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.
How AI will reshape the future of fire‑EMS operations, dispatch and governance, according to the ChatGPT
SPOTLIGHT ON AI
Inside the department’s plan to use AI to improve planning, documentation and daily operations
AI, cognitive friction and the future of fire service leadership
Understanding the impact of AI sycophancy
Whether you need data-driven outreach or just better graphics, AI offers practical ways to strengthen your prevention messages
From hazard mapping to resource deployment, AI is changing the way agencies prepare for major incidents
From overworked volunteers to red tape-heavy agencies, fire department leaders face distinct hurdles in adopting AI
Upskill your staff so you’re ready to deploy AI tools for everything from training plans to fire detection and post-incident analysis
Imagining the shift from generative AI to general AI — and how that impacts fire service jobs
Battalion Chief Bobby Ortiz and Division Chief Chad Crouse drive the latest Tech Talk Tuesday discussion focused on AI, drones and robotic systems
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
Breaking down the role of division officers in reducing command overload and supporting tactical execution on complex incidents
Like a championship team, success in the fire service requires clarity, consistency and commitment
Dr. Nicole Sawyer urges fire service leaders to confront the roots of chronic stress and model accountability for their crews
The victim drives the rescue. Your crews’ capabilities dictate the operation.
One bad choice with a master stream spotlights a missed opportunity for cooperation over shared space frustrations
Every chief needs to learn when to stay at 30,000 feet and when to get into the weeds
More than 1,600 firefighters weigh in on the perennial debate about whether aggressive tactics and safety culture are mutually exclusive
Fire chiefs must embrace policy advocacy to influence decisions that shape public safety and department operations
A solid Standard of Cover is the blueprint for effective, consistent fireground operations
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