Mentors on Fire Podcast

In this episode, Nate House, a 24-year firefighter, 20-year paramedic and 15-year police officer shares his journey in the emergency services and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the field training officer (FTO) model, its impact on new officers, and his experience as a K9 handler. Nate emphasizes the need for standardized mentorship programs and the adverse effects of poor mentorship. H...

In this conversation, Matt Tobia, the current Fire Chief of the Harrisonburg Fire Department discusses his journey in the emergency services and involvement in the National Advisory Committee for OSHA. He talks about the proposed draft regulations for firefighter safety and the importance of managing expectations. Matt also shares his experience in the combination fire service and the challenges a...

In this episode of the Mentors on Fire podcast, host Michael Allora interviews Steven Conn, a Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Fairfield, Ohio. They discuss Steven's journey from being a volunteer firefighter to becoming a critical care registered nurse and, eventually, a full-time firefighter. They also discuss topics such as organizational culture, mentoring, and the history of the Cincinna...

Joe Coffey discusses his background in corrections and the challenges and dangers of working in a prison environment. He highlights the importance of effective communication skills and the camaraderie among correctional officers. Joe also talks about the impact of working in corrections on mental health and the prevalence of mental illness in the prison population. He shares his perspective on pri...

In this episode, Michael Allora interviews Joseph Verderosa, his best friend and mentor. Joseph shares his journey from joining the Navy in 1974 to his career in the Clifton Fire Department. He discusses his motivation for joining the Navy, his experiences in the military, and the highlights of his active service. Joseph also talks about his transition to the Clifton Fire Department and his challe...

Larry Borodkin, Vice President at PRADCO, discusses their work in assessing and coaching executives, managers, and key individual contributors in the public safety sector. PRADCO specializes in pre-employment and promotional assessment, management development, and executive coaching. They work with fire departments, police departments, regional dispatch centers, hospitals, universities, and other...

Gina DeVito-Staub shares her journey in the fire service, starting as a part-time volunteer in 1994 and eventually becoming a full-time firefighter and fire inspector. While working as an athletic trainer, the fire department recruited her despite her initial lack of interest in firefighting. Gina turned down a medical career to pursue her passion for the fire service. She emphasizes the importanc...

Lisa Miller, the law director for the City of Barberton, Ohio discusses her role and experiences in this Mentors on Fire podcast episode. She explains that as the law director, she serves as the chief legal advisor for the city and also acts as a prosecutor for the Barberton municipal court. She also talks about running for elected office and the challenges of campaigning. She expresses her love f...

In this episode, the guest, Fire Chief Gary Ryan, shares his experience at the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program (EFO) and the friendships he formed during his time there. He discusses the challenges and rewards of the EFO program and the importance of networking and maintaining connections with classmates. Gary also provides an overview of the Chelmsford Fire Department,...

In this episode, Vince Morber, the chief of the Barberton Police Department, shares his journey in law enforcement and leadership. He discusses his decision to choose law enforcement over other career paths and his early experiences in the Barberton Police Department. Vince also talks about the importance of being a field training officer and the qualities that make a good leader. The conversation...

Jim Smith, a second-generation firefighter, shares his journey and experiences in the fire service. He grew up in Northeast Philadelphia in a close-knit, blue-collar community. His father, who was also a firefighter, significantly influenced his career. Jim started his firefighting career in 1994 in Ocean City, New Jersey, where he serves as the Fire Chief. The fire department operates with a full...

Ren Kalb, a retired Battalion Chief from Norfolk Fire Rescue discusses his career in logistics and the challenges he faced in managing the department's resources. He also shares his transition to a government job and his current role as a program analyst. Ren reflects on his time in the Navy and his experience with the Office of Professional Standards. Ren talks about his transition to the res...

In this conversation, Battalion Chief Dan DeGryse (Retired) shares his journey from a career in the fire service to becoming a counselor and social worker focused on firefighter mental wellness. Specifically, the importance of sleep and adrenal fatigue awareness, and the need for testing cortisol levels He also shares his experience with the Florian program, Illinois Firefighter Peer Support, and...

In this conversation, Colleen Walz, a former fire chief, shares her experiences and insights on diversity and inclusion in the fire service. She discusses the challenges she faced as a female firefighter and the resistance she encountered from some colleagues. Colleen emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of belonging and valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of diverse firefig...

The conversation explores the topic of electric vehicles and microgrids for the fire service. The speakers discuss the benefits of electric vehicles, including cost savings, environmental benefits, and improved safety. They also address the barriers to adoption, such as resistance to change, lack of knowledge, and industry lobbying. The conversation emphasizes the importance of educating and infor...

Fire Chief Bob Horton shares his experience and career. Chief Horton discusses "reimagining" the fire service regarding recruitment and retention, community risk reduction, and the importance of public policies in achieving the fire service's goal of protecting and preserving life and property. If you are a Chief Officer struggling with these challenges, this is a must-listen/watch e...

Casey Jones is a Captain and Health & Safety Officer (HSO) for the Little Rock Fire Department (Capital of Arkansas) and holds degrees in Fire Science, Fire Administration, and Business Administration. Captain Jones is the NFFF Everyone Goes Home advocate for the State of Arkansas and a member of the IAFC, FDSOA, and IFE, as well as a Chief Training Officer (CTO) with the CPSE. He is also a wr...

Retired Deputy Chief Steve Prziborowski takes time out of teaching at the National Fire Academy to talk to us about his 31 years of dedicated service. Throughout his journey, he has written countless articles and books regarding the fire service, assessment centers, and professional development. Code 3 Fire Training & Education- https://www.code3firetraining.com/

In this episode, Retired Chief Bearce shares his career as a photojournalist and entry into his second career as a firefighter at age 42.

Retired Battalion Chief Hayowyk discusses the progression of his career, his dedication to the fire service, specifically the training he teaches nationwide, and his involvement with the National Fallen Firefighter's Foundation.

Retired Fire Chief Dave Freeman shares his fire service career, and his experience with the Save the Warrior program.

Fire Chief Michael shares his experience in the fire service.

Chief Aubert-Utz discusses her career with the Baltimore County Fire Department in this episode. Chief Aubert-Utz is a 22-year Baltimore County Fire Department veteran, currently serving as an assistant fire chief. In addition to providing executive leadership and professional oversight to over 1,000 career and 2,000 volunteer members, Aubert-Utz is responsible for preparing and continually review...

In this episode, Chief Wineman shares his career serving in various leadership positions and his experience with line-of-duty deaths.

In this episode, retired Fire Chief Buchanan discusses his tenure in the fire service and the mentorship that he received that propelled him into key leadership roles with several agencies.