In this episode, Dan chats with Chief Eric Johnson, a 40 year veteran of the Wisconsin fire service and founder of First Due Fire Training, to dissect the often overlooked complexities of the motor pump operator. Moving far beyond "pulling levers," Eric explains why the engineer is the most critical link in fireground safety and rescue effectiveness. The conversation covers the technical "street science" of firefighting, from the dangers of hose kinks and the myths of inherited pump charts to the vital importance of flow testing your equipment. Whether you are a career or volunteer operator, Eric’s practical fireground focused training philosophy offers a masterclass in ensuring that when the nozzle opens, the water and the pressure are exactly where they need to be.

Eric has been in the fire service since 1984, starting with the Oconomowoc Fire Department.  He worked for the Green Bay Metro Fire Department from 1993 to 2019, retiring as station captain and paramedic.  He was also the Assistant Chief of Training for the De Pere Fire & Rescue from 2018-2021. Eric is the owner of First Due Fire Training, LLC, a training and consulting company. He also is a contributing author for the Wisconsin Fire Journal Magazine since 2012. In addition to having many fire certifications, Eric has an Associate Degree in Fire Science Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management, and has a Master’s Degree in Leadership with an emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership.

Show Notes:

• Town of Lakewood Wisconsin, Fire Department

• First Due Fire Training LLC