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
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
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
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
Everyone on the shift plays a critical part in making sure the apparatus is ready to roll when the alarm sounds
To be effective and safe, firefighters need mature, engaged officers who lead by example
Avoidance and acceptance are not reasons for an officer to allow bad behavior to take place
Skills, fitness, and the right number of people allow for quick intervention necessary to interrupt a bad situation
Being too close or too far from the seat of the fire can compromise firefighters’ effectiveness and safety
Change is not easy, but possible if the right steps are taken and consistently implemented
New technology processes seemingly unlimited information in an instant, yet our brains do not
An officer cannot afford to be the last to know about members’ problems as they tend to grow if left unaddressed
A cultural turning point for our country was also the point when firefighters went from being heroes to professionals
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