The FireDawg Podcast

In this episode, Matt is joined by Chief Master Sergeant Kyle Rollins to break down the June 2020 Hazardous Materials Storage Facility fire at Kadena Air Base.Chief Rollins, who served as the Incident Commander, provides a detailed after-action review of a response initiated by Calcium Hypochlorite, a reactive material whose hazards can rapidly escalate when exposed to heat and moisture.During the discussion they cover the facility conditions and contributing factors leading up to the incident, the initial response, size-up, and decision-making, interoperability and coordination between response agencies and strengths, challenges, and key lessons learned from the event.The goal of this episode is to share real-world experience so firefighters and leaders can apply these lessons to their own response planning, training, and preparedness–before facing a similar incident themselves.

In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with John Whitmyer, Carlos Ballesteros, and Michael Myles–instructors of the new Fire Officer Strategies & Tactics Leadership Course (FOSTLC).Designed for newly appointed company officers, FOSTLC is reshaping how the Air Force develops tactical leaders. Our guests break down why the course was created, the leadership gaps it aims to solve, and how it blends decision-making, mentorship, and fireground strategy into a focused 17-day program.They walk us through the evolution of the course–from its early 30-plus day design to the refined, practical version being delivered today–and share insights from the first student iterations, lessons learned, and feedback from the field. The team also discusses the skills taught, what it takes to become an instructor, and what short- and long-term changes are on the horizon as the course continues to grow.Whether you're a current or aspiring company officer, a chief officer looking to strengthen your department’s leadership pipeline, or simply someone invested in the future of the DoD Fire Service, this episode offers a deep dive into a course that’s helping shape the next generation of fire service leaders.

In this episode, Matt joins Justin Andreas, an ultramarathoner, run coach, social media influencer, podcaster, and current Deputy Fire Chief at Eielson AFB. They dig into the power of doing hard things—and how stepping into discomfort builds real resilience you can carry into every area of life. Justin shares why carving out time for the things that ignite you isn’t just a hobby—it’s a critical part of thriving on duty and off. Whether you’re chasing big goals in your career, your fitness, or your personal development, this conversation shows how leaning into the hard stuff shapes you into someone who’s ready for anything.

Fluorine Free Foam (F3) has officially replaced AFFF across the Department of Defense fire service - but what does that really mean for firefighters on the line?In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with Austin Perry, a Staff Sergeant and Company Officer at Eielson Air Force Base, who brings firsthand operational experience using F3 during two major aircraft responses - an F-35 crash and an F-16 mishap in 2025.Austin shares insights from both real-world incidents and formal training at the Dallas-Fort Worth Fire Training Research Center, breaking down the science, limitations, and tactical adjustments needed to apply F3 in the field effectively.From foam chemistry and nozzle techniques to weather effects and decision-making under pressure, this episode dives deep into the technical side of firefighting’s newest challenge: mastering F3.To explore Austin’s training videos and F3 resources, visit firedawg.us and check out Episode 56.

In this Table Talk Series episode, Matt and Chris dive into what it really means to balance military and fire service obligations. They break down where to focus your attention throughout your career—starting with mastering your craft as a firefighter and Airman, before anything else.The discussion covers how technical proficiency lays the foundation for effective leadership, when and how to build cross-unit relationships, and how to approach promotions and professional development with purpose. Matt and Chris also share insights on choosing meaningful extracurriculars and aligning your growth with both your personal goals and the mission.Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow as a leader in the military fire service, this conversation offers practical advice and real-world perspective on career focus, development, and balance.