National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

This episode of the podcast features John and Noah, discussing the World's Strongest Firefighter competition at the Arnold Sports Festival. The competition raises money for firefighter charities and brings together firefighters from around the world. The hosts talk about their personal connections to firefighting and the impact of the event. They emphasize the athlete experience and the sense of c...

Mickey and Jeremy express confusion about why there is a need to coin the phrase 'for them' when it has always been understood that the purpose of the fire service is to serve the civilians. The discussion touches on the importance of safety culture, the prioritization of saving civilians over firefighter safety, and the need for clear communication and understanding of the job's expectations. The...

In this conversation, Pip and Jon discuss various topics including their experiences in the fire service, the challenges of working in administration, and the benefits of routine and sleep. They also touch on the importance of effective leadership and problem-solving in the fire service. Jon shares his background as a bagpiper and the founder of Rescue One CBD, a company that provides CBD products...

Top Floor Tactics Episode 38. by Jeremy Donch

Jeremy sits down with Lieutenant Mark Zidiak of Ladder Co. 2, Clifton, NJ Fire Department for the August 2024 @FireandSafetyNJ featured segment, Behind the Department. This series focuses on the department that built their 2022 Pierce Arrow XT 100' Heavy Duty Steel Aerial. A big part of understanding the apparatus builds is understanding the department and how they operate. So many factors go into...

From the private sector to the public sector, Ryan McCormick knew that he wanted to serve. Growing up in a Pastor’s home, service was at the forefront of his upbringing. From early on, Ryan wandered over to the local firehouse to help with Christmas tree sales or wash the trucks. This introduction to the fire service led him down a path of wanting to serve as he grew older. Working as a private se...

In this episode, Pip interviews Jennifer from FD Beyond Explorers about her experience in the fire service and the importance of diversity in recruitment. They discuss the challenges of social media usernames, the differences between explorer programs on the East and West Coasts, and the role of the Boy Scouts in supporting explorer programs. Jennifer shares her journey from wanting to be a veteri...

The conversation revolves around the question of which position on the fire ground is the most stressful and difficult to be good at. Mickey discusses various positions, including the first due engine chauffeur, the first due battalion chief, and the nozzle position. They explore the challenges and responsibilities of each position and the importance of teamwork and company integrity. The conversa...

10 years in the career fire service is just the beginning for Preston Lyons. His "reborn" attitude about the job comes from many years of doing for the sake of doing. Admittedly he is better today than he was when he first came into the fire service. Finding more allowed him to take the leap in holding himself accountable for the type of firefighter and person he wants to be. Along with his renewe...

Growing up with the highest respect for Fire Engineering magazine, hosting David Rhodes on the podcast was powerful. Settled in as the Editor in Chief, Chief Rhodes brings a fresh face and more importantly, perspective as the magazine takes a turn into todays' fast paced fire service. The episode goes in depth on the "safety culture" concerns of today, his powerful remarks at FDIC highlighting the...

Jeremy sits down with Assistant Chief Chris Grande and Captain Tommy Grande of the East Brunswick, NJ Fire Department for the July 2024 @FireandSafetyNJ featured segment, Behind the Department. This series focuses on the department that built their 2023 Pierce Enforcer pumper, Engine 805. A big part of understanding the apparatus builds is understanding the department and how they operate. So many...

In this episode, Pip interviews Jordan from Flip Flop Firefighter, a firefighter-owned apparel business. They discuss Jordan's journey as a firefighter and how he started his own business. They also talk about the importance of off-duty bonding and mental health in the fire service. The conversation touches on topics such as the different phases of t-shirt wearing as a firefighter, the challenges...

Top Floor Tactics Episode 36. Street Talk by Jeremy Donch

Born in England, moved to Los Angeles, jumps across the country to New Hampshire, Adam Mills has quite the story to tell. Arriving in the US at the age of 7, he found the fire service early on with an explorer post in Los Angeles. This fueled his passion for the emergency services which soon lead him to the California Department of Forestry and then a stint as a Medic in Inglewood / South Central...

Sean Eagen is a Captain with the Buffalo, NY Fire Department. He has been on the podcast multiple times with Jeremy and always has insights and knowledge to share. This catch up session between the two talks alot about the mentoring process. A firm believer that each position takes a minimum of three years to get proficient at it, Sean appreciates the the process and how it shapes careers. Working...

In this conversation, Pip interviews Shay Mountford from Blaze of Glory Fitness. They discuss Shay's journey from being a nanny to becoming a firefighter and the challenges they faced along the way. Shay shares their experience of going through the hiring process and the importance of physical fitness and preparation for the fire academy. Shay also talks about the mentorship aspect of Blaze of Glo...

Top Floor Tactics Ep. 35 Mike Smith Engine Co. 48 FDNY - The Engine Company by Jeremy Donch

"Bless your heart" is a southern way of saying so many things in one quick phrase. Joey Petruccelli, a transplant from NJ to Richmond,VA, loves being an inner city fireman. His NJ charm sometimes gets in the way of his drive and hustle but he doesnt apologize for who he is. Like the southerns, "bless your heart" is a kinder, gentler way than the rough and tough jersey. Joey knows this and it's his...

In this episode, Pip interviews Brandon from Fire to Light, discussing various topics related to the fire service, personal experiences, and the challenges faced by firefighters. The conversation covers themes such as personal appearance in the fire service, the psychological side of the job, wildland firefighting, and the importance of life experiences in job interviews. It delves into the import...

Top Floor Tactics Episode 34. Street Talk by Jeremy Donch

Melanie joined Jeremy on the podcast once again to discuss the Virginia Move Over Laws that she has been advocating for for some time. Her tireless efforts protecting first responders is evident by her hard work and tenacity when fighting for our safety. Her latest battle is to repeal legislation that was cut in this years Virginia state budget. The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Educa...

Today on this episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob sits down with Jared Vermeulen, a Captain in Boca Raton, Florida, to discuss his book, The Modern Fire Officer, and the journey that inspired him to write it. This book serves as a blueprint for anyone aspiring to be a fire officer. Jared delves into a variety of topics, and together, he and Rob explore the issues of micromanagement and its detriment...

As the new Director of Training and Safety for the Norwich, CT Fire Department, Jason Erban has found his spot. This challenging position allows for Jason to craft his narrative for training as an outsider coming into a new organization. Navigating a new position and department has been a welcomed challenge. Jason’s previous careers with two other career departments has provided a valuable backdro...

Pip welcomes John Nason, a shipboard firefighter and amateur wrestler for this episode. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the significance of off-duty activities, the impact of podcasting, the role of music in daily routines, the challenges and rewards of firefighting, and the experience of amateur wrestling. The discussion delves into the mental and physical aspects of firefigh...

James McVey, NYPD Aviation police officer, and pilot, joins Mickey over a few pints to discuss James time in law enforcement, specifically in Harlem and Spanish Harlem neighborhoods during the 80s crack epidemic. The conversation then shifts to his time in the NYPD's Emergency Service Unit (ESU), where they discuss the different roles and responsibilities within the unit, including SWAT, high-angl...