Leadership Under Fire

Principled Leadership with LtCol Kip Hughes

We’re joined today by LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes. Kip is a Naval Aviator by trade and has also served in several key billets with ground combat units. After transitioning to the private sector ten years ago, he built a successful career in the hardware and software technology industry while continuing to serve in the Marine Reserves. He and his wife are raising five children, and he also serves as an elder in his church.

The Humble Professional with FF Mike Conicelli FDNY

Our guest today is Firefighter Mike Conicelli from Engine 301 in Hollis, Queens. Mike is a 21-year veteran of the FDNY whose contributions extend beyond the firehouse—from training new engine chauffeurs to his involvement in the MPI program and more. In addition to his fire service, Mike has long been part of the NYC bar scene and is an active practitioner of jiu-jitsu.

Leadership, Longevity and a Love for the Job with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch BCFD (RET)

Today’s episode was recorded during a fireside chat at the week-long LUF Summit with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Captain Andrew Whitehead sits down with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch to discuss his remarkable and wide-ranging career in the fire service.

Build Talent as Soon as You Can with Captain Tim Buchenroth Lexington, KY FD

Today’s guest is Captain Tim Buchenroth, a 13-year veteran of the Lexington Fire Department in Lexington, Kentucky. Tim has been an active member of the LUF network since attending the team’s Columbus, Ohio, event in 2017. He is also a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and currently resides in Kentucky with his family.

That's the Way Out with Deputy Chief Jay Jonas FDNY (RET)

Today we have the great honor of welcoming Deputy Chief Jay Jonas.
He was appointed to the New York City Fire Department on November 24, 1979. After graduating from probie school, he was first assigned to Engine Company 46 in the Bronx. He then crossed the floor to Ladder 27, where he honed his craft at the “Cross Bronx Express.” Seeking broader knowledge and experience, he transferred to Rescue Company 3, responding to some of the Bronx’s most challenging fires and emergencies.
Deputy Chief Jonas was later promoted to Lieutenant, serving with Ladder 11 on the Lower East Side. He then rose to the rank of Captain and was assigned to Ladder 6, where he served as company commander on September 11, 2001. Just one week after 9/11, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to the 2nd Battalion.
In 2007, he achieved the rank of Deputy Chief in the 7th Division, where he continued his distinguished service until his retirement on July 9, 2022, marking the close of a remarkable 42-year career with the FDNY.

Poised Under Pressure in West Baltimore’s Streets of Fire with Lt Paul Novak Sr. BCFD

The fireside chat is a longstanding staple in LUF leadership development and human performance courses.  During a recent weeklong LUF human performance course, Baltimore City Fire Department leaders enjoyed the opportunity to hear Lt Paul Novak Sr. reflect on his career with host Jerry Smith.  Lt Novak joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1973 and retired in 2004.  Lt Novak established himself as one of the department’s most experienced, capable, and impactful fire officers.   Paul Sr. was a 2nd generation member of the BCFD, and his sons Paul Jr. and Casey are 3rd generation members.  Lt Novak and members of Engine 13 were featured in the Discovery Channel’s 1998 documentary “Streets of Fire.”   

Revisiting Tribe with Journalist, Author and Filmmaker Sebastian Junger

“Thrilling” and “thought-provoking” are just two words to describe the work produced by our guest in this episode. Sebastian Junger is an American journalist, author and filmmaker whose work demands contemplation regarding what history, science and experience tells us about the ability to endure hardship and how to navigate our current cultural terrain. Junger’s work includes the books: Tribe and The Perfect Storm as well as the Academy Award-nominated film: Restrepo, which he co-directed with Tim Hetherington. Junger holds a degree in anthropology, has a propensity towards dangerous jobs and an admiration for the “working man.”

Reflections in Command - Coffee with Jim Roussell USMC/Chicago PD

In this conversation, LUF's senior mentor Jim Roussell, USMC(Ret) and Chicago PD (Ret) candidly discusses leadership in mission-oriented organizations.  He reflects on the courageous actions of his U.S. Marines and their Iraqi allies in Fallujah.  Jim also shares lessons that he learned during various chapters of his career as well as key takeaways from several historical vignettes.  The conversation transpired over coffee in the farmhouse during the winter 2025 LUF Human-Centered Fireground Command and Control retreat on the Farm in Western Maryland. 

Building a Leadership and Tactical Performance File Cabinet with Shaun Ferguson CHFD

Shaun Ferguson is a member of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, where he has served since 2016. He is currently assigned to Special Operations Squad and Hazmat Company 13. Shaun plays a key role in the administration of the Cherry Hill FD Recruit Academy, where he is a member of the fire instructor cadre, teaching in both engine operations and hazardous materials disciplines.
As part of the recruit academy command staff, Shaun serves as a drill instructor, taking on a formative role in shaping new firefighters. He is also an integral member of the department’s Human Performance Team, where he has been instrumental in introducing and cultivating human performance training for recruit and probationary firefighters.
In addition to his work with the Cherry Hill FD, Shaun has contributed to the Leadership Under Fire Emerging Leaders Development course - this conversation is from a course session. 
Shaun also served in the New Jersey Air National Guard as a Fire Protection Specialist from 2011 to 2021, deploying to various locations around the world.

Unpacking CPT Adolf von Schell's "Battlefield Leadership" with LtCol Charlie Black USMC (Ret)

In this episode you’ll hear LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret) guide the LUF book club through Battlefield Leadership by Adolf non Schell. Battlefield Leadership is a classic exploration of leadership under fire, drawn from real experiences on the front lines of World War I. With insight forged through experience, he’ll guide us through von Schell’s powerful reflections on decision-making, morale, and the human dimension of warfare.