Firefighters are often promoted because they excel operationally, but success in administration requires an entirely different set of skills. Budgeting, procurement, program management, technology, human resources, communication, and organizational leadership are rarely taught before someone is expected to use them.

In this episode of Project Command, we examine the administrative skills gap in the fire service and the stress placed on people who are handed complex projects without enough training, authority, or support.

We also discuss two new initiatives designed to close that gap. The Institutional Knowledge Series will allow employees to share lessons and expertise through recorded presentations that become part of a searchable training library. A second initiative will explore using Coursera or a similar online learning platform to provide professional certificates in the modern administrative skills fire service leaders need.

The fire service invests heavily in operational readiness. It is time to bring that same commitment to preparing people for the work between emergencies.

In this encore episode of Project Command, we break down one of the most important parts of managing any project: metrics.

What should you measure? How do you know whether a project is actually making progress? Which numbers provide meaningful insight, and which ones only create the appearance of control?

This episode explains what project metrics are, how to select measurements that align with your goals, and how to track progress throughout the life of a project. You will also learn how to use metrics to identify problems early, communicate clearly with stakeholders, support better decisions, and demonstrate whether your project delivered the intended results.

Whether you are leading a major organizational initiative or managing a smaller internal project, the right metrics can help you replace assumptions with evidence and keep the work moving in the right direction.

In this Project Command AMA episode, Peter answers professional and personal questions covering artificial intelligence, project management, career transitions, and life outside the fire service. He discusses new updates to ChatGPT and Claude, how he is using AI to build forecasting and prediction models, and lessons learned while transitioning from field operations into an administrative role. He also shares strategies for managing scope creep, provides updates on his current projects, recommends books, and answers personal questions about mountain climbing and other interests.

Deploying new equipment in the fire service takes far more than purchasing a new tool and placing it on the apparatus. Successful implementation requires planning, communication, training, evaluation, and a clear understanding of how that equipment fits into operations.

In this Project Command Rewind episode, we break down everything you need to know about deploying new equipment the right way. From identifying the problem you are trying to solve, building stakeholder buy-in, selecting the right equipment, developing training plans, creating policies, conducting pilots, gathering feedback, and executing a full rollout, every step matters.

Whether you are introducing a new hand tool, technology platform, apparatus, PPE, or a major operational change, the principles are the same. A successful deployment is not measured by when the equipment arrives. It is measured by whether your people understand it, trust it, and use it effectively.

If your department struggles with getting new initiatives across the finish line, this episode provides a practical roadmap for turning ideas into operational success.

Welcome to the first Project Command Mailbag, where Peter Younes answers questions submitted by listeners from across the fire service. This wide-ranging Q&A explores artificial intelligence, leadership, project management, technical debt, and the challenges of leading complex initiatives in today's fire service.

Peter discusses how AI is changing the profession, why technical debt can quietly become one of an organization's biggest liabilities, strategies for leading through resistance and uncertainty, and practical lessons learned from managing large-scale projects. He also answers a more personal question: what career he thinks he would have pursued if he hadn't become a firefighter.

If you're interested in leadership, innovation, technology, and building a stronger organization, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.

Technology is reshaping every aspect of the fire service, from emergency response and inspections to data management and community risk reduction. In this episode of Project Command, Jill Cotton joins the show to discuss how emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation are transforming fire prevention and fire department operations.

Jill shares her perspective on the future of the fire service, the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, and why continuous learning is essential for today's fire service professionals. We also discuss leadership, personal growth, adapting to change, and how firefighters and fire officers can prepare themselves for a future that will look very different from the one we know today.

Whether you're interested in fire prevention, technology, leadership, or professional development, this conversation offers practical insights into where the fire service is headed and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Not every equipment deployment is a success. Too often, new tools, apparatus, software, and technology are purchased with good intentions but struggle to gain traction once they reach the field.

In this Project Command Rewind episode, we revisit one of the most important topics in fire service project management: how to successfully deploy new equipment. From initial planning and stakeholder engagement to communication, training, implementation, and evaluation, we break down the steps that separate successful rollouts from costly failures.

Whether you're introducing new apparatus, SCBA equipment, radios, EMS devices, software platforms, or specialized tools, this episode provides a practical framework for getting personnel on board, reducing resistance to change, and ensuring your investment delivers real operational value.

If you've ever wondered why some equipment becomes indispensable while other initiatives quietly fade away, this episode is for you.

Hazard Class Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Cc0F0Au2dlH3w1YTyMtzC?si=ede697056e3d4fe5

Jake Ryks is a firefighter, HazMat specialist with the St. Paul Fire Department, and the host of the Hazard Class Podcast. In this episode, Jake shares the story behind launching one of the fire service's most respected podcasts and how a passion for learning, leadership, and meaningful conversations helped it grow into a valuable resource for firefighters across the country.

We discuss some of the most memorable interviews Jake has conducted, the lessons he's learned from some of the biggest names in the fire service, and the leadership principles that continue to shape his career. Jake also offers practical advice for anyone interested in starting a podcast, building an audience, and creating content that provides real value.

Whether you're interested in HazMat operations, leadership development, professional growth, or podcasting, this conversation is packed with insights from someone who has spent years learning from the best and sharing those lessons with the fire service community.