5-Alarm Task Force!

If you purchased a toaster-oven and it either did not toast correctly or it burned everything you put in, what would you do? What about that beautiful new refrigerator that matches your décor, but all the frozen food defrosted and in the Cold side, everything was room temperature? What would you do?There is growing evidence that the ionization type of smoke detectors may not be working properly, giving proper notice of smoke being detected. What if you went to bed, a fire starts in your den, where there is a smoke detector and by the time it sounds its alert, you have succumbed to smoke and poisonous gases.Dennis Fox has been working on this very topic for almost seven years, while a close friend of his first saw this problem and said something about it, almost 46 years ago! While he notified the manufacturers and the various governmental bodies, all to no avail. Yes, there is a better smoke detector (Photo-Cell) and heat detectors available and they do cost more than the ionization type. But what price do you put on your life to protect you, your family and your home!For additional information, please visit http://www.SmokeAlarmSafety.org and visit www.scribd.com and search for “Richard Patton.”As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., or on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206 or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

Chief Anthony Correia has over forty years’ experience in both Fire and EMS. A past chief in Missouri and New Jersey of both career and volunteer departments, he has taught around the country and at local, regional and national conferences. He is a strong supporter of “retention and recruitment” and offers strong, positive hints as to how to be successful at both of these topics, so very important today. In this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” the Chief shares his wisdom regarding “Character, Attitudes & Values,” and the how these traits should be seriously considered within your retention and recruitment efforts. Though many departments including career, volunteer, combination and WUI, are “hungry” to add new members, we have to be sure we are hiring the men and women who will be a good fit for the department. And Chief Correia explains why these three traits are so necessary, especially in these times of acute need for many Fire and/or EMS agencies! As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206 or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!Photo Courtesy NARA & DVIDS Public Domains Archives

Chief (ret) Todd LeDuc is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of Lifescan Wellness Centers. Prior to this position, he served as the Executive Assistant Chief of the Broward Sheriff’s Office – Division of Fire-Rescue, working his way up from paramedic 30 years ago. Chief LeDuc has been a frequent guest and long-time supporter the podcast. In this episode we discuss his long relationship with the late Chief Bobby Halton, as both a friend and an author of several books and numerous articles that Chief Halton approved. We also discuss the rise in firefighter Line-of-Duty Deaths in 2022 and, how Lifescan’s early detection exams very likely saved the lives of two more firefighters in the department that he once help to lead!We extend to all our viewers and listeners our best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Safe New Year!As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206 or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

This past Monday evening, December 19th, the Fire Service suffered the loss of a pillar of our Community, Chief Bobby Halton. Chief Halton was the Executive Editor of "Fire Engineering," and the director of the annual FDIC. His love for and dedication to the Fire Service was unwavering. And if you ever had the chance to meet and speak with him, you know he treated you as if he had known you all your life. To honor his memory and service, we are honored to present his audio appearance on the then, very new podcast of "5-Alarm Task Force." We hope you will both enjoy and learn from the wisdom he shares.

Chief (ret) Marc S. Bashoor has over thirty years of Fire/Rescue experience, including rising from firefighter to Chief of the Prince George MD Fire-Rescue Department, which is the largest integrated combination career and volunteer department in the U.S. He has presented at numerous local, regional and national fire conferences. Moreover, he has consulted with departments in Brazil and China.In this interview, the Chief discusses two, recently released After Action Reports from the Boyd St. Fire in Los Angeles, which seriously injured three firefighters and the S. Stricker St. Fire in Baltimore, which claimed the lives of three Baltimore Firefighters. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) created a documentary regarding the Boyd Street Fire, which is available at https://www.firehero.org/2022/11/18/boyd-street/. Information on the Baltimore Fire can be found at https://cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/resources/LineofDutyDeathReport_205S_Stricker_Street.pdf In the second segment of this interview, Chief Bashoor discusses his “Can You Rescue U?” (https://yourescueu.com/) a class about Experienced Leadership – To Help You Survive & Thrive.”As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or tune in to the audio version on our website https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org, Podomatic or on your favorite podcast platform!

As society evolved over the last fifty years, more and more people learned, either via determination or happenstance, to “wear multiple hats.” And that trend has probably grown as opposed to, abated. Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” is one of those people who wears two hats, one is a fire protection systems engineer and the other is as a Captain in his local volunteer fire department, about an hour outside of the city of Philadelphia, where the volunteer fire service first came to be, thanks to Benjamin Franklin. Captain E.J. Henninger has been a fire protection systems engineer for over twenty years and he shares with us how his profession and avocation allow him to provide service, not only to his own community, but also to builders and businesses that are looking to protect their facilities and the people who work therein! As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or tune in to the audio version on our website https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org or your favorite podcast platform!

If you are a firefighter, we know that the work we perform is taxing, throwing and climbing ladders while wearing over 40 pounds of gear AND carrying tools, being on the nozzle, etc. With that said, many feel that they are in decent shape (most of the time) and for others, it can be difficult. Our guest today, Bill Dungey, is a firefighter in Brant County, Ontario Canada. Like many firefighters in the northern half of the U.S., they deal with a great deal of snow and very wintry weather. So, it is no surprise that Bill soon realized that it can take a real effort to maintain both the physical and mental demands of this job.In this episode, Bill explains the background of how firefighting led him to see what he himself needed and how that guided him into creating the “Wedge.” If you want to learn about resilience and how to find it in yourself, this is a podcast for you!As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel or tune in to the audio version on our website or your favorite podcast platform!

There are instructors, local, regional and national conferences and you can learn tactics galore. But back in the late '60's and 70's, the late Chief Alan Brunacini helped to change our way of thinking on the fireground, especially for those who command those firegrounds. His first book, "Fire Command" taught us better ways of serving in that command function. Years later, a number of those lessons are not only still valid but have become the basis for the "B-Shifter Blue Card." Heading up the B-Shifter team is Chief John Vance, Nic Brunacini and Josh Blum. Whether it's at the Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center or in your department's classroom, rec room, etc., you can now learn the importance and value of the Blue Card System. Joining us today are Nic Brunacini and Josh Blum and we discuss some of the important information regarding MAYDAYS and the value of necessary and concise radio traffic.

