HC0060 - Frank Leeb - FDNY - Deputy Asst. Chief (Ret)

Deputy Assistant Chief (Ret.) Frank Leeb, a veteran of over 31 years with the FDNY. From his humble beginnings in East Farmingdale Volunteer Fire Department to retiring from the FDNY, Frank shares a wealth of knowledge and personal stories. He discusses his early days in volunteer firefighting, his journey through FDNY, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Frank’s passion for the fire service is evident as he talks about mentorship, training, leadership, and his work with the First Responder Center for Excellence, a program dedicated to addressing the mental and physical challenges faced by first responders. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Chief Frank Leeb: Meet Chief Frank Leeb, a veteran firefighter with over 31 years of service. He shares his career journey and current work with the First Responder Center for Excellence. 2:00 - Early Beginnings in East Farmingdale Fire Department: Frank reflects on his childhood and how his brother’s involvement in the East Farmingdale Fire Department inspired him to join, highlighting the diverse group of people who mentored him in his early volunteer years. 4:00 - The Influence of His Brother and Volunteer Fire Service Mentors: Frank discusses how volunteer mentors shaped his understanding of leadership and service, emphasizing the importance of learning from everyone around you. 7:00 - The FDNY Connection and the Path to Joining the Department: Frank talks about his decision to pursue a career in the FDNY, passing the entrance exam at 17, and the early connections he made with city firefighters. 10:00 - Lessons from the First Real Fire: Frank recalls his first significant fire in New York City and the lessons learned about preparation, teamwork, and using all firefighting equipment. 19:00 - The Value of Training and Lifelong Learning in the Fire Service: Frank highlights the importance of continuous education in the fire service and how a lifelong commitment to learning shaped his leadership style. 26:00 - The Evolution of Fire Academy Training and Changes in Expectations: A look back at fire academy training in Frank’s early days and how it has evolved, particularly with EMS integration and the ongoing challenge of meeting modern demands. 30:00 - The Importance of Fire Academies Being Both Difficult and Realistic: Frank discusses the debate about fire academy standards and the need for a balance between difficulty and realistic expectations for the job. 41:00 - Transition from Engine Work to Special Operations (Squad 270): Frank shares his experiences transitioning to Squad 270, one of the FDNY's special operations units, and how the specialized training prepared him for complex fire scenes. 50:00 - The Impact of 9/11 on the FDNY and the Fire Service Community: Frank gives an emotional account of the events of September 11, 2001, discussing the loss of colleagues and the strength of the FDNY’s response in the aftermath. 1:10:00 - The Importance of Resilience and Leadership After Tragedy: Frank talks about the FDNY's resilience after 9/11, sharing lessons in leadership and pride from the department's response to the tragedy. 1:15:00 - Frank’s Work with the First Responder Center for Excellence: Frank discusses his current role at the First Responder Center for Excellence, focusing on the organization's efforts to address mental health, cancer awareness, and other challenges faced by first responders. Important Resources: ⁠First Responder Center for Excellence⁠ Frank’s books: Cornerstones of Leadership, On and Off the Fireground, 30 Fires You Must Know.