FireRescue1 Leadership Institute’s 2026 Spotlight on AI in the fire service examines how artificial intelligence is shaping decision-making across training, operations, incident response and administrative work. Coverage focuses on practical, real-world use — including predictive analytics, dispatch improvements, generative AI applications and the ethical considerations leaders must weigh. Grounded in examples from the field and informed expert insight, this series is designed to support informed, responsible adoption of AI within today’s fire service.
SPOTLIGHT ON AI
How responsible AI guidance applies to training, decision-making and trust in the fire service
Chiefs Brad Brown and Don Lombardi discuss important considerations for agencies using AI — and how it will never replace an incident commander’s “gut feeling”
From scheduling to training manuals, VBFD firefighters are using AI to cut through admin workload and keep people focused on higher-value work
The department is using AI to evaluate both narrative and structured ePCR data
AI tools are reshaping how fire departments document meetings, forcing new decisions on consent, data control and records management
Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore on recognizing EMS as an essential service with the funding and career pathways to match
New writing tools can help organize data, sharpen narratives and align applications with funder priorities when paired with human review
How AI will reshape the future of fire‑EMS operations, dispatch and governance, according to the ChatGPT
The Colorado department developed a flexible, town-wide policy to manage risk, protect sensitive information and guide responsible use
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
Whether you’re a new firefighter or a seasoned chief officer, these Better Every Shift-approved books offer insights to help you lead better, think sharper and perform at your best
Firefighter safety must go beyond the fireground, with cardiac health, roadway risks, fitness and wellness taking center stage in efforts to prevent LODDs
Practical leadership approaches for setting standards, addressing problems early and creating a culture rooted in honesty and accountability
We already know the dangers associated with freelancing, fatigue, poor command, among other key challenges — so why don’t we change?
Avoiding accountability erodes trust, damages culture and drives away -high performers
We asked current fire service leaders to spotlight the best of the best — those leaders, living or departed, whose influence is felt far and wide
From application difficulty to funding competition, many barriers are more perception than reality
The Charleston, S.C., chief reflects on his journey from the trauma of the Sofa Super Store fire tragedy to finding – and living – his growth-focused mission
Step-by-step guidance and tips for finding, interviewing, contracting and utilizing the skills of a grant writer
About the Sponsor: First Due
Fire and EMS software is broken. As times change, keeping pace with the demands of modern firefighting and emergency response is more important than ever. From preincident planning to response and incident reporting, fire and EMS agencies nationwide struggle to manage day-to-day operations within a single platform. First Due is changing how fire and EMS software works, delivering an end-to-end, cloud-based solution designed to support an entire operation in one place. Learn more about First Due.
First Due earned a spot on the 2026 GovTech 100 for the second consecutive year, recognizing its AI-powered, all-in-one platform supporting fire and EMS operations
The FDNY is now live and submitting fire incidents to NERIS through First Due, while sustaining the operational demands of the largest municipal fire department in the United States
The company’s growth underscores the demand for streamlined public safety operations supported by real-time data
Through AI-powered processes, built-in checklists, guided workflows, and real-time validation, First Due eliminates manual coordination
Marking back-to-back recognition, this year’s honor underscores First Due’s leadership in artificial intelligence for public safety
Ranking No. 492 overall and No. 54 in Software, 2025 marks the company’s fourth consecutive appearance on the list — and its first time in Inc. 500
First Due integrates NextNav’s advanced vertical location and 3D visualization technology into its Incident Command platform
First Due’s new Advanced Data Insights delivers real-time, configurable dashboards across incidents, ePCR, staffing, and more—built for public safety. Agencies get full visibility and meet compliance standards like NFIRS/ NERIS, NEMSQA, and NEMSIS—without technical expertise or third-party tools
First Due launches a new LMS to streamline training, certification tracking and compliance, complete with real-time monitoring and industry-specific content
Designed to simplify compliance, streamline ITM workflows and improve service provider collaboration, First Due’s ITM solution strengthens its industry-leading Fire Prevention toolset