In this episode of Project Command we examine how fire chiefs and chief officers can use ChatGPT in 2026 as a practical decision support and executive productivity tool while maintaining professional judgment. We cover how AI can be used for targeted research to support strategic decision making policy development and revision and synchronizing complex documents across divisions agencies and governing bodies. The episode also explores using ChatGPT for data interpretation aggregation and structuring information so leaders can quickly identify trends risks and priorities. Finally we discuss how chiefs can use ChatGPT to design and structure meetings including agendas pre reading and objectives so participants arrive prepared aligned and ready to work on the issues that matter.

When chaos reigns, make your project an island of stability.

Organizational chaos is not the exception in large systems — it's the environment. Leadership changes. Priorities shift. Direction arrives late, inconsistently, or through side channels.

In this Flash Points episode, Lieutenant Duke Cuneo breaks down why successful projects don't wait for clarity from above — they create stability inside their own span of control.

Drawing a direct parallel to complex incident management on the fireground, this episode focuses on how project managers can prevent organizational dysfunction from leaking into execution.

You'll learn how to:

• Lock scope clearly without becoming inflexible

• Establish a steady project cadence when everything else is moving

• Separate noise from legitimate change

• Document decisions to protect your project's institutional memory

• Control communication so uncertainty doesn't infect the team

This episode isn't about blaming leadership or complaining about dysfunction. It's about professionalism. Because chaos above you is not permission to run a sloppy project.

When everything around you feels unsettled, structure becomes leadership — and boring projects are the ones that finish.

In this episode of Project Command, I'm joined by Jared Vermillion, author of The Modern Fire Officer, for a grounded conversation on what effective officer development really looks like in today's fire service. We dig into the soft skills that matter most for officers, including leadership, communication, conflict resolution, coaching firefighters, and building trust within a crew. Jared shares practical insights on developing people, navigating difficult conversations, and creating an environment where firefighters can grow and perform at a high level. This episode is ideal for current and aspiring officers who want to lead with intention, improve their influence, and become better leaders for their people.