5-Alarm Task Force!

Episode 9-16 – Miranda Spivack and Dianne Cotter – “Backroom Deals in Our Backyards”As we pass through life, we encounter many people. This one works in a tall building; another delivers office supplies and a third washes all the windows. Most see this as “blue-collar” job, but do we really know what's going on.Our guests today are Miranda Spivack, a former reporter and she worked for the “Washington Post,” for 20 years. She has been a Fulbright Scholar. Her work has appeared in the “New York Times,” “USA Today,” and “Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting” and the McClatchy newspapers. And Miranda's “guest,” is a frequent guest on 5-Alarm Task Force. Ms. Diane Cotter who, when her husband was diagnosed with cancer, Diane wanted to know both, how could this happen and how can we fight this. Both of our guests have “climbed” the very tall wall. And as it came to be, Miranda was following Diane's life and her determination and how she fought the system, not just for her family, but for every firefighter who has worn bunker gear with a known carcinogenic.As Miranda reveals, what we used to assume that our city/town/state/federal's officials are operating “above board.” Ahhhh…that's not necessarily true. Hence the name of her book, “Backroom Deals in Our Backyards.”Want to read even more than we discuss here? Miranda's book will be released on May 6th. Please listen to this podcast then, read the book!! You can order the book at this link:https://thenewpress.com/books/backroom-deals-our-backyards and those below, Here's info on per-ordering the book:https://bookshop.org/p/books/backroom-deals-in-our-backyards-how-government-secrecy-harms-our-communities-and-the-local-heroes-fighting-back-miranda-s-spivack/21644217?ean=9781620978559&next=t&affiliate=1871https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/backroom-deals-in-our-backyards-miranda-s-spivack/1146017644;jsessionid=BC6335333E4AEE777160AF759E9B5AAB.prodny_store02-atgap02?ean=9781620978559https://www.amazon.com/Backroom-Deals-Our-Backyards-Communities/dp/1620978555/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VeZdCG8JFfprOKoKY5mkQw.eiDA7dTsZ3429ZOdLMPuGTU0W17AlV59kb8XIf7GX10&dib_tag=se&keywords=9781620978559&qid=1742576802&sr=8-1https://thenewpress.com/books/backroom-deals-our-backyardsMiranda's email: mirandaspivack@yahoo.com

Episode 9-15 – Assistant Chief Jacob JohnsonWe are proud to have Asst. Chief Jacob Johnson from the Pearland Fire Department in Pearland TX. Jacob first joined us on “5-Alarm task Force,” when he was a Captain. And it was easy to see how dedicated he was, and still is, of course, to being the best firefighter and officer that he could be. In this episode, we discuss the “how and why” of, not only his success, but that of the department. With their seventh station already on the way, they also have plans for Station 8 and Station 9. We discuss the remarkable success of the Pearland Fire Department and how successful their recruiting efforts are. Beyond recruiting, their retention level is particularly good. As Jacob tells it, one of the most important criteria is treating their residents as well as their members as “family.”Sit back and enjoy the videocast or the audio podcast and see what you can learn from Asst. Chief Jacob Johnson.Watch the interview on YouTube at https://youtu.be/v49vDfNNv20 and the audio version on your favorite podcast platforms!We still your help to raise funds for our Brothers and Sisters who were deeply involved in the major fires. Please remember, many, many of the firefighters who fought, “tooth & nail” the major blazes, but they lost their homes, vehicles, clothes, etc. Please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.

What are some of today's most pressing issues in the Fire Service? We look at a couple in this episode: Training in Today's Fire Service, as well as Retention and Recruitment. Joining us to cover these topics is Assistant Chief Joe Manning of the Largo FL Fire & Rescue Department. With nearly 30 years in the Fire Service, he has seen it all in training programs, as well as a departments working strenuously with retention and recruitment. In this interview, he explains what he has seen and what he and the Largo Fire & Rescue Department over the years. We believe you will be extremely interested in our discussion, and you will probably hear some of his ideas that you can bring back to your department, as there are many departments across the country facing these and other similar difficulties, while remaining vigilant for the calls that need to be cared for.

Whether you're a veteran firefighter or a rookie, the likelihood that you've seen or even read FIREHOUSE® Magazine, is high. It has been a staple in most firehouses and with thousands more visiting the website, attending conferences and more. Its current Editor-in-Chief is Peter Mathews. Peter is the Director of Conferences and FIREHOUSE® Magazine. He has worked at FIREHOUSE® since 1999, serving in various roles on both the Magazine and FIREHOUSE®.com staffs He completed an internship with the Rochester NY Fire Department and has served with fire departments Glenwood Landing. Rush NY and Laurel MD.Peter is an avid photographer of the fire service and frequently rides along with the fire departments in Dallas and Ft. Worth TX. Today, Peter and I will discuss the 25th anniversary of the Worcester MA Cold Storage Fire and his look at the recent new conference, Fire Fusion.                                     ********************Please remember that we need your help especially during this Holiday Season; to raise the important funds we use to financially help our Brothers/Sisters and/or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can afford, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Since 2015/2016, we have an elevated consciousness regarding cancer in the fire service. With slow, but sure processes, we learned the AFFF, and our gear are “dosed” with PFAS. That it about to change. My guests on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” are Kevin Yeazell and his son Kevin Ryan Yeazell of a company Fireground Supply. Several seasons ago, we met (via podcast) Quincy Emmons, from Canada. His company created a product, Fire Rein. It is a liquid composed of all-natural product, without any PFAS/PFOS. My guests reached out to Quincy's company for details and saw how valuable this could be for the fire service. Additionally, Fireground Supply created another firefighting tool, called Eco-Gel. It sticks to almost any product like wood, plastics, and more. What is important to know is that Eco-Gel is made of all natural products, contains no PFAS/PFOS and actually sticks to the surface and will not allow a re-light of what was burning. Kevin Ryan Yeazell is also an expert on firefighting gear. He is deeply involved in the issue of keeping our gear healthy and knows the industry very, very well. While the audio version of this podcast is complete, we urge you to visit our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force,” where you will hear the entire podcast, BUT…. you will see several videos included how these products work!You can reach them at their website, www.firegroundsupply.com!                                   ********************Please remember that we need your help especially during this Holiday Season; to raise the important funds we use to financially help our Brothers/Sisters and/or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can afford, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

How many times have we heard about a friend or relative made his/her annual visit to their doctor. She runs a batch of tests, only to tell you that there is a problem. When the patient is asked, “Why didn't you come in sooner?” The sad answer is, “I didn't think it was anything to bother you with.” Sadly, this often results in a serious condition that might have been mitigated with early discovery.Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” is an ardent supporter of our podcast and always teaches us important and valuable info to promote healthy habits for the fire service and, more important, early detection!Over the years, even when still serving as the Executive Assistant Chief of the Broward County Sheriff – Fire/Rescue Division. Even long before he was involved with Lifescan Wellness, he brought them into that very department to evaluate the health of the firefighters, officers, etc. And with every appearance on the podcast, Todd has shared some of the wonderful stories of firefighters, police officers and others who, through the exams through Lifescan Wellness, many folks had early detection of what could have led to that person facing a tough, medical battle. Yet, with early detection, the Lifescan teams have found health issues which, had not been discovered, might have led to a significant issue.Check out our videocast on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp,” and our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms.                                         ********************Please remember that we need your help especially during this Holiday Season; to raise the important funds we use to financially help our Brothers/Sisters and/or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can afford, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

