Podcasts about fire service

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, and Adam tackle one of the most controversial topics in the fire service:

Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways we pass on the standard, develop our people, preserve culture, and protect the future of the job.When done right, it goes far beyond a policy or a one-time conversation. It becomes a trusted, intentional professional relationship built on respect, honesty, and the courage to have hard conversations that develop knowledge, skills, judgment, and character.Effective mentorship invests in: • Operational knowledge, consistency, and reliability • Leadership principles and how to truly care about your people's growth• Sharing real lessons learned from both successes and mistakes• Helping members navigate career growth and prepare for the next step• Strengthening the organization's culture and long-term futureStrong mentors bring honest feedback, encouragement, accountability, the willingness to correct unsafe habits, and the discipline to challenge complacency…all while leading by example and investing real time.Strong mentees stay teachable, show initiative, ask questions, accept feedback, and actually put in the work.⚠️ Real mentorship is NOT friendship, favoritism, creating exact copies of yourself, or constant criticism with no balance.When built the right way, it changes everything from the firehouse to the fireground.Join me, Floyd Wise, and Christian Lambis as we break down what real mentorship should actually look like, where it most often falls short, and how to build something that truly works in your department.

Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre details sweeping funding upgrades for national emergency sectors, including a brand new training wing for the Fire Service in Vieux Fort and the modern Gros Islet Police Station headquarters.

CLICK HERE JOIN ME AT BLUE LIGHT SHOW | LONDON | JULY 2026My guest today is Justin Fitzwater, firefighter with the Kansas City Fire Department and founder of Fitzwater Leather, a company renowned throughout the American fire service for creating some of the most stunning custom helmet fronts and leatherwork you'll ever see.Fitzwater Leather INSTAGRAMFitzwater Leather WEBSITEPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon CrewPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode:William Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websitePBI high-performance fabrics FIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsGORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Frank Otchere

Hot Take Meter: Are We Setting the Internet on Fire?This week, the entire crew is back together—Matt, Doug, Brian, and Unkie—for a brand-new game called Hot Take Meter. Every statement gets ranked as a Cold Take, Warm Take, Hot Take, or Nuclear Take, and the guys aren't holding back.From rookie cell phone policies and firehouse traditions to chiefs riding rigs and the ever-controversial topic of vertical ventilation, this episode dives headfirst into some of the fire service's most debated topics. Some takes spark healthy discussion. Others threaten to melt the comment section.In This Episode:

Frank Otchere

Frank Otchere

CLICK HERE JOIN ME AT BLUE LIGHT SHOW | LONDON | JULY 2026On the 6th of January 1995, at five in the morning, a man discovered his sofa was on fire in apartment 509 of a thirty-storey residential block in North York, Toronto. He tried to put it out, failed, and ran leaving his apartment door wide open behind him. That single decision set off a chain of events that killed six people, all of them found above the twentieth floor in smoke-filled stairwells, in a building where the fire never meaningfully spread beyond the room it started in.In this episode I'm delivering a full operational debrief of the Forest Laneway fire, one of the most instructive high-rise residential incidents ever documented. I'm following the physics of stack effect in a thirty-storey concrete building on a sub-zero January night. I'm looking at the scissors staircase design that confused both escaping residents and arriving firefighters. I'm examining the sixteen-minute window of survivable self-evacuation that closed before a quarter of the building had even heard the alarm. And I'm asking the questions this incident demands we ask about how we brief high-rise fires, how we communicate with trapped occupants, and how many of the same failure points are sitting inside buildings in your area tonight.This is not a story about one bad night in Canada thirty years ago. This is a lesson in what happens when ordinary things go wrong in the right order.Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode areWilliam Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websitePBI high-performance fabrics FIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsGORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In 1991, James Hall joined the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Eastern Oregon. Today, Hall is the fire chief of the agency, leading its response to structural fires, wildland fires and calls for ambulance transportation services in a coverage area spanning hundreds of square miles.    In February, Hall was appointed by Governor Tina Kotek’s Office to serve a three-year term on the Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council, making him the first tribal representative to serve on the council in its history. A bill passed by the Oregon Legislature last year made changes to the council’s membership, including a requirement that one of its members be a fire agency representative from one of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes.    Hall shares his recent work on the council and efforts to advocate for all tribal fire agencies in the state.  

