Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Project Command

In this episode of Project Command, we tackle a wide range of questions that fire service leaders have to deal with every day: How should we think about staffing models, major capital purchases, hospital delays, education, budgets, and new initiatives?

We start with the 24/72 shift and the ongoing conversation about how fire departments structure their workforce. We also look at the cost of fire engines and why capital planning matters when departments are making decisions that can affect their budgets for years.

From there, we discuss hospital offload times, the impact of delays on EMS operations, and what the research tells us about the problem. We also ask whether a college degree is necessary for leadership in the fire service and what education can, and cannot, tell us about someone's ability to lead.

Finally, we talk about one of the hardest jobs for a fire service leader: deciding what to cut from the budget. We close with a discussion about choosing the right target when launching a new initiative. Before you start solving a problem, are you sure you're aiming at the right problem?

It's another wide-ranging Project Command conversation about making better decisions with limited resources, understanding the data, and thinking beyond the immediate problem.

In this Q&A episode of Project Command, we tackle some of the biggest questions facing the modern fire service. What can we learn from projects that failed, and what can those failures teach us about planning, leadership, communication, and execution? We also look at firefighter retention and what the data actually tells us about why firefighters stay, why they leave, and what fire departments can do about it.

The conversation also takes a look at recent safety concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and the importance of understanding both the opportunities and risks that come with rapidly evolving technology. Finally, we ask a difficult question for the fire service: Are we promoting the right people?

With so many powerful AI platforms available, which one is actually the best?

In this episode of Project Command, I compare four of the biggest AI platforms: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok. I share my experience using each one, where I think they excel, where they fall short, and which tools I find myself reaching for depending on the task.

Rather than declaring one universal winner, we look at how these models differ when it comes to research, writing, problem-solving, working with documents, brainstorming, and everyday productivity.

If you are trying to figure out which AI platform deserves a place in your workflow, this episode will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each and decide which one makes the most sense for you.

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.

Culture Eats Projects for Breakfast

Why do so many fire service projects fail despite solid planning, clear timelines, and strong leadership support?

The answer often isn't found in the spreadsheet.

In this episode of Project Command: Flash Points, Captain Duke Cuneo explores the hidden force that determines whether organizational change succeeds or stalls: culture.

From strategic plans and staffing initiatives to policy rollouts and training programs, leaders frequently focus on execution while overlooking the informal networks, trusted voices, and shared beliefs that ultimately drive buy-in. A project may be technically sound, but if the culture rejects it, resistance begins long before failure becomes visible.

This episode examines the difference between compliance and commitment, the influence of informal leadership inside the firehouse, and why organizational culture functions as the operating system beneath every project.

If you're responsible for leading change, implementing new initiatives, or moving your organization forward, understanding culture may be more important than perfecting the plan itself.

Key Takeaways:

• Why projects rarely fail because of poor planning alone
• The difference between formal authority and cultural influence
• How passive resistance quietly derails implementation
• Why trust and belief are often the true drivers of project success
• Strategies for building buy-in before launching change

Project Command: Flash Points delivers quick, practical insights that turn project management concepts into everyday leadership tools for the fire service.

Learn more about Project Management in the Fire Service, available now on Amazon.

In this encore episode of Project Command, we revisit one of the most important and overlooked challenges facing modern fire departments: technical debt.

Every time a project launches without complete policies, training, communication plans, documentation, or long-term sustainment strategies, organizations accumulate hidden operational debt. Over time, that "almost done" work creates confusion, slows future initiatives, overwhelms project leaders, and drains organizational bandwidth.

This episode breaks down what technical debt looks like in the fire service, why the final 10 percent of a project is often the most critical, and how unfinished work quietly impacts efficiency across the organization. We discuss practical strategies to identify technical debt, prevent it during new projects, and reduce it within legacy systems.

If your department feels buried in loose ends, inconsistent processes, duplicate work, or constant operational friction, this conversation is for you.

What does it take to lead change in a profession built on tradition? In this episode of Project Command, I sit down with retired Dallas Fire Department Deputy Chief Daniel DeYear to discuss leadership, organizational change, and the realities of implementing large-scale initiatives in the fire service.

Drawing on decades of experience, Chief Deyear shares his perspective on how the fire service has evolved, what leadership lessons remain timeless, and why successfully managing change requires far more than simply issuing orders. We explore how leaders can build momentum, gain buy-in, navigate resistance, and move complex projects from concept to completion.

Whether you're leading a station-level initiative, implementing new technology, managing a major organizational change, or trying to move your department forward, this conversation offers practical lessons from a leader who has successfully guided large organizations through significant transformation.

