The fireside chat is a longstanding staple in LUF leadership development and human performance courses. During a recent weeklong LUF human performance course, Baltimore City Fire Department leaders enjoyed the opportunity to hear Lt Paul Novak Sr. reflect on his career with host Jerry Smith. Lt Novak joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1973 and retired in 2004. Lt Novak established himself as one of the department’s most experienced, capable, and impactful fire officers. Paul Sr. was a 2nd generation member of the BCFD, and his sons Paul Jr. and Casey are 3rd generation members. Lt Novak and members of Engine 13 were featured in the Discovery Channel’s 1998 documentary “Streets of Fire.”

“Thrilling” and “thought-provoking” are just two words to describe the work produced by our guest in this episode. Sebastian Junger is an American journalist, author and filmmaker whose work demands contemplation regarding what history, science and experience tells us about the ability to endure hardship and how to navigate our current cultural terrain. Junger’s work includes the books: Tribe and The Perfect Storm as well as the Academy Award-nominated film: Restrepo, which he co-directed with Tim Hetherington. Junger holds a degree in anthropology, has a propensity towards dangerous jobs and an admiration for the “working man.”

In this conversation, LUF's senior mentor Jim Roussell, USMC(Ret) and Chicago PD (Ret) candidly discusses leadership in mission-oriented organizations. He reflects on the courageous actions of his U.S. Marines and their Iraqi allies in Fallujah. Jim also shares lessons that he learned during various chapters of his career as well as key takeaways from several historical vignettes. The conversation transpired over coffee in the farmhouse during the winter 2025 LUF Human-Centered Fireground Command and Control retreat on the Farm in Western Maryland.