If you are a “student of fire service,” you should know the name of our guest very well! Capt. Daley has over 35 years of experience in the fire service. He is currently a Captain with the town of Monroe, NJ. Capt. Daley is also the president of the Kill the Flashover organization, a 501(c)(3) charitable company that strives to teach to others about how we can indeed, learn the tactics to look for and prevent a flashover from overtaking your team(s). He is a staff instructor in two county fire academies and is an Adjunct Professor at two County colleges, developing and delivering FESHE approved curriculum in Fire Behavior and Building Construction.In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind the formation of “Kill the Flashover,” some of their ideas and goals, as well as tips to help us avoid the danger of a flashover occurring. Capt. Daley also relates some of what he taught on a recent trip to Colorado, as well as an explanation of the different water application devices that should be used in the appropriate type of fires. You may reach out to Capt. Daley by visiting the website, www.KillTheFlashover.com.                                          ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.comPhoto Courtesy of Kill the Flashover

Like many kids in countries around the world, many want to be firefighters. And many of us fulfill that childhood dream. Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” is Lt. Michael Stachowicz of he Edinburgh Fire Service in Scotland. Prior to joining the Edinburgh Fire Service, he was a firefighter with the Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Services in England.As you view the video and/or listen to the audio podcast, you will see that Michael is a “Student of the Science of Fire.” He lectures at local and regional conferences in the UK and Europe. Subjects? Fire Behavior, High-Rise Firefighting and Technical Rescue, which is one of his specialties. In 2023 and 2024, Michael presented at the IFIW – International Fire Instructors Workshop. Michael has as the heart of a warrior, however, he also cares deeply about other fire departments and their personnel. Thus, he has also dedicated himself to assist wherever he can through charitable and humanitarian work in countries like Moldova and Ukraine, as well as delivering fire trucks and firefighting equipment to Ukraine, after the war broke out. He is also passionate about simplifying scientific concepts and making them relevant and applicable for firefighters during day-to-day operations.You can reach Michael at stachofire@aol.co.uk! Now - Enjoy                                         ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.comPhoto Courtesy of ALAMY Stock Photos

Often, where we are dispatched to a building that we know has automatic water flow in the event of the fire, we tend to expect that the water is flowing as designed and that all we will be left with is mopping up. Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” is an engineer who designs water-flow systems, from the FDC outside to the sprinklers inside the facility.On this episode, E.J. stresses the issue that it is incumbent upon us, whether we serve a career, volunteer, part-pay, or paid-on-call, that we know our districts and what is being built in these districts. We should never assume anything, because there is often a chance that the building under construction three months ago will be the same three months later.Watch our video interview or listen to the audio podcast. Either way, you will learn about what you could face when you arrive at the building and that may be too late.                                          ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Chief Justin Bailey is a 25+ year “student of the Fire Service. He is the Fire Chief with the Oliver Springs (TN) Fire Dept. and a Captain/Medic with the Knoxville (TN) Fire Department, where he has been serving since 2007 and currently assigned to Engine 1. His career began in 1999 as a Junior Firefighter/Explorer with the Oliver Springs Fire Dept. He is a part-time fire instructor with the State of Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, delivering classroom and hands-on instruction in various topics on-campus, at regional fire conferences, and at various local fire departments throughout Tennessee.He has instructed nationally on the topics of volunteer training program development, professional development and rural fireground management, having presented at both FDIC and Firehouse Expo. Chief Bailey has an Associate's Degree in Allied Health Science from Roane State Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University.                                          ********************In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we have learned that nearly a dozen firefighters lost their lives as they tried to effect rescues and saved pets. In the face of the hurricane, no one waved or had to think twice. They new their duty was to save anyone and everyone they could.  Hurricane Helene has been rated the worst hurricane since Katrina! And we all know how that turned out. We are researching the news articles to determine who these brave men and women are and what we can do to help.  Please remember - these brave firefighters, who worked around the clock in preparation of the storm, know that performing their duties in and after this storm was not going to be easy. PLEASE!!! We need your help! Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Capt. Kory Pearn has over twenty years in the Canadian Fire Service. However, looking at the trades to provide more than photos and fire story articles, he did not find what he was searching for. Kory started thinking that firefighters need more than “hotshot” pics. He wanted to read a trade that would focus on firefighters' health and wellness. And when he was unable to find a trade like that, he created one of his own, “CRACKYL” Magazine.Kory is the publisher, Editor-in-Chief and CEO of CRACKYL Media, Inc. He is an industry author and keynote speaker, who acts as an enthusiastic mental health advocate, spreading awareness of what it takes to not only survive, but thrive in the dynamic job of firefighting. In this episode, Kory and I discuss two key topics for today's firefighters, whether in the USA, Canada or almost anywhere else there are firefighters. First, is “Looking at Life's Challenges,” and “Learning to Learn.”All too often, we tend to set specific limits on ourselves, i.e., family, finances, perhaps a second job, etc. However, how do our families see us when we tend to focus only on these topics? But how often do you look at yourself and think that all is fine? Sounds right - but it doesn't feel right. Tune in and let's see if Kory can help you with your focus, for the job, the family, and the community!                                         ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Chief Dave Robertson has more than 25 years in the Fire Service in five different departments in Canada, from bust urban systems to wildland, and to rural/semi-rural areas. He has instructed with his fire departments, in fire academies, paramedic schools and private fire institutions.Chief Robertson is fueled by a sincere passion to make the fire service better, which today includes talking to his classes about his own struggles with PTSI or PTSD. He hopes that by being open to recruits right at the front end of their careers and explaining to them the very real threat, that each recruit will be able to have a long and joyful job.                                          ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Chief (ret) Marc Bashoor has been one of best chiefs in the business. He was the Chief of Prince George's County Fire Department, a mix of career, volunteer and combo stations. He currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the trade, Fire-Rescue 1. His many years in the fire service have seen changes, some for the good and some...not. Nevertheless, he promotes the key concept of firefighters be fit, of both mind and body. He doesn't pull his punches, but what he says and teaches is always aimed to help every firefighter to be a better firefighter! Watch, Listen and Learn! Then, answer the key question: "Could you rescue YOU!"                                         ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