The face of the volunteer fire service has changed dramatically since my days back in the mid-1970’s and early 1980’s. The day-to-day dynamics of our society have changed dramatically and made it more challenging for people to be able to volunteer time; not just to a volunteer fire department, but also to houses of worship, civic organizations, etc. Yet, with over 70% of America being protected by volunteer or paid-on-call firefighters, we still have excellent leaders. My guest today is Chief Brandon Fletcher of the Gilt Edge FD in western Tennessee. Chief Fletcher is dedicated to his community and his firefighters. His department has automatic mutual aid agreements with surrounding departments for certain types of calls. This takes a strong and confident leader to establish this type of agreement. We discuss recruitment and retention, training, challenges and more! And, you will hear more from him and you will able to learn from him, as well!You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

This is Part II of our presentation about the EFO (Executive Fire Officer) program, offered at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg MD. Our guests went through the long educational process needed to achieve this level. While one is required to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree to enter the program, what you will learn goes far beyond fire tactics and administration. This program will help you attain the true measure of a fire service leader. If you have that "hunger" inside you that keeps telling you to work harder, learn more and be the best that you can be, than this program might just be for you. Listen to our guests relate their experiences over thirty years ago and the bonds of both leadership and friendship that were an outgrowth of this amazing learning experience.You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Whether you call them ladders, trucks, towers, platforms or tillers, ladder operations are in their own category. And our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” knows his category very well!Ryan Johnston is a 24+ year career firefighter and a 30+ year volunteer firefighter. He is the owner if Maineiac Training, a small training group that prides itself on providing realistic, experience-based, fire training. Ryan is currently the Rescue Technician in A Shift at the Waterville ME Fire Dept. He is a lieutenant with the Oakland Maine Fire Department. You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

Many of us have seen or heard of the acronym, EFO. However, how many of us actually know what it stands for: Executive Fire Officer. Does the designation apply to any level of Chief? Could any firefighter, of ant rank, receive the designation? Just what is it and where did it come from?My guests today are Dr. Burton A. Clark, PhD, EFO, Chief Trey Mayo, EFO, Winston-Salem NC Fire Dept. and Chuck Burkell, an advisor and former instructor at the National Fire Academy.In this episode, which is Part I in a series, they explain the origins of, not only the EFO, but the creation of the National Fire Academy and the various programs that were developed as the federal government and fire service leaders worked together to build an educational foundation for the fire service. You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.Picture is courtesy the U.S. Fire Administration

Within the last decade, one of most dangerous calls that first responders respond to, are emergencies on active roadways. In 2021 alone, 65 first responders (fire, police, EMS, recovery operators road rangers) died when stuck by a vehicle while on an emergency scene. And the number one cause falls on “distracted drivers.” While there is number of definitions for the term, “distracted,” drivers are simply not paying enough attention to the roads and to emergency scenes.Our guests today are Corey Hohs and Brock Aun of HAAS Alert. Haas Alert has been working for nearly six years, with local, state and national officials to provide a signal that would be initiated by the responding emergency agency and received in vehicles, either via the infotainment system or even as a message on the dash, to advise that there is an emergency ahead and to move over and slow down. It is quite likely that a car or truck you are driving now or maybe the next one, will have Haas Alert’s “Safety Cloud” included in its configuration. Tune in and learn more!You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

Training…some of us love it, some don’t. Some enjoy teaching…some don’t. However, there are those who are teachers, instructors and mentors, who have the passion to teach and our guest today, is one of those with a strong passion to teach, share and mentor. Why? Because there was someone in his life who cared about him and introduced him to the fire service. And that was around 20 years ago. Capt. Childers joins us today to discuss his recent article in FIREHOUSE® Magazine’s December 2021 issue, about training for night operations. Besides being the training officer for the Champaign IL Fire Dept., he is also an instructor for the IFSI (Illinois Fire Service Institute). Capt. Childers truly cares, not simply about teaching, but educating and mentoring every single cadet that comes through the academy and in his own department. Tune in to hear us discuss the key issues that should be addressed through training modules performed at night and the reasons behind that position. You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

It is no secret that voluntarism is at a low in this country. Society always changes and evolves and with that said, this problem is far broader than just the volunteer fire service. Even before the pandemic, fewer and fewer people were able to find adequate time to contribute to volunteer positions throughout local, regional and national organizations. One of the largest impacts of the lower availability of volunteers is the shortage of personnel in the volunteer fire service and, there multiple causes behind this phenomenon. In turn, volunteer fire departments must “up their game” as regards training, so that the members will be as safe as possible and the community will benefit from their assistance.My guest is Chief Justin Bailey of the Oliver Springs TN Fire Dept. Chief Bailey talks about the need for a training calendar. The calendar will advise all the members what topics, tactics or practices will be covered and when. While not every member may make a given drill night, there are always make-ups scheduled, in an effort to be fair to all. Learn more of what Chief Bailey faces everyday and how it might not be too different from what you experience in your own volunteer department.You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

On January 14, 2022, a massive fire erupted at a pool chemical and supplies manufacturing plant erupted into a massive inferno in Passaic NJ. Due to its location, it was first called in as a car fire on a highway that runs behind the C-side of the involved structure.In charge of Tour 3 that day was good friend, Battalion Chief John Hayowyk A. Hayowyk, Jr., with over 29 years in the fire service. Also on shift that evening was Capt. James Kovacs, a 24-year veteran of the fire service. Initially, multiple calls came into Passaic Dispatch as a car fire. However, first arriving units realized that what they really had was a plant of 1-3/3 acres, that manufactured chlorine and other pool supplies. And the first chief officer to arrive was Chief Hayowyk, soon followed by Engine 4 with Captain Kovacs. These brave firefighters explain what they heard, then saw and what had to be done to hopefully, prevent the fire from reaching the area where the chlorine was stored!YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EPISODE!!You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you. Photo © Matzav. ComAudio provided by Broadcastify

