Above The Standard

Captain Glaze is truck captain in California. He's a husband, father, union president and ultra marathon runner. On this episode we talk about leadership, running and more.

Episode #025 On this episode we talk with the Dr. Jeff Burgess. Dr. Burgess is the lead researcher for the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study. stablished in July 2016, the FEMA-funded Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS) research project provides a national framework to collect and integrate firefighter epidemiologic surveys, biomarkers and exposure data focused on carcinogenic exposures and health effects. The long-term goal is to follow long-term 10,000 firefighters over a 30-year observation period. https://www.ffccs.org/

On this episode we talk with Firefighter Paramedic Jason Patton. Jason resides in South Florida and is best known for his satire social media videos through his channel Fire Department Chronicles. Jason also is Vice President of Fire Department Coffee just outside of Chicago. On this episode we talk about his entrance into the fire service, we chat about EMS and we chat about how his social media platform developed into the most popular firefighting social media account. Check out Fire Department Chronicles on all social media platforms and also checkout Fire Dept Coffee. Fire Department Coffee: https://www.firedeptcoffee.com/

#023 - Battalion Chief Danny Sheridan by Barbell Battalion

We talk with East Montgomery (TX) Captain Kyle Romagus. Capt Romagus is now the keeper of Smoothbore Cartel and the curator of Engine Company Resurrection. Today we talk about flows, nozzle selection, the fog vs Smoothbore argument and more. You can check out Smoothbore Cartel below: https://smoothborecartel.com/?olsPage=products

On this episode of Above the Standard, we talk with veteran green Beret and all around badass Pat McNamara. Pat spent over 25 years in the military and has since gone on to teach tactical level training to individuals, businesses and soldiers. Pat is a dialed in human-being when it comes to nutrition, exercise, tactical level training and doing his best to be a good person on this earth. You can find him Instagram and Facebook @tmacsinc and @universityofbadassery

On this episode of the podcast we talk with Brent Fenton. Brent is the mastermind behind the mustachioed firefighter buff. We talk with Brent about his fire service career, his genesis into the fire service and what started his now infamous persona.

On this episode of Above the Standard, we talk with Lt. Michael Snodgrass. Michael is a 27 year member of the Greshman (OR) Fire Department and owner of FireXTalk. Michael orated one of the best, most humbling assessments on RIT and Maydays. The speech entitled "1,000" Maydays describes honest data on the realities of what a RIT team can be projected to accomplish...or fail. Michael is a wealth of knowledge and strives to make the fire service better. Link to 1,000 Maydays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHT1g4ySZjo Link to FireXTalk: https://firextalk.com/

Episode #018 - Dr. Kevin Menes Kevin was on duty during the 2017 Las Vegas shooting that injured over 400 people. Dr. Menes was the attending physician at the closest trauma center to the scene. Dr. Kevin shares his experience from that night and how his previous education and training prepared him. Below is a link to Dr. Menes' contributing articles on triage and trauma https://epmonthly.com/contributor/kevin-menes-md/

#017 - FDIC - Chief Bobby Halton by Barbell Battalion

Episode #016 - Anthony Chiodo Today we talk with Dr. Anthony Chiodo from the University of Michigan. Dr. Chiodo is a professor and physical medicine physician. He serves as the Associate Chair for the clinical Affairs for the Department of Physical Medicine. Dr. Chiodo is also the co-director for the University of Michigan Spinal Cord Injury Model System. We talk with Dr. Chiodo on how the duties of firefighting and EMS impact the health and wellness of the spine.

On this episode we talk with FDNY Senior Man Mike Perrone. Mike spent over 30 years with the FDNY with majority of that time on Ladder 175 in Brooklyn. Mike's career took him from learning the craft at Engine 236 before transferring over to the truck. During Mike's career he noticed there was a deficiency in available forceable entry training doors. Mike developed, fabricated, perfected and patented his steel doors which developed into Firehouse Innovations Corp. Mike is a wealth of information and an amazingly humble person. We'd like to thank him for his time and knowledge.

On this episode we talk with Mitch Huner; a Chicago Truckie and owner of Fire Maul Tools. We discuss his career in the Windy City and also the development of the Fire Maul and the long awaited TSR Halligan. Mitch examined our tools of the trade and then engineered them for firefighter application. No longer are we adapting tools for the fire service, we're using industry created tools....especially for truck work and forceable entry.

On this episode we talk with Battalion Chief Brian Bastinelli with the Harrisburg (PA) Fire Department. Brian has mission driven focus on perfecting the craft of firemanship. He sets a high standard and implores many techniques to develop himself and those around him. He also heads up the Art of Firemanship Days conference. Unfortunately, this year was cancelled due to COVID-19. But we talk tactics, technology, and skill sets and training. He's a phenomenal person and a great asset in the fire service.

