The CAN Report

Bill and Angie change things up in this final episode of Season 2 and talk about the future of the CAN Report. 

Each person has unique talents and strengths; bringing something different to the fire service. No matter your ethnicity, gender, background, whatever. . . there is a place for you on the truck. Compassion and the drive to do the job are the heart of what matters. Our guests for this episode are Judy Rottinghaus, Hillary Meyer, and Oni Agbese. These three women share their experiences at Waterloo Fire Rescue. 

Larry Klodt is a hobby photographer with professional-level talent who has a passion for the fire service.  Larry shares how he got started in photography and why he enjoys documenting fire calls with his photos. If you are interested in Larry's work go to: www.LarryKlodtPhotos.smugmug.com  

Why do so many professional firefighters have a military background? What is the connection? Ben Weber is a Navy veteran and current firefighter who shares his personal journey and insight on this question. On this Veterans' Day week we'd like to thank all who have served!

Happy Halloween! This is a treat for you! Our host Bill will help prepare you for sheltering at home, preparing a bugout bag, and any other health emergency you might run into in the event of a zombie apocalypse.  Of course, many of Bill's tips are just good survival information.  We hope you also enjoy our brainless jokes at the end of the episode!

Firefighter, paramedic, Harley rider, square body enthusiast, and single parent JD Williams talks with us. Firefighters almost unanimously are in favor of a 24-hour shift, but it does have drawbacks for a single parent. JD shares how he reaches out to his firefighter family for support to allow his daughters the best childhood they can have. 

Fire Marshall Brock Weliver burns up his lunch hour to get us fired up for Fire Prevention.  What does the Fire Marshall do? Well, Brock will give us insight into his job, the Fire Prevention Bureau, and more!

Waterloo police officer Justin Brandt stops in to talk about the trials and tribulations of being a police officer--there's more to it than just not being a cool firefighter! We discuss the importance of thinking outside the box as he developed the Hail Mary Project to help at-risk youth.  Learn more about this organization at https://hailmaryproject.org/

This episode features the one and only godfather of Iowa white waters! If you don't know him, you definitely need to listen to this episode with Ty Graham! We talk about his post-high school aspirations, his decision to join the fire service, and most importantly, for this episode anyway, how he continues to make this world a better place to be after his departure from the fire service.

The Red Cross is looking for a few good blood cells! {jk} Judi Faas stopped in to share with us the importance and ease of being a blood donor. She also goes into some interesting details about what happens to the blood that is donated.  This isn't just info and action for firefighters, paramedics, or other first responders! This is cool, live-saving stuff that you can be a part of or at least support! We know the Red Cross isn't the only organization that takes blood donations or supports people in need. The important thing is to get your can out and make a difference in a way you connect to! Check out this link for the Red Cross:  www.redcrossblood.org Be sure to search Firerescue in Find a Drive to schedule a donation for the WFR drive on 9/9/2022. Or, you can call 1-800-733-27677 (1-800-RED-CROSS). The WFR Drive on 9/9/2022 will run from noon-6:00pm. See you there!

Well, this one is short and sweet! Angie is behind the mic to give you a tease of what's in store for Season 2!  Find us at http://www.facebook.com/CANReportPodcast to see what we're up to and to give us feedback!

Our host, Bill Beck, sweet-talks his producer/wife Angie to get behind the mic. You get to hear their personal story, as well as what Bill and Angie felt were some of the key highlights from Season 1.   Will there be a Season 2? You bet!! There's a great line-up of guests, so keep listening!

AJ Elliott is a member of the tech rescue team for Waterloo Fire Rescue.  AJ helps us understand the 3 general types of rescues the team is prepared for: trench, high angle, and confined space. 

What could possibly be interesting about smoke detectors? Bill Harter!  This guy was determined to be part of the fire service and make a lasting, positive influence in his career.  Bill shares his journey and how he started up the Knox Lock Box and Smoke Detector programs for no cost to citizens. Residential Key Lock Box Request: https://form.jotform.com/61525796433967 Smoke Detector Request: https://form.jotform.com/61553590450959  

Matt and Amy Carter share their experience and offer insights on raising a family with the odd schedule firefighters keep. They touch on the importance of communication and support from friends and family.

Amber Heller stops in to talk about the importance of volunteer EMS services and the struggles of filling those roles in small towns.  Amber also discusses the interface between career and volunteer services. Amber is a dedicated supporter and educator of both.

This bonus content features interviews done on-site at the Allen College EMS Night Out. Feature guests are John Cockrell, Nick Anderson, Sam Hess, and Amber Heller. 

Mike Zimmerly and Levi Hubka are a dynamic duo on the ambulance. They have a passion for this community and show their support through fundraising efforts. They put the "fun" in fundraising! Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship: https://wloocf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1061  

Websites mentioned: peersupportfoundation.org iaff.org/behavioral-health  

We sit down with retired Battalion Chief Marty Freshwater and current firefighter Elliott Moeller and discuss legacy hires, the ever-changing fire service, and how to get the most out of your career.

Our host, Bill Beck, introduces himself and talks about the creation and purpose of The CAN Report podcast.