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
From entry-level to chief, these firefighter interview questions will help prep your answers to reveal character, competence and leadership potential
Areas of focus included preparing for wildfire and WUI events, managing lithium battery fires, and new approaches to firefighter health and wellness
Is your department ready to launch a natural disaster response amid reduced staffing and backup systems?
What advice would you share with your newly graduated selves — tips that new graduates can consider for their own paths ahead?
Whether you’ve been out of the fire service for five months or 15 years, your lived experiences remain valuable to the firefighters of today
“I am not giving up; I am just moving on to a different venue to continue the fight”
The chain of command and issuance of orders can become complicated if all parties involved do not respect the system and its boundaries
Telling new employees their generation is lazy and entitled will only drive them to meet that expectation, rather than grow into the leaders of our future
The driver was fired, but the department’s culture may still be on a collision course
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