Shows
WFD Ops TalkFire Service Administrative Leadership | Project Command Crossover - Eric LinnenburgerIn 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 service. He also delves into his recent article on the transition from fire ground to front office, shedding light on the cultural shifts and skill sets required...
2026-02-031h 15
WFD Ops TalkFire Department Project Management | Taking Ideas to Action - Peter YounesIn 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 principles, and the common pitfalls that can derail projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for foundational skills and proactive learning to adapt to the evolving demands of the fire...
2026-01-201h 03WFD Ops TalkThe Fire Lieutenant | Leadership, Responsibility & the Right Front Seat - Part 2OpsTalk – Fire Lieutenant Profile: Part TwoHost: Deputy Chief Eric LinnenburgerGuests: Lt. Nolan Bailey, Lt. Sam De Craen, Lt. Greg ScharEpisode OverviewIn 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, building relationships, adapting leadership styles, and leveraging everyday opportunities to grow as a company officer.Listeners will hear why preparation fo...
2026-01-0643 minWFD Ops TalkThe Fire Lieutenant | Leadership, Responsibility & the Right Front SeatHost: Deputy Chief Eric LinnenburgerGuests: Lt. Nolan Bailey, Lt. Sam De Craen, Lt. Greg ScharEpisode OverviewIn 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 how lieutenants build trust, lead experienced crews, navigate people problems, and balance operational decision-making with the human side of the job.
2025-12-161h 13WFD Ops TalkFire Officer Development with Chief Kris BlumeSummaryIn 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. Essential listening for current and aspiring fire service leaders.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership in F...
2025-12-021h 18
Project CommandChief Eric Linnenburger: The Challenges of Moving From Ops to Admin.In this episode of Project Command I sit down with Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger for a candid conversation about the leap from operations to administration and everything that comes with it. We talk about the real challenges officers face when they move behind the desk, how to build credibility in an administrative role, and the habits that keep leaders connected to the crews doing the work. Chief Linnenburger shares practical lessons from major administrative projects, insights on communicating with teams across the organization, and the mindset that turns administrative assignments into career accelerators instead of career detours. We also...
2025-11-211h 16Project CommandChief Eric Linnenburger: The Challenges of Moving From Ops to Admin.In this episode of Project Command I sit down with Deputy Chief Eric Linnenburger for a candid conversation about the leap from operations to administration and everything that comes with it. We talk about the real challenges officers face when they move behind the desk, how to build credibility in an administrative role, and the habits that keep leaders connected to the crews doing the work. Chief Linnenburger shares practical lessons from major administrative projects, insights on communicating with teams across the organization, and the mindset that turns administrative assignments into career accelerators instead of career detours. We also...
2025-11-211h 16WFD Ops TalkUrban Search and Rescue - Scott Wilmes and Bryce NilssonIn 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 for team members and their families. They also share insights from a recent deployment in Texas, emphasizing the value of teamwork and community support...
2025-11-181h 02WFD Ops TalkWelcome to OpsTalkWelcome 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 honest and vulnerable lessons that help navigate ever-changing, complex environments.The show focuses on topics relevant to...
2025-11-0606 minWFD Ops TalkNavigating the Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Challenge - David Varney and Luke GearhardSummaryIn 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 their experiences, including case studies of recent EV fires, and emphasize the importance of safety protocols, proper equipment, and ongoing training for firefighters.Takeaways-Battery fires...
2025-11-061h 26WFD Ops TalkHazmat, Organizational Involvement...and more - Ryan MeigelIn 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 responders and encourages younger generations to engage in specialty teams and training opportunities.Takeaways-Hazmat plays a crucial role in everyday fire service...
2025-11-0657 minWFD Ops TalkTrailer EpisodeWelcome 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, hazmat response, and technical rescue-Position and specialty team profiles that go beyond the job description-Lessons learned from real incidents...
2025-11-0600 min
Better Every ShiftExtra Alarm: ‘I will stay connected to the members’ -- a challenging goal for newly promoted leadersThis week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Eric Linnenburger, who focuses on the importance of genuine connection for newly promoted fire service leaders. Linnenburger identifies the challenges leaders face in maintaining a meaningful connection with their teams, backed by What Firefighters Want survey data that reveals a significant disconnect between fire chiefs and line personnel. The chief also shares practical recommendations for building trust and enhancing relationships within the team, emphasizing the necessity of human skills and leading by example rather than from behind a desk.
[Note: The What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey is...
2025-01-2811 min
Better Every Shift‘The most jarring transition’: Making the move from line to admin“It all happened really, really fast,” recalls Eric Linnenburger, who learned while working a 48-hour shift on a Friday that he had been chosen as interim deputy chief of operations, starting Monday. Linnenburger, who had been a battalion chief in Westminster, Colorado, for several years, now finds himself making perhaps the most jarring transition in the fire service – from line to admin. Fortunately, Linnenburger has long focused on career development, helping company and chief officers hone the skills for their current positions with an eye toward the future. We dig into all this, plus:
Learning to “control the controll...
2024-05-231h 10