The FireDawg Podcast

In this episode, Matt joins Chris Benner and Brock Lillie to highlight Kadena AB Fire Department. They discuss details about the Department, talk about services offered, highlight the local community, and much more.

In this series, Matt joins SMSgt Dameon Moore to cover Air Force Fire Protection history. The material covered in this episode and in all other history episodes comes from a variety of sources mentioned in Part 1. Most of which can be found on our website firedawg.us. Part 3 covers the 1980s through the 1990s.

In this series, Matt joins SMSgt Dameon Moore to cover Air Force Fire Protection history. The material covered today and in all other history episodes come from a variety of sources mentioned in Part 1. Most of which can be found on our website firedawg.us. Part 2 covers the 1960s through the 1970s.

In this episode, Matt joins Jacob Sullivan and Albert Cyril to highlight Cannon AFB Fire Department. They discuss details about the Department, talk about services offered, highlight the local community, and much more.

In this series, Matt joins SMSgt Dameon Moore to cover Air Force Fire Protection history. Over the past few years, Sergeant Moore has dedicated much of his time to researching and studying both Air Force Civil Engineer and Fire Protection history. His efforts were inspired by a personal drive to know our history and to make sure others within the career field know the history. The material covered...

In Episode 32, Matt talks with Bennett Grove, the founder and owner of FireDawgs Junk Removal. Bennett was an Air Force Firefighter and served a total 17 years in the DoD Fire Service. He shares details about his journey to entrepreneurship and offers advice for those interested in doing the same.

In this episode, Matt joins TSgt Tim Carroll and TSgt Kurt Matthews to highlight Peterson AFB Fire Department. They discuss details about the Department, talk about services offered, highlight the local community, and much more.

In this episode, Matt connects with Brett Tompkins, a Captain at the Nevada Test and Training Range. Brett shares his experience in finding balance with leadership, talks about his social media group, The Original Mustache Club, and shares his experience with the "75 Hard" fitness/mental challenge.

Matt talks to Gordon Graham, a 33-year veteran of law enforcement and the co-founder of a public safety consultancy organization. He is a risk management expert and a practicing attorney who has presented a commonsense risk management approach to hundreds of thousands of public safety professionals around the world. In this episode they discuss recognition-primed decision making, high-risk-low-fre...

In this episode, Matt connects with Sean Sullivan, a 2019 FireFit World Champion. Sean shares his experiences with becoming a Firefighter Combat Challenge competitor and offers advice for those looking to improve their fitness or Combat Challenge time. Sean is headed to Hannover, Germany this June 2021 to compete as the only U.S. competitor in the FireFit European Championships.

In Episode 30, Bryan Weeks and Andrew Ohls join Matt to discuss the Wright-Patterson AFB Peer Support program which is dedicated to supporting emergency responders who deal with behavioral health issues as a result of their service. They serve as a bridge to community resources or behavioral health treatment when necessary. In addition to serving their Department, they also serve as Peer Support r...

In this episode, Matt connects with Deputy Chief and retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant John Vanatta. Chief Vanatta offers advice for those interested in transitioning from the military to civilian fire service and also shares his experience working with Iraqi firefighters while deployed to Iraq in 2008.

In Episode 29, Tiana Bykowski & Darliska Shaw join Matt to discuss the initiatives they've embarked on to advance equal opportunity for women within the Air Force fire service. The discussion includes their efforts to get properly fitted protective ensembles, how they're connecting women within the career field, and many other initiatives driven by their newly created FES working group.

In this episode, Matt connects with Assistant Chief Marlon Smith of RAF Croughton who shares his experience in becoming an American citizen, starting his own business and taking advantage of the many other opportunities given in the military and fire service.

In this episode, Matt connects with David Webster, the Deputy Fire Chief at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. David shares advice on how to be successful with military promotion and the importance of different experiences throughout his career.

Ben talks with Christian Jacobs regarding collection, use, and implications of data in the fire service.

Matt connected with Keith Collins of Fort Huachuca Fire Department in Arizona to discuss the importance of firefighter fitness and occupational fitness assessments.

Matt connected with Chris Lopardi to discuss the importance of building up your relationships, and how his trust network helped him while dealing with a tragic loss.

Ben, Kevin Ferguson, and Chris Engelke have a conversation about the importance of education.

Matt sat down and talked with Cody Freel about the permanent change of station (PCS) process, the experiences those have provided, and the importance of networking.

In Episode 28, Matt speaks with Brigadier General William Kale to discuss his experiences so far in the Air Force and the role he played as a Base Fire Marshall and Commander. So far in his career, he has commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels, has served on three headquarters staffs, and has served as a Legislative Fellow. In addition to sharing his personal experiences, he also discus...

In this episode, Matt & Ben talk with Chief David Donan. Chief Donan currently serves as the Fire Chief at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. He is a retired Chief Master Sergeant and has served in the Air Force Fire Service for 38 years. In the episode, he shares insights into his philosophy on training and leadership, explains some future FES initiatives, and also shares his experience wit...

In this episode, Matt connects with Nathan Hutslar and Erik Montes, both Silver Flag Instructors for the United States Air Force. Silver Flag is intended to prepare Air Force Civil Engineers and other support functions to operate in contingency environments. Nate and Erik share their experiences teaching firefighter contingency operations at the Tyndall AFB, FL, and Anderson AFB, Guam sites. They...

In this episode, Matt and Ben connect with CMSgt Daryl Hogan who shares his Air Force experiences. He has served as a Firefighter, First Sergeant, and now Command Chief for the 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg AFB, CA. In this energetic and inspiring discussion, he explains how each position has shaped his success and what others can do to achieve their own success. Chief Hogan is on his way to be the...

In Episode 24, Matt talks with Chris Bauchle and Travis Bender who are both Air Force Reserve and Indianapolis Firefighters. They developed and teach the AFRC Firefighter Rescue and Survival Course held at Dobbins ARB, GA. They talk about their instruction methodology, discuss Firefighter response to stressful situations, and reinforce the importance of training reps to create "recognition primed...