National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

In this conversation, Chief Carl Bittenbender and Deputy Chief Scott Freedman discuss the design and build process of their new apparatus, Quint 2235. They highlight the challenges of a growing department and the need for apparatus that can adapt to changing needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of designing a truck with a purpose and involving a representative committee in the build p...

Captain Ben Vernon from the San Diego Fire Department shares his experience of a violent incident on June 24, 2015, and the mental health challenges he faced as a result. The incident started as a routine call but quickly escalated, leading to a physical altercation. Captain Vernon reflects on the dangers of overconfidence and complacency in high-stress situations. Despite his attempts to deescala...

In this episode, Pip pays tribute to his late friend Erin Varga and emphasizes the importance of giving back. He then chats with Sean Eagen about his DJing career and the challenges of the wedding industry. They also discuss their children's athletic pursuits and the ups and downs of being a sports fan. Sean shares his experiences as a captain in the Buffalo Fire Department and the impact of trage...

Chance Craven has set out to capture the moments of those who give back as first responders. The founder of Honor Supply Co., his mission was simple, to Honor firefighters by sharing what they do - it's that simple. These intimate moments that he captures behind the lens might just be a pivotal time in ones life or the last photo ever captured of an individual. Chance is driven by fiercely protect...

Good beer, even better conversation. Mickey and Jeremy catch up and talk shop over a few cold ones.

In this enlightening episode of Frontline Mindset with National Fire Radio, we sit down with Lt. Chris Overpeck of the Terra Haute, Indiana, Fire Department, to delve into the milestones and reflections of his remarkable 30-year journey in firefighting. Starting his illustrious career in Gary, Indiana, before moving to Elkhart, and finally settling in Terra Haute, Lt. Overpeck shares the evolution...

A Pennsylvania transplant to Florida, John Simpson, known better as "Bart" to his friends has had an incredible career in the fire service. With over 40 years in the job, his passion and commitment to the craft remains at a constant high. His early roots formed a passion for training and betterment of the job. Retied from the job, he continues to teach with On-Scene Training Associates across the...

In this episode, Pip interviews Thomas from the Burn Box. They discuss the challenges of running a small business and the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life. Thomas shares his experience of attending FDIC and the difficulties he faced in managing his booth. He also talks about his journey in the fire service and how it led him to start the Burn Box. Thomas explains the...

Top Floor Tactics Episode 18. Truck Mindset vs. Truck Culture by Jeremy Donch

In this episode, Mickey Farrell discusses a new type of exposure problem when dealing with lithium-ion battery fires. He highlights three elements of these fires that are often overlooked: direct impingement, thermal runaway, and pressurized fire travel. Mickey emphasizes the importance of understanding these elements and how they impact firefighting strategies and tactics on the floor above the f...

Harrison, NJ is the March 2024 featured Department in the Fire and Safety Services, LTD. Calendar Project. This project features different fire departments across the State of NJ that were chosen to be featured in this joint project. As the NJ Pierce Mfg. dealership, apparatus were chosen to be highlighted on the calendar. Each apparatus has a history behind it and a story to tell. The Behind the...

Engineer Jennifer Osborne is fierce and committed. Her love for the fire service is trumped by her love of the process. This NJ native went all in, finding mentors who helped her find her way navigating a career she knew nothing about in Clark County, NV. Jennifer believes in the process and this is done through education which in her words is the best way to achieve diversity. So many come to the...

In this conversation, Pip and Jen Depoto discuss various topics related to fitness, athletics, and giving back to the community. They reflect on their athletic journeys and the importance of body awareness and core strength. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of youth sports and the impact of CrossFit on youth fitness. Jen shares her experience of opening a gym and her desire to provide...

In this episode, Mickey Farrell discusses the importance of the backup line, particularly with lithium-ion battery fires. He emphasizes the need for being action-oriented and having forward-thinking tactics due to the rapid and dangerous nature of these fires. Mickey also addresses the misconception that lithium-ion battery fires are only an urban problem and emphasizes the need for preparedness a...

In this episode, Mickey reflects on his recent training experience and highlights the importance of building confidence in search operations. He emphasizes the need for training scenarios where no victims are present to develop the instinct and trust in one's abilities. Mickey also discusses allowing firefighters to give accurate reports and the importance of time management on the fire ground. He...

Chad Cave, a Battalion Chief with the Frederick County, MD Fire Department has over 30 years in the fire service. He believes in feeding our young, creating a solid foundation for those that want the most from the job. He believes in doing the job, no short cuts and spending time in each position. He had a great officer spot and was happy with leading his company. But we need solid firefighters an...

During our trip to Maui, HI, Jeremy had the opportunity to sit down with Louis Romero, a retired Battalion Chief with the Maui Fire Department. He, along with many other retired members of the department, assisted after the devastating fires that consumed parts of the beautiful island. Chief Romero talks about the importance of having ancestral knowledge and understanding the environment. History...

This Behind the Department episode is part of the 2024 Calendar project launched in conjunction with Fire and Safety Services of NJ. This premiere Pierce Fire Apparatus Dealership in NJ is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. To celebrate this milestone, they launched an interactive calendar representing 12 builds across the state. Each build has content and stories behind the build ad be...

In this episode, Pip interviews Anna, a firefighter paramedic and strongwoman competitor. They discuss Anna's transition from volunteer to career firefighter, the challenges of being a paramedic, and the physical demands of emergency services. Anna shares her experience in strongman training and how it complements her work as a firefighter paramedic. They also emphasize the importance of staying p...

On todays mobile episode, Mickey Farrell discusses the importance of representing the fire service and the need to maintain professionalism during events like St. Patrick's Day and September 11th. Thanks for tuning in and be sure to subscribe to the channel to stay up to date on all podcasts.

Jonathan Yahr joins Jeremy on the podcast. Chief of the Lakewood, NJ Fire Department, Chief Yahr is all in on his department and community. The fastest growing community in NJ, Lakewood is bursting at the seams and it is the fire department's responsibility to keep up. As the department grows, it is imperative to not lose sight of the past. You cannot progress forward without knowing where you cam...

Continuing to move forward, Danny Dwyer is now a Battalion Chief with a growling department in the Atlanta metro area. In his newly promoted position, Danny finds it humbling to be able to help write the playbook for the department. His ability to work with the new full time hires as well as creating the desired culture that fuels firemanship, Danny works hard at finding the right balance and pace...

In this episode, Pip is joined by Alan and Caleb, who are both podcast hosts and have backgrounds in emergency medical services (EMS) and fitness. They discuss the importance of combining education and entertainment in podcasts, as well as the challenges and trends in EMS education. The conversation also touches on the value of effective communication in EMS and the fitness mindset of dealing with...

In this episode, Mickey and Brandon Lewis discuss the importance of being all in and dedicated to the fire service. They address the misconceptions about work-life balance and emphasize the commitment required in the early years of a firefighter's career. They compare the fire service to other professions, such as professional athletes and doctors, highlighting the level of dedication and sacrific...

In this episode, Mickey discusses the importance of understanding the fire service as a family and the unique nature of the job. He emphasizes the need for young firefighters to be fully committed and dedicated to the job. Mickey also highlights the importance of preserving traditions and attending funerals as a mandatory duty. He suggests the creation of a funeral committee to ensure that firefig...