Make Due: Suburban Fireman Podcast

Chris Naum (Syracuse, NY) brings over 5 decades of experience to the show as both firefighter, fire officer, architect, educator, author, and public speaker. Chris joins the show to blow the lid off building construction in the modern fire service. We discuss how the lack of deeper understanding of building construction in the modern fire service has had unintended consequences at both the strategic and tactical levels. We discuss several fire service buzzwords and catch phrases, their origin and the oversimplification that has occurred because of them. The show dives into how construction features and technology have changed with each era and how this information can be used to make educated decisions on the fireground. If you're looking to get the thinking juices flowing and elevate your building construction knowledge, this episode should do the trick! 

Ready to elevate your Pump Operator game? Then you need to catch this episode! Chief Paul Watlington of Burlington (NC) FD is a 24-year fire service veteran, owner of Impact Fire Training, and presents regularly around the country including FDIC. In this episode Paul discusses the role of the pump operator, the importance of working driver/operators, troubleshooting, mindset, training and traits needed to succeed at a high level in the pump operator position. Paul drops some practical knowledge and experience that is sure to improve all would-be pump operators, current D/O's, as well as company officers and chief officers looking to improve their pump operator training programs and drills. Turn up your dial and enjoy!

Episode 65 welcomes special guest, Ljay Geist out of Garden City (KS) FD to the show. We discuss his love for engine work, his recent work with HEN nozzles and his initial impression of the HEN nozzle in interior firefighting. The second half of the episode is a deep dive into leadership specifically from the perspective of those not in formal leadership positions. Ljay lays the groundwork for having a positive impact on your crew, firehouse and organization. This episode is about street level leadership and how to capitalize on it to build better fire departments!

Episode 64 welcomes special guest, Julio Ramos to the show to take a technical deep dive into common saws used in the fire service. Julio is an 18-year student of the trade currently serving as a Lieutenant on a squad company in a major metropolitan department in central Florida. He is owner/operator of Fireground and Special Operations, LLC and has instructed at numerous conferences across the country. This episode is a cut above (pun intended)! Julio breaks down the ins and outs of fire service saws. From getting in detail about design, specs, blade and chain types, electric vs gas power saw applications, to inspection & maintenance guidelines and tactical recommendations, this episode is absolutely packed with practical knowledge, wisdom and experience that will elevate your saw game to a whole new level! You're going to want a pad and paper for this educational gem! So, grab a drink and enjoy!

Episode 63 welcomes special guest, Todd Edwards to the show to discuss suburban strategies, tactics and training. Todd brings 43 years of experience to the table. Notably, Todd faithfully served in numerous capacities over 30+ years with the Atlanta (GA) Fire Department. He is the founder and lead instructor at Fire Life Training and has been instrumental in conducting a variety of high-quality fire service training and education programs across the nation. In this episode we examine variables impacting strategic and tactical decision making specifically through the lens of the minimally staffed suburban fire service. We also examine the importance of realistic training and how it can greatly improve our chances for success when the bell rings. Grab a cold (or warm) drink and enjoy! This episode is packed with some great nuggets from a man who truly loves and gives back to the job!​

Episode 62 welcomes our friend and brother, Aaron Zamzow to the show. Zam is a 20-year fire service veteran serving as a Lieutenant with the Madison (WI) Fire Department. He is head coach at Fire Rescue Fitness, has 30 years of experience as a fitness trainer, and holds a bachelor's degree in health and wellness. He hosts the Better Every Shift podcast, has authored numerous fire service articles and was recently featured on the cover of Crackyl Magazine. This episode explores functional health and fitness as it pertains to the fire service. Zam explains why a wholistic approach to the job is important and gives great tips for improving your health and fitness game. If you're struggling with those new year's resolutions, need help getting started or just want to up your health and fitness game, this episode is sure to motivate and inspire you to do better! 

We're Baaaaaaack! Season 5 kicks off with a dynamite episode featuring special guest, Scott Hewlett! Scott is a 26-year fire service veteran currently serving as a Training Officer in an urban fire department in southern Ontario, Canada. Scott is also founder and host of the Multiple Calls podcast. The crew takes a hard look at mindset, personal growth and mental health in the fire service. We can't think of a better way to start the new year and the new season than talking shop with our brother north of the border. Cheers!