Topics include:
• How the fire service has changed over the past several decades
• Leadership lessons that stand the test of time
• Managing organizational change in a paramilitary environment
• Building support for large initiatives
• Overcoming resistance and pushback
• Leading complex projects and strategic efforts
• Communicating vision and maintaining momentum
• Developing future leaders within the organization

If you're interested in leadership, project management, organizational effectiveness, and the future of the fire service, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

https://youtu.be/hX3O1NTwVak?si=znbR1NPUDz0DL8q8

In the debut episode of Project Command International, Duke Cuneo sits down with Deputy Commissioner Mick Morris of Fire and Rescue New South Wales for a powerful conversation on leadership, systems thinking, and the future of modern emergency services.

With nearly 36 years in one of the world's largest urban fire services, Mick shares lessons learned from frontline operations, executive leadership, operational improvement, and international collaboration. The discussion explores how large organizations manage complexity, build high-performing systems, and align strategy with frontline execution at scale.

The conversation also takes a deeply personal turn as Mick discusses the life-changing drowning accident involving his son Samuel, and how that tragedy led him into international healthcare advocacy, drowning prevention initiatives, and systems-level thinking that would ultimately reshape his leadership philosophy.

Other topics include:

• Organizational culture and change management
• Community risk reduction and prevention-focused leadership
• Strategic alignment inside large fire departments
• Decision-making under uncertainty
• Global collaboration in the fire service
• AI, technology, and the future of emergency response
• Why leaders must "stay curious" in complex environments

This episode sets the tone for the entire international series — bringing global perspectives on strategy, execution, leadership, and public safety innovation to the fire service community worldwide.

Hosted by Duke Cuneo. Featuring Deputy Commissioner Mick Morris, Fire and Rescue New South Wales.

Learn more about the Memorial Stair Climb UK team here and how you can support this historic project:

https://memorialstairclimb.co.uk/

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/memorial-stair-climb1

On this episode of Project Command, I sit down with Barnaby Long to discuss one of the most historic firefighter memorial projects ever attempted.

Barnaby serves as the Managing Director of the Memorial Stair Climb UK team, which is organizing an unprecedented effort to bring 343 firefighters from across the United Kingdom and Ireland to Atlanta, Georgia, for the 2026 Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Patriot Day Memorial Climb at Truist Park. Together, these firefighters will climb in honor of the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

We discuss the culture of the UK Fire Service, the international brotherhood shared throughout the fire service, and the enormous project management effort required to coordinate travel, fundraising, logistics, staffing, and operations for a team of this size. Barnaby shares the story behind the mission, why this event matters so deeply to the firefighters involved, and how the project has grown into a historic undertaking that represents far more than just a stair climb.

This episode highlights the incredible work being done by the Memorial Stair Climb UK organization and the firefighters dedicating themselves to honoring the legacy of the fallen through service, sacrifice, remembrance, and international unity.

On this episode of Project Command, Cpt. Duke Cuneo sits down with Nate Smith, President of Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus, to discuss what it takes to lead the largest supplier of used emergency vehicles in the United States.

The conversation explores the operational and logistical challenges of managing fire apparatus sales and fleet operations at a national scale, including procurement, transportation, refurbishment, customer coordination, and project management in the fleet environment.

Duke and Nate also discuss the complexities of doing business internationally, the unique demands of the emergency vehicle market, and how departments can better approach apparatus purchasing and long-term fleet planning.

This episode provides an inside look at a side of the fire service many people rarely see: the massive coordination, logistics, leadership, and operational planning required to move emergency vehicles across the country and around the world.

Whether you are involved in fleet management, apparatus specification, logistics, procurement, or organizational leadership, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most important support systems behind emergency response.

Captain Peter Younes brings listeners a special episode of Project Command with an exclusive reading of the opening chapter from the new book, Project Management in the Fire Service.

In this episode, Peter reads the first chapter of the book and explores a problem every fire department faces but rarely talks about directly: we are exceptional at emergency response, but often struggle when it comes to managing organizational projects, technology rollouts, apparatus purchases, station construction, policy implementation, and long-term change.

This special preview introduces the core ideas behind the book and explains why project management is becoming one of the most important skill sets in the modern fire service.

This is also the only place to hear this chapter in audio format, as the book is not currently available on Audible.

Whether you are a firefighter, company officer, chief officer, project manager, or someone trying to move your organization forward, this episode provides a practical introduction to the systems, leadership principles, and project management concepts that are reshaping the fire service.

Follow Project Command for more conversations on leadership, technology, organizational change, AI in public safety, and practical project management for emergency services.

Project Command is going global.

Welcome to Project Command International — a new series exploring how fire service and public safety leaders around the world manage complexity, lead organizations, drive innovation, and execute at the highest levels.