We sit down with Andy Starnes of Insight Fire Training. We hope you enjoy what's a very informative show!Thank you to our sponsors - Elkhart Brass, Key Fire Hose, and Vanguard Safety Wear!Andy's Bio - Andy Starnes of Insight Fire TrainingAs Owner, Chief Instructor, and Level II Thermography Certified professional, Andy leads Insight Fire Training, a globally recognized training organization specializing in thermal imaging and fire behavior education. Global Impact • International curriculum deployment in Canada, Germany, Taiwan, Spain, Poland, and throughout South America • World-class instructor cadre comprised of fire service veterans holding Level 1 Industrial Thermography Certification or Tactical Firefighting Thermologist Certification from Western Kentucky University • Collaborative partnerships with manufacturers and training centers worldwide Innovation & Certification Development • Product development consultant for multiple thermal imaging camera manufacturers since 2013. • Pioneering certification program: Developed the first thermography-based firefighter certification, credentialed through Western Kentucky University and peer-reviewed by Kentucky Thermal Institute.Service & LeadershipBoard Positions & Community Engagement • Retired Battalion Chief: Charlotte Fire Department 1998-2023. • Board Member, 5-Alarm Task Force (non-profit supporting first responders). Founder of Bringing Back Brotherhood (501-3c non-profit) • Master Craftsman, Project Kill the Flashover • Active supporter of multiple first responder charitable organizations • Served as a technical editor for numerous fire service publications.  Conference Speaking & Media • International presenter at fire service conferences globally (48 states and 12 countries). • Featured guest on numerous fire service podcasts. • Subject matter expert on tactical thermal imaging and modern fire behavior: Level II Thermography Certified from Infrared Training Center and assisted in testing and developing numerous fire service products. Currently provides consulting services for the top three thermal imaging manufacturers in the industry.Recognition & Honors • 2023: Inducted into the Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders by the National Fire Heritage Center at FDIC. • January 2025: Nominated as one of the Top 20 Influencers in the Fire Service by Fire Safety Journal Americas. • Contributing author to several fire service textbooks such as: Euro Firefighter 2 and The Book of Search.Mission & PassionAndy is deeply committed to demystifying the complex terminology of modern fire behavior and empowering firefighters worldwide with the knowledge and tools necessary for safer, more effective operations. Through Insight Fire Training, he continues to advance thermal imaging education and fire behavior understanding, ensuring that the next generation of firefighters is better prepared to face today's fire service challenges. His professional cadre consists of a diverse international group of fire service veterans: USA, Germany, Canada, and Australia.For training inquiries, speaking engagements, or product consultation, please contact Insight Fire Training LLC at: https://insighttrainingllc.com/contact/ (https://insighttrainingllc.com/contact/)

Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has urged the public to immediately switch off all electrical appliances and disconnect the main power supply whenever homes or communities become flooded

