FMBA Nation

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower talks with Greg Weber from Epic Global Solutions and Linden Fire Department. Greg shares his story of gambling addiction and his current recovery and how he is trying to change the lives of many, one step at a time. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with FMBA Local 228 President Frank Noborine and Vice President Abdur Yasin about vaccine mandates, layoffs, contract negotiations and some other happenings in their Local. If you would like to feature your local on a podcast episode, please email nation@njfmba.org. 

FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, sat down with Dave Russell, owner of Fire and Safety Services, and discusses the supply chain management and procurement issues that the fire service is currently facing. Dave's insight and knowledge is very valuable to any department that is currently looking to purchase new fire apparatus. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower speaks with PFRSNJ Trustee, Matt Lubin, about the DCRP - Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, and how it affects the Tier 2 and Tier 3 members of the PFRSNJ. For anyone that has 14 years or less in the PFRSNJ, this is a must listen to episode to educate you on the DCRP enrollment, contribution rates, salary limit, and more. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Donna Buscio and Dr. Garcia about the 20th Anniversary of the Gift From Captain Buscio program. The program has provided so many first responders in NJ with exceptional care and so many lives have been saved as a result of the comprehensive physical exam. All current and retired firefighters, police, and emergency responders, and their officers are invited to participate in the program throughout the State of New Jersey. They will then have opportunity to receive confidential com­prehensive cardiovascular and pulmonary medical evalua­tions.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with the 126th NJ FMBA September Convention keynote speaker Lt. Col. Robert Darling, USMC (Ret.), about his incredible story of adversity and crisis management as he spent 24 hours inside the the POTUS' White House Bunker on 9-11-01. Lt. Col. Darling was the White House Airlift Operations Officer who, during the attack on America on 9/11/01, responded to the underground White House Bunker Complex and stood shoulder to shoulder with America's highest leaders as they made unprecedented crisis leadership decisions on behalf of all Americans.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower, sits with Rob Garrison, Legal Counsel for the PFRSNJ, and talks about federal student loan forgiveness for public service employees. Rob runs through the steps you need to take to see if you qualify, and how to convert your current older federal loans to direct loans for the discharge. The deadline to convert the loans is October 31st, 2022 and you can find out if you are eligible for the program by visiting www.studentaid.gov

Ever wonder what it takes to start a 501(c)3 Foundation? Look no further! In this episdoe, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Karen Taylor-Burke from PKF O'Connor Davies and NJ FMBA Treasurer Troy Powell on how to get started and the benefits of starting a foundation for your local. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation host bill Brower talks with Attorney Joe Burke about dependency claims. Joe is a retired Captain from Montclair FMBA Local 20 who is now a practicing attorney at law who focuses on worker's compensations claims. Joe discusses how the Thomas Canzanella Act and dependency claims work and how a member's family can use the dependency claim to help with financial hardships. 

In this episode, FMBA nation host Bill Brower talks with Cherie Castellano about the NJ Fire/EMS Lifeline which has been established to provide mental health support and services to NJ first responders and their families. If you or someone you know needs help please call the lifeline at 888-653-3367 or go to www.njfireems.com for more information on how to get assistance. 

In Episode 51, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with nuclear physicist, Dr. Graham Peaslee, from the University of Notre Dame, about the forever chemicals known as PFAS that has been contaminating firefighters for years. These chemicals have been linked to cancer and have been found in the turnout gear that is worn everyday by firefighters as well as the foam that is used for chemical and flammable liquid fires for years. This is a must listen episode in battling the cancer epidemic of the fire service.

In the 50th episode of FMBA Nation, host Bill Brower chats with the keynote speaker from the 125th NJ FMBA Convention, Katie McKenna. Katie is the author of "How to get run over by a truck" and tells Bill about her journey and how she faced true adversity and determination to survive. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherril (NJ 11th District), about the SALT (State and Local Tax) Deduction Cap. They discuss how it affects NJ First Responders as well as middle class families in NJ.  

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with the boys from Flow and Vent at the 125th Annual NJ FMBA Convention. Rob and Kyle tell Bill about their success on Instagram and their dedication to training and education within the fire service. Both Rob and Kyle are members of the NJ FMBA and plan to get involved with more training education with FMBA Nation. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation Host, Bill Brower, talks with Captain Bob Falzarano from the Union Fire Department about his personal struggles with PTSD and other mental health challenges. Bob opens up and tells FMBA nation how he was close to taking his own life and how he took the steps he needed to get help. For anyone that is in need of help for mental health, substance abuse, or just needs someone to talk to, please reach out to our Mental Health/Peer Assistance Team.  Dr. Michael Bizzarro 732-771-7165 Dr. Julie Tropeano 732-977-3819 Tyrone Smith 973-573-9694 Ken Burkert 908-346-1691 CISM Team Coordinator Troy Powell 973-868-0527