From Australia to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, we'll sit down with some of the most respected voices in emergency services to discuss leadership, decision-making under pressure, technology, organizational culture, and the systems that keep modern public safety moving forward.

This isn't just about tactics. It's about strategy, execution, and global perspective.

Hosted by Captain Duke Cuneo, Project Command International brings international conversations home for leaders at every level of the fire service.

You've heard the names: ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, and Claude. But which one is actually worth using on the job?

In this episode I put all four head-to-head and give you a straight answer. No sponsored takes, no tech jargon,  just an honest breakdown of what each one does well, where each one falls short, and which ones are worth paying for.

Whether you're a firefighter, a chief, an EMS provider, or just someone trying to figure out which AI tool deserves a spot in your life, this episode is for you.

We cover:
• ChatGPT — still the most recognized, but is it still the best?
• Grok — what makes Elon's AI different and who it's actually for
• Gemini — Google's play and whether it lives up to the name
• Claude — the one most people are sleeping on
• Free vs. paid — which subscriptions actually pull their weight
• Best use cases for each tool
• Which one I use and why

n this episode of Project Command, we take a step back and look at what actually moves the needle inside a fire department. We talk about how to get real buy-in on projects and how to build momentum when there is little or no initial support. This is not theory. It is what works when you are trying to move people, resources, and priorities in a complex organization.

This episode is driven by questions from you. I enjoy doing these Q and A and AMA style episodes because they keep me accountable to the topics you actually want to hear about. It also gives me a chance to address what is happening in your departments right now, not just what sounds good on paper.

We break down the characteristics of effective leadership in today's fire service and what separates leaders who create progress from those who stall it out. The conversation also covers common mistakes departments continue to make, especially when it comes to technology decisions, communication breakdowns, and misalignment between leadership and the field.

We spend time on where technology is heading and what it actually means for operations, training, and decision making. That leads into a direct conversation about AI. Is it overhyped, or are departments underestimating how quickly it will impact the job

If you are involved in leading projects, implementing change, or trying to improve how your organization operates, this episode will give you practical insight you can apply immediately

In this episode of Project Command, I sit down with Jared Vermeulen to talk about leadership in the modern fire service and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

Jared is the author of The Modern Fire Officer and Building Legacy That Endures, and this conversation dives deep into the ideas behind both books. We move beyond tactics and operations and focus on the leadership skills that often get overlooked but ultimately determine long-term success.

We discuss the importance of soft skills in leadership, including communication, emotional intelligence, trust building, and influence. These are the skills that shape culture, drive performance, and determine whether an organization improves or stays stuck.

We also talk about what chiefs and organizational leaders need to understand in 2026. The job is changing. Expectations are higher. The environment is more complex. Leaders who rely only on traditional approaches are going to struggle. Jared lays out what leaders need to focus on now to stay effective in the years ahead.

This is a conversation about leadership that goes beyond rank, beyond title, and beyond the fireground. It is about building people, building systems, and building a legacy that actually endures.

If you are serious about leadership, this one is worth your time.

Check out Jared's books here:
The Modern Fire Officer: https://a.co/d/0fWpY99k 
Building Legacy That Endures: https://a.co/d/0iu0bMvQ 

As always, we do not run ads. If you find value in the show, share it with someone else in the fire service.

Recorded live from FDIC, this episode of Project Command features Duke Cuneo sitting down with firefighter Jeff Lenard from the Washington, D.C. Fire Department to break down one of the most complex and tragic incidents in recent memory.

They walk through the January 2025 midair collision involving a commercial passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter over Reagan National Airport, examining what happened, how responders managed the incident, and the operational challenges faced in the moment.

The conversation goes beyond the headlines. Duke and Jeff dig into the technology that played a role in the response, from aviation tracking tools to on-scene coordination systems, and how those tools helped shape decision making during a rapidly evolving disaster.

They also talk through key lessons learned, including communication, interagency coordination, and the realities of operating in a dense urban environment with overlapping jurisdictions.

The episode wraps with a look at emerging technology in search and rescue and special operations, and how departments can start thinking now about integrating these tools before the next major incident occurs.

If you are involved in operations, command, or planning, this is a grounded, real-world discussion on what works, what breaks, and what needs to improve.

As always, we do not run ads. If you find value in the show, share it with someone else in the fire service.

Recorded live from FDIC, this episode features a conversation with Bailey Farren, founder and CEO of Perimeter, about what is actually happening with AI in the fire service right now.

We get into how her company is using AI to support fire departments, where agencies are seeing real value, and where things are still more hype than reality. Bailey shares what she has observed from working across departments, including how AI is being used globally and how those use cases compare to what we are seeing here in the United States.