Sean and Nick wrap up season 4 with special guest, Frank Viscuso. Chief Viscuso retired with the rank of Deputy Chief in New Jersey, has written numerous Fire Engineering articles, is an accomplished author of 12 books including Step Up and Lead, Common Valor and Flashpoint, was Keynote speaker at FDIC in 2022 and travels the country speaking on leadership to fire service, private sector and military personnel. This episode is packed with leadership gold as Chief Viscuso drops some serious knowledge, experience and wisdom! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! We can't think of a better person to close out season 4. Cheers!

Nick and Sean team up with Nick Ledin and Jeff Bryant of the Fire Nuggets podcast in this EPIC crossover episode! The gang discusses training, search culture, two in/two out, what it takes to run a successful fire training event, engine operations and more.

Episode 58 is coming at you fast as we welcome special guest, Justyn Fraize to the show to get his thoughts on building a strong fire culture in the suburban fire service. Justyn is a 25-year veteran of the fire service currently serving as Captain of Squad 18 in the Colony (TX) FD. Justyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a fireman, instructor and family man. He's on numerous instructor cadres around the nations including Build Your Culture, Citizens First Fire Training, Forge Fire, H.O.T. FOOLS and the Georgia Smoke Diver Association (GSD #950). In addition to discussing suburban fire culture, we also dive into training, education, physical and mental conditioning, and leadership to name a few. Grab a couple drinks and enjoy!

Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Ryan McCormick to the show to talk about what it takes to build a winning team in the fire service. Ryan is Fire Chief of Alexander (AR) Fire-Rescue and the Collegeville Volunteer Fire Department. He's founder of the First In Fire Conference and brings 25 years of both career and volunteer experience to the show. This episode takes a deep dive into why there seems to be such a disconnect nowadays between chiefs and line personnel, the importance of mindset and training, navigating the waters of leadership vs management, balancing risk management with the inherently dangerous nature of the job, and how to build winning fire department teams. Grab a beverage and enjoy!

This episode welcomes special guest, Danny Beauvais to the show to discuss what it truly means to be a student of our beloved craft. Danny is a fireman with the Mooresville (NC) Fire Department and founder of the Student of the Game fire podcast. Danny has been on the job for over two decades and brings a ton of knowledge, wisdom and passion to the table. This episode dives into mindset, training, conditioning and something all true fire service professionals possess: a constant hunger to learn and improve. 

Please join us as we welcome to the show Chief Ryan Gates of the Cayce (SC) Fire Department. Ryan is also co-founder of Soda City Training and the Truck Company Misfits podcast. This episode takes a close look at firefighting in suburbia. From strategies and tactics, to challenges faced, tips for being more effective, suburban truck culture, to command's view of the suburban fireground, this episode covers all the bases! Grab a drink and turn up that dial, 'cause episode 55 is coming at you from the top ropes!

Part 2 of Episode 54 continues with special guest, Brandon Cory. Part 2 takes a hard look at the world of RIT. We discuss everything from the history of RIT and its evolution, data and how it impacts our decision making on scene, proactive RIT functions to the philosophy of rapid intervention, RIT realities, deployment and finally realistic RIT training. This episode is packed full of practical knowledge, experience, procedures and training tips and offers a thorough look at how and why we do what we do. Grab a drink and get your pencils ready 'cause Brandon drops some legit experience driven knowledge and passion in the second half of this two-part episode!

This episode welcomes special guest, Brandon Cory to the show to talk all things RIT. Brandon is a firefighter/paramedic with the Marquette City (MI) Fire Department, authored a chapter in the book "30 Fires You Need to Know" with Chief Billy Goldfeder and Frank Leeb, is a published author with FireRescue1.com and is part of the Build Your Culture cadre. Part I of Episode 54 dives into the physical, tactical, mental and emotional components of a call where Brandon was deployed as the RIT team on a LODD at a working structure fire. Brandon shares his experience, insights and the struggles that followed that fateful day. Part I is certain to challenge each and every one of us to be better firefighters and people and is dedicated to the memory of Captain Ben Lauren who paid the ultimate sacrifice on March 13, 2020. Rest Easy Brother.

"From the top ropes!" Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Chief Scott Thompson to the show to discuss some of the hottest issues facing today's fire service. Chief Thompson is currently the Fire Chief of the Colony (TX) FD, is author of the book "The Functional Fire Company" and was keynote speaker at FDIC 2024. This no-holds-bar, haymaker of an episode is raw, real and addresses these issues head on. Join us in this unapologetically blue-collar conversation that is sure to challenge you to assess your department's approach to recruitment, retention, culture, risk and more! Turn up that dial, hit play and enjoy!

