Between Two Hydrants

Sam and Vito sit down together to discuss a new program- the ConFire Book Club. It's a short one, so grab a book, relax, and enjoy!

Sam and Vito are busy recording so enjoy this "Rekindle," the very first recording of Between to Hydrants with Andy and Ali, ConFire's very own physical therapists.

Sam and Vito sit down to have a very candid conversation with some of ConFire's senior officers to talk about the way things were, the way they are, and where we are headed. Captain's Jason Conner, Chris Ochoa, Dave Lindsey, Paul Lyons III, Ryan Fern, and Chris Freyler all offer up some nuggets of truth. Give it a listen!

On this July 21st, Sam and Vito sit down with Retired Fire Captain Rick Stratton and Captain Dave Lindsey to reflect on the 17th anniversary of the Michelle Drive Incident where we lost Captain Matt Burton and Engineer Scott Desmond. Rick, Dave, and Sam spent significant time at Station 70 and the discussion is unique and at times raw. Please remember Scott and Matt today.

Sam meets with Crew 12, ConFire's own Handcrew, to discuss what the Crew is, what they do, and how some of them got to the place they are. Captains Woods, Brunton, and Earhart join in as well. Give it a listen!

Sam and Vito have the pleasure of sitting down with Retired Chief Tom Siragusa who retired as an Assistant Chief with San Francisco Fire Department in 2018. He was a CDF Firefighter, a Firefighter/Medic with San Rafael FD and joined the SFFD in 1982. A Firefighter, Chief's Aid, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief, Tom shares reflections of decades of experience with Between Two Hydrants. 1:31:00 Retired Battalion Chief Dave George reads Tom's article "Just in for the day"

Sam and Vito sit down with the crew from Station 95, Bethel Island, to discuss a reported rescue fire last December. This fire had all indications of a potential rescue of an elderly woman. Bethel Island has many firefighting hurdles including water supply, ingress issues, and distance from other companies. Captain 95 does a good job describing and overcoming all those issues.

Sam and Vito sit down with Engineer's Gregory and Cross as well as Captain Dan Brooks to talk about the Engineer Train to Qualify process. Rachel and Cody talk about their initial thoughts of last year's new way of testing for the rank of engineer and what they thought when they finished. Dan talks about what the challenges were that first year and changes that are coming for this year. They whole group discusses our mission...to save lives. We reiterate that no matter what your job is in the Fire District, the mission is the same...to save lives. If you have any questions reach out to Vito vimpa@cccfpd.org

Sam and Vito sit down at Station 10 with Captains Damien Sanderson, Darren Rosten, and Brian George to discuss the Countrywood Incident. A structure fire early this year in Walnut Creek where two people were rescued. On utilizing VES and quick thinking. The last 30 minutes is gold as Darren and Brian move from the fire to the future of the department and how hungry our personnel are. It's a don't miss episode.

Join Sam as he sits down with crews from Station 6 and Battalion 2 Greg Sawyer to discuss the Temple Incident in Pacheco involving a rescue. The fire took place on February 2, 2024. Interesting views on resource ordering, dispatchers doing a great job, and crews making aggressive searches.

Firefighter Konnor Delang guest hosts and leads a discussion on what it means to be a good follower. Today's podcast dives into the other side of leadership from a perspective we are all placed in on a daily basis.

Sam and Vito sit down with Firefighter Brenden Cleary to talk about his new initiative- ConFire Chronicles. A new way of tracking fires, building a database of learning from all levels, and a mapping system that is unique. Join us as we dive into this new ground level up program.

We're back for Season 2 of Between Two Hydrants and we are kicking off the season with an update from the Fire Chief. Please listen as Chief Broschard talks about quarter 1 training and direction.

Sam and Vito wrap up season 1 and talk about what's coming up. Special thanks to Engineer Drew Rozner for his editing skills!

Sam and Vito talk with Battalion Chief Dominic Ciotola, Captain Paul Williams, and Captain Vinny Aiello to discuss Truck Operations and the introduction of the new truck task book. Some really good info on the history of truck operations in the District, where we are headed, and the use of the taskbook.

This week Sam and Vito talk with Contra Costa Fire Inspectors Bryan Ellis and Derrick Berumen to talk about their roles in the Community Risk Reduction Team and the challenges they face talking with the unhoused population in the county. They have a very unique and effective role in fire prevention and much fruit has been produced because of their efforts.