We also talk about the broader technology landscape. What trends are gaining traction, what leaders should be paying attention to, and where departments can get caught behind if they are not careful.

This is a practical conversation. Less theory, more real-world application. If you are trying to understand how AI fits into your organization and what comes next, this one will give you a clear picture.

Episode Citations:

In this special Q&A episode of Project Command, we dive straight into questions from our listeners in the fire service and beyond. We discuss one of the biggest challenges facing departments—how to effectively scale project management without losing control or clarity. We also break down practical strategies for managing the firefighter schedule within active projects, balancing operational demands with long-term initiatives. Finally, we explore the hard truths behind why projects fail in the fire service, uncovering common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Whether you're leading change or supporting it, this episode is packed with actionable insights from the field.

Fire departments operate in environments where competence, trust, and consistency can mean the difference between life and death. Because of that reality, change inside the fire service is often far more difficult than leaders expect.

In this episode of Project Command, Captain Peter Younes explores why fire departments frequently struggle to implement lasting change. The discussion breaks down several structural and cultural factors that make change difficult in high reliability organizations like the fire service.

The episode begins by examining why firefighters often resist change. Resistance is frequently misunderstood as negativity or stubbornness, but in many cases it is a rational response to operational risk. Firefighters build their performance on familiarity with their crew, their equipment, and their environment. When those elements change, competence temporarily drops. This creates what can be described as the proficiency tax.

The conversation then explores how poor communication around the purpose of change erodes trust. When firefighters do not understand why a new system, policy, or procedure is being introduced, adoption suffers. Leaders must communicate the purpose of change clearly, repeatedly, and with real context.

Another major factor is capacity for change. Individuals and organizations both have limits. Personal stress, fatigue, operational tempo, and multiple simultaneous initiatives can overwhelm even well designed improvements.

The episode also looks at the doom loop described in Good to Great and how it often appears in the fire service through constant program shifts and trend driven initiatives. Without long term planning and strategic direction, organizations create change fatigue that undermines future efforts.

Finally, the episode introduces a practical framework from the book Switch. Effective change requires addressing emotion, logic, and environment at the same time. If any one of these elements is ignored, even well intentioned initiatives can fail.

If you lead projects, programs, or operational initiatives in the fire service, understanding how change actually works may be one of the most important leadership skills you develop.

In this special guest appearance, Peter Younes, host of the Project Command podcast, is interviewed by Chief Eric Linnenburger on the Ops Talk podcast. We are bringing this conversation to the Project Command feed because it digs deep into the core mission of what we do here: applying professional project management to the high-stakes world of public safety.

Peter and Chief Linnenburger discuss why the "fireground mentality" is a double-edged sword when it comes to administrative and operational projects. They break down the essential value of systems, the psychological hurdles of implementing new technology in a traditional culture, and the specific friction points that cause complex projects to stall in the fire service.

Highlights of the Interview:

• The Project Management Gap: Why tactical excellence doesn't always translate to the office—and how to bridge it.

• Systems as a Foundation: Moving from a "hero culture" to a "systems culture" for long-term reliability.

• Tech Adoption: How to introduce new software and tools without losing the buy-in of the rank and file.

• Operational Projects: Defining the projects that actually move the needle for a modern department.

In this episode of Project Command, Peter Younes sits down with Odean "Dean" Maye to talk about what it actually takes to scale ideas, teams, and technology in the real world. Dean shares lessons from startups, enterprise leadership, AWS, finance, and AI, then breaks down how leaders can separate hype from real business value.

The conversation dives into practical AI adoption, why most organizations still have not figured it out, and how agentic AI is changing the way work gets done. Dean also explains why leaders should start with outcomes instead of tools, how to think like a systems builder, and why strong teams need a clear scoreboard. This is a grounded conversation on leadership, innovation, project execution, and the future of AI for organizations trying to move from curiosity to action. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odeanmaye
Acuvero: https://www.acuvero.com
Autonomous: https://atonomos.io

Big problems often feel overwhelming because everything is stuck in our heads at the same time. In this episode of Project Command, Captain Peter Younes explains a simple framework for using artificial intelligence to turn complex problems into clear, actionable plans.

Instead of staring at a problem and hoping inspiration strikes, AI can be used as a thinking partner to organize information, break challenges into manageable pieces, and build a step-by-step plan.

Peter walks through his seven-step AI problem-solving framework that anyone can apply immediately:

1. Get it out of your head

2. Organize and review

3. Break the problem into pieces

4. Define goals and timeline

5. Turn it into a to-do list

6. Organize by sequence and priority

7. Execute and iterate

Whether you're leading a project, solving an operational problem, or trying to bring order to a complicated situation, this method shows how AI can help transform confusion into clarity.