Join Sean and Nick as we welcome special guest, Jason Hoevelmann to the show. Jason is the Fire Chief of the Florissant Valley (MO) Fire Protection District, is author of the Fire Engineering book "The New Company Officer", was keynote speaker at FDIC 2024, sits on the FDIC advisory board, and is owner/operator of enginehousetraining.com. In this jam-packed episode the crew dives into several important topic ranging from leadership at the company and chief officer level, organizational purpose/focus, education vs experience and finally insight into ways to improve your chance of getting selected to teach at FDIC from an advisory board member's perspective. Chief Hoevelmann drops some absolute gold in this episode! Buckle up! Episode 52 is coming at you fast! (This is the part where you click "PLAY")

This episode takes a look at the ins and outs of rural fireground operations as we welcome to the show former Navy vet, Loveland-Symmes (OH) FD Captain, and Fayetteville FD Asst. Chief Bill Adkins to the show. Bill is also heavily involved as an author and featured contributor at Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment magazine where he has dozens of published articles. We examine the challenges faced in the rural vs suburban fire setting, tactical considerations, command thought processes, water supply issues and apparatus specification considerations unique to those settings. With 85% of the American fire service operating in either rural or suburban fire departments, this episode provides a framework for operational success when having to truly make do with the limited resources and personnel that plague the lion's share of departments across our country. 

We welcome Chief Dave McGlynn back to the show to discuss all things leadership related. With all the emphasis on leadership these days, there are seldom discussions had on the dark side of leadership: the sacrifice, loneliness, conflict and stressors that come with being in these roles and positions. We tend to focus on the feel-good parts of leadership, while neglecting the responsibility that comes with making tough decisions and standing tall in the face of adversity. This episode is a deep dive into what it takes to effectively lead, manage (I know it's a dirty word in some circles), and mentor while still maintaining your passion in leading! 

This episode pulls no punches as we welcome special guest and fellow Midwesterner, BJ Breecher to the show. BJ is known for his love for the job, commitment to excellence and a passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others. If you're looking to improve your operational effectiveness, BJ absolutely lays the framework for success in this episode! Grab an old fashioned, fry up some fish and enjoy this episode Wisconsin style!

Episode 48 is coming in swinging with our special guest, Build Your Culture Co-Founder and Jacksonville (FL) Fire-Rescue fireman, Pablo Gener. This episode takes a hard look at all things culture related and its impact on our fire departments, firehouses and personal morale. If you want a warm, fuzzy, feel-good discussion, you're in the wrong place. However, if you want real, honest, authentic dialogue on one of the most important issues facing the modern fire service, then this episode is a MUST LISTEN!

Season 4 continues with this gnarly 2-hour deep dive into the mind of special guest, Aaron Fields. This episode examines the origins and mindset behind the renowned Nozzle Forward engine class and "Drilling for Function". Buckle your seat belt. Aaron straight up drops some serious knowledge and gets to the root of instructional philosophy and discipline in the fire service. If you want to be a better firefighter, officer, or instructor, this episode is a MUST LISTEN!

Season 4 kicks off with a haymaker of an episode! Jim Silvernail is Fire Chief of the Kirkwood (MO) FD, is an FDIC advisory board member and author of the book, Suburban Fire Tactics. Listen in as the chief holds court on suburban fire tactics, challenges facing the suburban fire service, tips for maximizing your personnel and finally the mindset needed to be successful on the suburban fireground! Buckle your seatbelt! Season 4 is coming in HOT!

The crew welcomes Captain Jeremy Mathis of the Covington (GA) FD and member of the FAST Rescue Solutions to the show to talk about one of the most important concepts in not only the fire service, but also in life: BALANCE. The crew dives into keys to living a balanced life, the work/life balance as well as balance in the firehouse. We also discuss challenges in the suburban fire service setting and share some of Jeremy's experiences along the way. Grab your beverage of choice and enjoy!

Chief Dave McGlynn of the Letterkenny (PA) FD and owner of Passion in Leading LLC joins the show to discuss all things leadership and training! Do you have what it takes to elevate your leadership? Do you have what it takes to take your department's training to the next level? This episode will challenge you to BE more passionate, effective and resourceful. Don't miss out on this epic conversation!