(00:00:00) Ep. 16 Female Issues in the Fire Service Part 1 (00:05:40) Discussion on issues with Female bunker gear (PPE), wildland gear, and station uniform standards (00:34:39) Common Female reproductive health issues in the Fire Service. Pregnancy, light duty, return to work, lactation, etc. (00:53:45) Closing Comments Welcome to Episode 16 of the IAFF 7th Distirict Podcast. Thanks for sticking with us, as we continue to roll out our re-launch!Join us for Episdode 16 as Reece and Ricky are joined by several members of the International Association of Fire Fighters Female Health and Safety Committee for an in depth conversation surrounding common issues that Females face is the modern Fire Service.Are you an Executive Board member, Service Representative, or a Local member interested in being infomed? This is a great episode for you to get up to date on the issues our Sisters in this Union experience. We share our show links and agenda ahead of time via IAFF 7th District email. Join the conversation and log on for our next show.  A HUGE THANK YOU to Dani Landholm, Skye Downes, Anna Melillo, Corey Condren, and Nicole Fazio from the Female Health and Safety Committee for spending some time with and providing a wealth of knowledge on these issues. Follow the IAFF 7th District today on all major social media outlets. Videocast available on our Meta platforms, and coming soon to Youtube.Find us atFacebook- @IAFF7thDVPInstagram- @iaffmag7Do you have issues you would like to bring to the podcast? Drop us a line on social media today

Nobody tells you that becoming chief means owning problems you can't fully control, absorbing pressure that doesn't clock out and still leading like the weight isn't showing. Columbia (Mo.) Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer digs into the uncomfortable realities of adding bugles, including the pressure to move an organization forward when maintaining the status quo is far easier. Schaeffer talks succession planning, firefighter wellness, organizational culture and why chiefs have to stop acting like “fire gods” and start acting like servant leaders. He also offers a sharp warning about becoming part of the “CAVE” mentality — Chiefs Against Virtually Everything — and why protecting comfort is one of the biggest threats to innovation. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Bernie Meehan spent over 40 years on the front lines as both a paramedic and firefighter — responding to emergencies most people never have to witness. In this episode of Locked In with Ian Bick, Bernie opens up about the realities of a career spent in the chaos of life and death situations, the calls that stuck with him long after the sirens stopped, and what four decades in emergency services really does to a person. He breaks down what first responders actually deal with behind the scenes — the adrenaline, the trauma, the toughest moments — and the perspective on life that only comes from spending 40 years running toward danger when everyone else runs away. _____________________________________________ #Paramedic #Firefighter #FirstResponder _____________________________________________ Connect with Bernie Meehan: https://www.facebook.com/bernie.meehan/ _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 40 Years as a Paramedic and Firefighter — Bernie's Story 00:20 Growing Up in the Country and How It Shaped Everything 01:08 The Family Influence and the Moment He Knew Fire Service Was His Calling 02:11 His First Steps Into EMS and the Fire Service 02:52 Why He Chose Fire Service Over Everything Else 04:08 The Real Relationship Between Fire Service and Law Enforcement 05:06 What a Career as a Paramedic Actually Looks Like 06:12 Early Paramedic Training and the Manhattan Stories Nobody Forgets 07:18 How EMS Has Changed and Why It's Harder Than Ever 08:21 Paramedic vs Nurse — The Differences Nobody Talks About 09:44 How the Drug Crisis Changed Paramedic Work Forever 11:02 EMS Then vs Now — How the Opioid Epidemic Changed Everything 12:54 The Career Defining Moments That Changed How He Sees the Job 13:57 Why Paramedics and Firefighters Don't Get the Recognition They Deserve 15:07 Urban vs Rural EMS — The Quality Gap Nobody Discusses 17:17 Fire Service in Rural Areas and the Ambulance Access Problem 18:52 What It Takes to Become a Firefighter Today vs Then 20:16 The Training Education and Ongoing Learning Nobody Warns You About 22:23 The Biggest Challenges Facing New Firefighters Today 23:28 The Non Emergency Calls That Take Up More Time Than You Think 25:06 Holiday Hazards and the Thanksgiving Stories He'll Never Forget 27:29 How They Prioritize Calls and the Unusual Emergencies Nobody Expects 29:23 The Moments of Real Danger and What Command Leadership Really Looks Like 31:03 How Experienced Responders Predict Emergency Outcomes 32:13 The Most Common Calls and the Hidden Problem of Hoarding 34:34 Hoarding Obesity and the Unique Rescue Challenges Nobody Talks About 38:33 The Real Causes of House Fires and the Safety Culture That Could Prevent Them 40:31 How Modern Technology Is Changing Firefighting and Response Times 43:33 On the Scene — Incident Priorities and the Animal Rescues Nobody Expects 46:09 Coping With Tragedy — How First Responders Handle the Emotional Toll 51:10 How Mental Health Support for First Responders Has Finally Started to Change 54:28 Why There Is Never a Quiet Day in EMS — The Workload Reality 57:24 How Public Perception of First Responders Has Shifted 59:07 The Teamwork Between First Responders That Saves Lives 01:00:50 The Most Difficult Calls — Crashes and How Auto Technology Is Changing Everything 01:06:37 The Practical Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life in a Car Emergency 01:10:58 Holiday Emergencies — Fireworks Nightclubs and the Calls Nobody Plans For 01:14:50 The Unique Calls From Nightlife and What They Taught Him 01:20:26 How First Responders Are Adjusting to New and Changing Risks 01:26:39 Supporting Mental Health After Tragedy — What Actually Works 01:33:31 What It's Really Like Responding Inside Prisons and Institutions 01:37:37 Fire Safety in Prisons and Large Events — What Nobody Talks About 01:41:11 Mental Health Advocacy and the Long Road to Trauma Recovery 01:49:19 His Advice for New First Responders and How the System Needs to Change 01:51:31 Career Reflections — What 40 Years on the Front Lines Taught Him 01:54:10 Why He Embraced the Chaos and What It Gave Him 01:56:00 Final Thoughts — The Power of Change and What Comes Next _____________________________________________ To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a hard one to describe. It was a round table discussion of sorts, with Tara Stein, Matt Coffey, John Harrell, Bozeb Beckwith and Kyle MacLowry. All with unique expertise and interest in fire service behavioral health, and how we can help one another. We start close to home talking about Bob Stere and then zoom out in an attempt to generalize some of the challenges faced by some fire fighters.