No stranger to “5-Alarm Task Force,” returning guest and good friend, Aaron Zamzow joins us to discuss the new level of his company, “FRF – Fire Rescue Fitness. These topics have been very important to Aaron for over 15 years. Having initially been a personal trainer, who rose to work with players in both the NFL and NBA, when he joined his first fire company, he realized that he needed different workouts to focus more on the jobs that we do as firefighters. You will hear a great analogy from Aaron to the movie, “Rudy.”In today’s discussion he shares the new “level” hi has and continues to create with is an app that you will be able to have on a computer or a mobile device, which will provide you with different programs, menus, nutrition information, hydration and much more! You can tune in via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. Photo Courtesy of www.firerescuefitness.com

Strange title for an episode, right? Not if you know my guests for this episode. Our comrades and friends, Battalion Chief Jacob Johnson, Captain Nick Peppard and Lt. Jason Liska, “dropped by” to discuss our mutual passions and concerns. Each of my guests host excellent podcasts about the fire service. Capt. Nick (along with another great firefighter and friend, Sean Duffy) host, “Make Do!” a podcast that focuses on issues of suburban firefighting (which about 80% of us deal with), Lt. Jason Liska is the host of “The Can Man Radio Show,” which covers tactics, practices, training, camaraderie and more. And Chief Johnson will very soon launch his new podcast, “Do Your Damn Job!” which focuses on the importance of mentoring and guiding in the fire service. We got together to share those passions, talk about our shortcomings, some reality checks and what we can do to help our fire service improve in the future. This is a “no holds barred” discussion! And be advised, some “salty” language is used. But it will be the takeaways that you hear that you need to remember and share with your colleagues.

I am pleased to welcome back an excellent fire officer, instructor, mentor, author and friend, Steve Prziborowski of the Santa Clara CA Fire Department. Too much time has passed since his last appearance and we are glad that our schedules were able to finally sync-up! Though he officially retires on December 31st, after a storied, 30-year career, the Chief has spent some of his accrued time off traveling the country to enjoy his three passions, visiting ballparks (he’s been to all major league parks!), visiting firehouses and sharing his experience, knowledge, and wisdom, with firefighters across the country. We discuss his travels, his books, his career and what the future holds for him. When it comes to the Fire Service, the Chief is a “Man of Letters,” a term that reflects strong learning, teaching, and mentoring skills. It is our honor to welcome him back to “5-Alarm Task Force.” Check out the video webcast on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp, or tune in to the audio podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Photo Courtesy of: Steve Prziborowski

Cancer and other dangers we face in the fire service are not new topics, but they have “morphed” a bit. Initially, it was though that only those who worked the “Pile” after 9|11 were being affected. Then, the various carcinogens and other toxins from the benzene products burning were found to be hurting us as well. Then, came the news that they very bunker gear we wear to protect ourselves while we perform our often-dangerous jobs, could be leaking carcinogenic toxins into our bodies. With manufacturers denying that either, no carcinogenic products in the turn-out gear, or they changed their tune to,”…it might be there, but it can’t hurt you,” an organized offense was needed. One of the leaders for that call is my guest, Jason Burns. Literally, thrown into the presidency of his local IAFF union, he was forced to bury two colleagues, both in their thirties, within two years of his election. And Jason wanted to learn more about cancer in the fire service. He did extensive homework to learn as much as possible. As did many of us, he was introduced into the “PFOA in Our Bunker Gear” action group on social media and he learned a great deal from the members and research down by those independent from manufacturers. He was instrumental in the passing of Resolution 28 at the 2021 IAFF annual conference. Listen as he shares his difficult and painful journey to where he is today! Check out the video webcast on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp, or tune in to the audio podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Photo Courtesy of: USGS.gov

What makes a great firefighter? And who judges who is a “good” firefighter or a “great” firefighter? To be honest, it should e no one else but the image you see in the mirror. For that person in the mirror, never lies and more importantly, knows every one of your secrets. It is my pleasure to welcome my dear friend, Nic Higgins, Co-Founder and Editor of “The Firehouse Tribune,” to discuss his newly published first book, “The 5-Tool Firefighter.” Nic put this together with nearly twenty years of experience as a firefighter, a long-time fire instructor and a former collegiate athlete. The name of his book was derived from a term he learned while playing collegiate baseball, the “5-Tool Player. This defined a player who was good at hitting, fielding, running, etc. With that thought, Nic created this book to provide the reader with similar definitions that would make a great firefighter. No, not a “perfect” one, but a great one. Tune in to view and listen as Nix explains his thought processes and how a baseball term certainly has its place in the fire service. Photo Courtesy of: Nicholas Higgins

We are so pleased to have B.C. Jacob Johnson back on “5-Alarm Task Force!” Chief Johnson has taught his class, “Do Your Damn Job!” at local, state, and regional conferences. His message is crystal clear, “It is the responsibility of experienced firefighters to mentor the new recruits coming in!” It does not mean that you didn’t clean the pumper well or you have to pick-up papers on the day-room floor. It means YOU need to be both a learner and a teacher! The Chief shares his own failings earlier in his career and how it made him realize how he had dropped the proverbial “ball” in assisting a new recruit. He learned from the lesson that there is much more for a firefighter to do, besides fighting fire and working MVC’s. And if we banter the word, “family” around because we are firefighters, then we must live up to the meaning of family. Join us and learn how Chief Johnson sees our duty, both in and out of the firehouse!

