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
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
From shift schedules to PFAS gear, these are the stories that lit up our socials
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
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
Embrace firefighter camaraderie, diversity and history while moving forward to embrace the future with passion
While firehouse scandal and negative headlines aren’t completely avoidable, focus on the mission at hand and get in front of bad behavior to improve community and public relations
Conduct a personal 360 size-up to evaluate how your behavior contributes to the success of the mission
A passion for leadership, serving the community and protecting firefighters hallmarks the next step in a career defined by forward progress
Assign MCI member roles, report often and maximize the first five minutes on scene to deploy triage quickly and keep incoming units informed
Cloud-based, passive firefighter accountability systems help incident commanders track personnel movements throughout the incident response
It may seem like millennials are still the young newbies at work, but in reality, it’s the “iGen,” and they are completely different
Scott Orr tackles a controversial proposal to let company officers focus on incident action plans while responding in the apparatus
Transforming into a good leader requires using solid communication techniques and fully understanding a department’s history
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