Boise Fire: Mission Strong

In 2024, Boise firefighters responded to a late-night emergency on the city's east side. A person was in cardiac arrest, and what happened next highlights just how far the Boise Fire Department's emergency medical response has come—and where there's still room to improve.
Today, the Boise Fire Department responds to thousands of medical emergencies every year. But that wasn't always the case. Just two decades ago, the department hired its first paramedics, beginning a transformation that has reshaped its role in protecting the community.
In this episode, we explore how Boise Fire's emergency medical program has evolved, the lifesaving partnership with Ada County Paramedics, and the ongoing effort to deliver the fastest, highest-quality care when every second counts.

The Boise Fire Department is an all-hazards agency—meaning when a situation turns complex or dangerous, we’re the ones who respond. From hazardous materials spills and vehicle extrications to high-angle rescues, water incidents, and aircraft emergencies, our crews are trained to handle it all.
In this episode, we tell the story of our Technical Rescue Team. We begin with a dramatic rescue that left onlookers holding their breath, unsure how it would end. From there, we explore how the team was formed, the challenges it has faced, and the history of technical rescue in the Treasure Valley.
You’ll also learn what it takes to join the team and how members are trained to think creatively under pressure. This episode offers a deeper look at the skill, preparation, and mindset required to serve on a true last-resort team.

In this special episode of Mission Strong, the tables are turned as Assistant Chief Brad Bolen sits down with now-former Chief Mark Niemeyer for a reflective and heartfelt conversation. Niemeyer opens up about the importance of tradition and servant leadership, what retirement looks like after decades of service, and whether he carries any regrets from his time leading the Boise Fire Department. It’s an honest, thoughtful farewell from a chief who helped shape the department into what it is today.

Who’s Steering the Ship? Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer sits down with the department’s Executive Team: Brad Bolen, Assistant Chief of Emergency Services; Romeo Gervais, Assistant Chief of Support Services; and Kelsie Carnosso, Chief Administrative Officer, to talk about what’s happening behind the scenes at Boise Fire. Together, they dig into the challenges of managing a growing fire department in a rapidly expanding city. The conversation covers culture, growth, ethics, innovation, and leadership. We'll explore how big decisions get made while keeping all stakeholders in mind, from city council members and community partners to the firefighters on the line.
 

Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer is joined alongside Captain Dana Larrondo and Rachael Jonas as they discuss their journey to becoming a Boise Firefighter, their experiences as females in the fire service, and give advice to other women wanting to pursue a career in this industry. Later in the episode Firefighter Kasey Hochmuht joins Chief Niemeyer to discuss Ignite Bootcamp, the group Female Firefighters of Idaho, and opportunities for women interested in learning more about being a firefighter. 

Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer is joined alongside Division Chief of Operations Aaron Hummel, Battalion Chief Tom Moore, and Battalion Chief Mike Walker as they discuss what a Battalion Chief does, their roles and responsibilities during an incident, and how they help shape the future of our organization. As some of the most senior leaders in our department,  they also share some of the most memorable moments from their careers. 

Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer is joined alongside Boise Fire Marshal Mike Bisagno, Captain Forrest France, and Captain Joel Damron as they discuss fire investigations, inspections, and fire safety tips that can keep you and your family safe. 

Wildfire is everyone's fight! Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer is joined alongside Battalion Chief Brian Ashton and Captain Garrett Kirpach as they discuss our local, state and regional wildfire responses, wildfire dangers in the foothills, as well as the training our members go through to get Red Card certified. Captain Jerry McAdams joins to discuss wildfire mitigation, our free chipping and home inspection programs, as well as how Boiseans can protect themselves and their homes from the threat of wildfire. 

Boise Fire Chief, Mark Niemeyer is joined alongside Battalion Chief Roy Mitchell and Captain Jake Zebell as they discuss the Boise Fire HazMat team, incidents the team responds to, local and national training , and reflect on their response to an overturned tanker truck on HWY 95.

Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer is joined alongside Captains Scott Hall and Jason Lewis as they discuss water safety, the Boise Fire Dive Rescue Team, float season, and what it's like to be a member of the Dive Team housed at Firehouse 1.