Leadership Under Fire

The fireside chat is a longstanding staple in LUF leadership development and human performance courses.  During a recent weeklong LUF human performance course, Baltimore City Fire Department leaders enjoyed the opportunity to hear Lt Paul Novak Sr. reflect on his career with host Jerry Smith.  Lt Novak joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1973 and retired in 2004.  Lt Novak established himself as one of the department’s most experienced, capable, and impactful fire officers.   Paul Sr. was a 2nd generation member of the BCFD, and his sons Paul Jr. and Casey are 3rd generation members.  Lt Novak and members of Engine 13 were featured in the Discovery Channel’s 1998 documentary “Streets of Fire.”

“Thrilling” and “thought-provoking” are just two words to describe the work produced by our guest in this episode. Sebastian Junger is an American journalist, author and filmmaker whose work demands contemplation regarding what history, science and experience tells us about the ability to endure hardship and how to navigate our current cultural terrain. Junger’s work includes the books: Tribe and The Perfect Storm as well as the Academy Award-nominated film: Restrepo, which he co-directed with Tim Hetherington. Junger holds a degree in anthropology, has a propensity towards dangerous jobs and an admiration for the “working man.”

In this conversation, LUF's senior mentor Jim Roussell, USMC(Ret) and Chicago PD (Ret) candidly discusses leadership in mission-oriented organizations.  He reflects on the courageous actions of his U.S. Marines and their Iraqi allies in Fallujah.  Jim also shares lessons that he learned during various chapters of his career as well as key takeaways from several historical vignettes.  The conversation transpired over coffee in the farmhouse during the winter 2025 LUF Human-Centered Fireground Command and Control retreat on the Farm in Western Maryland.

Shaun Ferguson is a member of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, where he has served since 2016. He is currently assigned to Special Operations Squad and Hazmat Company 13. Shaun plays a key role in the administration of the Cherry Hill FD Recruit Academy, where he is a member of the fire instructor cadre, teaching in both engine operations and hazardous materials disciplines. As part of the recruit academy command staff, Shaun serves as a drill instructor, taking on a formative role in shaping new firefighters. He is also an integral member of the department’s Human Performance Team, where he has been instrumental in introducing and cultivating human performance training for recruit and probationary firefighters. In addition to his work with the Cherry Hill FD, Shaun has contributed to the Leadership Under Fire Emerging Leaders Development course - this conversation is from a course session.  Shaun also served in the New Jersey Air National Guard as a Fire Protection Specialist from 2011 to 2021, deploying to various locations around the world.

In this episode you’ll hear LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret) guide the LUF book club through Battlefield Leadership by Adolf non Schell. Battlefield Leadership is a classic exploration of leadership under fire, drawn from real experiences on the front lines of World War I. With insight forged through experience, he’ll guide us through von Schell’s powerful reflections on decision-making, morale, and the human dimension of warfare.