Sam and Vito sit down with retired Contra Costa Fire Captain Chris Leimpeter to talk about his continuing passion...Project Pink Wheels. He talks about his time with ConFire, what led him to start Project Pink Wheels, and what it takes to be involved. Chris intimately shares his experience with breast cancer and cancer awareness. It is especially fitting during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Give it a listen and check out the below links- https://youtu.be/pDkYSW0pabI?si=mdco9tGXUu4qtiCk Instagram @projectpinkwheels Facebook Projectpinkwheels

Sam and Vito sit down with Training Chief Dave Watson to discuss all things training including Quarter 4 Live Fire training, a twice weekly live fire burn where all companies will get through the burn props for simulated rescue fires. Dave talks about where he came from, his time at Con Fire, and the direction training is headed in.

Between Two Hydrants is live on location at Station 6 in downtown Concord for "Buzz Cuts For John." This is a special episode in support of our brother and Firefighter John Martinez who is in the fight of his life dealing with cancer. Hear from his academy classmates, his crew, the Fire Chief and more as we talk about how important support from those around you is so important as you battle cancer. Chief Whit MacDonald who fought through cancer himself, makes a special appearance.

Sam and Vito sit down with Captain Casey Kiernan to discuss Engine 14's February rescue fire in Martinez on Foster Street. Good info on situational awareness, knowing your area, and performing your duties at a high level. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

Captain Ryan Graham shares his experience discovering kidney cancer during his annual physical. Its an open and honest talk about what he felt and how he felt in that moment and the moments beyond. Battalion Chief Rob Lutzow discusses where we've been and where we're going with the annual physicals program. Special guest voice of Baxter, Captain Graham's arson K9, can be heard!

Vito and guest host Battalion Chief Greg Sawyer sit down with Keaton and Nolan from Trybe Summits, www.trybesummits.com, to discuss a variety of topics from breath-work to cold therapy and saunas to mental health and its role in the fire service. Note: throughout the podcast there are references to ConFire's "Station 4 Initiative." The Fire District has taken a slower station and turned it into a station for limited rest and rehabilitation. Crews from our busier companies can spend a month rehabilitating and resting. They are given Whoop Bands to track sleep and recovery among other data points, cold plunge therapy, special access to our physical therapists, yoga, meditation, and many other therapies to reset. It is an ongoing trial and is receiving positive feedback. The crews assigned still train and run calls but at a slower pace.

Sam and Vito sit down for the first actual recorded Between Two Hydrants with Andy Anich, PT, DPT, CSCS and Ali Heartman PT, DPT, CSCS aka Andy and Ali ConFire's physical therapists. The conversation ranges from who they are and where they've come from to where they want to take the program. Give it a listen, your mind AND body will thank you. Give them a look at https://reconperform.com

Captain Matt Burton (34) and Engineer Scott Desmond (37) lost their lives tragically in a residential structure fire in the early hours of July 21, 2007 while attempting to rescue an elderly couple in the city of San Pablo, CA. The loss of their lives and the lives of the residents has reverberated throughout the Contra Costa County Fire District for 16 years now. This week, Captain Sam Nichols and District Chief Vito Impastato, reflect on that loss in a very personal and raw way. Today CCCFPD has in total 407 suppression personnel, Captains, Engineers, and Firefighters. Of that number, 307 have been hired after the loss of Matt and Scott. As had been said, many know OF Scott and Matt but not everyone knew Scott and Matt. Between Two Hydrants Podcast hopes that today you will reflect on the tragic loss of two good firefighters and even better family men. #SDMB2007

Sam and Vito sit down with Captain Josh Andrews at Station 1 to discuss our IMCI (Intentional Mass Casualty Incidents) aka Active Shooter protocols and upcoming training. 4 Questions to ask: 1. Where's the command post? 2. Where are the hot, warm, cold zones? 3. What is the best information on suspects? 4. Who's the force protection. Suggested Reading:  Columbine Review Commission, May 2001  Report of Investigation into the 2 April 2014 Shooting Incident at Fort Hood  After Action Report Washington Navy Yard September 16, 2013  1 October After-Action Report (Las Vegas)  School Shooters: Understanding High School, College, and Adult Perpetrators, Langman  Active Shooter, How to Respond, DHS  Columbine: A True Crime Story, a Victim, the Killers and the Nation's Search for Answers, Kaas Suggesting Watching:  22 July (Norway Terror Attacks) (Netflix)  November 13: Attack on Paris (Netflix)

Assistant Chief Vito Impastato & Captain Sam Nichols sit-down and discuss the Between Two Hydrants Podcast.