Peter Matthews talks with Bill Niemann, who spent nearly two decades in the Prince William County, VA, Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Bureau. During that time, Niemann and his team relaunched the department’s arson investigation unit and logged many headline-making arson arrests.

Niemann provides insight into his 17-year assignment in the fire marshal’s bureau and the relaunch of their fire investigation unit, which they mostly built from scratch because there were no investigation standards or policies at the time. From attending the police academy to creating their own processes, Niemann and his small crew handled hundreds of arson fires annually.

He reflects on some close calls and big blazes during his time as a line firefighter and some of the most memorable and impactful fire investigations and making high-profile arrests and how a serial arson case led him to the end of his career.

Related links:

• Heavy Fire Showing

• Heavy Fire Showing Audio Book

Peter Matthews talks with Battalion Chief Grant Tinker about the normalization of deviance, often mistaken for complacency, and how deeper in the fire service and carries serious consequences.

In this episode the two discuss how it shows up in day-to-day habits at home or the fire service and can result in dangerous consequences. They talk about crew resource management, pioneered by the aviation industry and adopted by the fire service, and how aviation incidents have prompted headlines and questions about checks and balances in both industry and end-user operations.

Tinker shares real-world examples of the normalization of deviance and the need for accountability and hard discussions to prevent close calls.

Related links:

• Mile High Fire Conference

• Center for Public Safety Excellence

Peter Matthews talks with Jeremy Blair and Courtney Hull about a unique program that prepares high school seniors to become firefighters through Waukesha County Technical College in Wisconsin.

The two share how fire departments can better connect with Gen Z recruits by rethinking education and engagement through recruitment. Blair explains why today’s students want to feel part of something bigger and why teaching methods must evolve. Hull offers insight into adolescent brain development and why vulnerability-based trust is essential for building strong future firefighters.

Related links:

• Don’t Blame the Lettuce! Developing the Next Generation of First Responders
• Waukesha County Technical College: Fire and EMS Training Center
• Plugged In