HAZARD CLASS

HC0023 - Chaos and Command Featuring: John Norman
THMG Presents: Hazard Class
Episode 0023
Chaos and Command
Featuring: John Norman
In this compelling episode of Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Chief John Norman, a veteran firefighter with over 50 years of experience, including 27 years with the FDNY. Chief Norman, a former Deputy Assistant Chief of Special Operations Command, played a crucial role in the response and recovery efforts after 9/11. He shares his journey from growing up in a firefighter family to serving in FDNY Special Operations, offering invaluable insights into leadership, tactics, and the evolution of fire service operations.
Expect to hear gripping stories, career-changing lessons, and reflections on the fire service’s past, present, and future.
Fire Officer’s Handbook of Tactics – Buy Here: www.chiefnorman.com
Fire Department Special Operations – Learn More: www.chiefnorman.com
Working with Giants – Memoir & Lessons from the Fire Service: www.chiefnorman.com
Follow Chief John Norman:
Website: www.chiefnorman.com
Instagram: @chiefnormanfdny
Key Episode Timestamps & Topics:
Introduction (0:00 - 3:54)
- Welcome to the Hazard Class Podcast.
- Introduction to Chief John Norman.
- Overview of his distinguished career.
The Wheel of Stupid Questions (3:54 - 4:22)
- Chief Norman shares a surprising movie favorite: Secondhand Lions.
Early Fire Service Influences (4:22 - 5:19)
- Growing up in a firehouse environment.
- The impact of WWII veteran firefighters on his career choice.
Firefighting as a Family Tradition (5:23 - 8:40)
- Chief Norman’s family involvement in fire and police services.
- His brother’s harrowing 9/11 survival story.
First Fire Experiences (8:40 - 10:41)
- Recalling his first-ever fire at six years old.
- Chasing fires on his bicycle as a young boy.
His First Official Fire Call (10:41 - 15:32)
- A dramatic house fire involving rescues, firefighter injuries, and valuable lessons learned.
- Key takeaway: Never trust only your eyes in a search—always verify with feel.
The Evolution of Fire Tactics (15:33 - 17:42)
- The transition from old-school firefighting methods to modern SCBA use.
- Resistance to new safety technology among veteran firefighters.
Joining FDNY & the Academy Experience (17:43 - 19:00)
- The long waiting process before finally joining FDNY in 1979.
First FDNY Assignment: The Busiest Engine in the City (19:59 - 22:43)
- Unexpected assignment to Engine 290, one of NYC’s busiest units.
Transitioning to Special Operations (22:44 - 26:02)
- How mentorship and networking shaped his move to Rescue Companies.
Climbing the Ranks: From Firefighter to Chief (26:02 - 32:30)
- Why he initially hesitated to take the Battalion Chief exam.
- The importance of strong leadership at all levels of the fire service.
9/11: A Career-Defining Event (32:30 - 36:47)
- Chief Norman’s role in search and rescue at Ground Zero.
- How FDNY leadership was rebuilt after losing key figures.
- The overwhelming fires and water supply challenges in Lower Manhattan.
Structural Collapse and Fire Command Decisions (36:47 - 42:13)
- The decision to pull out of WTC 7 before its collapse.
- How FDNY managed citywide operations despite major losses.
Lessons from a Lifetime in Firefighting (46:07 - 46:46)
- "Enjoy every second of it—at some point, you won’t be doing it anymore."