In this episode, FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with Marc Junkerman about his mental health program "Planning to Thrive". Planning to Thrive (P2T) introduces adaptable management concepts intended to assist you in implementing and maintaining a successful culture of first responder wellness.  The blueprint is yours.  These are just a few "extra tools for your box" to help you with the build.   Marc "Junk" Junkerman is an active law enforcement commander in Maryland with nearly three decades of service which includes nearly two decades advocating for first responder safety and wellness.  He continues to provide regular consultation and instructional support in this arena to various agencies within his state in addition to serving as a Mental Health First Aid instructor and as an International Critical Incident Stress Foundation faculty member.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Dr. Michael Bizzaro, Iris Perlstein, and Lindsay Pliner from Penn Medicine Princeton Behavioral Health to discuss the new virtual support group to launch in early May.

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with FMBA Local 309 Member Michael Barrett about the heroic off-duty actions he took that saved multiple lives when he noticed a fire in a multi-family dwelling. On the night of February 11th, 2021, Mike was a a red light and noticed a fire had broken out in an apartment building in Elizabeth, NJ. He immediately took action by entering the structure and alerting multiple sleeping occupants that they needed to evacuate. Mike noticed a victim in the building was disoriented and was able to bring him to safety outside of the building. Mike's actions are commended by the entire NJ FMBA and we are proud to have him as a member and his selfless actions taken that night.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with (ret.) DC Anthony Avillo about the attack line entry checklist. Chief Avillo reviews some of the critical fundamentals that firefighters and fire officers need to follow in order to ensure smooth fire attack operations. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower, talks with NJ FMBA Chief Counsel Craig S. Gumpel and Tom Cushane, from Cushane Law Firm, about the impact of recreational marijuana and collective bargaining for public safety labor unions.   

In this episode, FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with Alex Jabr from Emergency Resilience about a tough topic, notifying a family on scene that their loved one has died. We can all relate to this and it may just bring some comfort knowing that there are many of us out there that go through the same thing. For more info go to www.emergencyresilience.com

The NJ FMBA has a special relationship with FHE Health, who provides self care and rehabilitation services for NJ FMBA members and their families. FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Dr. Beau A. Nelson, Chief Clinical Officer of FHE, about self-care through tough times. FHE Health has the First Responder program called Shatterproof. Shatterproof at FHE (formerly Florida House Shatterproof) employs evidence-based therapies, innovative medical care, and a comprehensive wellness program. These focus on symptoms of PTSD, among other mental health conditions, in order to help our first responders successfully manage their condition and/or achieve life-long recovery from drugs and alcohol. Shatterproof is designed to help first responders overcome specific obstacles and increase their ability to manage emotions during stressful situations without turning to self-medication. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Ret. D/C Anthony Avillo (North Hudson Regional Fire Rescue) about the buildings that change the rules of the game. They discuss the keys to identifying these buildings and why it is important for us as firefighters to study these types of construction and stay sharp in the street.

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Jason Patton of @firedeptcoffee and @firedepartmentchronicles about how he got started in the fire service, how he got involved with Fire Department Coffee, their charitable foundation, and the brains behind the funny Instagram channel Fire Department Chronicles. Jason is a solid dude with a great personality and he enjoys long walks on the beach.

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with AJ Fusco from @forkandhoseco about a staple in all firehouses..... the Firehouse Kitchen. They chat about cooking in the firehouse and why the kitchen is more than just about food and how sometimes it serves as a place of comfort and camaraderie. 

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower sits down with Vic Donato and Shaun Stanton from AFLAC to outline an exclusive critical illness benefit made available to the members of the NJ FMBA. For more information please visit: https://www.njfmba.org/aflacenrollment

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with Civil Service Commission Liaison Kevin Beyrouty about the CARES ACT and specifically the coronavirus relief fund. 

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with Eddie Marcowitz about the ongoing battle with AFFF and cancer. Eddie talks about the exposure issues and how he is working with firefighters to get them the compensation they deserve. 

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower holds a Zoom call with Joe Zadroga, father of James Zadroga, about The James Zadroga Act and with Ed Marcowitz, of The Marcowitz Law firm, and The Zadroga Family Attorney. Joe tells us the story of his son, James Zadroga, who served as an NYPD Detective on 9/11 and tragically passed away as a result of illness caused by The terrorist attacks on The World Trade Center on 9/11. Ed discusses with us how he fought for The Zadroga Family and how he continues to fight for and help those that are eligible for The World Trade Center Health Program.

