Forging Progressive Fire Tactics with Jake Dickes of Sons of Irons

<p>In this episode of <i><em>The CAN Report</em></i>, host Mike Goldstein sits down with Jake Dickes, a Boulder County captain and founder of Sons of Irons, LLC, to discuss modern fireground operations. Starting his career alongside his father in 2003, Dickes spent 19 years riding the backstep before stepping into leadership. He launched Sons of Irons in 2013 to inject real-world passion back into basic drills, specialized engine tactics, and rapid intervention team operations.</p><p>The conversation focuses on the realities of running minimally staffed engine companies in rural districts, handling social media online critics, and implementing lasting organizational change. Dickes outlines why progressive tactics demand data over tradition, reminding firefighters that evolution takes time—it took him 12 years to update his department's attack packages. Grounded in trial-and-error experience, he challenges both young members and officers to slow down, respect past investments, and master the core fundamentals of the craft.</p>