How do Trust and Training relate in the Fire Service?Whats my biggest flaw?thirdalarmcowboys.comProtein and energy drinks1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigarspaynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

In this episode I sit down with Peter Younes, host of Project Command, to explore one of the biggest hidden gaps in the modern fire service: our ability to turn good ideas into finished, effective change.We talk about why firefighters are often brilliant at delivering under pressure on the fireground but far less prepared for the complex world of projects, planning, implementation, stakeholder management and organisational change. Peter shares his journey from firefighter and captain into leading major projects, building structure around delivery and learning why so many well intentioned ideas fail before they ever reach the people they are supposed to help.This conversation gets into mission & scope creep, change management, soft skills, behavioural friction, leadership development, promotion gaps and why the fire service needs people who can do more than identify problems. It needs people who can actually get things done.FIND PETER HERE FIND PROJECT COMMAND PODCAST HEREAccess all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode areWilliam Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websiteFIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsGORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Adam Mayberry joins us to talk about the possible future consolidation of our regional fire services. We cover what it could mean for service quality as well as cost. And since Adam is running for Sparks City Council, we talk about his campaign and what he hopes to achieve. If you would like to find out more info, check the link below or call or text the number below as well.Adam Mayberry for Sparks City Council Ward 41-775-843-1957

“Suppression is always going to be there,” Chief Brian Fennessy told the Mountain West News Bureau. “But we're not going to suppress our way out of this situation.”