It is no secret that being a firefighter, career, volunteer, WUI, Paid-on-Call, etc., can take a physical and emotional toll on us. Often a rookie/probie takes a “lot of heat,” and that is before his/her have even rolled out of the station. Now, add everything else we must do outside the fire service, and we might be shouldering physical issues like weight, unbalanced diets, etc. Our Guest on this podcast can provide pointers to you.Capt. Aaron “ZAM” Zamzow has been in the fire service for over twenty years. He is the owner for Fire-Rescue-Fitness, a company that creates workout programs and fitness articles that focus on getting Fire Rescue Athletes, “Fit for Duty.” He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Wellness, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Trainer and an IAFF/IAFC Peer Fitness Trainer. He has also worked in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has experience working with the general population, as well as athletes from the NBA, NFL, and NHL.Tune in as “ZAM” shares some sage advice regarding how to hone your diet, your work, both on and off the Job. Visit his website at www.FireRescueFitness.com  and learn even more!                                           ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Jeff Dill was an active firefighter and officer with the Palatine Rural Fire Prevention District. But in 2010, he founded the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) which is an IRS-Certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit.Jeff travels the U.S. and Canada. Holding workshops to teach firefighters and EMS personnel about behavioral health awareness and suicide prevention. FBHA was the only known organization that collects and confirms data on firefighter and EMS suicides across the U.S. In addition, FBHA holds classes for counselors/Chaplains, family members and preparing for retirement.Jeff holds a Master's Degree in Counseling from Argosy University in Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor.FBHA also is the Behavioral Health Administrators for the Las Vegas Fire Dept.                                          ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Those of us who have served or those who continue to serve as a First Responder, as a firefighter, law enforcement and EMS know that beneath the “glory” feeling as we respond, it often comes with a darker side. And, whether we admit it or not, the horrors and trauma we see, we tend, we transport, etc. take an emotional toll on us, whether we wish to admit that or not. When we were little kids and we loved ice cream, too much ice cream, no matter the flavor with take a toll with at least, your stomach! Now, change the result of eating too much ice cream as a kid to what we see everyday on the job. What? Do you think your hands and mind are oblivious to the trauma we see? Not sure if that is you? Try standing in front of a mirror and looking at that person reflected to you. Here is the “wicked” truth. That person knows every single detail of your life! You cannot hide your feelings, thoughts, etc. from the mirror image. So, cut the crap that you think you can control. Because if you do not admit it, it will take charge of you.Our guest on this Ninth Season Premier of “5-Alarm Task Force,” is Chief (ret) Arjuna George. He knows about everything you see in the top paragraph. And he too, thought he could deal with everything, until he could not, any longer. On this episode, Chief George recounts part of what he went through over 24 years as a firefighter, line officer and a Chief. Some of you are dropping your mouth because you thought he was the best. However, he “saw the writing on the wall,” and now he needed help, both emotionally and professionally. And it was that admission that allowed him to grow beyond serving as a fire chief to the excellent trainer to help others who finds themselves in a similar situation. Listen to Chief George and see what you can glean from his experience and wisdom.Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially assist a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

So many podcasts about the fire service cover tactics, gear, tools and many more, focusing on what we do when we respond to a call. However, before you even catch your first response, there is one key aspect of what we do that is often “lost” on the excitement and adrenaline coursing through both new and well-established firefighters. What is that? It's the word we often use outside of the firehouse, but for some reason, it often doesn't make it into the firehouse. And that word is “HUMANITY!My guest on this podcast is Capt. Ron Givens. We first met at the 2017 Great Florida Fire School. We spoke here and there, and I stepped into a couple of his classes, both in a classroom and outside in the training area. And one thing that stuck with me was how Ron spoke to his students. There was no yelling or name-calling. He kept a cordial approach with every question asked and demonstrated slowly to teach appropriately. In this podcast, Ron and I discuss the absolute need for HUMANITY back into the firehouse. For over a century, the local firehouse or station has been the center of firefighters' lives. However, as the years pass, we have changed our direction and behavior in the firehouse. And we are not talking about in-house training. We are talking about who we are as the men and women of the fire service. Join us and listen, then listen again, to Capt. Givens' discussion on this episode. You will learn more than you might expect. Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially assist a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $8,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can.  And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Our guest, Jack Sullivan is the Director of Training for the Responder Safety Institute and has been with us several times over the years. On this occasion Jack addresses the tragically high number of “Struck by,” incidents, where a firefighter, law enforcement officer, ambulance team, recovery (tow) operator, Road Ranger and even innocent good-Samaritans are injured or killed, most due to inattentive drivers, from people on bikes to large tractor trailers. We, who are First Responders much work to educate our members to always maintain, “Situational Awareness” and our heads on a “swivel” in our efforts to bring more safety to our jobs.Jack also explains to us the heavy need for more TIM (Traffic Incident Management) Teams around the country. These teams review past response incidences and how they could have been handled and feed that info to the responder agencies. They also conduct training with various First Responder agencies to help their members learn how to be safer and how to include those findings with those involved. For more information, here are several links:https://www.respondersafety.com/ - Main Website with news and resources andhttps://learning.respondersafety.com/ - Responder Safety Learning Networkhttps://www.ReportStruckBy.com – For reporting struck by vehicle incidents involving emergency responders at incident scenes.https://www.enddd.org/ - End Distracted Driving resourcesJack Sullivan CSPDir. Of Training, Emergency Responder Safety Institute www.ResponderSafety.com Cell: 804-514-3766ResponderSafety@GMail.comAnd you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

If you have been or still are a firefighter and you have a few years (or more) under your belt, you have probably had a couple of “workers” that gave you a bit more than an east knockdown.Initially then, the title of Brad's book is somewhat incomplete. For the full title of his new book is, “The Flames of Fire – Firefighting Amidst the Explosions!” A bit more intriguing than the first look. Brad has done it all, from being a 17-year-old “probie” to an officer, an instructor and a Fire Inspector. Some of the stories he shares with us will generate the “pucker factor,” no matter how much experience you have. We also discuss to of the greatest leaders/teachers in the Fire Service, the late Chief Alan V. Brunacini or “Chief Bruno” as he loved to be called and, the late Chief Bobby Halton. We discuss the philosophies about this job that they both loved and how their simple explanations and recommendations of how we should interact with our victims, made everyone who listened and functioned as they posited, made so many incidents just a little less scary and at the same time, made us better firefighters, career, volunteer, paid-on-call or WUI.You will find the video versions of our podcasts on our YouTube® Channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” And our audio version can be found on our homepage of www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org or your favorite podcast platform.And please don't forget to leave a brief review on your podcast platform page for “5-Alarm Task Force!” and 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. on YouTube®.Stay Safe & Stay Well and Let's Make Sure Everyone Goes Home!

There is no doubt that Asst. Chief Jacob Johnson has had a well-experienced path in the fire service, starting as a 15-year-old “water boy” and “hanger-on” to learn as much about firefighting as possible. It wasn't long before Jacob was climbing the department's “ladder,” through the Katy Fire Department for approximately seven years. Then, the Pearland Fire Dept. started its “Growth Spurt” and Jacob decided that it was a place where one can learn, practice and drill to become a better firefighter and eventually, an officer. And after nearly 18 years, he was recently appointed as the Assistant Chief for Administrative Services with the Pearland Fire Dept. In our recent interview, Jacob and I discussed the multi-personnel “MAYDAY” occurrence in October 2023 at a working structure fire. One firefighter was severely injured, yet his colleagues rescued him in the nick of time. If you have or have not had a multi-faceted LODI or LODD in your department or even under your command, Chief Johnson shares insights that we all can learn and perhaps, even save a life with what you see/hear when you watch/listen.Finally, the Pearland Fire Department has remained above many others by the targeted membership campaign the Department uses. As our mutual friend, Chief Tony Correia teaches, “It should be called “Retention & Recruitment!” Why? Because if we cannot keep our current members, how can we expect to attract new blood?” Listen as Chief Johnson shares the department's goal to not only keep their crews they have now, but with a sixth station recently opening, to fill the shifts of various apparatus in that firehouse. As Chief Johnson teaches to his rookies, “Be a Nice Human Being.”You will find the video versions of our podcasts on our YouTube® Channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” And our audio version can be found on our homepage of www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org or your favorite podcast platform.And please don't forget to leave a brief review on the Platform page for “5-Alarm Task Force!”

