The Signal O Podcast
In part 2, we take a deep dive into ladder truck operations, the challenges of knee wall fires, and the critical lessons learned from real-world experiences in Columbus.From tactical insights on aerial positioning to the dangers hidden within knee walls, we break down what every firefighter needs to know when facing these high-risk scenarios. Plus, we share firsthand stories that highlight the successes, the close calls, and the hard-earned wisdom that only experience can teach.Whether you're a rookie looking to learn or a seasoned firefighter wanting to sharpen your skills, this episode delivers knowledge, laughs, and the unfiltered truth of the job.
In this episode, Battalion Chief Mike Ruddle, Captain Steve Riley, Lieutenant Billy Ross, and Lieutenant Steve Cheshirr sit down to discuss the critical tactical considerations when attacking knee wall fires. They share their experiences, lessons learned, and key takeaways from real emergency scenes. From size-up to suppression strategies, ventilation challenges, and firefighter safety, this discussion provides valuable insights for fireground operations.
Today, Firefighters Jeremy Thoma, Guy Tucker, Eddie Madison and Brian Weiskittle sit down to discuss The Honor Flight Organization. They provide an all expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. for our Nations Veterans. Our guest today have started a fundraiser to honor one of our own, Firefighter Dave Jarvis. Reserve a ticket to the fundraiser at Local 67 Union Hall in July. The link is below. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dave-jarvis-honor-flight-columbus-fundraiser-tickets-292549191507?aff=erelexpmlt
Sean Devlin & Bryce Burton are both experts in Estate Planning. They discuss the importance of securing your assets in order to avoid Probate. We also dive deep into the details of a Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Financial Power of Attorney and setting up a Trust. For more information click the links below to contact Sean or Bryce. Sean.Devlin@pd-attorneys.com https://pd-attorneys.com bryce@bwburtonlaw.com https://www.bwburtonlaw.com DISCLAIMER: The information on this podcast is for general information purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or listening does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified attorney on any legal issue.
Today we get a chance to sit down Dr. Lowe and Chief Kirchner to discuss the risks and benefits of getting the Covid-19 vaccine. We also touch on how it was developed and take a more detailed look at the EAU fact sheet of the vaccine.
Mark Sanders speaks with Local 67 about what the IAFF provides for our members. As a lifelong union leader, Mark is an integral part of the IAFF but more importantly, he is a great representative for the 8th District.
On this installation we sit down with Rob Lowe who was recently appointed as the Medical Director for The Columbus Division of Fire. We get an insightful look into his background as an emergency care physician as well as his previous career with NASA. Dr. Lowe has a passion for emergency pre-hospital care and we touch on his goals for the division of EMS in the future.
Interim Fire Chief Jeff Happ shares his plans on empowering our members. We are in the profession of training and educating great people to do extraordinary things. Together, we can move mountains.
Brian Weiskittle and I sit down to have a discussion about his Warrior Mindset. Brian is a 24 year veteran with Columbus Fire and is currently assigned to M17, one of the busiest apparatus in the City. We also discuss one of the longest traditions in the fire service which is the value of the kitchen table at the firehouse. Arguably, it is one of the most important tools we have because it allows our brothers and sisters to come together and discuss the birth of a child, the death of a family member, the suicide of a fellow fire service member and many other important topics in life.
Today we sit down with President Stein to talk about some important Covid-19 updates as well what Local 67 is doing to protect our members on the front lines. Now, more than ever we need the type of leaders who rise to the occasion in times of crisis. Our members have been there and will continue to be there for the public because it is what we do on a daily basis. We are the last line of defense. Stay Safe & Stay Healthy.
Chief Dave Baugh and Captain Steve Riley speak with us today about important concerns from our membership regarding the health crisis we are currently in. The uniqueness of our profession often requires us to adapt and overcome to critical problems especially in unprecedented times like these. The State of Ohio and especially the members of The Columbus Division of Fire have stepped up to adopt the wartime mentality. Issues are constantly evolving and with that comes increased concerns. We are here to address those concerns and one thing is certain, WE will come out of this crisis stronger than ever.
Adam Carr is the Executive Director of the Save A Warrior Foundation. He has 12 years of service with the U.S. Army as a Special Forces Green Beret. We sit down to speak with Adam, Mark Del Tosto & Matt Schaffer about their inspiring stories and how SAW saved their lives. The unconventional steps that are taken allow members to share their experiences and become transformed into their true Being. This program is unlike any other program because it brings veterans, first responders and active military members together to challenge the idea of Suicide, PTSD, and many other crisis.
Captain Greg Lash, a 40 year veteran of the Columbus Division of Fire as well as Lieutenant Steve Riley talk with us about the importance of leadership and why relationships matter. What is our mission in todays fire service? In a profession that has established itself on the traditions and principles of our predecessors, It is our job to save lives and protect property. We have an obligation to uphold these values and improve upon them. Not only for each other, but for the citizens we are sworn to protect.
