Podcasts about firerescue1

This week's Extra Alarm insights come to us from Battalion Chief Ben Thompson from the Birmingham Fire Department. The article explores how battalion chiefs can earn the respect and trust of their firefighters through personal interactions that display compassion. Thompson recounts personal experiences to illustrate these qualities, emphasizing the importance of handling small, day-to-day moments with care and empathy. Read the article on FireRescue1.com.

This week's Extra Alarm insights come to us from Joan Hill, who details the need-to-know information about the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Hill explains the changes and their implications for firefighters, answering key questions like: Who benefits from the Social Security Fairness Act? Will benefits be retroactive? What is the implementation timeline of the Social Security Fairness Act? How can I maximize my benefits after the Social Security Fairness Act? Read the original article on FireRescue1.

This week's Extra Alarm insights come to us from Dan Rogers, a third-generation firefighter with the Witt Volunteer Fire Department. Rogers delves into volunteer recruitment challenges and solutions, highlighting the importance of addressing misconceptions about why people aren't joining the fire service. Rogers offers several actionable strategies for increasing volunteer numbers. Read the original article on FireRescue1.

This week's Extra Alarm insights come to us from Johnny Torgeson, the assistant chief of operations for Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Fire & Emergency Services in California. Torgeson emphasizes the need to reject traditional business-derived leadership models and instead lead differently. The chief explains how to “disrespect the norm,” reinvent your position and put in the work toward a more unconventional approach that doesn't rely on tools from books that aren't meant for fire officers or theories that have yet to be realized as successful tools for the fire service. Most importantly, we shouldn't copy-paste the leadership patterns of our predecessors. Read the original article on FireRescue1.

This week's Extra Alarm insights come to us from Division Chief Chad Crouse, who addresses the impact of AI on mental health and productivity in the fire service. He observes that fire chiefs tend to use time saved by AI to do more at work rather than focusing time saved on personal wellness. Highlighting a cultural expectation that productivity equals success, Chief Crouse calls for a shift in how we deploy technology in order to reclaim time for personal health and relationships. Read the article on FireRescue1.

In a special crossover edition of Police1's Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley joins forces with Aaron Zamzow, a firefighter from Madison, Wisconsin, and host of FireRescue1's Better Every Shift podcast, to explore the critical intersections of police and fire department roles during emergencies. From the recent wildfires in California to active shooter scenarios, their conversation highlights the importance of cross-agency communication, training and shared resources to address evolving public safety challenges. About our sponsor This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.

Welcome to FireRescue1's Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. This week's insights come to us from Eric Latimer, division chief of fire operations for the Springfield (Missouri) Fire Department. Latimer discusses how best to navigate political conversations at the firehouse kitchen table, and emphasizes the need to maintain respect and unity, despite differing opinions, to uphold the mission of effective service delivery. Listen to the end for additional insights from Chief Marc Bashoor.

Welcome to FireRescue1's Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. This week's episode insights come to us from Linda Willing, a retired career fire officer, who makes the case that too many deaths and injuries have occurred secondary to training incidents where live fire was a factor. Specifically, Willing's article highlights two tragic incidents – one in Miami, Florida, and another in Boulder, Colorado – that underscore the critical need for safety during firefighter training exercises. Listen to the end for additional insights from Chief Marc Bashoor.

Welcome to FireRescue1's Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. In this inaugural episode, learn how to minimize scheduling strains and mission misalignment between the department's shift-workers and administrative workforce, insights courtesy of Chris Paskett, a battalion chief with Eugene Springfield (Oregon) Fire. Listen to FireRescue1 content when you're out and about, driving to or from work, when you're looking for some alone time at the station or during your career development time. Listen to the end for additional insights from Chief Marc Bashoor.

