Can safety and aggressive firefighting truly coexist on the fireground? According to the FireRescue1 “What Firefighters Want in 2025” survey, the answer is a resounding “yes”—95% of firefighters believe that aggressive firefighting and a strong safety culture go hand in hand. Yet the ongoing debate in conference sessions, on social media, and around the kitchen table shows that the picture is more complicated. While 88% of respondents identify as aggressive firefighters and 97% see themselves as safe, survey data and open-ended comments reveal gaps in how those ideals play out under real-world conditions.

This keynote will explore what today’s firefighters are really saying about safety and tactical aggressive firefighting—and what it means for company and chief officers tasked with leading the charge. Attendees will examine the alignment and disconnects surfaced in the survey, including how training, decision-making, and organizational culture can either reinforce or undermine that balance.

Key takeaways include:

• Insights from the What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey on attitudes toward safety and aggressive tactics.

• How to distinguish between “aggressive” and “reckless” tactics on the fireground.

• Practical strategies for embedding a culture where safety enables—not hinders—aggressive firefighting.

• Leadership approaches for bridging the divide between firefighter expectations and department realities.

By moving beyond the either/or mindset, this session will equip leaders with the tools to inspire confidence, sharpen tactical execution, and create an environment where aggressive action and firefighter safety are not opposing forces but complementary strengths.