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 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
From overworked volunteers to red tape-heavy agencies, fire department leaders face distinct hurdles in adopting AI
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
Leaders, we must stay focused the myriad issues impacting our membership, even those that can feel distant from day-to-day operations
Eight leadership-focused questions can help test your legacy potential
Fire service leaders reflect on the life and legacy of the former California state fire marshal, visonary leader and friend to many
No loss of time due to an injury from falling out of your rig is acceptable, and certainly not a loss of life
Trust, honor and ethics must be central to your individual decision-making and organizational culture
Without a commitment to community risk reduction, your fire department can’t tout its role in the public safety business
We need to have systems in place that ensure fair and unbiased investigations are conducted into any allegation of hazing, harassment and bullying
It’s time for the fire service to get a seat at the table of technological advancements that will impact our service delivery
Best practices for using built-in fire protection systems
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