In this week's episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into a vital topic: the culture of accountability in EMS. Sparked by FireRescue1's Chief Marc Bashoor's thought-provoking article, "Where is our culture of accountability?", the hosts explore why change is so difficult to embrace, how leadership impacts culture and what steps agencies can take to help foster accountability across an organization. From managing expectations to addressing fairness in discipline, our cohosts discuss the challenges of enforcing standards and avoiding the normalization of deviance. Whether it's implementing safety protocols or shifting organizational norms, this episode unpacks how leaders and teams can work together to inspire meaningful change. Quotable takeaways “The only one who likes change is a wet baby.” — Kelly Grayson “If you don't correct something, that thing becomes the new standard.” — Kelly Grayson “Vision is where we're going; strategy is how we're going to get there and culture is the behavior of the organization in reaching the vision.” — Chris Cebollero “Turnover isn't the end of the world.” — Kelly Grayson ----more---- ABOUT THE SPONSOR Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com. RATE & REVIEW Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you'd like to join us as a guest.

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.

Please Join, Dirk, Doug and I on the tailboard where we chat about a recent FireRescue1 article on Firefighting motorcycles and other current subjects.

“We're a bunch of misfits, and we're not alone,” Zam says of the dedicated listeners who are committed to making themselves better every shift, every year. Closing out 2023, the crew reflects on the top episodes of the year and what made them so memorable, plus the most popular content on FireRescue1. And don't miss Zam and Janelle's “words for 2024.” 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. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. You can also follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. And email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

Another Fire Prevention Week has come and gone.  Did you know that the Great Chicago Fire was NOT the worst thing to happen that week?  The Peshtigo fire is still known as the most destructive fire with an even higher death count than the Chicago fire.Then I talk about the newly implemented mandatory fitness test for the Decatur Alabama Fire Department.  FireRescue1 posted a story with the details and I summarize it with some thoughts of my own about the tough decisions to expose some of your friends.Lastly we're running through a commonly used model for decision making, and post incident review.  What? So What? Now What? is known as the critical reflection model, among other names, and can be awesome for handling conversations at the firehouse table, decisions on the street, and even debating your departments direction.Thank you for listening and please share an episode with someone!Support the showSupport the show directly here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/4thshiftfiEPlease order your favorite products through my affiliate links:Rescue1CBD https://rescue1cbd.com?ref=509Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10 for 10% off for new customersThen use: https://athletic-brewing-co.sjv.io/c/4029326/889587/12298?campaign=affiliate%20%3Dcontent%3Donline_tracking_link to continue to support the show with your purchases.For topic/guest requests use this form https://www.4thshiftfitness.com/guestformFor all other things, reach out here: https://www.4thshiftfitness.com/contactThank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