This episode of the Not a-Fib Podcast features Dr. Sarah Jahnke, someone who spent over a decade researching the health of first responders. The conversation moves past the usual surface-level advice to tackle the deep-seated cultural issues that lead to burnout and chronic disease. Jahnke challenges the "badge of honor" mentality surrounding sleep deprivation, citing evidence that shift work itself is a likely carcinogen. The discussion also reframes mental health through a unique lens, comparing it to hypertension—a condition that requires constant monitoring rather than just emergency intervention. While the statistics on depression and PTSD in the fire service remain high compared to the general population, Jahnke highlights the protective power of the fire service's unique camaraderie.   Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-lfjMN

Frank Otchere

This episode with Ben Selby from the Fire Brigades Union takes a clear and honest look at the pressures facing the UK fire and rescue service, from funding cuts and the loss of around 12,000 firefighters since 2010 to the real-world impact seen in places like Oxfordshire and Dorset and Wiltshire. We explore the strain on on-call systems, the need for national standards and how workforce changes, duty systems and family support are shaping the modern job. The conversation also dives into firefighter health, contamination and the move toward health monitoring, alongside a critical discussion on water infrastructure, flow rates and the risks of relying on a system firefighters do not control. This is a grounded, wide-ranging discussion about safety, resilience and what the future of the fire service could look like if the current trajectory continues.Support & Join the FBU HERE Connect with Ben HEREAccess all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode areWilliam Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websiteFIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsGORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Send us Fan MailThe podcast episode details the generational crisis of occupational cancer among firefighters and the cultural shift required to address it.The key points include:Cultural Shift: The traditional image of the "salty" veteran, identified by soot-stained gear, has been exposed as a marker of exposure and a "death sentence". The culture is shifting toward a "Professional" standard where cleanliness, decontamination, and wellness are prioritized as essential survival skills.The Hazard: Modern fires involve "solidified oil" (plastics, synthetic materials) that, when burned, create a toxic chemical soup, unlike the natural materials of the past.The Evidence: Landmark NIOSH studies (2013 and 2015) confirmed that firefighters face a 9% higher risk of cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher risk of death compared to the general population. Cancer accounts for approximately 66% to 80% of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) for IAFF members.The PFAS Paradox: Firefighters are exposed to carcinogenic "forever chemicals" (PFAS) through Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and, disturbingly, the moisture barriers in their own turnout gear. The research shows that for every 5-degree increase in skin temperature, the skin's absorption rate increases by 400%, allowing toxins to be "cooked" into the body.The Roadmap: New protocols focus on prevention and early detection, including on-scene "Gross Decon" (scrubbing down with soap and water), the "Clean Cab" initiative (storing contaminated gear externally), and a push for annual, fire-specific medical physicals. Early detection at Stage 1 offers a high survival rate, underscoring that wellness is a survival skill. Support the showContact AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast - Email us at podcast@afso21.comAs always, keep supporting your local fire and emergency services, stay safe, and keep on listening!

Today on the show, Bill Gates' nuclear power project in Kemmerer is officially under construction. We talk to a reporter who was at Terra Power's groundbreaking last week. We hear from a landslide specialist about what can happen when it rains over a wildfire burn scar. And we head to the gym with a 68-year–old powerlifter. Turns out, heavy weights are good for your bones, brain and social life. Those stories and more.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Michael Goulding from Tarbert had his car stolen. It was found that evening burnt out in County Limerick. Yesterday, Michael got a bill from Limerick Fire Service of €685 for the call out.

Me & Rhiain Akin of London Fire Brigade explore the reality of domestic violence within the fire service and why it must be recognised as a workplace issue, not just something that happens behind closed doors. Drawing on her own experience as a victim survivor and her work leading the Phoenix support network, Rhiain breaks down the many forms domestic abuse can take, from coercive control and emotional manipulation to financial and physical harm, and explains how these experiences directly impact performance, wellbeing and safety on the job. Together, we unpack the stigma, shame and cultural barriers that stop firefighters from speaking up, the hidden impact on colleagues and families, and the responsibility we all carry to look out for one another. This episode also highlights the practical steps organisations can take to support their people, from policy and training to flexible working and safe leave, and shows how small actions like listening, believing and asking the right questions can make a life changing difference.Find Rhiain HEREAccess all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode areWilliam Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websiteFIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsGORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell is working to elevate the fire service. She prioritized this mission during her tenure as U.S. fire administrator and continues the push in her new role as principal fire safety strategist for UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute. Dr. Lori details the new role, spotlighting FSRI's role in advancing global fire safety research, especially in lithium-ion batteries and climate change impacts. We dig into all this, plus: Where the USFA should live within the federal government The significance of One Voice advocacy for the fire service worldwide Advice for emerging fire service leaders How to manage burnout in high-stress fire service careers Practical steps for fire service leaders to influence policy and national safety standards Read next: ‘Don't let USFA go back in the shadows': Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell's message to fire service leaders It's time for a cabinet-level Department of Emergency Services Enjoying the show? Email editor@firerescue1.com to share feedback. 

