Top Floor Tactics Episode 34. Street Talk by Jeremy Donch

Melanie joined Jeremy on the podcast once again to discuss the Virginia Move Over Laws that she has been advocating for for some time. Her tireless efforts protecting first responders is evident by her hard work and tenacity when fighting for our safety. Her latest battle is to repeal legislation that was cut in this years Virginia state budget. The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (HB6003 / SB6003) which provides financial assistance for further education for family's of first responders and military personnel killed in the line of duty has been modified / cut from this years budget. The House has repealed the action but it now sits on the floor of the Senate who appear to have other ideas in mind for this Bill. Melanie is leading the charge in bringing awareness to this Bill to have the Senate repeal their shortsighted decision on eliminating it from the State budget. Protecting our own and taking care of the families who have suffered great losses is the duty of the people. We have an obligation to protect the legacy of those who laid down their lives for others. Melanie's continued fight for these protections is done to preserve and protect the legacy of her late husband Brad Clark.

Today on this episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob sits down with Jared Vermeulen, a Captain in Boca Raton, Florida, to discuss his book, The Modern Fire Officer, and the journey that inspired him to write it. This book serves as a blueprint for anyone aspiring to be a fire officer. Jared delves into a variety of topics, and together, he and Rob explore the issues of micromanagement and its detrimental effects on the fire service. They also discuss overcoming fear in leadership and how to lead your crew to become a winning team in the firehouse.

As the new Director of Training and Safety for the Norwich, CT Fire Department, Jason Erban has found his spot. This challenging position allows for Jason to craft his narrative for training as an outsider coming into a new organization. Navigating a new position and department has been a welcomed challenge. Jason’s previous careers with two other career departments has provided a valuable backdrop for his knowledge and love of the job. As a student himself, creating a culture of training has always been important to him. A win win for Norwich and Jason personally. Lastly, the ability to run jobs and work as a safety officer allows him to stay in touch with operations, strategy and tactics which parlays right into the training environment.

Pip welcomes John Nason, a shipboard firefighter and amateur wrestler for this episode. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the significance of off-duty activities, the impact of podcasting, the role of music in daily routines, the challenges and rewards of firefighting, and the experience of amateur wrestling. The discussion delves into the mental and physical aspects of firefighting, the importance of music in setting the mood for work, and the unique experiences of shipboard firefighting and amateur wrestling. The conversation also explores the intersection of personal interests and professional responsibilities, highlighting the diverse and multifaceted nature of the guests' experiences. The conversation covers the physical and mental demands of professional wrestling and firefighting, the parallels between the two, and the importance of knowing when to leave a career due to physical limitations. It also delves into the comparison of adrenaline rushes in both professions and the significance of being physically fit. The discussion concludes with insights on living one's best life and not sweating the small stuff. Because, What you do off the job, MATTERS!!!

James McVey, NYPD Aviation police officer, and pilot, joins Mickey over a few pints to discuss James time in law enforcement, specifically in Harlem and Spanish Harlem neighborhoods during the 80s crack epidemic. The conversation then shifts to his time in the NYPD's Emergency Service Unit (ESU), where they discuss the different roles and responsibilities within the unit, including SWAT, high-angle rescue, trench work, and diving. They then transition into James' journey from ESU to the aviation unit of the NYPD, talking about the training involved in becoming a member of the aviation unit, including learning how to rappel out of helicopters and using various weapons. James and Mickey then reflect on the events of 9/11, the role of communication during the response, and the communication breakdown between aviation and the fire department during the 9/11 attacks.

Five years with the Mobile, AL Fire Department, Rique Bush has found his place. Growing up in a tough place, odds stacked against him, Rique found that his purpose ion life was to do good, stay away for the inner city pressures and make his family proud. Baseball became a big part of his identy, a team sport that kept him occupied and taught him about being apart of something more than yourself. Looking at his future, baseball wasn't going to pay the bills so by chance, he checked out the volunteer fire house in his community. Rique fell in love with it, all of it. Similar to baseball, the team sport, the challenges of firefighting and a proud profession checked all the boxes for him. From volunteer to career, his passion for the job can't get any stronger. Working with great people, he has found mentors and friendships that will last a lifetime. "Your last name means alot" is a statement that Rique doesn't take lightly. He works hard to make his family proud and hopes that his influence on others who shared a similar upbringing can be positive. "It starts with you", a powerful quote from Rique that he truly believes in. We all have it inside to do the hard things, the question is, are you willing to do the work..??

It is fun to watch Dave's career grow and expand into where he is today. Whether on the job in Manchester, NH as a Lieutenant or traveling the country speaking, teaching and learning, Dave has come to understand that we must look at the future and be sure we are doing everything in our power to promote the next people to push the job forward. Believing in strong foundations and relationships, Dave dives into the conversation regarding building up the next generation with recognized "succession planning". We must do everything in our power to find those that can take over the previous position, those who have learned from past leaders that came before and willing to step up and fill in the gaps with their own abilities. The job grows when we pass the torch and protect the integrity of the fire service. Dave has come to understand first hand the power of this and he is on a trajectory to ensure he does his part to move the job forward. Dave Quick is someone to watch in the fire service, and he's just getting started.

In this episode, Pip is joined by Travis and Cav from Dynamic Human Performance to discuss the importance of self-care and finding balance in the fire service. They talk about the different shift schedules in the fire service and how they affect sleep and overall well-being. They emphasize the need for firefighters to prioritize their health and fitness, and how it can positively impact their performance on the job. They also discuss the importance of saying no to instant gratification and making sustainable lifestyle changes. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for firefighters to take care of themselves both physically and mentally.. They talk about the changes in the culture of the fire service and how departments are now focusing on human performance and wellness. They emphasize the need for firefighters to take care of their bodies and minds in order to have long and successful careers. They also discuss the impact of sleep, nutrition, and stress on firefighter health and well-being. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of self-improvement and finding a balance in life. Because, What you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!

In this episode, Mickey discusses various topics related to training and communication and the training regimen. Proper breathing techniques and working on Mayday transmissions while he runs on for his daily exercise.