This episode of the Inside EMS podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline. The advanced network for first responders on the front lines. Learn more at verizon.com/frontline. “To remember those who have sacrificed, and who ran up the stairs and escorted people in the eyes of danger, you owe it to them to try to be your best every day.” — Aaron Zamzow In this special crossover episode of the Policing Matters, Better Every Shift and Inside EMS podcasts, Cohosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Chris Cebollero come together to discuss preserving the legacy of 9/11 responders and to assess our readiness to respond to a large-scale MCI in our communities. Together, they dive into technology trends that we could (and should!) use to improve the security of citizens and first responders, from license plate readers to crime mapping, facial recognition, drone surveillance and AI analysis. Watch in as our panel discusses: Keeping the 9/11 legacy alive with new generations How awareness of occupational cancer and mental health concerns is more prevalent today Community preparedness and incident command 9/11-related illness and its continued impact and devastation today How AI can contribute to the security of citizens and first responders The importance of information sharing and security Memorable quotes Our cohosts shared poignant reflections of the infamous September day and offered their analysis on how best to prepare first responders for large-scale mass casualty events, with several notable takeaways: “It's up to all of us to try to get better, try to improve, try to do something to hone our profession to provide the best service we can when we're called to do that. And that doesn't require a chief, that doesn't require leadership; that requires a mirror, and that requires you and some dedication.” — Aaron Zamzow “After 9/11, we had PPE in the trunk of every radio car, and training every year, and little-by-little, the suits expired, the training stopped, the funds ran out; and we may be at a situation worse than before, so we need that impetus to take another run at preparedness, training, exercises, PPE, equipment, and a best practices manual, and that's got to come from above so that we're all doing it the same.” — Jim Dudley “The economic factor should not be a factor. FEMA puts out 100, 200, 700, 800 for free to law enforcement agencies and many more subsets beyond that. So if you are an agency – if you're listening to this podcast – if you're not practicing ICS, find out why and explain to your chief sheriff, ‘it's free, we've got to do it; we should start doing it now.” — Jim Dudley  “We're not working for today – we're working for the next 5 and 10 and 15 years now – and how do we need to prepare for this?” — Chris Cebollero “We saw firefighters run into that building – there were police officers there too – that were in harm's way, trying to get people out of there, and that's what we do, and now we're seeing ‘hey, even though we do that, there are harms beyond just that physical incident.'” — Aaron Zamzow “We're in protective service and we need to be proactive in the way that we look at these things … we looked and said this could never happen; well it did, and we did a heck of a job responding after the fact, and we were very proactive after a period of time, and I think that's gotten a little bit lax and we need to stay on our toes, stay vigilant, and I think that's one of the best ways to remember all those people sacrificed in these events, is to grow from them.” — Aaron Zamzow Additional resources Read more reflections, tips for processing and lessons for training to respond to MCIs in our 9/11 coverage, sponsored by Verizon. Learn more with these resources mentioned in this episode, as well as additional articles from Police1, FireRescue1 and EMS1: The Raytom Group – training law enforcement officers in EMS Policing Matters: BRINC's Blake Resnick and Don Redmond on evolving drone technology ‎Policing Matters: Jamie Hudson on how Elk Grove's Real-Time Information Center gathers and shares information AI in action: Enhancing school security with ZeroEyes' gun detection system FEMA's free ICS training Why all law enforcement officers should read the 9/11 Commission Report POV: ‘It is time to demand adherence to NIMS/ICS and accountability for failure to implement' On-Demand Webinar: What Firefighters Want from Incident Commanders Are we communicating better after 9/11? Responding to an MCI of 9/11's proportions, with today's limitations Rate and review Catch a new episode of Inside EMS every Friday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, PodBean, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you'd like to join us as a guest.

Get better every shift with stress management and leadership insights from Aaron Zamzow and Janelle Foskett This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this special episode of Inside EMS, Host Chris Cebollero welcomes the dynamic hosts of the Better Every Shift Podcast, Aaron Zamzow and Janelle Foskett. In Better Every Shift, Zamzow, a Madison (Wisconsin) firefighter; and Foskett, editor-in-chief of FireRescue1, spotlight the passion and perseverance of firefighters and EMS providers, as they dig into what drives responders to improve themselves, their crew, the service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.   In this episode, they discuss: Getting out of your comfort zone The issues no one wants to talk about in the fire service (e.g., recruitment and sleep) Leadership and stress management Managing up The need for leadership training How a staffing crisis leads to a leadership crisis, that leads to a stress crisis – and the ramifications on health and wellness Foskett also shares insights from the FireRescue1 "What firefighters want in 2023 report," into firefighter stress. Foskett notes among respondents, 46% reported considering leaving their fire department – mostly due to staffing – and a staggering 42% of firefighters are considering leaving the fire service due to their stress levels. Memorable quotes “In order to be a better whatever – paramedic, firefighter, EMT, podcaster – you need to get out of your comfort zone.” — Aaron Zamzow “We're really starving for leadership, but in the same breath, we're looking in the maybe the wrong places, whereas we should be starting in the mirror and then looking out.” — Aaron Zamzow “People are craving leadership and when there is a lack of leadership, that doesn't mean all is lost; you have options, you have solutions, and you can take ownership of that and be proactive.” — Janelle Foskett “There are some of those fire houses, they don't turn a wheel in a 24 hour period; there are other ones that don't get to see their beds in a 24 hour period. It's one of the things that we now have to start to think about. We're still running models for EMS and fire that we were running 40 years ago.” — Chris Cebollero  Learn more Follow Better Every Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcastsor wherever you listen to your podcasts Download the "What firefighters want in 2023 report" for more insights into staffing and stress relief Download the "What paramedics want in 2023 report" for insights into mitigating stress, staffing challenges and leadership shortfalls