In our first segment, Fire Commissioner Jared Renshaw of the Western Berks Fire Department in PA, explain the news that recent broke that his department used their new drone with a TIC (thermal imaging camera) in a rescue. An elderly patient with dementia had wandered away from his care house, and into a huge corn field. While first responders on the ground searched with ATV’s, dogs and even volunteers on horses, it was a difficult search. However, using their newly acquired drone with a TIC, they were able to find the victim, which allowed those on the ground to find him and return him safely. In our second segment, the Commissioner discusses that the rank of fire chief, often holds more responsibility than tactics, operations, and training. All the facets of a COO (chief operating officer) are in play, as the chief must also be a part of the “city hall” of his/her community. From his recent article in FIREHOUSE® Magazine, Commissioner Renshaw notes the key attributes of being a member of the community leadership, i.e. City Council, Mayor, etc., and provides strong and positive advice of how to participate in this side of the job. As always, finds us on your favorite podcast platform or watch the webcasts on our YouTube® channel, -5-AlarmTask Force Corp. City Hall Photo Courtesy of: Fireragestock.com

In the past eight years or so, we have learned some difficult lessons regarding the link of cancer in the fire service. At first, many just shrugged off the connection or they looked at it as simply, “part of the job!” Yet, nothing could be further from the truth! My guest on this episode is Tonya Herbert, the Owner/President of Responder Wipes® and Florida PPE Services, a certified ISP. Tonya shares with us how her life journey led her from her work in an architectural firm to creating Responder Wipes® and, this journey began in 2014, prior to the overall national recognition of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative. Additionally, she has become one of the key leadership members of the Carney Strong Initiative, created in memory of Battalion Chief Josh Carney, who succumbed to occupational cancer at far too young an age.

What happens to a firefighter who cannot be a firefighter any longer? What happens to that firefighter when an injury or illness ends his/her firefighting career? I know because it happened to me!In this special episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” I share my personal experience of how an unnecessary accident wound up costing me my career as a volunteer firefighter, after only eight years. We who choose the fire service feel a calling to do so. And when we’re in, learning, doing, learning more, doing more, it becomes a passion; it begins to define who we are. When the ability to follow that passion is suddenly cut short, due to an injury or illness, it tears out piece of who we are. And all too often, it leads us to a “dark place.”I share with you my story – what happened, how it occurred and what the long-term results were. I will not lie and say that it was easy, because it was not. It was emotional, difficult on many levels and very dark at others, too. Remember, there is always someone you can talk to. At the very least, to can text the word “badge” to 741741. Stay Safe & Stay Well. As always, catch the webcast on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm task Force Corp,” or listen on your favorite podcast platform or our website, https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.

The Wingspread conferences began in the 1960’s. It brought members of the fire service and affiliated agencies together at the Johnson Foundation Wingspread Conference Center in Racine WI. At that point, through Wingspread VI in 2016, the conference was held every ten years. However, with the pandemic and other key professional, cultural, and societal changes occurring, the leadership decided that the industry (and therefore, the public) would be best served by the conference taking place every five years.Wingspread VII took place in August 2021 at the Conference Center. For this webcast/podcast, we are truly honored to have a panel of fire service leaders and educators who will share their “take-away” from the conference. My guests include Chief John S. Butler of Fairfax County VA Fire & Rescue, Ms. Jessica Pickett of RPM Solutions Group, Inc., Kevin Roach a FACETS partner and formerly of the Phoenix Fire Dept., and Commissioner Adam Thiel of the Philadelphia Fire Dept. What they share has meaning for anyone and everyone in the American Fire Service, no matter if your career, volunteer, part-pay or WUI! We discuss not just what we do, but how we do it, both out on calls and in our lives in our stations. As always, catch the webcast on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm task Force Corp,” or listen on your favorite podcast platform or our website, https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Photo courtesy: The Johnson Foundation

If you are a member of the fire service, you should be aware of the toll cancer has taken on members from every area of “the job,” career, volunteer, part-pay and WUI. It wasn’t so long ago, that many of us attributed cancer losses to our brothers and sisters who worked the pile after 9|11. Sadly, that was not the case. Though the number of working fire years per year (for most non-urban departments) were down, WHAT was burning had evolved. No longer was furniture and its covering made from real wood and fabric. They had been replaced with parts and covering made from fossil-based chemicals, e.g., natural gas and petroleum, as are so many products in in our homes today. And when these burn, they release massive amounts of carcinogenic compounds into the structure. Thankfully, the Firefighter Cancer Initiative was officially launched in 2015.My guest today is FF/PM Jim Burneka. Jim has served with the Dayton OH Fire Dept. for twenty years and has been involved with the fight against occupational cancer for fifteen years. He has presented on cancer prevention across the U.S. and Canada. And as you will hear on this podcast, his knowledge about firefighter cancer is not just from study and his presentations. Over the last year, it became personal.PLEASE....Listen to this episode! It just might save YOUR life!As always, catch the webcast on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm task Force Corp,” or listen on your favorite podcast platform or our website, https://www/5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Photo courtesy: Healthline.com

What makes a team? Its members? Its leader? Its tasks? To be honest, it is all of those and more. It takes training, learning, training some more, learning more and of course, the leader and members sharing their knowledge. Capt. John Lovato Jr., has been a firefighter in southwest Florida since 2003, with the City of Ft. Myers Fire Dept. A third-generation firefighter, he started in the suburbs of Chicago; no easy place to learn to be a firefighter! As he learned his craft, he rose through the ranks, now a Captain and fill-in Battalion Chief. One of the most important tenets he learned was teamwork, And that means that every firefighter on the team must share in the team’s tasks. As is often said,” Just because you got a t-shirt, doesn’t make you a firefighter!” It takes working together, practicing together, learning, and teaching each other. Just like two cogs in a machine, when the gears mesh-up, the machine works well. But if just one cog has a broken tooth, the machine stops…COLD. If firefighting teams stop…danger and disaster may follow!Listen to his message, then ask yourself, “Am I a true member of a team or am I a freelancer?” Photo courtesy: NASA/Daniel Casper, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chris Kessinger is a career Lieutenant with the City of Riverside Fire Dept. in OH. He has been in the fire service for seventeen years. Chris believes every firefighter must be a lifelong student of the craft and love this blue-collar job!Chirs serves as the lead instructor and owner of Citizens First Fire Training, in addition to his roles as training officer and instructor for numerous schools, training facilities and departments. In addition, he is also a member of the Central Ohio F.O.O.L.S. chapter. While currently assigned to an engine company, his passion and heart will always be with truck company operations. Chris just loves this job and loves spreading that passion everywhere he goes. Our citizens are our number-one priority and we must always remember our mission and they are number one! Photo courtesy nohat.cc