David Wiklanski is an Engine Company Captain for an urban fire department in New Jersey. He has over twenty years in Emergency Services. Wiklanski is a speaker and writer, with most of his presentations on behavioral health, in addition to Suicide Terrorism. His mission is to end the stigma associated with mental health and to connect responders with the available resources to not only survive but thrive in their careers.  He has contributed articles to Fire Engineering, Firehouse Magazine, Firehouse Tribune, and Firefighting in Canada. His first book: Suicide Bombers, Understanding Suicide Terrorism from a Cultural and Memetic perspective is available online and he is currently working on authoring his next book.  Wiklanski has an MA in Behavioral Sciences-Human Behavior and Organizational Psychology from Kean University. He has been an adjunct professor at Kean University for the past 17 years. Wiklanski holds certifications as a Fire Instructor II, EMT Instructor, and NJ Certified Emergency Manager (NJCEM).  He is a Behavioral Health Specialist for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) working on projects such as the Taking Care of Our Own (TCOOO) course and the Uniformed Peer Support Program. He was recently hired as the Program Manager for the Vulnerability Assessment Program (VAP), an online risk assessment tool.   Here are a few links to the programs that we discussed. Also, if you can list my foundation email (DWiklanski@firehero.org) for anything NFFF-related. Taking Care of Our Own: https://www.firehero.org/fire-service-resources/taking-care-of-our-own/Vulnerability Assessment Program: https://firevap.org/

If you're a firefighter and you have been on social media oh, let's say some time around 2011, you could not help but notice the frequent posts from The Firehouse Tribune. Then, it was a couple of firefighters posting some key ideas, facts, tactics, health, etc. Recently, Nic, the founder and editor of The Firehouse Tribune has raised the level the “Tribune.” It began with Nic writing his first book, “The 5-Tool Firefighter.” Then, he authored a workbook to accompany the “5-Tool Firefighter, and both have been big sellers. Firefighters from all around the U.S. and a foreign country or two were buying the books and putting into their daily lives. Just a short while ago, Nic added “The 5-Tool Firefighter Podcast!”More recently, Tom connected with Chief Tom Marchiano of the Chester Fire Department, just north of NYC. Working together they have added another popular element, “Station Talk,” manned by both Chief Marchiano and Nic.Tune in and listen to these two “gentlemen firefighters” and their “why's” and “wherefores'” behind The Firehouse Tribune!

We all know that many fire departments across the country, both career and volunteer are struggling with retention and recruitment. And most are looking for new ways and/or tools to assist them in this endeavor. Sure, there's advertising in the trades, posting on social media, etc., but there doesn't appear to be any “heart” in these efforts. It may be time to try a new method, using what almost everyone has – your cell phone!A marketing communications professional with well over four decades of experience, Chuck Moran owns his own digital marketing firm in Charlottesville VA. In addition to building websites and managing social media for small and medium sized businesses, he launched Online Video Mastery to teach personnel in various organizations how to create compelling and professional videos with their smartphones, on-demand and in-house so that they can retain, recruit train and educate effectively. Chuck is currently focusing on assisting Public Safety departments.In this podcast (you will) want to watch the video on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.”) Chuck with present a version of his, “Revolutionizing Fire & EMS Retention & Recruitment: Harnessing the Power of Smartphone Video!” at the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association's Fire Rescue Conference in Virginia, this month.If you have a smartphone and you want to assist your department with retention and recruitment, you will not want to miss this episode of 5-Alarm Task Force!

Mutual aid – fairly common in the fire service, right? Sure, there can be “stumbling blocks” in setting these arrangements up, such as personnel, different equipment, availability and even what might be seen as “silly” issues, like egos and a competition mindset. Lest we forget that our oath is succinct…”To protect the lives and property of our community. “ There is no mention of egos or equipment matches, etc., in the Oath, just “to protect!” No departments exemplify this truth as do the Orange County Fire Authority, Los Angeles County Fire & Rescue and Ventura County Fire Department. For years and years, we have watched local and national news of major wildfires in Southern California. And for years, each of these counties basically cared for their counties with help from CAL FIRE and some mutual aid.  However, that all changed in 2021 when the idea of a unified approach with a Quick Response Force took hold in these three counties. The goal was to not only attack these fires as early as possible, but to also have some of the best possible equipment available and…to be able to continue the fight into the night, when fixed-winger aerial aircraft could not fly. With the assistance of world-renowned of Coulson Aviation of Vancouver, BC in Canada, the counties leased refitted former military CH-47 Chinook helicopters into masterful firefighting weapons. Each helicopter can drop up to 3,000 gallons of retardant or water in one drop. Using IR goggles, they can fly in the dark of night and hit their marks. This is a game changer. Tune in to learn how and why this came about and what it takes to make it work. And though your department may not be able to grab a Chinook helo, you might learn how your department can enhance your mutual aid pacts and why it is imperative to have them today!As the holidays are here! Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! Photo © Coulson Aviation Inc. 

Almost every industry in the U.S. has its “Trades,” that is, magazines devoted to and about that industry. The U.S./Canadian fire services are no different. There are numerous periodicals for us to choose from, one of which is the one that somewhat taught me how to be a better firefighter, even though it was a brand-new periodical back in 1977, when it was first published by FDNY firefighter, Dennis Smith – FIREHOUSE® Magazine. And I've rarely missed an issue in those more than 45 years. My guest today is Peter Matthews, who joined the FIREHOUSE team in 1999, serving both the magazine and online endeavors. Peter travels the country (and sometimes beyond) on a regular basis, enjoying a “ride-along” whenever possible. But those aren't just for the fun of running calls rather, he uses them as an educational exercise to learn about each department he visits. In this episode, we discuss a lesson he gained from a car-service driver who, one may think, read one of the excellent books by the late Chief Alan Brunacini. For the driver explained how easy it is to “be nice.”  We also discuss two key issues many departments are facing, regarding retention of current personnel and recruiting new ones. This conundrum is being faced by all facets of the fire service, career, volunteer, part-pay and WUI. For more information, please visit www.firehouse.com As the holidays are fast approaching, please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! Photo © and Courtesy of FIREHOUSE®

