Jennifer Darling, Josh Darling

A Duty To Act

EMS, Fire, and Police are necessary for the health and safety of our communities. Join Jennifer Russell, active duty paramedic/firefighter, department administrator, and instructor, as she interviews other active duty public service members and officials. The mission is to understand better the medical, fire, and police services, the challenges they are tackling, and what can be done to ensure our departments and teams are healthy and strong into the future.

Author

Jennifer Darling, Josh Darling

Category

Government

Latest episode

Apr 16, 2026

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Episodes

Secondary Traumatic Stress in EMS and Fire: Chaplain Pat Ellis 03.04.2024

In this conversation, Pat Ellis discusses the importance of shifting to the next continuum of care and finding joy in life despite challenges. They also explore the experience of delivering difficult news and the need for training in this area. The concept of resilience is discussed, with a focus on preparing for the emotional impact of the job and wearing mental and emotional body armor. Decision...

Master the Firefighter Interview with Ryan Coffey: Part 2 20.03.2024

Specifically, we cover: The critical importance of preparation and how dedicating time to practice can set you apart from the competition. Understanding the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) not just as a barrier to entry, but as a baseline for the physical demands of firefighting. Strategies for answering common interview questions with authenticity and depth, using personal stories to illus...

Master the Firefighter Interview with Ryan Coffey: Part 1 06.03.2024

In our conversation, we dissect the art of preparing for and excelling in firefighting interviews. Specifically: The transformative power of understanding the hiring process and the importance of preparation Strategies for presenting oneself authentically while being meticulously prepared The significance of aligning personal values with departmental mission, vision, and values Insights into the e...

Behind the Scenes with a 911 Dispatcher: A Decade of Calls 21.02.2024

Matthew Williams: A Decade of Excellence in Emergency Dispatch Matthew has dedicated over a decade of his career to the critical role of emergency dispatch, currently serving as a fire dispatcher at Skagit 911, also known as Cascade Dispatch. With eleven years of experience, Matthew has evolved from a 911 call taker trained by our host, Jennifer Darling, to a seasoned fire dispatcher. His commitme...

Building Bridges: How Officer Danny Rabelos is Changing Police-Community Relations 07.02.2024

Interview Summary: Officer Danny Rabelos - From Adversity to Law Enforcement Inspiration Danny Rabelos' conversation with Jennifer Darling provides insight into how personal experiences can shape one's career path in law enforcement. During "A Duty to Act" , Rabelos recounts growing up in challenging circumstances within a poor community where encounters with police were often negative due to abus...

Richmond Ambulance Authority: Mastering Media 24.01.2024

Mark Tenia, the public information officer for the Richmond Ambulance Authority, discusses the importance of establishing credibility and proactive communication. He emphasizes the value of having a repository of information to refer to when addressing specific topics or advocating for the agency. Mark also highlights the significance of partnerships and collaboration with other agencies and organ...

Part 2: Washington Fire Commissioners Association Meeting 2023 10.01.2024

If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com

Part 1: Washington Fire Commissioners Association Meeting 2023 27.12.2023

If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com  

Navy Bomber, Toy Store Owner, Mayor: Matt Miller 13.12.2023

If you’d like to submit a question, be on the show, or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com

Getting the Gig: New Recruits in Fire and EMS 29.11.2023

If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com

He Wrote the Book on Driving: Rob Raheb 15.11.2023

If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com

San Jose FD: raising the bar for public education 01.11.2023

If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com

EMS Data and a Recap 18.10.2023

If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com

Police Chief Chris Cammock 04.10.2023

In this episode Jennifer talks to Police Chief Chris Cammock about his considerable experience, training with the FBI, how police training has changed, and more.  If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com

Louisville Metro: Building EMS From the Ground Up 20.09.2023

If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com

Integrated Outreach Services: A New Approach to Policing and EMS 06.09.2023

If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would like to work with us to improve your public service team, go to: www.teamprotego.com

US Firefighter and Leadership in Colombia 23.08.2023

In this episode Jennifer talks with Ryan McLean, retired first responder, who felt compelled to help impoverished communities in Columbia following a school trip and a transformational experience.  The LEO Fund provides financial support for community leaders and organizations working in impoverished areas of Colombia, cooperating to achieve positive social change by providing equal opportunities...

Mayor Jill: Mount Vernon Washington 09.08.2023

Mayors often work quietly in the background and then stand up when it counts. In this episode, Jennifer speaks to Mount Vernon Washington mayor Jill Budeau who took charge when the interstate 5 bridge collapsed, the EMS system merged with the fire department, and more.  If you’d like to submit a question for an AMA episode, go to: www.teamprotego.com

Women in EMS and Fire services 26.07.2023

Women who want a career in the fire service don’t always have mentors. In this episode, Jennifer speaks to one such mentor and a fire service hopeful.  The conversation covers everything from how women can and do contribute to the teams to maternity support. If you’d like to submit a question for an AMA episode, go to: www.teamprotego.com  

Stress and PTSD in the EMS and Fire services 12.07.2023

Tackling stress in EMS, Fire, and Police services is changing. What used to be taboo (even a sign of weakness) is becoming a topic of conversation between the generations of older and newer service members. In this episode, Jennifer speaks to two medics who are working to change the landscape of stress management in public services. If you’d like to submit a question or an AMA episode or would lik...

Probation in the Fire Service, Is it still a best practice? 28.06.2023

Probation in the fire service can be notorious and has even been considered harassment. But is traditional probation the best way to go? Is adherence to tradition enough to justify current probationary practices? In this episode, Jennifer tackles probation with two fellow first responders. If you’d like to submit a question for an AMA episode, go to: www.teamprotego.com 

Intro 14.06.2023

EMS, Fire, and Police are necessary for the health and safety of our communities. Join Jennifer Russell,  active duty paramedic/firefighter, department administrator, and instructor, as she interviews other active duty public service members and officials. The mission is to understand better the medical, fire, and police services, the challenges they are tackling, and what can be done to ensure ou...

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