National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

Captain of Planning and Research was never really in the forward vision of Nick Papa's career. He enjoyed being an engine boss and going to fires. He enjoys the personal growth of himself and his crew when they work the fire ground. However, comfort can be a conundrum. Looking for opportunity and future growth, stepping into the role of the Captain of Planning and Research in the New Britain, CT F...

Today Rob sits down with Ithica, NY Firefighter Russell Vidler. Russ is an Army Veteran who was looking for the camaraderie and brotherhood he found serving and found it in the fire department. His natural love for fitness found him now teaching the physical fitness program of the NYS Career Recruit Academy in Montour Falls NY. We talk about fitness, PTSD between the Fire Department and Military a...

Pulling a woman from her burning home in June 2019 thrusted Danny Dwyer into the national headlines for weeks after this fire. One would think that the spotlight was for his heroics and bravery, but in fact, it was for the disciplinary charges that followed that evening. Danny became the "poster child" for the ongoing struggle between firefighters doing their job and the new "safety culture" that...

A loyal family man and the life of the party, Rich Stack is just one of those guys who you enjoy being around. His funny antics and sparkling eyes makes him stand out amongst the crowd. His passion for the job and his confidence in himself and his people make Rich a great Boss. Currently assigned as a covering Lieutenant, Rich is on his 22nd year with the Chicago Fire Department. His early days of...

After 22 years with the FDNY, Lt. Steve Gillespie needed a change of scenery. His career spanned with busy companies throughout the Bronx, the majority of his time spent with Squad 41. Finding his way to the Squad Company allowed for Steve to grow as a firefighter, mentored by some of the best firefighters he has ever met. But the position also exposed him alot of the down side of the job as well....

A trending term in the fire service, "Ate Up" accurately defines Ben Wilson. Being "Ate Up" is everything... everything about the fire service. From sun up to sundown and even in his sleep, Ben loves the job and everything that comes along with it. His high energy, infectious love for the job began riding shotgun with Dad in the Chief's Buggy at a young age. From there, every step of the process h...

Jeremy ends up on the other side of the microphone for the 24/48 Podcast.

From early in Gary Spohn's life, he can remember Gamewell Alarm Box #2641 as he walked passed it each day. This symbol of the American fire service captured his interest and attention to the point that years later, Gary has become a renowned collector of everything Gamewell. This episode breaks down some of the history, use and the passion many have for this iconic symbol of firefighting.

34 years in the fire service certainly presents many opportunities along the way. Enjoying the nostalgia, the fires and everything else that comes along with the greatest job in the world has Rusty Ricker still loving the job. But, along his journey he realized that the Brotherhood and comradery of this business is what truly fuels his passion. He is emotional when he thinks back to the memories h...

Overcoming challenges is always a baseline conversation for those that talk about leadership. Lt. Mike Nasti, a 16-year firefighter with the Prince George’s County, MD Fire/EMS Department, loves to talk about leadership and the challenges that he has faced along the way. In order to talk about it, one must walk in the shoes of those who learn from their successes and mistakes. Mike does not shy aw...