Leadership Under Fire

11/07/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Principled Leadership with LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes, USMCR“

We’re joined today by LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes, USMCR. Kip is a Naval Aviator by trade and has also served in several key billets with ground combat units. After transitioning to the private sector ten years ago, he built a successful career in the hardware and software technology industry while continuing to serve in the Marine Reserves. He and his wife are raising five children, and he also serves as an elder in his church.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

Click here to listen now:

We’re joined today by LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes, USMCR. Kip is a Naval Aviator by trade and has also served in several key billets with ground combat units. After transitioning to the private sector ten years ago, he built a successful career in the hardware and software technology industry wh...

10/29/2025

The Leadership Under Fire Team is excited to announce that registration for the 2026 Human Performance-Centered Fireground Command and Control Course has opened. This resident course provides leaders in-depth exposure to human performance-centered philosophies, practices, and strategies which have proven most effective at fires and emergencies of consequence.
•••
The retreat course will be held Monday evening of February 16th through early afternoon Thursday February 19th in a communal setting in scenic Western Maryland. The curriculum for the LUF Command and Control Course is most appropriate for current fireground commanders and those preparing to serve as chief officers in the near future.
•••
The cadre for the 2026 course will include:
■ Jason Brezler, LUF Founder
■ DC Eric Nurnberg, Iowa City (Ret.)
■ DC Jeff Facinelli, FDNY
■ BC Mike Rudasill, Baltimore City
■ BC Brian McNulty, Milwaukee
■ BC Dan Saalfrank, FDNY
■ CWO5 Jim Rousell, Chicago PD (Ret.) & USMC (Ret.)
•••
https://web.cvent.com/event/7f27809b-afbb-48e5-822b-f2faa775c1f9/summary

10/24/2025

NEW EPISODE: “The Humble Professional with FF Mike Conicelli FDNY“

Our guest today is Firefighter Mike Conicelli from Engine 301 in Hollis, Queens. Mike is a 21-year veteran of the FDNY whose contributions extend beyond the firehouse—from training new engine chauffeurs to his involvement in the MPI program and more. In addition to his fire service, Mike has long been part of the NYC bar scene and is an active practitioner of jiu-jitsu.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

Click here to listen now:

Our guest today is Firefighter Mike Conicelli from Engine 301 in Hollis, Queens. Mike is a 21-year veteran of the FDNY whose contributions extend beyond the firehouse—from training new engine chauffeurs to his involvement in the MPI program and more. In addition to his fire service, Mike has long ...

10/09/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Leadership, Longevity and a Love for the Job with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch BCFD (Ret.)“

Today’s episode was recorded during a fireside chat at the week-long LUF Summit with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Captain Andrew Whitehead sits down with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch to discuss his remarkable and wide-ranging career in the fire service.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

Click here to listen now:

Today’s episode was recorded during a fireside chat at the week-long LUF Summit with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Captain Andrew Whitehead sits down with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch to discuss his remarkable and wide-ranging career in the fire service.

09/25/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Build Talent as Soon as You Can with Captain Tim Buchenroth Lexington, KY FD“

Today’s guest is Captain Tim Buchenroth, a 13-year veteran of the Lexington Fire Department in Lexington, Kentucky. Tim has been an active member of the LUF network since attending the team’s Columbus, Ohio, event in 2017. He is also a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and currently resides in Kentucky with his family.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

Click here to listen now:

09/16/2025

NEW EPISODE: “That’s The Way Out with Deputy Chief Jay Jonas FDNY (Ret)“

Members of the LUF team recently had the honor on interviewing Deputy Chief Jay Jonas.

He was appointed to the New York City Fire Department on November 24, 1979. After graduating from probie school, he was first assigned to Engine Company 46 in the Bronx. He then crossed the floor to Ladder 27, where he honed his craft at the “Cross Bronx Express.” Seeking broader knowledge and experience, he transferred to Rescue Company 3, responding to some of the Bronx’s most challenging fires and emergencies.

Deputy Chief Jonas was later promoted to Lieutenant, serving with Ladder 11 on the Lower East Side. He then rose to the rank of Captain and was assigned to Ladder 6, where he served as company commander on September 11, 2001. Just one week after 9/11, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to the 2nd Battalion.

In 2007, he achieved the rank of Deputy Chief in the 7th Division, where he continued his distinguished service until his retirement on July 9, 2022, marking the close of a remarkable 42-year career with the FDNY.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

Click here to listen now:

Today we have the great honor of welcoming Deputy Chief Jay Jonas. He was appointed to the New York City Fire Department on November 24, 1979. After graduating from probie school, he was first assigned to Engine Company 46 in the Bronx. He then crossed the floor to Ladder 27, where he honed his craf...