As First Responders, we face many challenges and risks. Many of them can be seen and avoided, some are just fate and others, well…we may just not know about…yet! So, what do we do? That’s where Lifescan Wellness Centers enter the picture. My guest is longtime friend and Chief Strategy Officer of Lifescan Wellness Centers and, Executive Assistant Chief (ret) Todd LeDuc. In his Chief’s position, he was charged with managing the health and wellness of an 800-member fire service. As you’ll year in today’s episode, Todd will explain how he came to engage with Lifescan Wellness Centers, in his effort to be proactive in protecting these members. As many of you know, our next webinar takes place on Tuesday, August 31st at 6:30 PM EDT. Tickets are still available at https://Bit.ly/PFOS_PFOA2021. Net proceeds will go to the 5-Alarm Task Force Foundation, which disburses financial assistance to our Brothers and Sisters, and/or their families, in dire need. We have recently been posting on social media that we would announce the major prizes for the webinar. We can tell you that both the First and Grand Prizes could make a difference in your life and the lives of others. All you need to do is purchase your ticket and join us on August 31st, as every attendee has an equal chance of winning any of the prizes! We’ll also be raffling off three of our new t-shirts, as well. Tune in to “5-Alarm Task Force” on your our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org, your favorite podcast platform or watch our interview on our YouTube® Channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. Photo Courtesy Cllarius.com

“We’re firefighters!” “We’re cops!” “We’re EMS!” These are the three main branches of Public Safety. And often times when the public sees or hears about us, they “think” we wear capes! However, nothing could be further from the truth. No, we don’t worry about kryptonite, the Joker or “Dr. Evil.” But we do care about you…sometimes more than we do ourselves. As First Responders, we are well aware of the dangers, tragedy, and horror we often face. Yet, these experiences do not make us any less human. We still wince with pain, cry at old movies, suffer physical pain and often live with some terrible memories. And that is often, not easy to do.Our guest today is Chief Paul V. Jockimo, considered one of the leading experts on CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management), also know as Peer Support. For over 30 years, Chief Jockimo has helped member of both Public Safety and our Military, dealing with incident stress. He counseled after the Worcester Cold Storage Fire, 9|11, Oklahoma City, and many other tragedies. In this episode, the Chief shares his definitions and visions of Peer Support and its absolute necessity and importance in Public Safety. While First Responders often “wear” an outer coat of invincibility, we still hurt “on the inside,” even if we refuse to show it on the outside. If you have been a First Responder for even a year or two, or more, you have probably had a least one very serious and tragic incident. Remember, you are NOT alone! Please remember, we need your help to allow us to assist our Brothers and Sisters in dire straits. Please visit our website, https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org and look for the photo of the “Q,” to make your donation.

Andi Clark is known online as The Elite Trainer for Police and First Responders and creator of her signature program 911 Elite Performance. She’s the wife of a Police Officer and an expert in peak performance and how stress physically affects your body. She is renowned for her ability to reverse and prevent burnout in First Responders, then help them regain their athletic conditioning, so they can thrive throughout their entire career—online and offline—as well as her refreshingly relatable and no-BS approach. Life wasn’t always as burnout free for Andi. She has a genetic stress condition that puts her body into an increased stress response state all the time. Similar to what Police Officers and First Responders experience when they put on their uniform and mentally prepare for whatever may happen in their day.It took Andi over 20 years with two very big burnout crashes (one while pregnant) to figure out why her doctors, specialists and the prescriptions given to her were not able to help. And that what was happening to her was not a mental health issue.Through her recovery she formulated a completely different way to look at and handle burnout. Once she realized that her husband was thriving while his colleagues were struggling with the same symptoms, she had experience she knew that she couldn’t keep her findings to herself. They needed help. She could provide it. And 911 Lifestyle was born. Andi now speaks and coaches Officers and First Responders all over the world:Please remember, we need your help to allow us to assist our Brothers and Sisters in dire straits. Please visit our website, https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org and look for the photo of the “Q,” to make your donation.Photo Courtesy of & Copyright the CDC (Centers for Disease Control)

I am pleased to welcome back, Battalion Chief Jacob Johnson as we continue discuss his passion in the fire service: mentoring. Chief Johnson recently had an article on this topic published in FIREHOUSE® Magazine. If you have not listened to Part 1 of our interview in Episode 5-20 of “5-Alarm Task Force,” Chief Johnson explained that even though he himself had been mentored at age 15, when he began his firefighting career as a 15-year-old in Katy TX, when he was promoted to Lieutenant in his current career department, he saw his failure to do the same for a young recruit that came to him for help. It was that self-admission that proved to be the “seed” that spurred the Chief to live and teach by his creed for every firefighter, “Do your damn job!” which he sees as mentoring. Having been personally mentored when I joined my first volunteer department, I know the benefits it had for me; someone who had no experience or background in the fire service, other than strong admiration. However, as a live-long educator, I know exactly what Chief Johnson is talking about. It is indeed up to each of us, no matter how long we have been serving our departments, to help the newest members find their way to the path that will make them great firefighters! So, watch the video or tune-in to our audio podcast and listen to the Chief’s message.And please remember, we need your help to allow us to assist our Brothers and Sisters in dire straits. Please visit our website, https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org, scroll down the Homepage and look for the photo of the “Q,” to make your donation.