How fit are you?If you're newer to the fire service, say two or three years in, you're probably still in reasonably good shape. After all, you had to meet minimum standards at the fire academy.But unless you've kept up with the physical fitness regimen, you may be getting a little soft around the middle.Or losing endurance.My guest today says it's time to do something about that.Aaron Zamzow is a firefighter/training officer at the Madison, Wisconsin, Fire Department. He has 20 years of experience as a fitness trainer, for athletes and others. He created Fire Rescue Fitness and lectures everywhere. And he has a podcast, too, called Better Every Shift, on FireRescue1.com

Today's podcast unpacks the complex topic of go/no-go decision-making, focusing on vertical ventilation and search tactics. Our guest for the discussion is Training Chief Vince Bettinazzi, who authored one of the articles in FireRescue1's latest training tool, “Go/no-go decision making on the fireground,” which is available to download and share with your crews. We dig into all of this: “Aggressive” vs. “attack” semantics; how to update size-up reports; pulling off AARs even when you can't gather the full crew; and more. Plus, don't miss: Bettinazzi's pocket doors pro tip for search crews. Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

“Perfect practice makes automatic” is the key takeaway from this mayday training-focused episode, sponsored by L3Harris. Mandan City (N.D.) Training Officer Andy Beck unpacks his latest article, which is featured in FireRescue1's latest digital edition, The Mayday Training Evolution, and offers several tips for how to train on mayday situations that are realistic enough to build muscle memory but not so difficult that members repeatedly fail, building bad habits. Plus, we get into all this: the body's physiological response during mayday incidents; yoga breathing vs. tactical breathing; and Beck's favorite mayday training props. Don't miss: The story of the ranger, his sidearm and a football game. Episode power quote: In the fire service, “You don't really ever have to completely grow up, and because of that, it's a collection of some of the smartest people that just don't have regular jobs.” Hot seat sneak peek: His desert island movies. Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. This special episode of Inside EMS is a crossover post from FireRescue1's new Better Every Shift Podcast. Hosted by Madison (Wisconsin) Firefighter Aaron Zamzow and FireRescue1 Editor-in-Chief Janelle Foskett, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life.   Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  This episode of the Better Every Shift podcast is extra super because Zam and Janelle are talking all things Super Bowl with Glendale (Arizona) Captain Ashley Losch, digging into the fire and EMS preparations, training and coordination for this year's big game. Captain Losch details the many moving parts of “Super Season,” what they've learned from the past two Super Bowls the city has hosted, plus how the Damar Hamlin incident prompted additional questions. Plus, we get into all this: The big messaging change for this year Maintaining citywide staffing during the big game The tabletop exercise that had 150 agencies represented What else … Hot seat sneak peek: Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time Don't miss: How the super-wealthy deal with Super Bowl travel Episode power quote: “It's about connection, it's about coming together for a common goal, making sure that people are safe, making sure that everyone has a good time, everyone goes home with good memories, and the sheer amount of people that are coming together to make sure that happens is really incredible.” Resources we mentioned on the show Glendale Fire on Instagram Connect with us! Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback, and if you enjoy the show, take a moment to rate and review Better Every Shift on Apple Podcasts. 