Nick welcomes Cobb County (GA) Capt. and UL FSRI technical panel member, Sean Gray to the show to take a 2-hour deep dive into some of the amazing research being conducted by the UL FSRI. Sean shares his insights into the research, holds court on the topic of fire dynamics and how it relates to the modern fireground, and shares his tactical experiences over the last 3 decades of his fire service journey.  If you want to nerd out on some research and how it translates to the streets, you're in luck! This is definitely the episode for you!

Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Fire Chief (ret.) and owner of First Line Fire Service Training LLC, Dennis Reilly! The chief gives us some great insight in regard to the standards we hold. This is a deep dive examining personal, cultural, professional, and organizational standards and expectations. The conversation also reviews physical fitness in the fire service, training with a purpose and being a change agent in your corner of the fire service. With nearly 5 decades of experience in every rank from firefighter to fire chief, you don't want to miss this amazing conversation with one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable firemen you'll ever meet. Chief Reilly is doing great things to continue moving the needle forward and for that we are grateful to spend a couple hours learning from one of the best!

Nick welcomes good friend and fellow hard-charger JD Ducharme to the show to discuss WHY we are here. They dive headfirst into mission mindset, building a culture of excellence, training and preparation, and risk management/aversion in the fire service. If you're looking for a feel good, pat on the back kind of show, this isn't the episode for you. This is a fast-paced, no-holds-bar, unapologetically blue-collar examination our beloved fire service. So, buckle your seatbelt, Dorothy. You're not in Kansas anymore! 

Sean and Nick welcome Zach Bruhn to the show to discuss engine ops, training and leadership! Zach is a Major with the Oklahoma City FD, is and instructor at Oklahoma State University, and owns Precision Fire Service Consulting. He gives us the skinny on engine ops OKC style including an examination of how they have perfected the use of the Metro Load in their organization. The crew then dives into training mindset. We discuss the importance of building a solid foundation but then introducing variables to our drills. Finally, we take a look at the impact of leadership and its importance particularly in the early stages of a firefighter's career. Grab a tasty beverage and enjoy!

Nick and Sean welcome Estero (FL) Fire Rescue Division Chief of Operations and Training, Grant Schwalbe to the show to talk grabs. This fast-paced, action-packed episode takes a look at search and rescue best practices for both searching and removing fire victims. We also discuss some of the excellent programs Grant is part of including When Things Go Bad and the "Grabs" podcast and their impact on the fire service. Finally, we discuss the importance of balance and paying it forward in the fire service, with an emphasis on mentoring and sharing information and opportunities. 

Join Nick and Sean with our friend and guest, Dep. Chief (ret.) Steve Prziborowski of the Santa Clara (CA) County Fire Department. The crew unpacks some practical tools in this banger of an episode talking all things leadership! From new members to company officers to chief officers of all ranks, this episode hits on the needed traits, skills and the challenges faced at each respective level. Steve drops some insight into what it takes to be an effective leader and how to navigate the organizational waters successfully. 

This is the episode you've been searching for (see what I did there). Seriously though. Dustin Martinez of Cobb County (GA) FD and Reformation Training absolutely lays down the gauntlet when it comes to search and rescue in this full-throttle, tactics heavy episode. This is blue-collar, firehouse table style learning at its best! (Disclaimer: no paramedics were harmed in the making of this episode)

2 hours of laughs, passion and knowledge with the one and only, Jake Barnes. Jake is the Battalion Chief of Training at the New Albany (IN) Fire Department, is an instructor with ISFSI having taught multiple times at the FDNY's "The Rock" and has instructed at numerous fire conferences around the country including FDIC. Jake is also the host of the 3 Point Firefighter Podcast. This conversation lays down the ins and outs of what it takes to be successful as an instructor, the pitfalls and obstacles that must be avoided and overcome to be successful long term, and ultimately understanding your "why" behind sharing your knowledge, passion and skills. The crew dives into the mental aspect of the job and how psychology affects our performance on the fireground. Finally, we discuss the importance of preparation and conditioning. Buckle your seat belts, it's Barnes time!

Our good friend and all-around badass fireman, Devin Craig joins the show to spread the cure to the masses. Devin is a Captain in the FD in the Houston (TX) metro area and has been doing work for the past 20 years. He brings a level of passion, humor and tenacity that's evident from the moment you meet him. In this episode we discuss the Train or Die group (which he is co-founder of), his Lazy to Leader class, the importance of discipline, dedication and drive in the fire service. Finally, we dive into some things that help short-staffed departments be more effective and true force multipliers on the fire ground and beyond. This episode is a kick in the ass to get up and do work EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  P.S. it's ok to have fun doing it!