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with NJ FMBA President Ed Donnelly about the recent passing of a legislative bill that provides LODD benefits to the families of firefighters and EMTs that were lost to COVID-19. They talk about the upcoming September Convention and the challenges we will be faced with post-COVID19. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dr. Michael Bizzaro and Dr. Julie Tropeano talk about the Wisemind and how we can learn to use that as part of our thought process over emotional and rational thinking. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

COVID-19 has changed a lot of things with the way we live, work, and interact with each other. FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Paul Caliendo, Partner at Gil and Chamas Law Firm, to discuss how COVID-19 is affecting the worker's compensation process. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower had a conversation with National Life Group about the importance of understanding living benefits and how to know how much life insurance one should carry. The conversation was educational and informative and we thought it was worth sharing with the entire membership. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Dr. Michael Bizzarro and Dr. Julie Tropeano about dealing with the stressors created by the new world we live in with the COVID-19 Pandemic. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with ret. D/C Anthony Avillo from the North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue about the role of the new firefighter in the fire service. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with Bill Spadea from NJ 101.5 about his support of First Responders, the COVID-19 outbreak, Cooked and Uncorked, and his new podcast Speaking Recovery. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower sits down with "Pip" from 555 Fitness to talk about how they started, what the 555 grant application process is all about, the 555 Fitness App, and things you can be doing both at home and at the station to stay fit during the COVID-19 crisis. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower sits down with EMS Committee Chairman Steve Spurr to discuss the pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Coronavirus. What is it? What are the symptoms? How does it spread? What are some of the preventative measures we can take? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower sat down with Phill McMahon, a Vineland Firefighter and member of FMBA Local 49 at the 2020 NJ FMBA Educational Convention. Phil is currently running for the position of Pension Trustee for NJPERS. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower Sits down with Dr. Michael Bizzarro from Penn Medicine Princeton Health to discuss a look into what we as first responders can do to battle the stressors we are exposed to everyday. Mental health and personal well being are just two of the hot topics discussed in the first responder community and we need to make more of an effort within ourselves to come to grips with the effects that this cumulative trauma has on our everyday heroes. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower had the chance at the 2020 NJ FMBA Educational Convention to sit and speak with David Horsnall from the NJ Fire Museum and NJ Fallen Firefighters Memorial about the past, present, and future of the site. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks about continuing education in the fire service with the Chairman of the Fire Science Degree Program at New Jersey City University, Walter Nugent. The mission of the New Jersey City University Fire Science Department is to provide its diverse population of students with an educational experience that is meaningful, comprehensive and rewarding. The Department is committed to the enablement of student academic and professional development and success. The education provided is intended to assist students in their quests for academic and professional excellence; to be successful in gaining entrance into the fire service and associated fields, to become outstanding firefighters and ultimately exceptional fire officers. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with Fred Mohr, host of Steel Mace Nation Podcast and Elizabeth Local 209 Captain. Fred talks about the advantages of using Steel Mace workouts and movements and how it relates to movements used on the fireground. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower had the chance to sit and talk with Deputy Chief (ret.) Frank Viscuso about leadership and the fire service. Deputy Chief (ret.) Frank Viscuso served more than 26 years on the Kearny Fire Department (Locals 18/218). He is the author of 7 books including four of our industries top best-sellers. His popular book Step Up and Lead introduces people the traits and skills they need in order to lead effective teams. Step Up and Lead has been referred to as the backbone of the fire service. Frank travels throughout North America and Europe providing leadership, team development and customer service training to fire departments and businesses. He spends his downtime coaching Little League baseball teams in Toms River, New Jersey. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower sits down with Chief John Rodger, Rahway Police Department and Chief David Hart, Linden Police Department, to discuss an initiative started by the NJ FMBA and the Union County Police Chiefs Association regarding safe fireground operations for law enforcement personnel. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower sits with Karl Spinner from ServPro of Central Union and Western Essex Counties to talk about the 2019 ServPro First Responder Bowl. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Firefighter, Paramedic, and Artist Daniel Sundahl talks with FMBA Nation host Bill Brower about his artwork and how he has used it as a therapy tool to deal with PTSD and raise awareness for Mental Health in the first responder community. Visit dansunphotos.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower sat down with Mike Marino from National Life Group to talk about living benefits. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Dave Forrester from Integrity Health and Abdur Yasin, the NJ FMBA SHBP Committee Chairman about new health services from Integrity Health. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower sat down with Dr. Denis Onieal, the US Deputy Fire Administrator to talk about the United State Fire Administration, the United States Fire Academy, The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and his upcoming retirement. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

FMBA Nation host Bill Brower sits down with Karl Spinner of ServPro of Central Union County and Western Essex County. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app