In this episode of Project Command, we sit down with Dr. Johnny Torgeson—Operations Chief, leadership consultant, national speaker, and instructor—to talk about what leadership really looks like when it matters most.

Drawing from his military experience and leadership roles in high-risk professions, Dr. Torgeson breaks down the difference between authority and leadership and explains why the most effective leaders focus on people first. The conversation explores practical leadership theory, the lessons he carried from the military into emergency services leadership, and how those lessons apply to modern organizations.

We also dive into the importance of soft skills—communication, emotional intelligence, humility, and trust—and why they often matter more than technical expertise when leading teams under pressure. Dr. Torgeson shares real experiences, leadership failures that became learning moments, and actionable insights for leaders at every level.

Whether you're an officer in the fire service, a military leader, or someone responsible for guiding a team, this episode offers practical strategies and honest reflections on building stronger leaders and stronger organizations.

In this episode of Project Command, I sit down with Samson Desessa, author of Brotherhood is a Verb, to talk about what real leadership looks like when it is tested under pressure.

We explore his experience in the military and how it shaped his philosophy on mentorship, accountability, and taking care of your people. Samson shares what brotherhood truly means, why leadership is an action and not a title, and how consistent investment in others builds strong teams.

We discuss the responsibility leaders carry, the importance of presence and example, and how mentorship creates lasting impact far beyond rank or position. This conversation is about discipline, ownership, and building cultures where people thrive.

When Team USA Men's Hockey captured Olympic gold, the spotlight fell on one unforgettable performance — goaltender Connor Hellebuyck delivering save after save with the game on the line.

But championships aren't won by heroics alone.

In this episode of Project Command: Flash Points, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo explores what fire service leaders and project managers can learn from Team USA's victory. Behind every defining moment is a disciplined system — one that creates clarity, reduces chaos, and allows individuals to perform at their highest level when it matters most.

From the fireground to organizational change initiatives, leaders often hope talent, motivation, or individual effort will carry a project across the finish line. The reality is different: sustainable success comes from systems strong enough to support excellence under pressure.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why heroics matter — but systems make heroics possible

• How Incident Command principles translate directly to project leadership

• The danger of relying on "saving the day" as an organizational strategy

• How clarity, alignment, and preparation create championship-level teams

Great leaders don't eliminate heroics — they design environments where greatness can emerge without chaos.

Because heroics win moments.

Systems win championships.

Project Command: Flash Points delivers quick, high-impact insights that turn big project management concepts into practical leadership tools for the fire service.

🎙️ Connect with us on LinkedIn for continued discussion and behind-the-scenes insights with Lieutenant Duke Cuneo and Captain Peter Younes.
📺 Watch video versions and extended content on the Project Command YouTube channel.
📧 Questions or future episode ideas? Email: projectcommandpodcast@gmail.com

n this episode of Project Command, I sit down with Scott Payne, PMP and Lean expert, who has helped more than 5,000 professionals earn their PMP certification and has led process improvement efforts across Fortune 500 companies. Scott shares what is hardest to teach new PMP students and what concepts deliver the most immediate value once applied in the real world.

We discuss practical process optimization, how Lean thinking applies inside public safety organizations, and how to identify and eliminate technical debt before it cripples your team. Scott also explains how fire departments can establish a functional PMO, implement project management best practices, and avoid the common traps that derail initiatives. Drawing on his experience as a merchant marine, engineer, and project management consultant, Scott offers clear, actionable lessons for leaders who want to build stronger systems and deliver better outcomes.

AI Velocity: The New Leadership Advantage

Artificial intelligence isn't improving gradually — it's accelerating. In this episode of Flash Points, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo breaks down what the recent surge in large language model capabilities really means for fire service professionals.

This isn't about chatbots or convenience. It's about leverage.

From long-document policy analysis to scenario simulation and executive brief generation, today's AI tools are compressing work that used to take days into minutes. And as AI begins to help train and refine future AI systems, that acceleration is only compounding.

Duke explores how proficiency with AI may soon become a leadership differentiator — even influencing how promotional candidates are evaluated. What if assessment centers begin testing not just presentation skills, but your ability to frame problems, construct effective prompts, critique AI output, and integrate it with sound judgment?

He also discusses the strengths of different models — including Claude's structured, long-document reasoning and ChatGPT's rapid iteration and strategic exploration — and why the most effective leaders won't rely on a single tool, but will learn to orchestrate multiple systems intelligently.

AI won't replace fire officers.

But officers who fail to learn how to leverage it may fall behind.

The future Chief may not be the best presenter in the room — but the one who can orchestrate intelligence faster than anyone else.