Sean and Nick welcome our good buddy and all-around badass fireman, Wyatt McCall to the show to dive into building performance-based culture, the importance of attitude, leadership at the company level and the criticality of having a training mindset on the job. This unfiltered, raw conversation is just what the doctor ordered to get your batteries charged up and get you motivated to keep crushing it in your firehouse!

We welcome our good friend and lover of all things forcible entry, Robert (RJ) James to Episode 33 for a fast-paced, fun (ok...seriously it was a blast!) conversation on all things forcible entry.  RJ is a Lieutenant with the Frederick County (MD) Fire-Rescue and a lead instructor with Capitol Fire Training. In this episode we discuss conventional, gas-powered and thru-the-lock forcible entry, tactical size ups, gas powered saws and more! The importance of forcible entry cannot be overstated. Forcible entry is not just a Truck Co. skill like it's often dubbed, but rather a fire service skill that applies to all firefighters regardless of the rig you're assigned to. If we can't get into the building fire attack doesn't happen, searches aren't completed, and victims are not removed. It really is that simple. This episode provides some great starting points for those looking to expand their forcible entry horizons and is one you don't want to miss! 

Oshkosh (WI) FD fireman and Old-Fashioned FOOLS President Rick Guerra joins the show to share his journey from a young Milwaukee (WI) fireman to an Aurora (CO) jake, and then finally back home to Wisconsin again. We discuss lateral entry and how it has impacted the fire service. We chat about training, health and fitness. We dive into the FOOLS and what they represent. Rick discusses what the FOOLS have meant to him and his career development, as well as the opportunities provided by the FOOLS to bring quality training, build camaraderie, and to take care of our own in this fast-paced, no-nonsense conversation on all things firemanship! 

We were stoked to welcome Lt. Tyler Whitfield of Clearwater (FL) Fire-Rescue to the show. The crew discuses several topics including the importance of building a the proper mindset towards training, challenges of being a new company officer, and finally a snapshot look at Tyler's new class "The Grab Factory" (not to be confused with "The Grab Lab" which I (Nick) inadvertently called Tyler's class during the show (Sorry Dustin and Nick L). This was a truly great conversation centered around loving the job and staying disciplined and motivated even when it's not easy. The episode is dedicated to fallen brother, James Michael Muller of the Irmo (SC) Fire Department. 

We were honored to have special guest John Spera of South Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and Fit to Fight Fire on the show to discuss his journey in the fire service. We dive into fitness and its importance and impact on the fire ground. We discussed mental and emotional health. We dive into the lateral entry hiring and the opportunities and challenges that go with it.  Finally, John and Nick share the impact their faith has had in shaping their lives and careers.  This is a real look at the pillars of any successful life in the fire service and a message that we hope will resonate with so many in our profession. 

In this episode we welcome our good friend and mentor, Jason Liska to the show to discuss training and mentoring new and experienced members. We also dive into how culture influences our expectations, training and mentorship. Finally, the crew takes a look at recruitment and retention in the fire service. Make no mistake, this episode pulls no punches and is raw, unedited and maybe even a little uncomfortable at times. However, it is a needed conversation about some of the hardest challenges facing the fire service today and one we are extremely passionate about. Finally, we hope that you'll accept the challenge to be better, do better and leave the job better! 

Jonathan Brumley of Denver (CO) Fire Department joins the show to discuss engine company operations. This episode is jam packed with excellent discussion on hose loads, engine company mindset, nozzles, nozzle reaction, and what it takes to be a successful engine firefighter. Jonathan hones in on attack packages and medium diameter hose in particular discussing training, hose line management and tips for successfully implementing the "big line" on your fireground. If you're assigned to the engine, love all things water, or simply enjoy learning from stand-up firemen, this is the episode for you!

Sean and Nick welcome special guest Battalion Chief and Owner/Lead Instructor with Insight Training LLC, Andy Starnes to the show to discuss all things thermal imaging. This fast paced, highly informative episode takes a hard look at one of the most important, yet often underutilized tools on the fireground. Andy absolutely takes us to school with over 2 hours of knowledge, experience and passion!  From technical information to tactical use and operational suggestions, to training concepts this episode has a little bit of everything.  If you want to know more about thermal imaging, this is the episode for you. Buckle up because it's a helluva ride. Enjoy!

