It is hard to believe it’s already 2026. Last year was an absolute whirlwind for the fire service — and the news has really run the gamut. We’ve watched massive political shifts, we’ve seen Hollywood finally put our EMS brothers and sisters on the big screen, and we’ve had some tough but necessary conversations about how we conduct ourselves. As I review the year — and the dozens of conversations I’ve had on the Better Every Shift podcast — it’s clear that certain stories didn’t just make headlines, they defined our culture, often propelled by social media.
Let’s review 2025’s buzziest fire service stories and trends.
1. The ‘Code 3' movie phenomenon
The Hollywood spotlight: Without a doubt, the release of the movie “Code 3” in September was the biggest (and most accurate) pop-culture moment for the fire and EMS world.
- The buzz: Finally, a depiction of EMS that wasn’t just “ambulance drivers” saving the day in 2 minutes. It showed the burnout, the humor and the grind.
- Key takeaway: We covered this movie from every angle. On Sept. 10, co-writer Patrick Pianezza joined the show to explain how he turned real-life EMS chaos into an action-comedy, describing the film as a “love letter to fire and EMS.” A week later, actor Rainn Wilson discussed the “brutal beauty” of the job. The listener response was overwhelming because, for the first time, the public saw the mental toll of the job, not just the lights and sirens.
2. Saving the National Fire Academy
The policy win: In early 2025, the sudden closure of the NFA for “program review” sent shockwaves through the fire service.
- Impact: In March, we hosted an emergency podcast with U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Chief Josh Waldo and Chief Marc Bashoor calling on the administration to restore classes immediately.
- The result: I’d like to believe our honest, transparent conversation on the show helped spotlight the situation and break the deadlock to get the doors reopened. It was a proud moment for the Better Every Shift community.
3. The FDNY EMS split debate
The labor battle: For nearly three decades, New York City’s firefighters and paramedics have worked under the FDNY umbrella. Now, a renewed effort to spin EMS off into its own agency is gaining traction. EMS leaders, citing severe staffing losses to FDNY firefighting ranks, are pushing hard for the split. Debates over the “third service” created a massive divide.
- The buzz: With FDNY Commissioner Tucker resigning and the new political pressure from Mayor Mamdani’s administration, the union push for pay parity and separation became top conversation in many firehouses.
- Key takeaway: It’s not just a New York story; it sparked conversations in departments everywhere about whether fire-based EMS is sustainable. Check out my take on the situation.
4. The viral “bad behavior” crackdown
Accountability check: 2025 was the year some departments stopped tolerating “cringe” or offensive social media posts.
- The buzz: We saw a wave of investigations and disciplinary actions over firefighters posting political messages or insensitive photos from firegrounds and firehouses.
- Key takeaway: Your reputation takes a lifetime to build and one tweet (or post) to destroy. The public trust is fragile, and this year proved that cameras are always rolling. Read tips to avoid social media career implosion.
5. Sleep and fatigue study (Science to the Station)
The health awakening: Dr. Sara Jahnke returned to the show to discuss the massive national sleep study results.
- The buzz: The data is undeniable now. Sleep deprivation is killing us faster than the fires, and this study finally gives us the ammo to fight for better rest policies.
6. The rise of the 24/72 shift
Schedule revolution: More and more departments are changing their shift schedules.
- The buzz: The debate between the 48/96 and the 24/72 lit up our comment sections. It’s no longer just about “days off"; it’s about recovery time, cancer prevention and mental health.
- Key takeaway: Recovery is the new currency in recruitment and retention.
7. The mayday training reality check
Operational lesson: In September, we discussed an incident where a firefighter fell through a floor, and the command of that mayday became a massive learning point.
- The buzz: Battalion Chief Eric Morgenthaler joined us to break down the incident and the power of training. The audio and video from that incident circulated widely, reminding us that when the chaos hits, we fall back to our level of training.
8. AI & tech: “The lure”
The future is here: Captain (ret.) Kirk McKinzie dropped some knowledge about how technology is changing the game.
- The buzz: From AI dispatching to heads-up displays in facepieces, the old school vs. new school debate rages on.
- Key takeaway: “Technology is the lure” for some department recruitment efforts, but human decision-making is the hook. We can’t let gadgets replace street smarts and good old-fashioned person-to-person communication.
9. The PFAS gear overhaul
Safety standard: NYC’s bill to phase out PFAS from gear by 2028 set a new standard that got a lot of people talking.
- The buzz: Photos of “PFAS-free” gear and the logistics of replacing PPE became a major admin headache but a health victory. Firefighters started asking, “Is my gear safe?” more than ever before.
10. The “fit for duty” cultural shift
The personal win: 2025 felt like the year fitness finally stopped being “optional.”
- The buzz: Whether it was the Healthy 10 initiative or just the sheer number of listeners reaching out to me about their workouts, the culture is shifting. We are seeing fewer beer belly jokes and more posts about the value of fitness. That makes me proud.
Finally, I want to send a massive thank you to the entire BES Nation. This podcast is nothing without this incredible community of professionals who refuse to settle for average. You are the heartbeat of this mission, and serving you is the highlight of my career.
But we aren’t done yet. My goal for 2026 is to get these resources into the ears of every first responder who needs them. So, I’m asking for your help: If an episode sparked a change in you this year, please share it. Send it to a rookie, text it to your crew, or post it for your department.
Let’s grow this movement together!
And, as always, remember to learn something, do something, and share something to make you and those around you better every shift.
Commit to Better in 2026!
