The FireDawg Podcast

In Episode 23, the AF FES Operations & Fire Vehicle Program Manager Fred Terryn talks with Matt and Ben about the many programs he is involved with for AF FES. He provides insight into how apparatus acquisitions are made, discusses the status of the EMS program, gives an update on the next generation SCBA and much more!

In Episode 22, Jeremy McLendon joins Ben to discuss his role as a member of the 45th Space Wing in supporting Space X and NASA space missions. Jeremy is a member of the Human Space Flight Rescue team and works closely with others in the DoD to develop and practice space capsule emergency response procedures.

In Episode 21, Beale AFB Fire Chief Kevin Smith joins Matt and Ben to discuss his philosophies on servant leadership, opportunity equality and perceptions in the department, and about Beale AFB’s response to a tragic U-2 crash.

In Episode 20, Louis F. Garland Fire Academy Instructors Cody Simpson and Jefferey Van Rees share some of the changes the academy has seen in recent years, what life is like as an instructor and how they're adapting during the pandemic.

In Episode 19, we speak with 2019 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year winner Justin Starks. He shares how he was able achieve success in the Air Force by seizing opportunity and having great teammates. He also talks about his educational pursuits, what drove him to author two books and what his plans are for the future. Justin offers a great example for anyone wanting to achieve similar success.

In Episode 18, we speak with Whit Dodson from Shaw AFB Fire Department about the detailed process they went through to analyze the effectiveness of their hose and nozzles, culminating with a total refresh of their structural firefighting setup.

In Episode 17, Dave Wurtzel speaks with us about firefighter fitness, health, and resiliency. He was on the 2017 & 2018 Firefighter Combat Challenge World Champion team, as well as the founder of the Non-Profit The First Twenty.

In Part 2 of Episode 16, the Air Force Fire Chief, Mr. Jeff Wagner, speaks with us about Diversity, Civilian Retirement Pay, and the future of Air Force Fire Emergency Services.

In Part 1 of Episode 16, the Air Force Fire Chief, Mr. Jeff Wagner, speaks with us about PFOS/PFAS blood testing, AFFF replacement, and Fire-Based EMS.

In Episode 15 we talked to RAF Alconbury Firefighter Bob Smith about the harrowing experience of performing CPR on his wife. In addition, he provided a look into how the UK Ministry of Defence and British Local National Direct Hire (LNDH) civilians play an important role in the US Air Force mission in England.

In this episode we talked with Fire Chief John Thompson about his experiences surrounding a collision between a B-1 bomber aircraft and ARFF apparatus while responding to an in-flight emergency. This event took place in 2008 at Andersen AFB, Guam.

In this episode we discussed USAF Fire Protection's military deployment cycles and process, forward deployments, and the importance of readiness training. If you've ever wondered why you either haven't deployed enough, or deployed too much, this episode may shed some light on the factors that go into those decisions!

In Episode 12, FES Career Field Manager, CMSgt Andy Morris, answers questions from the field. He covers EMS service, managing the fleet, shift schedules, and much more.

We interview Fire Chief Pete Lamb, discussing his experience and perspectives on fire service training, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and his philosophies on leadership.

In this episode we talk about Malmstrom AFB’s Rescue Task Force, which now integrates firefighters with law enforcement to quickly address active shooters and similar emergencies.

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In this episode we talk to MSgt Jordon Pritchett about his experience as a Military Training Instructor through the developmental special duty process, and the transition from and back to the fire station.

In this episode we talk to MAJ Al Johnson about his experiences as a former Air Force Firefighter, his recent experience during the Al Assad Air Base attack, and how he's dealt with Traumatic Brain Injuries for himself and his team. You won't want to miss it!

In this episode we'll talk with TSgt Kevin Ferguson about his experience with the Developmental Special Duty (DSD) process, his time as a Professional Military Education instructor, and his return to the fire station.

Matt Portka shares with us his experience transitioning into the Guard and Reserves from Active Duty.

Interview with guests TJ Smith & Nick Martin discussing the Rookie Development Program, aka the "Rookie Book".  It is an enterprise wide initiative to bring all AF Fire Departments inline with one standard on how we raise our firefighters from the beginning.  You'll hear about experiences from both the rookie and the trainer, detailing the journey from start to finish.

Interview with Nellis AFB Deputy Fire Chief, Author, and 2019 12 OAY Award Winner Aj Kehl

Matt and Ben sat down with our first guest, Eric Barlow, to discuss Resiliency, Leadership, & Reading

Introduction to The FireDawg Podcast team, the origins of the idea, and a bit about how we got started.