The American career Fire Service has often used basic testing and an interview of two when seeking new hires. And that may have served the need, “back in the day.” However, now into the third decade of the 21st Century, we should and need to create a new construct. Moreover, if we wish to remember that retention of current members should come before recruitment, we need a new paradigm to succeed for tomorrow!Our returning guest, Dr. Gamaliel Baer, who holds an Ed.D. from the University of Southern California in Organizational Change and Leadership, provides us with a better, more inclusive and “whole person” perspective on improving our efforts to both retain current members and be successful with recruitment as well. Dr. Baer explains that the concepts of DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) should be expanded to include the mind, body and soul. Determining whether or not a recruit is a “good fit” for the department simply based on a basic civil test and a clear police record does not provide that department with all the values that a recruit brings to the table. We should also look at the person's mind, body and soul. Unlike the period from the early 1900's through the late 1980's, when the male children of firefighters often followed in their fathers' line of work. (Except for many terrific children who lost family members in the tragedy of 9|11). Today, that is not as common and thus, we must make stronger efforts to bring in the men and women to join our ranks. And Dr. Baer posits that a better and more complete look at our recruits could very well brings us excellent candidates who “hear the calling” and want to serve their communities. To read Dr. Baer's essay on this topic, please visit: https://drgamalielbaer.substack.com/p/dei-in-the-fire-servicePlease help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! Photo (C) & Courtesy of Montgomery County Fire Rescue/Flickr

We have all seen videos on the news or on social media of big-city fire departments doing their “thing.” Lots of apparatus and a large contingent of firefighters and support staff. It is often an amazing site and sometimes, we might get a little jealous. However, the majority of American firefighters are not in the big urban areas. Most of us serve suburban areas with mixed usage, residential, commercial, manufacturing, etc. My two guests on this episode are Nick Peppard and Sean Duffy. Both served a number of years in Florida, but have since moved north, with one to Michigan and the other to Wisconsin. Back in 2019 though, after each had been on “5-Alarm Task Force” as a guest, they came up with an idea for a podcast, “Make Due!” Their goal was to address the issues that suburban departments often face regarding limited equipment, personnel and high call volumes.Their podcast is almost three years old with plenty of guests and lots of listeners. Why? Because their podcast is about who we are and what we do. Sometimes they discuss tactics. Another topic might be personnel or apparatus issues. And on another, they may simply “shoot the breeze” over the proverbial firehouse kitchen table. Either way, this is a podcast you will want to follow and listen to. Two well-experienced firefighters discussing what they love most, after their families. Moreover, they live by the motto, “Families First!Find “Make Due” on all major podcast platforms! To learn more about the North FL Fire Expo, visit, www.northfloridafireexpo.com Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

Every profession has standouts. These are the men and women who always strive to do their best for their profession, often going beyond the average levels and striving to always be prepared and ready to bring their “A-Game!”My guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” Capt. Mike Daley is, in my eyes, a consummate firefighter. If I included his bio in these show notes, you would see multiple pages! I will share that he is a nearly 30-year veteran of the fire service and an excellent instructor with the aim to see his students, no matter their time in the Fire Service, learn and exceed the “base” level of being a firefighter. He teaches to create well-learned and highly capable firefighters. In this episode, Capt. Daley reviews his very successful classes that he recently taught at the 2023 FIREHOUSE® Expo in Columbus OH. One class was so large that he and the students had to move to a larger room in the facility. Not unexpectedly, he received numerous kudos from the firefighters and officers who attended. We also discuss what he calls, “Fireground Strategies: Survivability, Suppression and Stabilization. What does he mean with these terms? Tune in and listen. Whether you are a career, volunteer or paid-on-call firefighter, you will learn from Capt. Daley in this episode. And you will be a smarter and safer firefighter. You can email Capt. Daley at either www.KilltheFlashover.com or email him at fspceducators@gmail.com. Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! Photo by Dalas Penner on Unsplash 

We often refer to the “trades,” the publications of fire service, for learning tactics, theories, seeing new equipment and new developments in apparatus. However, there is more to what we do than simply, “How to…”  More importantly, to do this job, we must have a strong idea of self, i.e., “Who am I?,” “How do I do this job and be there for my family?" “I've seen so much tragedy, how do I deal with it without looking weak?” and much more. Thankfully, over the last five-six years, we have seen the launch of two major developments, initially in the U.S. Fire Service and subsequently, in other countries as well, the Firefighter Cancer and the Behavioral Health Initiatives. Both are making differences. And there's always more to learn. My guest on this episode is Capt. Kory Pearn, a 20-year veteran firefighter in Ontario Canada. He is also the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of CRACKYL Media, Inc., publisher of CRACKYL Magazine. Launched in 2021, CRACKYL brings a different “face” to the trades, with most of it focus on our lifestyle and the human side of being a firefighter. Many articles in each issue deal with the human side of being in this field. How to balance what we do as firefighters and how to help us to see our time out of the firehouse to be just as important and vital as what we do in it. If you are in the fire service as a career, volunteer, etc., we need to know how do our jobs however and, more importantly, we need to know how to have a positive view of ourselves as regular people, with families, friends and our communities. CRACKYL does that in each issue. Visit their website at www.crackylmag.com and/or follow them on social media @crackylmag.Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

My guest on this podcast is Andi Clark. She is a certified Sleep, Stress and Resilience coach with over 30 years in the health and wellness industry. She specializes in teaching First Responders how to enhance their sleep quality, regardless of their shift schedule and boost their HRV, which is the body's ability to handle stress.Learn from Andi on this podcast. For more information on Andi and her links, please email us at info@5-AlarmTaskForceCorp. org and we will email you all her links directly to you! Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

Difficult to believe that the Firefighter Cancer Initiative is about six years old. A strong part of the credit goes to our Brothers and Sisters with the Boston Fire Department. Without their moving video, we may not have crossed into where we are today for a year or two later. Then, only about 1-1/2 years later, we hear about chemicals that are man-made, came out in the 1950's and that the vast majority of us never heard of before: PFAS. Developed my two major chemical companies in the 1950's they never break down in nature, nor does heat affect it. And yes, it is a carcinogen. And, it has been in our bunker gear since at least 1977 according to the nuclear testing of both new and used gear by Graham Peaslee, PhD at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. However, we might never have heard of it or learned that it was in our bunker gear if it were not for Diane and Paul Cotter. In my opinion, every firefighter should be grateful for everything they did to bring this to the masses. My guest on this episode is Jim Burneka. Jim is a recently retired firefighter from Dayton OH. Jim was podcasting about PFAS as I was just learning about it. We both posted our thoughts on social media and it was inevitable that we would finally have to talk with other. And through emails and social media postings, we did. And I was honored when he accepted my initial invitation to be on “5-Alarm Task Force.” And I learned a lot more from Jim that day!On this episode, we discuss the changes that we've seen in the last few years. There's smart decon, shower-within-an-hour, in-house extractor and much more. However, that progress does not mean that we are “in the clear.” Listen to what Jim has to say to learn about our advances and remaining hurdles that we must still face. Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

What type of firefighter are you? No, I'm not talking about engine, truck or rescue companies! How dedicated are you to what we do? Do you do/study/learn only what you are required to or are you a “student of the game?”Our guest on this episode is Danny Beauvais who serves with the Mooresville Fire Department in North Carolina. However, he started as a volunteer in 2003 in the Spring Valley NY area. When his family relocated from New York to North Carolina, Danny was quick to join another volunteer department. Then, when Mooresville was hiring, he applied and made the team. As you listen to our interview, you will learn that Danny takes what we do very seriously. He is a firefighter who always wants to see the best, in both his skills and his workplace. He does not stop learning! He learns and then shares. Knowing this, a number of other firefighters convinced him to create a podcast to share his views and thoughts about being the best we can me. You can find him on all the major podcast platforms as “Student of the Game.” And you can find him on Instagram @NEG_MARRON85Please remember – the day we stop learning is the day we walk out the door. This “job” changes all the time, sometimes in minutes, hours and/or days! We cannot afford not to keep learning, because the price is too high if we miss something or even, mess-up! Always be a “Student of the Game!”Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! photo courtesy Unsplash