Frank Otchere

Frank Otchere

In this conversation, Rachael discusses her journey as a retired lieutenant paramedic and her role as the incoming president of Women in Fire. She shares insights into the organization's history, mission, and the importance of advocating for women's issues in the fire service. The discussion covers various topics, including the unique environment of Women in Fire conferences, the significance of proper PPE, and the ongoing efforts in women's health and fitness. Rachael emphasizes the need for collaboration and mentorship within the fire service, highlighting the organization's commitment to improving the experiences of women firefighters.    

Frank Otchere

In this episode I sit down with Brad Dicks, FireFit world record holder and Firefighter Challenge World Champion to explore what it really takes to perform at the highest level.On paper Brad is operating at the top of the game. But this conversation goes far beyond medals and titles. We get into the reality behind elite performance including setbacks, pressure, and the moments that don't go to plan. Brad shares how he adapted, learned and ultimately climbed to become the best in the world.We also dive into the mindset and environment that underpin long term performance. The discipline, the people around you and the culture that allows you to push hard without burning out.A key takeaway from this episode is that there is more than one way to be high performance and its not always about doing more. It is about being calm, controlled and intentional in your approach. Less hurry, more purpose.This is a conversation for firefighters and anyone striving to improve, lead, and sustain performance over time.Follow Brad hereAccess all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode areWilliam Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websiteFIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsGORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

This episode takes you into a side of investigation most people never even realise exists. I sat down with forensic botanist Dr Mark Spencer who has spent over a decade supporting police forces and forensic teams by using plants, pollen, soil and environmental evidence to interpret crime scenes, locate missing persons and uncover what has happened in complex cases. From disturbed vegetation to microscopic trace evidence Mark explains how the natural world can reveal movement, timelines and human activity in ways that traditional forensics alone cannot.What makes this conversation so powerful is how relevant it is to anyone working in the blue light sector. It is a reminder that evidence is not always obvious and that what we overlook can matter most. Recorded in collaboration with the Blue Light Show this episode highlights the value of specialist knowledge, professional curiosity and continuous learning. It will change how you see scenes, landscapes and the world around you.Guest Links – Dr Mark SpencerWebsite - https://markspencerbotanist.com/Watch Mark's Work in Action - Forensic Botany Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlODapBDU9oLinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mark-spencer-96a33762Contact - Email: hotfungus@hotmail.comBlue Light Show 2026 - Olympia London - 1st and 2nd July 2026Free to attend - Register and find out more: https://www.bluelight.show/Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode areWilliam Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websiteFIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsGORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD  Send us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