In this special Q and A episode of Project Command, I answer your questions about artificial intelligence and how it applies to the fire service. We cover practical use cases for chiefs and company officers, policy and risk considerations, data security concerns, and how tools like ChatGPT can improve writing, decision making, project management, and communication. If you are trying to understand what AI actually means for your department and how to use it responsibly and strategically, this episode gives you clear, direct answers.

My ChatGPT Custom Instructions:

Be supportive but strictly honest. Never mislead, exaggerate certainty, or offer false reassurance. Accuracy always comes first.

Rules:

• Do not use em dashes.

• Be concise, clear, and direct.

• Match my tone.

• Use bullets or numbered lists when helpful.

• Avoid filler, fluff, and moralizing.

Answer structure:

1. Direct answer first.

2. Explanation second.

3. Extra context only if it adds real value.

Uncertainty:

• Minimize caveats.

• State uncertainty plainly when it exists.

• If multiple interpretations exist, list them briefly and say which is most likely.

Defaults:

• Prioritize precision and realism.

• Assume I want actionable, credible answers.

• Do not ask follow-up questions unless required to avoid being wrong.

In this episode of Project Command, I sit down with Lucy MacLeod, Borough Commander with the London Fire Brigade, USAR and technical rescue specialist, wellbeing dog handler, and author of the Lucy and Blue book series.

We explore the key differences between the fire service in the United States and the United Kingdom, from terminology and rank structure to operational approaches and culture. Lucy shares insight into Urban Search and Rescue in the UK and how technical rescue capabilities are structured within the London Fire Brigade.

We also dive deep into leadership and mentorship, including how senior officers can intentionally develop the next generation of fire service leaders. A major focus of our conversation is firefighter mental health and wellbeing, including Lucy's work as a wellbeing dog handler and how departments can create healthier, more resilient organizations.

Finally, we discuss her children's book series, Lucy and Blue, how storytelling can shape the culture of the fire service.

This episode offers a global perspective on fire service leadership, resilience, and the future of our profession.

Projects don't fail because people disagree.
They fail because no one is sure who gets to decide.

In this episode of Project Command: Flash Points, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo breaks down a hard leadership truth: consensus feels collaborative—but clarity drives results.

On the fireground, we instinctively understand unity of command. Someone has it. Everyone aligns to it. Input flows. Adjustments are made. But authority is never in question.

Yet in project work—especially in fire-EMS operations, staffing models, and policy changes—we often trade command for prolonged consensus. Meetings multiply. Feedback cycles expand. Alignment becomes the goal instead of progress. And slowly, the project drifts.

This Flash Point explores:

• Why discussion without direction creates a vacuum

• The difference between input and ownership

• How indecision quietly erodes trust

• Why clarity is leadership—not authoritarianism

• Practical behaviors clear leaders demonstrate consistently

Consensus can improve decisions.
But clarity is what makes them happen.

If you're leading a project right now, ask yourself:
Have I been clear—or just inclusive?

Clarity beats consensus. Every time.

In this episode of Project Command, Captain Peter Younes sits down with Keith Flip Griffin, a retired Navy Command Master Chief and nationally recognized expert in search and rescue and leadership. Drawing from decades of experience leading teams in high risk environments, Keith shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, trust, and what it really takes to build strong teams.

The conversation focuses on mentorship, not as a title, but as an active responsibility. Keith explains what effective mentorship looks like in practice, how leaders earn credibility with their people, and why consistent presence matters more than rank. Together, they explore how these lessons translate directly to the firehouse, from company level leadership to executive decision making. This episode offers practical insight for fire officers who want to develop their people, strengthen their crews, and lead with purpose.

Frustration Is the Enemy

Frustration doesn't just slow projects down — it quietly kills them.

In this Flash Points episode, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo breaks down why frustration is often more dangerous than failure, resistance, or lack of resources. Drawing clear parallels between incident command and project leadership, this episode explores how unclear authority, stalled decisions, and unmanaged uncertainty create frustration that leaks downstream and erodes discipline.

You'll learn why frustration is rarely a people problem and almost always a system signal — and what effective leaders do to absorb friction instead of transmitting it. From reducing ambiguity and defining clear lanes to naming the friction and shortening feedback loops, this episode delivers practical leadership tools you can apply immediately.

Because clarity is the antidote.
And leadership is the filter.

Grant writing is one of the most important and most frustrating tasks in the fire service. In this episode of Project Command, I break down my seven step grant writing process and show exactly how ChatGPT and other AI tools can support you at every stage.

From identifying needs and aligning projects with funding priorities, to drafting narratives, strengthening justifications, and refining final submissions, AI can save time, improve clarity, and help you produce more competitive grant applications. This episode focuses on practical, real world use cases, not hype or theory.