In 1966, top leaders and instructors in the American Fire Service gathered for the Wingspread I conference. Their focus was not to look at what the fire had done in the past, but to look forward to the changes and challenges that faced them in the future. At that first meeting, it was decided to hold the conference once every 10 years. And until now, this conference was indeed held every decade, the most recent being in 2016. However, at that conference, the idea was raised of changing the span from 10 years to 5 years. The founder of the Johnson Foundation had the initial conference center designed by world-renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1990, the facility was added to the National Historic Register. And this summer, the Wingspread VII conference will take place there, once again. Attending will be nearly 30 of the best leaders in the fire service, public health, EMS, and others, who will come together for several days. Again, they will not be looking back (except for the pandemic) but looking to the coming 5 years. What new challenges will they bring? What new equipment will we need? How might we deal with this issue or that one? My guests are Chief Bruce Varner and Chief Dennis Rubin, who are working together (along with many others) to setup and assure another successful meeting of some of the best minds in these fields. Both men are icons in the fire service for their previous work on this conference and they share this formal announcement of it on this episode.You can watch the video on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp” or listen to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform or our website, www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org. And please remember – we need your support to we can continue to assist our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families, in dire need. Just visit out website and click on the photo of the “Q!” Photo Courtesy the NFPA

Chief John Vance had been Chief of the Minnetonka MN Fire Dept. since 2013. However, many of us know the Chief from the website, www.bshifter.com, where along with Nick and John Brunacini, they carry on the message of one of the greats of our time, the late Chief Alan Brunacini. As a student of “Chief Bruno,” Chief Vance leads by the mantra, “Be Safe, Be Effective and Be Nice!”Chief Vance has been a BLUE Card Lead Instructor since its inception in 2008. The course provides strong command lessons, for everyone, from the firefighter called up to sit in the “right seat,” to line and chief officers, However, simply taking the course and passing the exam is not enough; one needs to live by the lessons learned in the BLUE card course!We also discuss the “All or Nothing” approach when it comes to strategy and tactics. Of course, this has been a hot topic on social media, but I believe that Chief Vance brings some clarity into the discussion, without taking “sides.”He will be back for Part 2 of our discussion in August, when we kick-off Season 6 of “5-Alarm Task Force” in mid-August. And please do not forget that we need your financial assistance to be able to assist our Brother and Sister firefighters, and/or their families, in dire need. Just visit our website at https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org and either select DONATE from the top menu or just click on the photo of the Q2B siren to donate. Photo Courtesy of Pinterest

Chief (ret) Dan Jones and business partner, Kelly Walsh are not newcomers to “5-Alarm Task Force.” But this time they return to announce the release of their new book, “Facing the Fire – Stories to Ignite Leadership Excellence.” (There is a special availability on Amazon – for 3 days, starting 4/28/2021, download the digital copy for just $.99!)This book is based on their more than five years of teaching and coaching members of the fire service who are interested in leadership positions and want to learn what it takes to do so. With Chief Jones’ more than 40 years of experience and Kelly’s many years in Human Resources (including 10 years with a large municipal fire department), nonprofit and corporate, they bring a refreshing and incredibly positive message, both towards personal growth and for those looking to promote in the fire service.If you are open to continue to learn throughout your career and improve yourself, as well as your leadership skills and abilities, this is the book for you! Watch the video on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.( https://youtu.be/YALrv5ljQIQ) or check out the audio on our website, www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org or your favorite podcast platform!

One of the great leaders of today’s fire service is Chief Gary Ludwig, of the Champagne IL Fire Dept., and immediate Past-President of the IAFC. When he took office, he created a strong, international, promotion for firefighter health and wellness. Part of that promotion is his, “If you don’t feel well, DON’T make it your Farewell,” PSA. Chief Ludwig began his career and the age of 18 with the City of St. Louis Fire Dept. and served for 25 years, retiring as Chief Paramedic. Subsequently, he served 10 years as Deputy Fire Chief for the Memphis Fire Dept. He was a prolific writer and author, penning articles in FIREHOUSE® Magazine for over 20 years and contributed additional articles to every major fire and EMS trade in the country. Chief Ludwig teaches better leadership and management methods for line, administrative and chief officers. And he shares some of those methods with us today, including his dedication to keeping firefighters alive and well, through proactive practices. His most recent book, “Fully-Involved Leadership,” is currently available on his website, www.fullyinvolvedleadership.com, and he shares some info on his newest book, as well. Watch the video on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., or check out the audio on our website, www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org or your favorite podcast platform!

Very few people have ever joined the fire service and knew everything they needed to know on his/her first day! Sure, many came from a lineage of firefighters in the family and had a general idea of what goes on. However, on your first day that you show up to start, whether at an academy or at a station, you’re as fresh and innocent as a newborn! And even if you attend an academy, there is no way that you can be taught everything today’s firefighter needs to know! So, how do we fill in that space?Sadly, in some cases, it is expected to take place by, what I refer to as self-osmosis; you simply absorb what you see. Yet, as most of us realize, that doesn’t even occur in a school classroom, so why do we expect it to work in a job where our responsibility is to protect lives and property!Our guest is Battalion Chief Jacob Johnson of the Pearland TX Fire Dept. Chief Johnson shares with us how he learned coming up through the ranks and how he realized that a failure in his leadership with a firefighter, taught him the importance of mentoring and how crucial it is for every department to strongly encourage those with experience to take on the ever-important task of being a mentor. Watch the video on our YouTube® Channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp., or tune in on your favorite podcast platform or our website at https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org.