#12 - The Kitchen - AJ Fusco Today we talk with career fireman and professionally trained culinary professional, AJ Fusco. AJ, who also manages the ever popular Fork & Hose Company on Facebook and Instagram, talks with us about the firehouse kitchen. Its importance to the culture of the job but also the challenges many food service professionals are having right now.

#011 - The Truck - Capt Nick Esposito Nick is a Captain with Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department assigned to their rescue. Nick spent many years on the truck and teaches around the country. He drills on, among other topics, utilizing ground ladders and becoming a more offensive aerial operator. Nick is a wealth of knowledge and you can follow his input on facebook and Instagram: @truck_tactics

Tim Anderson is a firefighter in the City of Philadelphia and he's the owner of Anderson Rescue Solutions. Through his experience as a firefighter he's developed some game changing product for the fire service. No gimmicks or gotcha gadgets but simple tools to aid in rescue operations.

Detroit Fire Department's Deputy Fire Commissioner Dave Fornell spent some time talking about the one thing that makes us firefighters....flowing water and putting out fires. Dave has had a storied career and he's the author of the fire service bible, Fire Stream Management Handbook.

Episode #008 we talk with Sleep Doctor Dr. W. Christopher Winter on the importance of sleep health. Dr. Winter is a neurologist and author of the Sleep Solution. He's lead studies involving over 40 professional sports teams examining their sleep health as it relates to travel and performance. On this episode we connect his education and expertise with the impacts firefighters are seeing with their health.

Episode #007 - Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson On this episode we talk with Sheriff Chris Swanson. Sheriff Swanson made international headlines when we engaged protestors with peace and was the first law enforcement leader to walk with protestors. Sheriff Swanson talks about his stance on protestor engagement and why leaders should be at the forefront. We also talk about training and the needed reforms that must be placed upon law enforcement officers.

#006 - Emphasis on Training - Dave McGlynn On this episode we talk with Asst. Chief Dave McGlynn of Letterkenny Army Depot and the former Training Chief of West Point. Dave comes to the fire service with a humble drive to improve himself and those that work alongside him We talk about the importance of training, planning training evolutions, motivating crews and ideas for developing training. Dave is such a kind soul and I'm so thankful for him to share his experience and knowledge with us.

Episode #005 we talk with Captain Jarrod Sergi of Norfolk (VA) Fire Rescue. Captain Sergi has nearly 20 years with Norvolk and served with US Navy as a damage controlman and rescue swimmer. Jarrod is the author of No Nonsense Leadership: A Realistic Approach for the Company Officer. During the podcast we talk with Jarrod about issues facing our fire service and firehouses. We talk about training and engaging with your shifts to maximize their performance and being the leader we all wanted.

Episode #004 - Capt. Todd Edwards, City of Atlanta Fire Department Today we sit down and talk with Todd Edwards; Todd served the City of Atlanta Fire Department for more than 30 years. He's heavily engaged in training with the city as well as travels the country teaching engine tactics, leadership and first responder interaction with people having special needs. We talk with Capt. Edwards about a host of topics from leadership, setting and maintaining standards, importance of training and more. Thank you to Capt. Edwards for coming on.

Episode #003 - Bob Stella Bob Stella has been hand painting fire helmet shields for over thirty years. His work is on display everyday by the men and women that are called to the most stressful incidents that shape this country. But started as a side hustle and morphed into his full-time job as he is the contracted shield painter for the Fire Department of New York, Dallas Fire-Rescue, Boston Fire Department, Newport News and more. His work continues to keep tradition and value in the fire service. It was an honor to speak with him and hear his story.

Cary Thompson is a Lieutenant/Paramedic with the City of Royal Oak (Mich.) Fire Department. Cary has an unwavering dedication to the fire service and improving those who serve it. He's battled cancer multiple times, beaten it, and still continues serve the citizens he swore to protect. During his recovery, Cary developed a talent for grant writing and to-date has written upwards of $700 Million in grant funding for police and fire departments all over the country. His positivity is infectious. We should all be like Cary.

Maureen Stoecklein is a 20 year firefighter/paramedic with Canton Township (Mich.) Fire Department. She is the only Firefighter/Registered Dietitian in the American Fire Service. She's completed the Boston Marathon, an Ironman and also serves as the official dietitian for the New York Mets Baseball Team. We talk with Maureen about her journey in the fire service and the amazing work she is doing to make the fire service healthier.