09/13/2025

Tickets are $50, and payments to the raffle should be made via Venmo to -1, which can also be accessed from the QR code provided in the photo. Provide a full name and phone number when purchasing. The winner will be announced on Monday, September 22nd. You do not have to be present to receive the prize. Thank you for your continued support! https://venmo.com/u/FightforFirefighters-1

09/11/2025

Twenty four years ago this evening, thousands of ordinary Americans had no idea that they were only hours away from facing the unimaginable. We will never forget their extraordinary courage and the sacrifice that so many made. Credit: AMNY.

09/10/2025

Registration is still open for our LUF Online Leadership Development Course For and By Emerging Leaders, which is uniquely built around the perspectives of emerging leaders with 5-10 years of job time from several different departments.
•••
It includes 8 modules of instruction, discussion and collaboration designed for leaders of all ranks and experience (inclusive of senior leaders) who are committed to preparing their young firefighters, units, and departments to gain and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly challenging operational environment.
•••
The course group will meet via a web platform on Thursday evenings (1930-2130 EST) during the semester (October 16 - December 11, 2025). The sessions will be recorded and all registrants will have access to the sessions.
•••
Course themes include: Enhancing tactical and human performance; Embracing tradition while challenging the status quo; Effectively learning from mistakes; Building an actionable leadership and performance file cabinet; Developing a leadership and performance philosophy that aligns with unit culture, and more.
•••
The LUF Advisory Team includes:
■ Jason Brezler, LUF Founder
■ Sean Kelly McCauley, Philadelphia FD
■ Deondre Smalls, Camden (NJ) FD
■ Max Devane, FDNY
■ Shaun Ferguson, Cherry Hill (NJ) FD
■ Rob Velazquez, FDNY
■ Trevor Meador, Frederick Co.
■ Joanne Mariano, FDNY
■ Tom Miller, FDNY
■ Tom Flores, Camden (NJ) FD
■ Charles Laudenslager, FDNY
■ Josh Krueger, Milwaukee FD
•••
Registration is LIMITED to 20 leaders.

https://web.cvent.com/event/82c79131-a11b-4f63-8daf-651c2decb3ab/summary?fbclid=IwY2xjawMuis9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqUzk2eENWODYxNFkxeWsxAR4hM7dDkBQy16Cq-Ul2R7vcXZXAOpAZk5OmfGFtYPzWSEpnWKN0bcGAvDTqDQ_aem_YvsCe6UFsorNGwWVxr2Myg

08/11/2025

UPDATE: Please note our upcoming Fall 2025 Online Leadership Development Course for and by Emerging Leaders will take place on THURSDAYS, not TUESDAYS. We apologize for the confusion, and we look forward to seeing you then! Thank you.

08/06/2025

Registration is now open for our LUF Online Leadership Development Course For and By Emerging Leaders, which is uniquely built around the perspectives of emerging leaders with 5-10 years of job time from several different departments.
•••
It includes 8 modules of instruction, discussion and collaboration designed for leaders of all ranks and experience (inclusive of senior leaders) who are committed to preparing their young firefighters, units, and departments to gain and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly challenging operational environment.
•••
The course group will meet via a web platform on Thursday evenings (1930-2130 EST) during the semester (October 16 - December 11, 2025). The sessions will be recorded and all registrants will have access to the sessions.
•••
Course themes include: Enhancing tactical and human performance; Embracing tradition while challenging the status quo; Effectively learning from mistakes; Building an actionable leadership and performance file cabinet; Developing a leadership and performance philosophy that aligns with unit culture, and more.
•••
The LUF Advisory Team includes:
■ Jason Brezler, LUF Founder
■ Sean Kelly McCauley, Philadelphia FD
■ Deondre Smalls, Camden (NJ) FD
■ Max Devane, FDNY
■ Shaun Ferguson, Cherry Hill (NJ) FD
■ Rob Velazquez, FDNY
■ Trevor Meador, Frederick Co.
■ Joanne Mariano, FDNY
■ Tom Miller, FDNY
■ Tom Flores, Camden (NJ) FD
■ Charles Laudenslager, FDNY
■ Josh Krueger, Milwaukee FD
•••
Registration is LIMITED to 20 leaders.

https://web.cvent.com/event/82c79131-a11b-4f63-8daf-651c2decb3ab/summary

07/03/2025