If you ARE a firefighter, career, volunteer, wild land or, if you aspire to be a firefighter, my guest has some excellent reading for you!Capt. Jim Moss has recently published, “The Firefighter Success Book,” (www.firefightersuccessbook.com). Besides his career as a firefighter and officer, Capt. Moss has also been a partner, along with Chief Dan Kerrigan, on books, lectures and presentations on firefighter fitness. With this book though, he has gathered phrases, memes and stories to help you, the reader, to be a better firefighter. No, not with specific tools or tactics, rather to grow and become overall, a better person. When you visit the website above, take advantage of the free download offer of “101 Rules for Firefighter Success,” I can honestly tell you that even at my age, I still learned a lot from this excellent list that Capt. Moss has put together. Reading and studying this list will lead you to want to read his book, as well!Check it out on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp,” on our website, https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org” or your favorite podcast platform!

If you have been a firefighter from around 1977 until today, you have heard of, seen and or read, FIREHOUSE® Magazine. Moreover, you have probably seen or even attended, FIREHOUSE® EXPO or WORLD conferences. Founded in 1976 by FDNY Firefighter Dennis Smith, it quickly became a staple in many firehouses around the country and yes, even beyond. It took us right on the streets and roads of America, as we read the stories about incidents, learned new methods and tactics, and sage advice from some of the best leaders and instructors in the Fire Service. Just like the rest of us, the magazine and the entire company matured over the years. The EXPO became THE place to be each summer. The WORLD was added during the winter months, usually in a location with mild winters! Nevertheless, the crowds came, studied, learned, practices and listened. Current Editor-in-Chief and Conference Director, Peter Matthews did not start at the helm. He has been with FIREHOUSE® for nearly twenty-two years! Moreover, Peter grew up in a firefighting family and started his career reporting incidents for his local newspaper, while still in high school. He has served as a volunteer firefighter in several departments. This background provided him with the experience and sights, that would lead him to be hired by FIREHOUSE®.Join us as we take a peek, “behind the curtain,” and learn more about the man, Peter Matthews and see what in-store for the future of FIREHOUSE®. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or on our website, http://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org.Photo © FIREHOUSE®.com

Brothers and Sisters of the Fire Service – Be you career, volunteer, paid-on-call and wildland: THIS IS THE GEAR WE WEAR TO PROTECT US WHEN WE ARE NEEDED TO ANSWER THE CALL! Until just a few years ago, we thought that, as long as we followed the Gross Decon procedures, shared throughout the fire service, we would remain relatively safe. And what happened several years ago to change that way of thinking? Our Brother from Massachusetts who, just after being promoted to Lieutenant, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had to file his papers. His wife, Diane, while supporting her husband, wanted to know how this could happen. Her determination and perseverance led to the discovery that our bunker gear, just might be killing us from the inside, with “forever chemicals,” often referred to as PFOS, used in Teflon® coatings and waterproofing. Capt. Sean Mitchell’s (of the Nantucket MA Fire Dept.) eyes were opened after he started following Diane’s posts on social media, especially because a fellow firefighter in his department, had also been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Sean began contacting the PPR manufacturers and requesting documents ascertaining the safety of the gear. The information he received, he found out, was not necessarily accurate. The more he investigated, the more he and the president of the Fall River MA Firefighters’ local, were convinced that the manufacturers were being disingenuous.Learn here what Sean did, together with many other firefighters in the IAFF did at their recent, virtual convention, to show the manufacturers that we will not simply accept their “science” and assurances. No more! Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or at our website, www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org.

It is our pleasure to welcome back, Gamaliel Baer, EdD., to “5-Alarm Task Force,” as we continue the discussion, we began in Episodes 5-12 and 5-14. Dr. Baer’s dissertation dealt with overall health and wellness of the fire service today and, into tomorrow.In our current episode, “G,” as he is called, discusses the behavioral changes necessary for positive leadership, both from the leader and for the members. We also focus on organizational leadership and how a good leader must affect changes within the organization.If you have that key interest for and are ready to become a leader in your fire service, you will want to hear this episode.We are proud to say that Dr. “G” will return in March for a “summary” interview to discuss “Creating a Health and Wellness System Within Your Organization” and “Creating Leadership.”Tune in right here on Podomatic, on our website, www.Bit.ly/5-ATFC, our YouTube Channel (5-AlarmTaskForceCorp) or your favorite podcast platform!photo courtesy en.Wikipedia.org

It is our pleasure to welcome back Chief (ret) Charles Werner, the Executive Director of Drone Responders – The Public Safety Alliance. With nearly 40 years’ experience in the fire service, Chief Werner has always been interested, not only in new technology, but how it can and does benefit the Fire Service and other branches of Public Safety.In this episode, Chief Werner discusses the unimagined growth of Drone Responders, as well as the use of drones in all branches of Public Safety. Additionally, Chief Werner explains the many advantages that the use of drones provides today, but also, what experts are seeing in the not-to-distant future. We also talk about new technology that allows us to find a “tagged” firefighter, LEO, EMS personnel, etc., on a 3-D map of an involved structure, from a one-story, ranch home to a high-rise. This breakthrough allows the IC to find his/her personnel within THREE meters of their exact location. Add to this the rapidly evolving use of FirstNet®, to allow preemptive communications on an emergency scene and we have the tools that will allow us to gain a new mastery of an emergency scene.Tune in right here on Podomatic, or on our website, www.Bit.ly/5-ATFC, our YouTube Channel (5-AlarmTaskForceCorp) or your favorite podcast platform!

It is our pleasure to welcome back, Gamaliel Baer, E.D., to “5-Alarm Task Force,” as we continue the discussion, we began in Episode 5-12. Dr. Baer’s dissertation dealt with overall health and wellness of the fire service today and, into tomorrow.In our current episode, “G,” as he is called, defines for us, the most important definitions and applications of resilience and leadership. And while these two terms can be used in numerous industries, our discussion takes us deep into the fire service. Moreover, we learn about the differences between the terms, “leadership” and “management. If you have that key interest for and are ready to become a leader in your fire service, you will want to hear this episode.FULL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Baer will return for Part III of this series, sometime in February. The date will be announced as soon as it is confirmed. Tune in on our website, www.Bit.ly/5-ATFC, our YouTube Channel (5AlarmTaskForceCorp) or your favorite podcast platform!