This is the fourth installment in the AI in the Fire Service series, following ChatGPT for Firefighters, ChatGPT for Fire Chiefs, and ChatGPT for the Fire Training Officer. If your department is short on time, staff, or grant writing experience, this episode provides a clear framework and ready to use ideas to help you get started.

Prompt 1: Find and Rank Grants for Extrication Equipment

You are acting as a grant research specialist for a municipal fire department.

I am looking for grant opportunities that can fund the purchase of new extrication equipment.

Please:
Identify federal, state, local, and private grant programs that commonly fund fire service equipment or rescue tools
Filter to grants open to municipal fire departments or public safety agencies
Note which grants are currently open or have upcoming application windows, if available

For each relevant grant, provide:
Grant name
Funding purpose
Typical award amounts
Key eligibility requirements
Application timeline or cycle
A direct link to the official grant website or application page

Rank the grants based on alignment with purchasing extrication equipment. If exact deadlines are unavailable, include the most typical application periods based on past cycles. Present results in a clear table or bullet format.

Prompt 2: Identify and Coordinate Grant Stakeholders

You are acting as a project manager and grant coordination specialist for a municipal fire department.

I am preparing a grant application to fund new extrication equipment.

Please identify all internal and external stakeholders involved in both the grant application and post award project execution.

For each stakeholder group, include:
Their role in the grant process
The information or support they provide
When they should be engaged in the process

Consider stakeholders across:
Fire department leadership
Operations and field personnel
Finance and budgeting
IT and data systems
Procurement and logistics
Training divisions
Legal or compliance, if applicable
Community partners or governing bodies, if applicable

Present the results in a clear table or structured list that can be used as a stakeholder coordination plan.

Prompt 3: Analyze Operational Data with Methodology and Assumptions

You are acting as a data analyst and project evaluation specialist for a municipal fire department.

I will provide four to five data tables related to department operations and project outcomes, such as incident volume, response times, equipment usage, training records, and costs.

Please:
Analyze each table to identify key trends and findings
Cross analyze the tables to identify relationships or correlations
Summarize insights that support a grant application or project evaluation

Also include:
A clear explanation of the methodology used
A list of assumptions made during analysis
Any limitations or data gaps that impact accuracy

Present the results with:
Key insights in bullet points
Supporting references to the provided data
A short methodology and assumptions section at the end

The goal is transparent, defensible analysis suitable for grant narratives or reporting.

In this third installment of the AI in the Fire Service series on Project Command, we break down how fire training officers can use ChatGPT and other AI tools to improve training, organization, and program development.

We start with a simple AI 101 overview to explain what artificial intelligence is and what it is not in plain language for the fire service. Then we dive into real world use cases for training officers, including:

• Building lesson plans and training presentations

• Creating drill ideas and multi company training evolutions

• Developing curriculum

• Supporting project management and long term training initiatives

• Saving time on administrative and organizational tasks

Whether you are new to AI or following along with the series, this episode delivers practical, fire service focused ways to leverage AI tools to make your training program more efficient, consistent, and professional, while reinforcing that experience, leadership, and accountability remain the foundation of effective fire service training.

In this episode of Project Command we examine how fire chiefs and chief officers can use ChatGPT in 2026 as a practical decision support and executive productivity tool while maintaining professional judgment. We cover how AI can be used for targeted research to support strategic decision making policy development and revision and synchronizing complex documents across divisions agencies and governing bodies. The episode also explores using ChatGPT for data interpretation aggregation and structuring information so leaders can quickly identify trends risks and priorities. Finally we discuss how chiefs can use ChatGPT to design and structure meetings including agendas pre reading and objectives so participants arrive prepared aligned and ready to work on the issues that matter.

When chaos reigns, make your project an island of stability.

Organizational chaos is not the exception in large systems — it's the environment. Leadership changes. Priorities shift. Direction arrives late, inconsistently, or through side channels.

In this Flash Points episode, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo breaks down why successful projects don't wait for clarity from above — they create stability inside their own span of control.

Drawing a direct parallel to complex incident management on the fireground, this episode focuses on how project managers can prevent organizational dysfunction from leaking into execution.

You'll learn how to:

• Lock scope clearly without becoming inflexible

• Establish a steady project cadence when everything else is moving

• Separate noise from legitimate change

• Document decisions to protect your project's institutional memory

• Control communication so uncertainty doesn't infect the team

This episode isn't about blaming leadership or complaining about dysfunction. It's about professionalism. Because chaos above you is not permission to run a sloppy project.

When everything around you feels unsettled, structure becomes leadership — and boring projects are the ones that finish.