Join Sean and Nick as they welcome training officer Brian Weigle of the Elmira Heights (NY) FD to the show. We discuss what it takes to run a training event. We also dive into training, culture, recruitment and retention specifically in the volunteer and/or combination setting. The team dives into the "why" behind these factors and how they impact our departments, our members and our very mission. Finally, we discuss engine work and what that means in low-staffing situations. Hopefully you have as much fun as we did recording this one!

Sean and Nick welcome Steve Kimker of the Richmond Heights (MO) FD and the founder and owner of Rescue Redefined training cadre to the show to discuss stabilization, extrication, new vehicle construction, tactics, training and the emergence of electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery technology and their impact on the fire service. This episode is jam-packed with incredible information, tactical considerations and techniques that work! Grab a drink (or two) and get ready to get your learn on!

Season 3 is kicking off with a splash! Sean Eagen of the Buffalo (NY) Fire Department joins the show to discuss the importance of truck work on the fireground, truck tactics, positioning, truck company priorities and maximizing your training in a knowledge packed first episode of the new year! I've even been told it's ok if engine jakes listen in too (hey, he rode an engine for a few years!). So don't dismay if you're not an official "truckie"! Seriously though, give this episode a listen. You won't be disappointed. 

Buckle your seat belt and hold on tight! While this may be the longest episode ever recorded on the Make Due podcast (it happens!), make no mistake, this episode is a gloves-off, no bullshit, high octane episode from start to finish! Dru Goings (founder of Smoothbore Nation, co-founder of Rust Belt Jakes and Training Officer with the SEHNWU Joint Fire District in west central Ohio) shares his thoughts on fireground tactics, engine work, apparatus set up and culture as it pertains to the volunteer and rural fire service. Dru also discusses integration, utilization and training with our law enforcement brothers and sisters from his unique perspective as an active police officer. Disclaimer: This episode features some very real, candid conversations that may offend some :-) If you're not overly sensitive you should be just fine. 

Captain Marc Aloan (West Columbia FD) of The Fire Inside and Rust Belt Jakes joins Nick to discuss suburban fireground operations, leadership and culture. The discussion starts out discussing some hot button topics in regard to water supply, nozzle selection, attack packages, search, and traditional truck work for the suburban engine company. Numerous tactical considerations and strategies are discussed in depth. The crew then examines leadership at the company level including what works, what doesn't and some things we can do to enhance our leadership abilities including setting realistic goals, expectations and priorities. Finally, Marc discusses culture as he sees it in the modern fire service and some ways to invest in a positive culture within the walls of your firehouse.  

Battalion Chief Randy Feltner shares his story of surviving cardiac arrest on duty to overcoming all the challenges along the way to get back on the job. This episode takes a hard look at health, fitness, diet, sleep, and training mindsets in the fire service and how they all affect our long-term quality of work and life experiences and expectations. Randy offers his unique perspective on these issues and gives some heartfelt advice to listeners in a truly candid conversation about one of the major causes of LODD's in the American Fire Service. 

WARNING: SERIOUS WATER NERD TALK AHEAD! This is a MUST LISTEN episode if you are serious about taking your pump ops/water supply game to the NEXT LEVEL! If you're looking for legit water supply information this is the episode for you. This episode is jam-packed with tons of technical knowledge, tactical conversations, and real-world, experience- driven operational considerations. Additionally, we were honored to have Brian Weigle from the Elmira Heights (NY) Fire Department on the show to discuss the upcoming Twin Tiers Fire Conference in October. This is one you don't want to miss. Grab your drink of choice and enjoy this gold mine of an episode with one of the absolute best pump operations minded dudes in the fire service!

In this episode, Mike Dugan (FDNY ret.) joins the show to discuss the importance of training and solid truck work. The crew examines tactics especially in limited staffing scenarios. We also dive into firehouse culture and tips for new officers. Finally, we give a tip of the hat to our cherished traditions and the best damn job in the world. Grab your beverage of choice and dive on in!

David Woodward of Lake Ozark (MO) Fire Protection District, One Warrior LLC and founder of Revolutionary Fire Tactics at the Lake joins the show to discuss the excitement building around the 5th annual Revolutionary Fire Tactics at the Lake. The crew also discuss the ins and outs of running a successful event, fireground tactics and strategies and challenges facing the suburban fire service including tactical priorities, training and recruitment/retention. David is a class act. You don't want to miss this episode!