Episode 5-13 – Steve Hirsch, Chairperson, NVFCThere are approximately 1.2 million men and women who are firefighters in the United States. Of that number nearly 70% are volunteers and 85% of the U.S. fire departments are all or mostly volunteer., according to the NFPA as of 2017-2018. With those numbers (which were even higher back in the mid-to-late 1970’s), a national organization was created to help those departments and their members, was needed. And in 1976, the National Volunteer Fire Council was created.On this episode of “5-Alarm task Force,” my guest is Mr. Steve Hirsch, Chairperson of the NVFC. While the framework of society has certainly changed since then, the NVFC continues provide these department and members with guidance, recruitment and retention programs and other assistance. The pandemic of 2020-2021 has and will continue to affect all our First Responders, career or volunteer. And we discuss with Steve Hirsch the impact of Covid-19 on the volunteer side, issues related to retention and recruitment, as well as the key health initiatives that the NVFC is bringing to the unselfish and brave men and women who make up America’s volunteer fire-rescue personnel.

In this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” my guest is Gamaliel Baer, EdD, MSM, CTO. He is also an intelligence Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard. His dissertation from University of Southern California focused on Organizational Change and Leadership. He has also been a firefighter since 2008.His education and experience lead us to discuss several issues facing the fire service, including organizational development to create a sustainable health and wellness program; how does the fire service define, “wellness,” what more is needed to bring both balance and resilience to the broad spectrum to the fire service and how do we develop proper programs to do so, etc. This episode is but the first with, “G,” as his friends refer to him. We will be following up this episode next month with Part II. Best wishes to all for a Safe, Healthy and Happy Holiday Season!Tune in on our website, www.Bit.ly/5-ATFC or your favorite podcast platform!Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

Firefighter health, wellness and fitness-for-duty – you have often heard us address these topics because they define our abilities as firefighters. If you do not take care of yourself, how do you expect to be able to care for others? Our guest on this podcast, is my friend, Todd Leduc, Chief Strategy Officer of Lifescan Wellness Centers. And FYI, before Todd joined the Lifescan team, he served for thirty years with Broward County Fire – Rescue, attaining the rank of Executive Assistant Chief of Department. Today, the average physical exam a firefighter may receive from his/her PCP, is the same that almost any other patient would receive. However, NFPA 1582 and 1583, contains specific examination requirements that are custom-tailored to the fire service, be you career, volunteer, etc. And often times, your PCP, just cannot provide that level of exams for you.This is where Lifescan Wellness Centers come in. With their motto, “Saving America’s First Responders,” your department contracts directly with them. Our guest, Todd LeDuc provides you with a clear picture of the dedication and commitment of LWC to care for and protect our first responders. Within our discussion, you will hear several true stories of how Lifescan’s comprehensive examinations, have saved REAL lives and do so, almost every day.Tune in on our website, www.Bit.ly/5-ATFC or your favorite podcast platform!Photo Courtesy of Lifescan Wellness Centers

Firefighter health, wellness and fitness-for-duty – you have often heard us address these topics because they define our abilities as firefighters. If you do not take care of yourself, how do you expect to be able to care for others? Our returning guests, Chief Dan Kerrigan and Capt. Jim Moss, have dedicated themselves to teaching just how important these topics are, not just by learning about them, but by embracing their values and making these values part of your life. If you want to be a firefighter and serve your community to the best of your ability, then you have to devote yourself to more than knowing what equipment is on which apparatus or how to tie a bunch of knots. You must take care of yourself!Chief Kerrigan and Capt. Moss, wrote, what some might call the “bible” of firefighter health and wellness, “Firefighter Functional Fitness.” They discuss the “pillars” of firefighter overall wellness, which includes areas such as restorative rest, proper hydration and much more. If you care about your role as a firefighter, listen or watch this episode and I would suggest having a pad of paper and a pencil nearby. You are going to learn! Tune in here on Podomatic, on our website, www.Bit.ly/5-ATFC or your favorite podcast platform!

There have been any number of changes here at the “5-Alarm Task Force” podcast since we started in Fall of 2016. Our guest list is amazing, we have recorded over 150 episodes, we are on every major (and numerous, “minor”) podcast platforms and we have listeners in over 40 countries and, we moved to the Zoom platform! You might think we have attained all our goals. Nope!If you are a regular listener, you know that we recently added a new monthly installment of the series, “Make Due.” And we have had particularly good numbers showing up. However, you are also aware that, while our podcast is dedicated the fire service, we are inclusive and need to also cover EMS, as well. And that begins with this podcast!My dear friend and former business partner, Tom Mitten, joins me as we share with you a new installment feature that Tom will carry, called “F.R.E.T. – Fire, Rescue & EMS Today.” Tom comes to us with over 30 years in the volunteer fire service and is well-connected to today’s issues. Learn all about F.R.E.T. right here!Tune in here on Podomatic, on our website, www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org or your favorite podcast platform!

From its inception, our “Make Due” segments have focused on the fact that out of approximately 1.2 million firefighters in the U.S., approximately 80% of us are firefighters in suburban and/or rural areas. Unlike most cities, we do not roll-out on a call with two, three or even, four pieces of apparatus, each fully staffed! We are often lucky to have two or three personnel on that first apparatus that leaves the station. And too often, once on scene, that limited crew must “make due!”With that in mind, this episode, co-hosted by my friends Capt. Nick Peppard and Sean Duffy, includes as guests, Chief Curt Isakson and Chief Shannon Stone, two leading experts on suburban or “county” fire tactics. Our discussion covers training, preparation, tactics and of course, how to “make due,” with what you have. We often do not have the luxury of waiting for the second due piece or mutual aid. The scene before us needs to be mitigated and if there are only three of us, so be it! If you work in a suburban or rural area, this episode if for YOU!Listen to our podcast here, on our website or on your favorite podcast platform!