The Weekly Scrap, Firefighter Podcast

Micah Horton, a firefighter training specialist, discusses the importance of fact-based training over anecdotal information in the fire service. Topics include evolving technology and tactics, broadening department perspectives, and the probationary year for new firefighters. Audience questions add to the engaging discussion.

Joined on this episode by none other than Bryan LaFleur himself! Highly requested guest and it was a great conversation. We start off by talking about building a truck culture from the ground up. Then we discuss a legacy of mentorship, creating cultures of accountability, the culture of why? How to let your failures drive you and so much more. Of course that does not include everything that the audience brought our way, and they always bring the best questions.  

Joined on this episode by the one and only B.J. Breecher, and it was a fun Scrap, he was not afraid to poke some bears!  We discuss training versus just checking boxes. Why so many departments just go through the motions. Being fit for duty, and the ramifications.  Expectations versus standards. As well as the challenges of working at a combination department.  Of course this does not include all of the awesome questions that the audience threw our way!  it was an amazing Scrap...enjoy!!!!

Joined once again by the person I call an absolute force of nature...hurricane Ike.... Curt Isakson!  We talk about the challenges of the firefighter life.  Training up the most important Probie.  In the words of Chief Ike, "I am giving you everything on this one, and i am not holding back. There are going to be some hurt feelings."  You know it would run long, you know it would be filled with passion.  You better have brought your energy drinks, your shots of espresso, your snacks and most importantly your attention!  Thanks for being here for 250!!!!

Joined this week by the YOOF himself, Ryan Scellick and we discuss all things decision making, specifically in emergent situations and the stress involved.  We discussed Coopers Color Code, we discussed Grossman and "On Combat" it was a fun Scrap!  And that does not even factor in the wonderful live audience and all that they brought to the discussion with their phenomenal questions.  Enjoy the show!

Sean Duffy, Nick Ledin and Scott Thompson come on to talk about the state of OSHA and the revisit to two in/two out.   Here is Nick Ledin " TWO IN/TWO OUT IS TOO SLOW.... FIRE SERVICE, WE NEED YOUR HELP...Currently, OSHA is proposing folding two in/two out, with some changes, into a new safety and health standard. This would make it MORE difficult for fire departments to forgo two in/two out with the intent of possibly saving a life or lives. This is the best chance we’ve ever had to effect a change to two in/two out and end this existential experiment.

Joined on this episode by the exceptional mind that is Dennis Legear.  It is hard to name someone who has put in more effort and thought into fire stream development than Dennis.  We talk about the three key aspects of fire stream application: Volume, placement and velocity.  Handline attack package design, as well as large stream development. Target flows, nozzle pressures, reaction force, was all on the agenda... and of course that does not include all the wonderful questions from the audience! 

Joined on this episode by the Company Officer himself, Michael Dozier! It was a phenomenal episode as we deep dove into leadership at the company level, and discussed his key principles for success. Of course every Scrap is driven by the audience as they ask the most insightful questions and take control of the direction of the conversation.  This one did not disappoint!!! Enjoy!

Joined on this episode by the one and only Anthony Kastros to go deep diving into command.  We talk about decision making. the levels of command. How to become that calming force in the middle of the chaos. Of course we discussed his new book that was just released and instantly sold out! And as always the audience chimed in and took us in directions we never saw coming but totally enjoyed!  Enjoy #246!!!!

Joined by one of my favorite amigos, the one and only Mike Gagliano. We discussed fireground decision making. The art of go and no-go.  The pendulum swing that is the fire service, and how to build a culture that rocks at your fire house. Of course the audience contributed and absolutely brought the heat for the show!