You are sound asleep. You've had a busy day with lots of runs. Add the training that was squeezed in and you're exhausted. You lie down on your bunk and you're “out like a light!” Seconds later, the horn blares and all the lights turn on! You jump up with a start, put on your gear and head to the apparatus floor. As you make your way there the PA adds, “Confirmed working residential working fire. Two adults, two children with one unaccounted for!” And yes, you are the driver of the first engine heading to the scene. Whether you are a rookie or you are the senior firefighter, those last words raise the hairs on the back of your neck!Without us even thinking about it, those last words spur us on. We know what we have to do and the first task is to get to the scene as quickly and SAFELY as possible. But with our hearts beating fast and our concentration focused on the destination, are we driving with the due care that a vehicle of this size and weight demands? Or do we let our heart drive the rig and not our professional “mind?”Our guest on this podcast, Capt. Dustin Lambert, PhD, has not only studied these factors for 20 years, but he also wrote his dissertation about it. When we allow our emotions to lead us on certain calls, we may not be driving the apparatus with due care. Listen as Capt. Lambert shares results of his research that, for some of us, we do not want to hear. However, we must remember that no matter the call, if we do not arrive and return to our firehouse safely, there could be troubles afoot. You can reach Capt. Lambert at DustyLambert@gmail.com and find him on both X (Twitter) and Instagram @firefighterwisdom.  Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

There is an old adage in the fire service that what firefighters hate the most are “status quo” and “change!” Doesn't leave much wiggle room, does it? Nevertheless, our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” Chief (ret) Charles Werner has become a specialist in new and helpful tech developments that support and enhance the efforts of the three main branches of public safety, Fire-Rescue, Lawn Enforcement and EMS.In this episode, Chief Werner shares with us the explosive growth of the use of what we will refer to as “professional” drones. These are not the little toy drones of a decade or more ago; these are state-of-the-art drones that are being used to spot fires, victims, deliver medications, reconnaissance and much more. The organization now boasts more than 8,100 members in the U.S., Canada and numerous countries around the world. Drones can often go where humans cannot and that can mean the difference between life and death.We also discuss the importance and capabilities of the FirstNet communication system from AT&T. This system allows you to use your cell phone to connect you to your department's radio systems, talk groups, etc. And we talk about the emerging tech that will be able to see the three coordinates of someone, be it a civilian, firefighter or police officer in a multi-story building with the X-coordinate, Y-coordinate and the Z-coordinate. Rescuers or even a robot can then locate and find a victim and remover him/her as necessary. If you would like more information, please visit the website, www.DRONERESPONDERS.org.Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

It is no secret that behavioral health has become an important topic, not just in the fire service, but for all arms of first responders. We are losing far too many of our Brothers and Sisters to their own hands, and we cannot help but wonder why!If you are a first responder, no one has to tell you how difficult, dangerous and rewarding these jobs can be. Nevertheless, they still exact a heavy toll, even on those who refuse to admit it. We see crap that we would not want any civilian to see, yet we often see it daily. And whether you are honest enough to admit it or not, they do affect us. My guest, Dr. Mynda Ohs was herself a first responder until she contracted a serious disease from a patient. After an extensive recuperation, she tried to return to her EMS work, but did not have the physical ability to do so. Turning the proverbial “lemon into lemonade,” she went back to school and earned her PhD in counseling. Today, she works with a number of agencies as a counselor for first responders. And she has published two books:1.    “Fully Involved Life” (2019) - https://a.co/d/1J33DuC2. “When the Calls Stop” (2021) - https://a.co/d/jfJ1OKXLook, we have a lot to deal with. Sometimes, we can just talk it out with each other. But each of us has to be aware that we might just need some extra help to get past that which is bothering us. Every first responder wants to give of himself/herself to the community and people they serve. And we also have to be smart and brave enough to know when we need help. We are listening.Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

If you are a firefighter, career, volunteer, paid-on-call, WUI, etc., and you do not know anything about PFAS/PFOS, you are woefully behind in your firefighting education. I know, because I did not know about it either until 2017 when I was referred to my guest on this episode. Diane Cotter's husband, Paul, had just been promoted to Lieutenant in the Worcester MA Fire Dept., in 2014, when he was diagnosed with aggressive testicular cancer. Thanks to surgery and treatment, Paul is well today but that illness, surgery and treatment forced  him to “disable out.” I know what it's like to lose that day-to-day connection with your colleagues and friends. But there is more to Paul's and Diane's story. Diane is a warrior or, as I say in the interview, her “Mama Bear” instincts kicked in. She wanted to know how this happened. She persevered and was instrumental in the disclosure that our bunker gear was being manufactured containing a man-made chemical as a part of the moisture barrier, but that is also a carcinogen. We urge you to listen to their story. The job we do is dangerous enough, we do not need to worry that the very gear we wear to protect ourselves contains a carcinogenic chemical that can lead to aggressive cancers.For additional information, please visit:1.    https://www.lastcallfoundation.org  2.    https://ewg.org3.    https://etherealfilms.org/While this is the last episode of Season 7 of “5-Alarm Task Force,” we will continue our efforts to financially assist our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families, in dire need. And to do so, we need your help! We will return in August with Season 8 of “5-Alarm Task Force!” Until then, have a safe and enjoyable summer!PLEASE…help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.You can view our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms, on Podomatic or our website, noted above. 

We are honored to welcome back our guests for this podcast, Dr. Caban-Martinez and Dr. Schaefer Solle, who head up the FCI in Florida and share their findings with medical and research teams across the country and in other countries, as well. They have been with us on several occasions and provide us with the latest information on our efforts to reduce cancer in the fire service. In this episode, they bring us up to date with the latest news from the front lines of this “battle.” We learn about a new (and not great) rating regarding cancer in the fire service from an international organization that monitors cancer in various jobs. We also learn of a FREE app, the Personal Exposure Tracker, that you can keep on your phone or tablet that helps you keep track of your exposures to various toxins that we deal with on the job. And we learn how toenails (that's right – toenails!) can help researchers see certain exposures we've had! And more!The show notes for the audio podcast will have numerous links for more information.*Learn more about their efforts to reduce cancer in the fire service at www.sylvester.org/firefighters. You can help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.You can view our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms and our website, noted above. * While we were unable to secure the additional links mentioned in the interview in time for this release, we will have them soon.  Please feel free to drop us a line at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com and we will be happy to provide them to you when available!  Photo Courtesy UM-Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center - Firefighter Cancer Initiative