In this episode of Project Command, I'm joined by Jared Vermillion, author of The Modern Fire Officer, for a grounded conversation on what effective officer development really looks like in today's fire service. We dig into the soft skills that matter most for officers, including leadership, communication, conflict resolution, coaching firefighters, and building trust within a crew. Jared shares practical insights on developing people, navigating difficult conversations, and creating an environment where firefighters can grow and perform at a high level. This episode is ideal for current and aspiring officers who want to lead with intention, improve their influence, and become better leaders for their people.

If you don't measure it, you don't control it.

On the fireground, measurement is non-negotiable. We track air, time, accountability, and benchmarks because guesswork gets people hurt. But too often, when we step into projects—that same discipline disappears.

In this Flash Points episode, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo draws a direct line between fireground command and project management. Being busy doesn't mean you're making progress. Meetings, emails, and spreadsheets don't equal control. Data does.

This episode breaks down why most projects don't fail dramatically—they quietly drift. Costs rise. Timelines slip. Outcomes shrink. And leaders can't explain why, because nothing was measured.

You'll learn:

• Why unmeasured projects rely on hope instead of control

• How simple, usable metrics beat perfect data every time

• What SCBA air management teaches us about project performance

• Practical, repeatable indicators that bring clarity and accountability

Measurement doesn't mean drowning your people in spreadsheets. It means asking the right questions, tracking what matters, and adjusting before surprises catch you off guard.

Because whether you're running a fire or running a project, the rule never changes:
What you don't measure, you don't control.

In this episode of Project Command, we break down project metrics and how to use them to understand whether your project is actually on track. We cover what to measure, when to measure it, and how to turn data into actionable insight so fire officers and project leaders can make better decisions before small issues become big problems.

If it isn't assigned, it isn't going to happen.

On the fireground, unassigned tasks don't magically get done — and projects are no different.

In this Flash Points episode of Project Command, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo breaks down one of the most common (and quietest) reasons projects fail in the fire service: lack of ownership. Not bad ideas. Not missing funding. But the dangerous assumption that "someone else is handling it."

Using clear fireground parallels, this episode challenges vague project language like "let's circle back" and "someone should probably own this" — and replaces it with a simple, tactical truth: until a task has a name next to it, it's just smoke.

You'll learn:

Why unassigned tasks create delays and resentment in projects

How small gaps between ownership and execution stall progress

The leadership difference between collaboration and accountability

Why explicit ownership enables initiative instead of limiting it

A simple test to keep your projects moving with momentum

If you want your projects to run with the same clarity, purpose, and follow-through as a well-managed incident scene, this episode gives you a practical framework you can apply immediately.

Because in projects — just like on the fireground —
if it isn't assigned… it isn't going to happen.

 Project Command: Flash Points delivers quick, high-impact lessons that turn big project-management concepts into everyday tools for the fire service.

If you found this episode valuable, please like, share, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Questions or comments? Email us at projectcommandpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of Project Command, Captain Peter Younes sits down with Alec Wons to discuss the lessons he has learned from interviewing over 100 fire and police chiefs across North America. Drawing from those conversations, Alec breaks down the common patterns he has seen in organizational culture, leadership, and decision making that directly impact firefighter wellness and a department's ability to get meaningful work done.

The conversation explores why culture is often the deciding factor in whether initiatives succeed or stall, how leadership behaviors shape wellness far more than standalone programs, and what high performing public safety organizations consistently do differently. Alec also shares practical insights fire officers and administrators can apply immediately to build healthier teams, improve trust, and move complex projects forward without burning people out.

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming one of the most valuable tools in the modern fire service — not because it replaces people, but because it gives them back time.

In this episode of Project Command: Flash Points, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo breaks down why AI is emerging as a practical, everyday force multiplier for firefighters and officers. Drawing from a recent Project Command conversation with Captain Peter Younes, this Flash Point explores how understanding what AI can actually do changes the way leaders approach project work, planning, and administrative load.

From drafting memos and lesson plans to simplifying NFPA language, building training materials, and supporting staffing or overtime analysis, AI is already helping departments close the gap between growing project demands and limited personnel. The key shift isn't technical skill — it's mindset. Artificial intelligence isn't a search engine. It's a work partner that turns context into clarity and ideas into action.

This episode challenges leaders to stop viewing AI as a future concept and start recognizing it as a present-day tool for efficiency, consistency, and preparedness. AI won't replace firefighters — but firefighters who use AI will outperform those who don't.

For a deeper dive, check out the full Project Command episode, ChatGPT for Firefighters — and share this Flash Point with someone in your department who's curious or skeptical about where this technology fits in the fire service.

The future isn't coming. It's already here. We just get to decide how we use it.