"How many times does it take for a chief to hear near-misses before they recognize there's a systemic problem?" This is the question posed by Chief Marc Bashoor in this week's Side Alpha Podcast.  Chief Bashoor has been following several mayday incidents as well as trends found in mayday incidents, as found in the research of Project Mayday, and identified three key areas to address: The need to recognize conditions that could lead to a mayday; What firefighters should do when they find themselves in trouble; and How to change a culture that discourages firefighters from calling a mayday "too early." Bashoor argues that it's time for firefighters to move beyond their fear of defeatism and ridicule and instead focus on their safety. Learn more about Project Mayday. Read Chief Bashoors article, "Here we are again, evaluating our mayday procedures after a tragedy." Stay tuned for FireRescue1's upcoming special project series, "Your Mayday Survival Guide," launching in January 2022.

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Bob Horton from Fire District 3 in Jackson County, Oregon, about his debate-stirring article, "'This is not what I signed up for': Why some firefighters simply don't understand the job." The article charges that fire service leaders must be honest about the realities of the job when engaged in recruitment activities, as too many members join the ranks unclear on how much non-fire activity exists in the fire service. The article elicited a significant number of comments from the FireRescue1 community, mainly on Facebook. Chief Horton reacts to some of the comments, explains the role of marketing in recruitment efforts, and takes a look at the long-term identity of firefighters.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Frank Leeb, a deputy assistant chief with the FDNY, currently serving as chief of the Fire Academy and chair of the department's Contamination Reduction Workgroup. The chiefs discuss Leeb's recent FireRescue1 article "Marketing the message: How FDNY spreads the word about firefighter health and safety," which details simple steps fire departments can employ to best connect with members about important health issues. Leeb also shares what it's like to run training at the FDNY Fire Academy, aka "The Rock." Bonus resource: Captain John Haseney's master's thesis identifies seven barriers that are preventing fire departments from implementing occupational cancer-focuses best practices: fire department culture, firefighters' ignorance of the disease and prevention methods, complacency caused by cancer's long latency periods, funding, pathways to compliance with national and departmental policies, groupthink, and motivation. Haseney's thesis examines the health and safety efforts that two departments have taken and reviews literature from other fire departments, national fire service organizations, subject-matter experts, researchers, and academic studies. 

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Battalion Chief Keith Stakes, a research engineer with UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), about the organization's newly expanded mission, one that focuses on a broader range of emerging fire threats. Stakes shares more about the expanded research efforts at the organization and details some of the research currently underway at FSRI, including the Search & Size-up project. Learn more about UL's FSRI at fsri.org and the organization's expanded focus on FireRescue1.

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor take a high-level look at discipline in the fire service, the importance of consistency, and how to manage friendships within the ranks.  This episode is part of FireRescue1's special coverage series on Firefighter Performance. Check out the full list of content here.

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with fire service legal expert Curt Varone about one of his favorite topics -- discipline. Varone covers the top disciplinary issues that get firefighters and fire officers in hot water, examines the concept of progressive discipline, and explains how disciplinary issues in the fire service vary from those in the "cubicle world" of corporate offices.  Learn more about fire service discipline and performance issues in FireRescue1's special coverage series: Firefighter performance in focus. Also, read more on this issue from Varone: "Discipline in the fire service: 4 questions to consider."

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor weighs in on the debacle unfolding in Baltimore after a court of appeals ruling upholds changes to the city's pension plan requiring first responders to serve an additional five years before being eligible for retirement benefits. Read the original news story on FireRescue1. Bashoor calls the ruling a "punch in the gut" to first responders coming off an incredibly difficult two years, and questions why local officials aren't looking out for their members instead of looking for ways to save money at their hands. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA's Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It's designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast by FireRescue1, Battalion Chief Chad Costa and Fire Chief Marc Bashoor tackle the concept of "Dirty Helmet Syndrome," the idea that some firefighters continue to glamorize dirty gear and unsafe actions, despite knowing the risks. The two discuss the role of culture, generational differences and training, plus what fire officers can do to get their crews to focus more on health- and safety-focused goals. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast by FireRescue1, Trisha Wolford, fire chief in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and chair of the IAFC’s Professional Development Committee. dives into the hot topic of cross-generation supervision in the fire service. Chiefs Bashoor and Wolford consider whether "traditional" or stereotypical characteristics of different generations hold true or if they are used too often as a crutch for poor leadership. The chiefs also explore how to best supervise all members, regardless of age and experience. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