It is no secret that fire departments across North America are “hungry” for more firefighters, including career, volunteer, paid-on-call and WUI. Why? There are various reasons behind it and if departments are to be successful in this endeavor, it might be a good time to re-think your processes.There is a new generation of young people interested. And if we can look beyond the fact that they may not have basic tool skills, we just might see that they have other skills that could be very beneficial to a department.Our guest today is Deputy Chief Dave Robertson. We discuss his premise of , “Hiring Based on Character.” Let's do away with the 10-item questionnaire that's been used for 25 years, the expectation that someone in his/her early twenties has five years of firefighting experience behind them and will walk through your door and other ‘old-school” thinking. Chief Robertson posits that if we can create a hiring process based in the 21st century with the numerous life experiences some of these applicants have had, we just might be able to find those men and women who want to be the best firefighter they can be!To learn more, visit Chief Robertson's website at:https://www.fire-edge.com or reach him at chief.robertson@fire-edge.com You can help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.You can view our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms and our website, noted above. Photo Copyright Clip Art Key

In the last ten-to-fifteen years, we have heard various terms used to describe the fire service, e.g., “We're a family,” and “We have a culture.” In a number of ways, both of these phrases can be used with both positive and negative references. There is no doubt that in general, we do have a somewhat unique culture based on how we serve our communities, e.g., career, volunteer, paid-on-call, etc. However, the term, “culture,” has also been used almost to boast that we might be better than other vocations. Chief John Vance knows about the fire service culture. With over forty years of experience, there is little about the fire service culture that he doesn't know. As a Chief officer, he has seen the highs and lows of our culture across many facets of the fire service. In this interview we divide the discussion into two parts; first the general view of our culture and some of its impacts and second, how we draw new members into the culture in such a way as they feel comfortable with learning about and then becoming a contributor to that culture. To learn more, visit their websites and videos at:1.    https://www.minnetonkamn.gov/government/departments/fire-department#ad-image-72.    https://bshifter.com/about_01.aspx3.    https://www.youtube.com/@bshifter You can help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.You can view our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms and our website, noted above. 

If you are a firefighter dedicated to being the best you can be, then this podcast/video is for you! Our guest is Capt. Mike Daley, who has nearly 40 years' experience as a firefighter, officer and instructor. He has presented at national, regional and local conferences. He is also the current president of Kill the Flashover, the organization that runs educational programs and demonstrations, teaching safe and effective firefighting practices. On this episode, Capt. Daley tells us about the details of the new NFPA 1700 standard, which will encompass both the previous 1710 and 1720 standards. However, he explains that this new standard includes an implementation section that will assist career and volunteer departments to put the new standard into effect. This is a "game changer," as this will guide departments to put the info from 1700 to good use. "Kill the Flashover" is a program to teach firefighters fine details of fire behavior and much more in their program, "Fire Behavior University." Visit their website at www.KillTheFlashover.com.  To help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.You can watch our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force and you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms and our website, noted above. 

When we talk about the fire service and firefighters, our thoughts often go to firefighters working at a fire, HazMat scene, big and shiny apparatus, the firehouse and more. However today, more than ever, we need to look at the humanity of the fire service!No matter if we are discussing career, volunteer, part-pay or WUI firefighters, they are humans first, they are sons and daughters, moms and dads, husbands, wives, aunts and uncles, etc. Sadly, we are often so focused on the words in the first paragraph that we lose sight that every single firefighter is a person. Our returning guest and friend, Assistant Chief Jacob Johnson of the Pearland TX Fire Department and I dig beneath the smoke, flames and turnout gear to talk about the men and women who come to the station every day, ready to meet the challenge of our oaths, “…To protect the lives and property.”The Chief shares several occurrences in his years as a firefighter and officer. You'll also learn how his meme, “Do Your Damn Job,” was coined through his own experience as a line officer. While we love to hear the “Q” scream and the Grovers clearing the path, we need to remember that we are not robots. We are human beings with all the good and bad that comes with humanity. We just look at it a bit differently than most!Take a listen – you just might learn something ==================================================================For the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative: If you need mental health assistance, you can reach out to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance at their website: www.ffbha.org at 847-209-8208 or info@ffbha.org or you can text the word, “BADGE” to 741741, or speak with your officer or clergy. THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP YOU! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!==================================================================As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org  or on your favorite podcast platform!

For decades and decades, young children have always been enamored, curious and excited to see fire apparatus. Whether it was/is an engine, truck, rescue or even a “buggy,” we all loved to see the flashing lights and hear the sirens. For some, this is where their “connection” ends. For others, they follow through and join the fire service. And some of those children find other paths in life yet are still enthralled with their local fire service and do what they can to follow them and shoot photos of active fire scenes correctly and legally. These are the “Fire Buffs.” And in some communities, Buffs even support the firefighters with cold drinks, hot coffee and sandwiches, if the department does not have it own canteen or rehab support team.My guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” Andrew Cunningham, has been buffing for over twenty years with the Wheeling WV Fire Department. Andrew shares how it started for him and how, year later he and his co-founder created the Wheeling Fire Buffs. And it bears mentioning that there are indeed stories where those who started as buffs, went on to eventually join a fire department and turn their passion into a way of life. You can find Andrew's photos and more on the following sites:1.    www.Facebook.com/WheelingsBravest2.    www.whgfirebuffs.com3.    www.youtube.com/WheelingFireBuffs 4.    www.flickr.com/photos/197635805@N08 Take a listen – you just might learn something ==================================================================For the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative: If you need mental health assistance, you can reach out to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance at their website: www.ffbha.org at 847-209-8208 or info@ffbha.org or you can text the word, “BADGE” to 741741, or speak with your officer or clergy. THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP YOU!==================================================================As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org  or on your favorite podcast platform!

As firefighters we spend a large part of our careers learning our craft. Some learn from the start and keep it going throughout their careers. Others think that from the academy they learned what was necessary and only continue their learning when they have to, i.e., mandatory department training. Across the country, there are often local, regional and national conferences with excellent speakers, instructors and often, “Hot Classes,” too! Yet, how many of us have attended a class to learn how to interface with the people we protect? My guest today is Chris Kessinger the founder of Citizens First Fire Training in Ohio. From their website, we see part of their mission statement:            “Our training and tactics are designed to put the citizens in which we serve as number one and to be the difference in saving their lives when they call us.”One of our best fire service leaders, the late Chief Alan V. Brunacini of the Phoenix Fire Dept., taught, “Our job is to care for Mrs. Smith on her worst day – even if that day, the problem is her cat is in a tree!”Chris shares with us the concept behind the nearly nineteen years of success for his company and how they custom tailor each and every class to serve the specific needs of the department hiring them. It is a unique and successful process that many of us can and should learn to do the same!You can reach Chris and his team at: https://www.citizensfirstfiretraining.com/ For the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative: If you need mental health assistance, you can reach out to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance at their website: www.ffbha.org at 847-209-8208 or info@ffbha.org or you can text the word, “BADGE” to 741741, or speak with your officer or clergy. THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP YOU!Take a listen – you just might learn something. As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCoorp.org or on your favorite podcast platform!This work, Photo Essay: Fort McCoy firefighters train to save people clinging to ice with surface ice rescue training, by Scott Sturkol, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