The job will take as much from you as you let it. In Part 1, Joff Fierro opens up about life: working at a busy station, chasing fitness, riding the highs of competition, and dealing with the burnout that came from trying to carry Fire Athlete for too long. This is a real conversation about staying driven without getting crushed by the weight of the mission.What You'll Learn:How burnout can sneak up on firefighters who care the mostWhy a strong crew culture makes it easier to stay fit and stay readyWhat Hyrox gave Joff that traditional training did notWhy online criticism in the fire service wears people down faster than we admitHow to remember there are still solid firefighters out there doing good workIf you're a firefighter who is trying to stay motivated, stay fit, and not let the job grind you into the dirt, this one's for you.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode isn't just a pep talk—it's a blueprint for those who want to stay passionate, competent, and connected. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned veteran, you'll get practical tips on making your career meaningful and how to love this job every day, despite its challenges.If you've ever wondered how to be a better leader, help your brothers and sisters, or simply keep the fire alive in your soul, this is your must-listen. It's about finding purpose in the everyday chaos and deeply appreciating the extraordinary life of a firefighter.Firefighters, leaders, and anyone committed to service—listen now. It might just change the way you see your job and your brothers and sisters.Email me at 3pointFirefighter@Gmail.ComCheck out our Facebook Page 3 point Firefighter Podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560769894306YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAv_hMC8vxrurhIunXtaJXg3 PFF Merchhttps://3-point-firefighter.printify.me/products#JakeBarnes,#3Pointfirefighter

Kings County Supervisor Richard Valle joins Philip Teresi to set the record straight on the cancelling of services in Avenal. The County terminated its fire protection contract with the city of Avenal after city officials moved forward with a community boxing event inside a still‑under‑construction community center, despite warnings from the county fire chief that the building was unsafe. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kings County Supervisor Richard Valle joins Philip Teresi to set the record straight on the cancelling of services in Avenal. The County terminated its fire protection contract with the city of Avenal after city officials moved forward with a community boxing event inside a still‑under‑construction community center, despite warnings from the county fire chief that the building was unsafe. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank Otchere

Frank Otchere

State legislators received an update Wednesday on the goals of the federal government's effort to streamline wildfire fighting resources. The Wildland Fire Service unifies operations previously managed by several federal agencies.

In the latest segment, we're diving into what it's REALLY like to be a government PIO in the fire service. 

Sir Andy Cooke is due to retire from his role as His Majesty's  Chief Inspector of HMICFRS, an organisation set up to inspect and advise police forces and Fire Services within the UK on their operational performance. As  a former Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, he has more than enough operational experience throughout his career and has held every rank as Detective status. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at a leading University. Sir Andy is in reflective mood as we discuss UK policing, the recent government white paper on police reform, wellbeing within the police service and his plans for the future.

Beci Newton is a Station Manager in the UK Fire and Rescue Service and an experienced fire behaviour instructor as well as other disciplines joins me for a conversation about our past, our present and our future, and how we are evolving the identity of our profession.This episode is about more than neutral planes &compartment behaviour. It is about identity & about who we are as a profession. We step back and ask some difficult but necessary questions about the fire and rescue service and the direction it is moving in. Who are we, really, as a profession? Where have we come from over the last two decades? How have we changed and why? How much of that change has genuinely made us better, stronger and more effective on the fireground, and how much of it has been performative? How much has added real operational value and how much, if we are honest, may have stripped something away?We explore the tension at the heart of modern reform. How do we innovate without forgetting the past? How do we change without losing ourselves? How do we embrace inclusivity, cognitive diversity and modern leadership while still protecting the qualities that make a firefighter dependable when it matters most: reliability, discipline, calm confidence under pressure, technical competence, resilience and steadfastness when conditions deteriorate. Because progress without memory can be reckless, and tradition without reflection leads nowhere. Somewhere between those two maybe sits the confident, disciplined and inclusive fire and rescue service we are all trying to build.Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREJoin me at Blue Light Show in London in JulyPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE our partners supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingFIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send a textSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.*** Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In this episode Joel Martin discusses his article, "Injuries in the Fire Service: An Updated Review and Strategies for Practitioners", published in issue 48-1 of Strength and Conditioning Journal.

