National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

RJ is back in the studio with Jeremy discussing the value of connection and friendship within the fire service, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, accountability, and personal growth. They explore the opportunities available in the fire service today, the need for individuals to take ownership of their roles, and the significance of learning from mistakes. The discussion also highlights the...

Behind the Department - Heavy Rescue 168, Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, Princeton, NJ by Jeremy Donch

In this episode of The Size Up, Pip and Kevin Mahoney discuss a range of topics related to emergency services, including personal interests, parenting, the challenges faced in EMS and fire services, the importance of mentorship, and the need for mental health support. They also touch on innovations in EMS training, recruitment and retention issues, and the significance of networking and collaborat...

In this weeks conclusion with Pete Partridge, the conversation delves into the complexities of the fire service, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive learning, practical experience, and mentorship. They discusses the limitations of social media as a learning tool, the necessity of understanding the broader context of firefighting, and the critical role of experience in effective leadership....

A busy schedule, that's nothing new for Kevin Pfluger. A man who travels regularly, sharing his passion and love of the job. With over 18 years in the fire service, Lieutenant Pfluger found a true calling for training. More importantly, working with others to educate and instill confidence in their abilities on the fire ground. From a small career department in Texas, it was a regular occurrence f...

In this episode of The Size Up podcast, host Pip engages in a lively conversation with Lance Brimmage from Zero Dark 30 Media. They discuss the balance of personal and professional life, the evolution of videography in the fitness world, and the dynamic nature of strongman competitions. Lance shares his journey from aspiring firefighter to successful videographer, highlighting the importance of ca...

In this episode, Mickey and guest Pete Partridge, retired Chief of Special Operations Newark, New Jersey, delve into the evolution of the fire service and discuss the importance of experience, humility, and continuous learning. They explore the challenges modern firefighters face, particularly concerning tactics and training and the impact of social media on the profession. The discussion emphasiz...

Raised to appreciate public service and an unwavering commitment to his community, Anthony Gaul only knows how to care for others. With over 34 years in the fire service, he is a life long resident and long time Fire Chief in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. His children followed suit as well, appreciating the dedication and passion Anthony has for his community and department. Riding down the center of town...

Chris Shimek is the guy that just has that, that thing about him. Trying to zero in on what that "thing" actually is is rather hard. He's charismatic, empathetic and genuine. Real traits that make him a target for people to lean on and talk to. And for Shimek, that's perfectly OK. Recently, Shimek launched the Conversation is Ventilation Podcast (CIV) and it is paving the way for putting his "thin...

Retiring as a Captain with the Sacramento, CA Fire Department after 30 years of service, Eric Guida cannot shake his love for the job. Spending 15 years as a firefighter before he promoted, this veteran firefighter loved nothing more than the nozzle position on the engine. But he realized over time that in order to make change and to have greater influence, he needed a seat at the table. Promoting...

In this episode of The Size Up, Pip engages in a dynamic conversation with Mike Ettenberg, founder of Frontline Optics. They discuss the importance of communication in podcasting, Mike's journey from the fire service to entrepreneurship, and the challenges of building a business while balancing family life. Mike shares insights on the quality and customer service philosophy behind Frontline Optics...

Top Floor Tactics Ep. 43. Work Life What? by Jeremy Donch

32 years with the Borough of Berlin, NJ Fire Department, Chief of Department Mike Kernan is fiercely protective of his volunteer department. Growing up in the department, Mike is apart of the history and traditions of this once small town department. His passion for public service also fueled his path to become a police officer within the same Borough. Now retired, he continues to serve his commun...

Technician Eric Budd is all in, period. With 22 years in the fire service, the last 10 with Washington DC, Eric worked hard to find his way to the position he is in today. Attaining the rank of Technician in Rescue 3 is no easy feat. Countless hours of studying, training and learning the job consumed Eric for over a year. The process taught many lessons, much more than the actual skill and knowled...

Always with a smile, Lafontant "Raymen" Dorival has the ability to get people excited. From his early roots in the church, his presence and his passioned delivery of the spoken word, Raymen is for lack of better words a motivational speaker in the highest sense. He consumes those around him, finding the words needed to pick a Brother up, to motivate the unwilling and a true proponent of the Fire S...

In this episode, Pip and Ryan Pennington discuss the journey of Ryan in the fire service, his experiences, and the importance of positivity and leadership. They explore the opportunities available to firefighters beyond their primary roles, the significance of training and skill development, and the value of personal accountability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being present in li...

Jay Collins, a former Green Beret, shares his journey of service and sacrifice. Raised by his grandparents, who instilled in him the value of being part of something bigger than himself, Jay joined the military and fell in love with it. He later entered politics because he saw the need for good people to step in and make a change. Jay emphasizes the importance of teamwork, accountability, and leav...

In this episode, Pip interviews Shannon, a firefighter and extreme sports enthusiast. They discuss the challenges of balancing a career in emergency services with family life, the importance of having a support system, and the impulsive nature of their personalities. Shannon shares her journey into the fire service and her love for water activities, including scuba diving in Antarctica. They also...

In todays conversation, Mickey is joined by Etan Blatt with the FDNY 34.3 Foundation and its annual run to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. Mickey asks about the origins of the foundation and the route of the run, which starts in Long Beach and ends at the World Trade Center. The conversation then shifts to the 34.3 Foundation and its mission to support firefighters and the...

The September 2024 featured department on the Fire and Safety Services Ltd. Calendar Project is the Borough of Berlin, NJ Fire Department. Jeremy sits down with Battalion Chief Mark Maloney and Deputy Chief / Fire Marshall Bill Behnke to discuss their dynamic department while paying homage to their culture and history. For more information on this department and the 2024 Calendar Project, check ou...

In this “mini” episode of The Size Up, Pip reflects on the end of summer, the loss of a friend to cancer, and his own self-doubt. He discusses the importance of schedules, the impact of his unique gifts, and the power of sharing others' stories. Pip also invites listeners to suggest guests for future episodes and offers gratitude for their support. Pip is then joined by his son Dex, who grills Pip...

16 years with the Sioux City, Iowa Fire Department, George Glass has certainly found his love for the job. Working blue collar jobs prior to the fire service, his personal drive and work ethic has set him up for success in the fire service. His early days of being mentored by hard hitting firefighters, they laid down the expectations and demands of the job and George appreciated them for that. Tod...

In this conversation, Pip and Marlon discuss their experiences as firefighters and law enforcement officers, highlighting the challenges and rewards of their respective careers. They touch on topics such as the fear and mental wellness in emergency services, the impact of overtime on work-life balance, and the public perception of firefighters and police officers. They also discuss the changes and...

Top Floor Tactics Ep. 40 Li-ion Battery Fire Tactical Breakdown by Jeremy Donch

Since 2016, Tyler Prater has found his home in the St. Louis, MO Fire Department. Working with a few busy engine companies, his road always lead back to the Rescue Company on the northside. Early on, his exposure to the tech rescue skills came from his days with the volunteer fire department. The opportunities were endless and he was hungry to learn as much as he could about the job. Attending a h...