We see it almost every day and sometimes, we are as much to blame as anyone else. We're talking about distracted driving and the very real, very dangerous and fatal toll that it causes. From long conversations on your cell phone to watching videos, sports, etc., each contributes to a distracted driver. This driver may not even notice our flashing lights and multiple emergency vehicles and winds up plowing through the scene, injuring or killing anyone unable to get out of his/her way. My guests today are deeply involved in the effort to reduce these incursions and, educate both first responders and the public, that distracted driving is indeed dangerous for all; the driver, anyone in that vehicle, as well as any first responder that cannot get out of the way fast enough. Jack Sullivan and Todd Leiss are lead educators for the Responder Safety Institute (www.respondersafety.com). Brock Aun is with HAAS Alert, (www.haasalert.com) a company that, along with others, is pioneering new technology that, using cellular services, will provide drivers with advance warning of a traffic incident ahead, giving them the necessary time to slow down and move over. Every state in America has a “Move Over Law and has signage on major roadways that advise drivers to safely slow their vehicle and move over to allow room for the first responders on the scene. Sadly, many drivers who have encroached on an emergency scene will often say, “I didn't see a sign,” or “I didn't know that!” Yet, it is the responsibility of anyone with a driver's license to know all the “Rules of the Road.” Too often, these drivers seriously injure and/or kill, first responders who are on-scene, to help someone else. And that just might land you with hefty fines and even jail time! Take a listen – you just might learn something. As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCoorp.org or on your favorite podcast platform!

Challenges…this job has plenty of them! To be a firefighter, there are certain attributes necessary, e.g., good physical condition, willingness to learn, practice tasks, dedication to the task, being aware of what you are getting yourself into, etc. Perhaps this last example is the most important. For while we understand that we will see things that we would not want most others to see, sometimes, those incidents are what trouble us, as well. And some of those can be troubling to us; not just when they occur, but days, weeks, even years later. Our guest, District Chief Vernon Hiller of the Toronto Canada Fire Department. With thirty-five years of experience, Chief Hiller has seen it all. And while he has many fire service stories to tell, we discussed what is “beyond” the job of being a firefighter. We discuss the psychological side of the work we do and what the results can be. We are seeing increased occurrences of depression and PTSD troubling our brothers and sisters. The Chief discusses the challenges he faced in school at an early age and his strong efforts to overcome those challenges. More importantly, he made strong efforts to overcome those issues and those efforts buoyed him through his fire service career, where he is now a District Chief. We can let our challenges overwhelm us or we can be stronger than they are and deal with them, while still getting on with a full and productive life. As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

If you've been a firefighter for more than a year or two, you probably realize that this job is not what you thought it was when you were an adolescent, teen or even a young adult. This profession, career, volunteer, paid-on-call and WUI, is not all fun and excitement. We see and do things that we wouldn't want our loved ones or good friends to have to do. And those can and often do, exact a huge price!Our two guests today, Brad Davidson, a former Fire Investigator in Manitoba Canada and Chief Arjuna George of the Vancouver area, share with us the parts of their personal journeys that led them to write their individual books. As you will hear, we discuss the efforts by both of our countries to promote and ensure the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative. However, it is incumbent upon each of us to know when this job is taking too heavy a toll on us and work to correct that situation. Chief George's book, “Burnt Around the Edges” is available on http://www.BurntAroundTheEdges.com and Amazon.Inspector Davidson's Book, “Flames of the Fire: Firefighting Amidst the Explosions,” will be released in May 2023. Watch for its release on www.BradleyRDavidson.com. To support our the 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.'s nonprofit program to assist our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website, https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the “Q2B” siren and click!As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our website at www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org, on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

If you purchased a toaster-oven and it either did not toast correctly or it burned everything you put in, what would you do? What about that beautiful new refrigerator that matches your décor, but all the frozen food defrosted and in the Cold side, everything was room temperature? What would you do?There is growing evidence that the ionization type of smoke detectors may not be working properly, giving proper notice of smoke being detected. What if you went to bed, a fire starts in your den, where there is a smoke detector and by the time it sounds its alert, you have succumbed to smoke and poisonous gases.Dennis Fox has been working on this very topic for almost seven years, while a close friend of his first saw this problem and said something about it, almost 46 years ago! While he notified the manufacturers and the various governmental bodies, all to no avail. Yes, there is a better smoke detector (Photo-Cell) and heat detectors available and they do cost more than the ionization type. But what price do you put on your life to protect you, your family and your home!For additional information, please visit http://www.SmokeAlarmSafety.org and visit www.scribd.com and search for “Richard Patton.”As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., or on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

Chief Anthony Correia has over forty years' experience in both Fire and EMS. A past chief in Missouri and New Jersey of both career and volunteer departments, he has taught around the country and at local, regional and national conferences. He is a strong supporter of “retention and recruitment” and offers strong, positive hints as to how to be successful at both of these topics, so very important today. In this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” the Chief shares his wisdom regarding “Character, Attitudes & Values,” and the how these traits should be seriously considered within your retention and recruitment efforts. Though many departments including career, volunteer, combination and WUI, are “hungry” to add new members, we have to be sure we are hiring the men and women who will be a good fit for the department. And Chief Correia explains why these three traits are so necessary, especially in these times of acute need for many Fire and/or EMS agencies! As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!Photo Courtesy NARA & DVIDS Public Domains Archives

Chief (ret) Todd LeDuc is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of Lifescan Wellness Centers. Prior to this position, he served as the Executive Assistant Chief of the Broward Sheriff's Office – Division of Fire-Rescue, working his way up from paramedic 30 years ago. Chief LeDuc has been a frequent guest and long-time supporter the podcast. In this episode we discuss his long relationship with the late Chief Bobby Halton, as both a friend and an author of several books and numerous articles that Chief Halton approved. We also discuss the rise in firefighter Line-of-Duty Deaths in 2022 and, how Lifescan's early detection exams very likely saved the lives of two more firefighters in the department that he once help to lead!We extend to all our viewers and listeners our best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Safe New Year!As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

This past Monday evening, December 19th, the Fire Service suffered the loss of a pillar of our  Community, Chief Bobby Halton. Chief Halton was the Executive Editor of "Fire Engineering," and the director of the annual FDIC. His love for and dedication to the Fire Service was unwavering. And if you ever had the chance to meet and speak with him, you know he treated you as if he had known you all your life. To honor his memory and service, we are honored to present his audio appearance on the then, very new podcast of "5-Alarm Task Force." We hope you will both enjoy and learn from the wisdom he shares. 

Chief (ret) Marc S. Bashoor has over thirty years of Fire/Rescue experience, including rising from firefighter to Chief of the Prince George MD Fire-Rescue Department, which is the largest integrated combination career and volunteer department in the U.S. He has presented at numerous local, regional and national fire conferences. Moreover, he has consulted with departments in Brazil and China.In this interview, the Chief discusses two, recently released After Action Reports from the Boyd St. Fire in Los Angeles, which seriously injured three firefighters and the S. Stricker St. Fire in Baltimore, which claimed the lives of three Baltimore Firefighters. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) created a documentary regarding the Boyd Street Fire, which is available at https://www.firehero.org/2022/11/18/boyd-street/. Information on the Baltimore Fire can be found at https://cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/resources/LineofDutyDeathReport_205S_Stricker_Street.pdf In the second segment of this interview, Chief Bashoor discusses his “Can You Rescue U?” (https://yourescueu.com/) a class about Experienced Leadership – To Help You Survive & Thrive.”As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or tune in to the audio version on our website https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org, Podomatic or on your favorite podcast platform!