need for effective communication within the fire serv...
20 Jan 2026
Fire Department Project Management | Taking Ideas to Action - Peter Younes
In this episode of Ops Talk, Eric Linnenburger interviews Captain Peter Younes, a Henrico County Fire Captain, project management professional, and host of the Project Command Podcast. They discuss the importance of effective fire service project management, the challenges of implementing projects in operations, and the role of technology and AI in enhancing fire department efficiency. Peter shares his journey in the fire service, the significance of understanding project management principle...
6 Jan 2026
The Fire Lieutenant | Leadership, Responsibility & the Right Front Seat - Part 2
OpsTalk – Fire Lieutenant Profile: Part Two Host: Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger Guests: Lt. Nolan Bailey, Lt. Sam De Craen, Lt. Greg Schar Episode Overview In Part 2 of this conversation, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger continues the discussion with three fire lieutenants, focusing on mentorship, leadership development, and preparation for promotion. This episode goes beyond checklists and test prep, exploring the human side of the job. The panel shares strategies for self-reflection, build...
16 Dec 2025
The Fire Lieutenant | Leadership, Responsibility & the Right Front Seat
Host: Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger Guests: Lt. Nolan Bailey, Lt. Sam De Craen, Lt. Greg Schar Episode Overview In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger sits down with three fire lieutenants at very different stages of their careers to unpack what the fire lieutenant position really looks like today. This episode goes beyond job descriptions and promotional checklists. Through personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and candid discussion, the panel explores ho...
2 Dec 2025
Fire Officer Development with Chief Kris Blume
Summary In this episode of Ops Talk, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger sits down with Fire Chief Kris Blume, author of "Carry the Fire: The Crucible of Leadership in the Fire Service." They discuss officer development, mission-driven culture, and the critical difference between command presence and command resonance. Chief Blume shares insights on accountability done right, leading with authenticity, his journey to fire chief, and how to stay connected to your purpose and the people you serve. E...
18 Nov 2025
Urban Search and Rescue - Scott Wilmes and Bryce Nilsson
In this episode of the OpsTalk podcast, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger interviews members of the Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team, WFD Captain Scott Wilmes and WFD Engineer Bryce Nilsson. They discuss the motivations behind joining US&R, the various roles and responsibilities within the team, and the logistics of rapid deployment during disasters. The conversation highlights the importance of training, the impact of deployments on personal lives, and the support systems in place fo...
6 Nov 2025
Navigating the Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Challenge - David Varney and Luke Gearhard
Summary In this episode of the OpsTalk podcast, host Eric Linnenburger discusses the emerging challenges of battery fires, particularly those involving electric vehicles (EVs) and lithium-ion batteries, with Battalion Chiefs David Varney and Luke Gearhard. The conversation covers the development of policies for handling these incidents, the importance of education and adaptability in firefighting tactics, and the need for collaboration among fire departments. The chiefs share insights from th...
6 Nov 2025
Trailer Episode
Welcome to Ops Talk, Westminster Fire Department's operational training podcast. We're here to have real conversations about fire department operations, tactics, and the people doing the work. Hosted by Deputy Chief of Operations Eric Linnenburger, each episode features firefighters, officers, and subject matter experts from within and outside the organization, discussing what truly matters on the front lines. What you'll find here: -Tactical discussions on evolving challenges like EV fires...
6 Nov 2025
Hazmat, Organizational Involvement...and more - Ryan Meigel
In this episode of Ops Talk, Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger and Lieutenant Ryan Meigel discuss the importance of the Hazmat team within the fire service, emphasizing leadership, motivation, and the value of involvement at both local and national levels. They explore the role of company officers in the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the significance of mentorship, and the need for collaboration in emergency responses. The conversation highlights practical takeaways for first ...
6 Nov 2025
Welcome to OpsTalk
Welcome to the very first episode of Ops Talk! Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger introduces Westminster Fire Department's new operational training podcast and explains why we're creating this platform. In this episode, we discuss: The primary goal is to provide a training and information-sharing mechanism for those moving the needle in a positive direction across the fire service. Creating a platform for productive conversations about big ideas and making them actionable. How we'll share hone...
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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