My guest on this show, Dan Rogers, created a firestorm online with his article, “'And that's okay:' Not all volunteers want to operate like FDNY.” Here's a quote from the article, which appears on the FireRescue1.com website: “We often try to ‘push' pride in our department onto the younger members. But many of them weren't raised with the same sense of community as we were, so they will likely never carry that pride. And that's OK.” Readers, as they always do, came to different conclusions about what Dan was saying. One commenter said, “…those joining a volunteer fire department should be told what's expected of them. There's a minimum standard, what drills/trainings are expected, how many calls are expected from them. A fire service is a para-military organization, not the Girl Scouts. Do the job or quit.” A reader responded, “Not sure the size of your agency, but for many rural departments if you require all members to be all in all the time without spending time with hobbies and family, you'll likely have a [smaller] membership.” Another said, “We are no longer, or should no longer be the fraternity that is exclusive to certain members of the community who meet at the fire hall and have a card and beer party, those days are long gone!” So...what did Dan Rogers really mean in his commentary? I found out this week. Dan is a third-generation firefighter. He joined the Witt, Illinois, Volunteer Fire Department in 2005, and he's now assistant chief. Support this podcast

In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Assistant Chief Dan Rogers explains discusses his article, “And that’s OK: Not all volunteers want to operate like FDNY,” which generated considerable debate and discussion among FireRescue1 community members. Rogers underscores that volunteers have lives beyond the station walls, and we can’t force them to all have the same level of commitment and passion, even if it means frustration when fewer members show up to non-fire calls. Chief Bashoor reads some of the social media reactions, giving Chief Rogers a chance to address readers who disagree and those who support his sentiment. Read Chief Rogers' article: https://www.firerescue1.com/volunteer/articles/and-thats-ok-not-all-volunteers-want-to-operate-like-fdny-OP28oHfDoDJ46mUk/ This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

GORDON GRAHAM is a 33-year veteran of law enforcement and the co-founder of Lexipol, where he serves on the current board of directors. Graham is a risk management expert and a practicing attorney who has presented a commonsense risk management approach to hundreds of thousands of public safety professionals worldwide. He helped Chief Billy Goldfeder develop FireFighterCloseCalls.com, which is now recognized as “the source” for information about firefighter safety. This effort led to his assisting the International Association of Fire Chiefs with a similar effort–and the development of their FireFighterNearMiss.com safety site. In 2005 the IAFC awarded Gordon with the Presidential Award for Excellence for his lifelong work in improving firefighter safety and performance.Gordon was a ton of fun to chat with, and the guy is truly a major knowledge source for anyone in public safety. Whether you are the newest guy on the job or a 30-year man, Gordan can teach you something. I suggest you check out his Today's tips section on FireRescue1.I hope you guys enjoy and I look forward to getting back to putting out content regularly in the new year. 

Firefighter James Pribyl shares his experience as a volunteer firefighter with Turkey Creek Fire Rescue in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and its connections to his time as an active-duty Marine for 19 years. Pribyl also shares an honest look at a typical day of a volunteer firefighter, based on his FireRescue1 article "I am your local volunteer firefighter."

Rick Markley and I talk about the unique challenges that volunteer firefighters and their departments face in taking care of their wellness and mental health. There is so much more involved than just bad calls. You may think that an episode on volunteer firefighters has nothing to do with you, but with volunteers making up 67% of the fire service in the United States, this subject matters to everyone. Rick Markely has been a Volunteer fire fighter for almost 12 years. He is also he former editor-in-chief of FireRescue1 and Fire Chief, a volunteer firefighter and fire investigator, and is a contributor to FirefighterCloseCalls. He serves on the board of directors and is actively involved with the International Fire Relief Mission, a humanitarian aid organization that delivers unused fire and EMS equipment to firefighters in developing countries. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's of fine arts. He has logged more than 15 years as an editor-in-chief and written numerous articles on firefighting. https://volunteerfirefighterintl.com/Firefighter Close Callshttp://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/Book "Pass it on 3: Making Good Progress" (coupon code for 25% off: goodprogress)https://fireengineeringbooks.com/pass-it-on-3-making-good-progress/International Fire Relief Missionhttps://sites.google.com/ifrm2007.com/ifrm2007-intl-fire-relief/home

