Ted & Tactics Episode 002: Aviation Crashes, Fireground Fitness, and Fire Service Leadership

Episode 002 of Ted & Tactics is live, and this one covers a wide range of real-world issues firefighters are dealing with right now — from aviation crashes to occupational cancer, fireground fitness, command decision-making, and leadership at the highest levels of the fire service.

This episode also introduces expanded listener participation, live incident monitoring, and deeper tactical conversations driven by real incidents across the country.

Topics Covered in Episode 002:

• A deadly midair helicopter collision in New Jersey and what aviation crashes really look like on the fireground

• Why firefighter cancer is finally being recognized as a line-of-duty death

• What “fireground fitness” actually means — and what it doesn’t

• Arrival assignments, staffing realities, and calling audibles

• The controversy surrounding FDNY leadership appointments

• Whether volunteer fire departments can survive — and how some are rebuilding

Ted & Tactics is built around honest conversation, not headlines. Every topic is discussed through the lens of experience, accountability, and what actually makes the fire service safer and stronger.