Jeremy sits down with Jason Cerrano of IDEX Fire and Safety to break down the story behind the SAM system and how it came to life from real fireground experience. What began as a frustrating moment during a routine fire quickly turned into a long term pursuit to improve how water is delivered and managed on the fireground.

Jason walks through his background in the fire service and engineering, and how years of observing common problems helped shape the system into what it is today. The conversation highlights the realities of pump operations including missed communication, inconsistent pressures, and the stress that comes with being responsible for water in critical moments.

At the center of the discussion is the idea of automation and what it actually means for the fire service. Rather than replacing the firefighter, the SAM system is designed to reduce cognitive load and create consistency, allowing operators to step away from the panel and stay engaged with the fireground. The goal is not to remove skill, but to support it and eliminate unnecessary variables that can lead to mistakes.

Jeremy and Jason also dive into the resistance to change that exists across the fire service. Tradition, pride, and experience all play a role in how new technology is received. They challenge the idea that innovation takes away from the job and instead present it as a way to strengthen performance, improve safety, and give firefighters more control over chaotic situations.

The conversation also explores how departments are responding after putting the system into service. Many are seeing increased engagement, better understanding of water flow, and more meaningful training discussions around pump operations. What was once a point of hesitation is quickly becoming a tool that departments rely on and reinvest in.

This episode is not just about a piece of equipment. It is a broader look at how the fire service continues to evolve and how we can balance tradition with progress while staying focused on what matters most, performing on the fireground.

In this episode of Mickey explores the idea that just because you carry a saw to the roof doesn’t mean you have to use it. Know where you fit in. Extending the original vent hole beats cutting random holes and pulling fire to places it doesn’t belong.

This is Firefighting 101.

Mickey also breaks down the sequential order of the details of the trench cut and clarifies it as a defensive mechanism within fireground tactics and not to be blurred with cutting a trench to vent the fire building.

Jeremy sits down with retired FDNY firefighter Tony Bonfiglio to share the story of a career built on grit, luck, and brotherhood.

Tony reflects on finding the fire service out of necessity, not passion, and how that decision led him to Ladder 34 in Washington Heights during a busy and transformative era in the FDNY. He recounts his early days on the job, including his first fire, where fear and uncertainty quickly gave way to trust in the experienced firefighters around him.

The conversation highlights the true heart of the fire service. While the fires were unforgettable, Tony emphasizes that it was the people, the kitchen table, and the shared experiences that mattered most. The mentorship of senior firefighters and the bond within the company shaped not only his career, but his life.

Tony also shares the harder side of the job, recalling tragic calls that stayed with him and the emotional weight firefighters carry long after the incident ends. These moments are balanced by stories of camaraderie, humor, and pride in the work.

Throughout it all, Tony describes himself as “the luckiest guy in the fire service,” a reflection of both the opportunities he was given and the deep appreciation he has for the job.

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