John Guroy is the Secretary/ Treasurer of The Columbus Fire Fighters Union IAFF local 67. John was born and raised in the City of Columbus. Today we talk about the union budget for this upcoming year as well as other Local 67 goals and initiatives in the future.
Steve Stein is the Vice President of Columbus Firefighters Union IAFF Local 67. Steve is a Columbus native who started his fire service career 15 years ago in the Cincinnati area where he also earned three degrees including an MBA from the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Linder College of Business. We sit down and discuss the direction he would like our union to go and goals that we should set.
Today I sit down with Dave Montgomery who is the 5th District Vice President with the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters. We discuss important topics that affect our benefits at the local level but also at the state level. Dave is our Former Local 67 president and is a 28 year veteran at CFD. He is extremely well versed and experienced in labor unions and understands the importance of having a strong union presence at the local and state levels.
On the second installation of the two part series on planning for the future with CME, we sit down with Ret. CFD Battalion Chief Mark Devine and President/CEO of CME Jeff Carpenter. Chief Devine is the chairman of the leadership board for CME and is the longest acting volunteer of 38 years. He started his fire service career in 1972 where he was assigned to Ladder 24, Engine 3, Rescue 2, Squad 21, and Ladder 1. He was the Captain of the Arson Bureau and was also the City of Columbus' Fire Marshal. Chief Devine was Battalion 3 for 20 years and retired from that position. He not only has a wealth of knowledge and experience in our profession but he also understands the importance of financial security and retirement planning. President/ CEO of CME Jeff Carpenter has 31 years of experience in credit Unions. He was a student at Miami of Ohio University where he was the founder of the first Student & Alumni credit union. Jeff offers insight and information as to what CME offers and what they can provide members as well as their families.
Karen Turano is a legal expert who focuses on representing injured workers with matters involving the Ohio Bereau of Workers' Compensation, more specifically Firefighters. She has developed intricate knowledge in regards to new legislation in Ohio for Occupationally Related Cancer Diagnoses. She assist clients with pursuing such claims before the OBWC and the Industrial Commission of Ohio. Karen also testified before the Ohio House and Senate in 2016 on behalf of the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters and the Ohio Association of Justice in support of the cancer presumptive legislation for Firefighters.
Firefighter Matt Schaffer is an 11 year veteran with CFD. Matt wanted to share his EAP story in hopes of enlightening other members that there is hope when we may feel that all is lost. Especially in a profession where the occurrence of PTSD and many other mental health issues are on the rise. Our hope is to enable our listeners to relate to some of the stories Matt shares but also allow them to read the signs in the chance that they may need to call the mental MAYDAY.
Firefighter Doug Wortman and Firefighter Tanner Kline open up about their incredible stories in regards to their battle with Lymphoma. They speak about what they went through physically, mentally and emotionally but more importantly, they speak about how they responded to adversity. The Ultimate Fight describes not only what these two inspirational individuals went through, but also what we all go through as first responders. We are the first to help a citizen in need, but how do we respond when we are the ones who need help?
Dave Gerold with peer support, Lisa Callander with EAP and Jason Mayberry with Local 67 all come together to talk about the hard conversations we need to have with each other regarding the mental health crisis. Everyone in this episode is extremely passionate about helping our members access resources and get the help we all need. Just like on the fire ground, when you feel that you need to call a MAYDAY, we are trained to call it early. The same concept can be utilized from a mental health aspect. Do not wait, call the MAYDAY early.
Bill Greear & Drew Boyer are in charge of CME's financial planning department and have an intricate knowledge of our retirement and investment options. They value the relationship with every one of their clients and want to create a specialized financial plan that will benefit our members and their families. Topics discussed will allow our members to have options and resources available in order to make the most informed decision possible in regards to finances.
On this installment, I will be speaking with Lt. Gerold about the importance of mental health. Our profession is unique in that the uniqueness of what we encounter on a day to day basis is nothing short of stressful. With sleep deprivation, heart issues, cancer, and mental illness at an all time high, we should all do everything in our power to make people aware. As I said, this episode was recorded in February and I was planning on uploading it at a later date. I feel that I owe it to all of you to get this information available so that you all may get something out of what Lt. Gerold has to say. I will be posting some important links to get anybody in need of help a direct avenue to the right resources.
The predominance of cancer within our division is overwhelming. With approximately 10% of our membership diagnosed with some form of cancer, we should all take every precaution possible in order to decrease our risk. On this episode, Lt. DiPasquale and I will be speaking on the topic of diet and how we can make simple changes to improve our overall health. We will also touch on some topics that pertain more specifically to our department.
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