Retired Chief Ron Siarnicki, who actively serves as the Executive Director of the National Fallen Fire Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) in Maryland, and Joe Minogue, retired FDNY Lieutenant and lead advocate for the NFFF on Long Island, join Chief Keys to discuss how firefighters are coping with COVID-19 and how to organize a line of duty death funeral despite the current social challenges.ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Retired Chief Ronald Siarinicki began his fire service career in 1978 with the Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department where he progressed through the ranks to ultimately becoming the Fire Chief. After retiring in 2001, Chief Siranicki became the Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.  Prior to joining the Prince George's County, he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Monessen VFD Hose House 2 and currently serves with the United Communities VFD in Stevensville, Maryland. Siarnicki is a member of the FireRescue1 and Fire Chief Editorial Advisory Board. Retired FDNY Lieutenant Joe Minogue started his Fire Service career in 1974, as a member of the Sound Beach Fire Department in New York. He currently serves in the Bethpage Fire Department, in Bethpage New York. Minogue is active with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) as a New York State NFFF Lead Advocate in Nassau and Suffolk counties in NY. He also serves as the liaison for FDNY and the Phoenix Society Burn Survivors. ABOUT THE HOST:Battalion Chief Keys completed a total of 31 years of service, beginning as a firefighter for a high volume station in the Bronx. As a Captain and Lieutenant, he served various municipalities including Midtown Manhattan, until settling into East New York Brooklyn, where he became Battalion Chief. Within his new role he took charge of Research and Development where he learned how new innovations are tested and introduced to the fire service.Learn more about Fire-Dex products and services by visiting, www.firedex.comJoin the Conversation by Following Us at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FireDexTwitter: https://twitter.com/firedexInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/firedexgear/

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, president and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute and a FireRescue1 board member, talks about the history of the institute, FireCARES and NFORS, and how implementing real-time data in the resource decision-making process can significantly impact firefighter safety.

Lots of departments require you to be a paramedic as well as a firefighter, but that can lead to conflict. In some departments, this cross training means firefighters are assigned to ambulances. Many of them end up wanting to get out of otherwise excellent work environments because they don't want to deal with an EMS role as their primary job. How you view this situation is largely a matter of attitude, of course. Ben Thompson wrote an article on firefighting from an ambulance a while back for FireRescue1.com. He's a lieutenant for the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. He's been the coordinator of the department's mobile integrated health program, Birmingham Fire and Rescue C.A.R.E.S., since 2016. Support this podcast

On May 15, Appleton, Wisconsin Engineer Mitch Lundgaard was shot and killed while on a medical run. A police officer was shot and survived, as did a bystander who was also hit. The call, a man having a seizure on a bus, came out at 5:30 p.m. When the engine crew arrived and started treatment, the patient got off the bus and walked away. The specifics are still fuzzy, but the man produced a gun and fired; police shot back and killed him. Here to discuss this tragic situation is Marc Bashoor. With 37 years in emergency services, Marc is currently the Highlands County, Florida, public safety director. He spent six years as chief of the Prince George's County, Maryland, Fire/EMS Department and five years as emergency manager in Mineral County, West Virginia. He's the executive editor of FireRescue1.com and Fire Chief.com. Support this podcast

Why do we have side jobs? What is their purpose? Listen in to find out why we as firefighters have jobs on the side, and what are the 7 perfect side jobs as firefighters according to FireRescue1.com