The Fire Service received a call from the Festival Fireworks depot at Marlie Farm, near Lewes in East Sussex. The blaze raged and the stituation continued to escalate with terrible and shocking results.Join me at TrueCrimeFest in London in Marchhttps://www.truecrimefest.co.uk/Buy My New True Crime Content Creators Online Coursehttps://adam-s-site-be58.thinkific.com/products/courses/true-crime-content-creation-courseWatch my YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@Adam-uktruecrime/videosListen/Watch the True Crime Catch Uphttps://audioalways.lnk.to/TrueCrimeCatchUpFind Our More About Mehttps://uktruecrime.comJoin UK True Crime Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/UKTrueCrime Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The crew kicks things off in classic “kitchen table” fashion (yes… with an unfortunate shart confession) before shifting into a respectful, meaningful conversation about Honor Guard in the fire service—why it matters, what professionalism looks like, and how departments can build/strengthen their own teams. Along the way: sponsor shoutouts, a moment of silence for two fallen firefighters, and a trick-question flag trivia that gets Matt good.In This EpisodeCold Open: The “Literal Sh*t ShowUnkie admits to a wet fart situation (aka: shart), sparking a round of “we've all been there” stories.Brian loses his appetite mid-conversation.Doug officially welcomes everyone to the literal “shit show” that is the podcast.”Housekeeping & UpdatesPatreon ShoutoutsNew Patreon members welcomed:Ricky BirdBig Bob Penrod (Doug's new nickname for him)B. Stapleton (the crew debates what the “B” stands for—Brandon? Bradley? Bryce? Broseph? Bart?)Merch UpdateMerch is moving: shirts, hoodies, hats, and now embroidered hats are rolling out.Big thanks to everyone who's ordered.Sponsor ShoutoutsUnkie's SeasoningsUnkie will be at Virginia Fire & Expo in Virginia Beach (Feb 19–21)Hanging around heavy hitters like Taylor's Tins, National Fire Radio, and more.Burn BoxThe crew highlights recent box items (hoodie, stickers, mask bag).“If you're on the fence, jump off and get one.”Potential New Sponsor IdeaThe crew makes a strong case for Dude Wipes becoming a sponsor… for obvious reasons.Moment of SilenceThe team honors two recent losses in the fire service:Firefighter Michael Mejia (National City FD) — passed from complications of a severe illness.Firefighter Howard Bennett (60) — fell into the icy Delaware River while inspecting a fireboat at Wiggins Park Marina.Main Topic: Honor Guard in the Fire ServiceThe crew emphasizes Honor Guard as a prestigious, humbling, high-respect role.Doug shares that Honor Guard may be the most important work he does in his career.Doug lays down a core philosophy:Honor Guard should be professional, tactful, and executed quietly.Cadence screaming or making it “about you” defeats the point.Unkie shares frustration with “Marine Corps cadence” style pageantry in civilian settings.Doug's pet peeve: ascots (“Victorian era nonsense”

Want to be the calm one when everything goes sideways? This is how you build that. Captain Brian Yonkin talks speaking up, handling imposter thoughts, and using systems to sharpen leadership instead of guessing. Then he tells the story of rolling up on a working fire… and finding out there's a second fire down the street. If you want to lead under pressure without losing your head, this episode gives you tools you can use as early as next shift.What You'll Learn:How Brian trains himself to speak up and handle conflict without blowing upWhat his “imposter syndrome” warning sign is—and how he shuts it down earlyHow to set goals without the “New Year, new me” nonsense (and actually follow through)How trust in your crew is built—and why it matters when you have to make fast callsThree non-negotiables for being a strong firefighter in 2026: train, relax, and have a life outside the jobIf you're a firefighter who wants to lead better, stay sharper, and not let the job eat your life… this one's for you.Being consistent at the gym is non-negotiable. Fit For Service holds you accountable AND give you results. Check it out at https://keepthepromisefire.comSupport the show

Joined on this episode by the one and only Chief Rick Lasky for the annual year-end episode of the Weekly Scrap!  It was his third time to come on the show to close out the year and I was excited to look back on 2025 in the fire service and field all of the questions from the audience, and they did not disappoint. Chief Lasky unleashed his passion for the job and took us to church in an amazing episode that I promise will leave you fired up about the job!!!