Welcome back for episode 6. Join us in Fairbanks Alaska as we sit down during the annual IAFF 7th District Caucus for an in depth discussion about the issues of understaffing, failed retirement systems, and significant underfunding that plagues Firefighters all across Alaska. We are joined by Scott Raygor- President, Nick Clark- Vice President, Fairbanks Professional Firefighters, along with Dominic Lozano- Secretary Treasurer, Paul Miranda- South Central District Representative Alaska Professional Firefighters, and Justin Mack- Anchorage Professional Firefighters. In this episode we touch on everything from "home rule" collective bargaining law, to poor representation by elected officials who are not carrying forward the working class values of their constituents in Alaska.Follow the IAFF 7th District today on all major social media outlets, find us onFacebook- @IAFF7thDVPTwitter- @7thdistrictIAFFInstagram- @iaffmag7Do you have an issue you would like to bring to the podcast? Drop us a line a social media and we will get ahold of you.

Welcome back for episode 6. Join us in Fairbanks Alaska as we sit down during the annual IAFF 7th District Caucus for an in depth discussion about the issues of understaffing, failed retirement systems, and significant underfunding that plagues Firefighters all across Alaska. We are joined by Scott Raygor- President, Nick Clark- Vice President, Fairbanks Professional Firefighters, along with Dominic Lozano- Secretary Treasurer, Paul Miranda- South Central District Representative Alaska Professional Firefighters, and Justin Mack- Anchorage Professional Firefighters. In this episode we touch on everything from "home rule" collective bargaining law, to poor representation by elected officials who are not carrying forward the working class values of their constituents in Alaska.Follow the IAFF 7th District today on all major social media outlets, find us onFacebook- @IAFF7thDVPTwitter- @7thdistrictIAFFInstagram- @iaffmag7Do you have an issue you would like to bring to the podcast? Drop us a line a social media and we will get ahold of you.

When Robert Avsec wrote a column for FireRescue1.com on the possible benefits of putting the company officer in the backseat of the rig, he had no idea that social media users would come out in (sometimes rude) force. He explains why he suggested the idea in this episode. Support this podcast

This week Seth discusses an article posted on FireRescue1.com titled 7 Steps to an Inclusive Fire Deparmement Culture written by Robert Avsec.

This week Seth discusses an article on FireRescue1.com. 7 ways a firefighter can lead from behind was written by Jim Spell and posted on www.firerescue1.com on April 3,2017. The artile gives advice on how a firefighter can express ideas and tatics from the lower ranks.

Robert Avsec retired as a battalion chief after 26-years with the Chesterfield County (Va.) Fire and EMS Department. For the past 5 years, he’s worked as a freelance writer contributing to fire service publications online. During his career, Robert served in many roles from Company Officer (first-line supervisor of a fire company), EMS Director, Manager of Emergency Communications Center (911), and Chief of Training and Safety Division. His background with post-traumatic stress and firefighters is primarily confined to having an acute awareness of the subject which has moved him to use his “voice” to promote, amplify, and communicate information, primarily through his blog, Talking “Shop” 4 Fire and EMS, and articles that he has published on FireRescue1.com. Recently, Robert was invited to become an inaugural member of the Honorary Board of Advisors for Warrior Heart, a residential treatment facility outside of San Antonio, TX that serves members of the military and public safety agencies (fire, police, and EMS) in helping them to overcome drug and alcohol addiction and manage post-traumatic stress conditions.More info: http://www.fireemsleaderpro.org/2017/04/02/addiction-treatment-firefighters-ems-personnel/-- Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com-- Show sponsors:Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.comThe Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/

In this episode, Curt and Linda Willing discuss the cultural and legal challenges associated with hazing, pranks and bullying in the fire service. Linda is a retired fire officer from the Boulder (CO) Fire Department, and is now a noted author, columnist and lecturer. She is the author of On the Line: Women Firefighters Tell Their Stories, and is a monthly columnist for FireRescue1 and Fire Chief.

FireRescue1 Editor-in-Chief Rick Markley on inspiring, motivating firefighters by EMS1 Podcasts