National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

In this episode, Mickey and guest Pete Partridge, retired Chief of Special Operations Newark, New Jersey, delve into the evolution of the fire service and discuss the importance of experience, humility, and continuous learning. They explore the challenges modern firefighters face, particularly concerning tactics and training and the impact of social media on the profession. The discussion emphasizes the need for a strong foundation in firefighting principles and the importance of maintaining high standards within fire departments. This conversation delves into the critical themes of experience, mentorship, and the evolving nature of firefighting. They discuss the importance of practical experience in leadership roles, the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, and the necessity of mentorship in developing skills. They also explore the adaptability required in firefighting tactics based on staffing levels and the significance of the brotherhood within the fire service. The discussion emphasizes the legacy of the fire service and the need to preserve its values for future generations.

Raised to appreciate public service and an unwavering commitment to his community, Anthony Gaul only knows how to care for others. With over 34 years in the fire service, he is a life long resident and long time Fire Chief in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. His children followed suit as well, appreciating the dedication and passion Anthony has for his community and department. Riding down the center of town, Anthony waves to the residents, knowing many by name and their families lineage in town. The idea that the firehouse is the center of the community holds true in Sergeant Bluff. Being Fire Chief is certainly an honor for Anthony, but this is only one side of his commitment to giving back. He also works as a high school teacher with the Sioux City Career Academy in Sioux City, Iowa. He runs the fire science program and he has built this curriculum into a top shelf program for the kids who are lucky enough to partake. His love for teaching and sharing his fire service passion with the students fuels his excitement and love of the job. He truly bridges the gap between young and old, crafting ways to educate and inspire his students to find an interest in the emergency services. He can count numerous students who have gone onto fulfilling careers, volunteers or kids who have credited life saving actions based upon the skills learned in school. Anthony is certainly making an impact and helping shape the future of the fire service. His larger than life smile and demeanor is infectious and I believe he is just scratching the surface as to what he'll be able to achieve as time moves forward. Not slowing down any time soon, Anthony continues to build his school program to offer the best he can to his growing student enrollment. -- Anthony is looking to make connections with others who know of or partake in high school fire science programs. There is currently no group or organization to bring these educators together and we are hoping to find these people who are shaping our future generations. If you know of a programs or are involved with any, please email podcast@nationalfireradio.com so we can make the connection to Anthony Gaul. Thank you.

Chris Shimek is the guy that just has that, that thing about him. Trying to zero in on what that "thing" actually is is rather hard. He's charismatic, empathetic and genuine. Real traits that make him a target for people to lean on and talk to. And for Shimek, that's perfectly OK. Recently, Shimek launched the Conversation is Ventilation Podcast (CIV) and it is paving the way for putting his "thing" to good work. Focusing on mental health, his approach is real and based on his own story from the past 20 years as a firefighter with Decatur, AL. Tough calls, tragedy and death, "things" that are not talked about openly and especially early on in your career. Shimek is setting out to help much earlier inthe process than what the norm seems to be. From a guy that just wanted to blend in and be average, he has found a new life in being more of a focal point because he has come to understand that that "thing" of his was meant to do some good. Shimek is blazing a trail of excellence within his department and is now sharing his ideas, insights and lessons with the world through his CIV Podcast. Chris Shimek is just beginning his journey in making a real impact on the fire service. It just goes to show, it's never too late to make a difference.

Retiring as a Captain with the Sacramento, CA Fire Department after 30 years of service, Eric Guida cannot shake his love for the job. Spending 15 years as a firefighter before he promoted, this veteran firefighter loved nothing more than the nozzle position on the engine. But he realized over time that in order to make change and to have greater influence, he needed a seat at the table. Promoting to Captain and finding his way back to Engine 6 where he rode as a firefighter was a tremendous joy for him. Eric had the opportunity to make great strides in engine company operations. The engine is his true love. During his tenure, he was apart of the USAR team as well, being deployed to Oklahoma City, OK in 1995, the Atlanta, GA Olympic Bombing in 1996 and September 11, 2001 in NYC. He has been on the front lines across the country and reflects how each incident has shaped him as a person. Through all the tough times, there is still tremendous joy from what the job has provided for Eric. Today, he works as the Sales Director for HEN Nozzles, traveling the country educating firefighters about this new product that is quickly gaining worldwide attention. Eric’s passion and love for the job is evident in everything he does and he is not slowing down anytime soon.

In this episode of The Size Up, Pip engages in a dynamic conversation with Mike Ettenberg, founder of Frontline Optics. They discuss the importance of communication in podcasting, Mike's journey from the fire service to entrepreneurship, and the challenges of building a business while balancing family life. Mike shares insights on the quality and customer service philosophy behind Frontline Optics, emphasizing the need for a product that meets the demands of first responders. The episode highlights the significance of following one's passion and the impact of community support in business growth. Causing you to ask yourself the question, What’s My Size Up. Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!

Top Floor Tactics Ep. 43. Work Life What? by Jeremy Donch

32 years with the Borough of Berlin, NJ Fire Department, Chief of Department Mike Kernan is fiercely protective of his volunteer department. Growing up in the department, Mike is apart of the history and traditions of this once small town department. His passion for public service also fueled his path to become a police officer within the same Borough. Now retired, he continues to serve his community as the volunteer Fire Chief. His dynamic approach and willingness to address important issues head on has allowed for steady growth in ensuring his department can continue to serve the community. To often, volunteer departments turn a blind eye to their own problems and ignore the growing issues. In Berlin, staffing was becoming an issue just like most of the country. Finding solutions to their staffing shortages was a must and Mike and his department charged forward becoming creative in their response. Taking advantage of grants and building strong relationships has helped ensure adequate staffing for the residents of Berlin and the surrounding communities. This episode goes straight at many issues the volunteer fire service is facing and Chief Kernan is certainly one who is not standby while the volunteer fire service crumbles. "Fiercely Protective" and his willingness to innovate while protecting the core values of the department is why Mike Kernan remains committed and passionate about his hometown department. -- After you listen to this podcast, please take a moment and share your thoughts with us at podcast@nationalfireradio.com. We're interested in seeing what others are doing to help bolster the volunteer fire service.

Technician Eric Budd is all in, period. With 22 years in the fire service, the last 10 with Washington DC, Eric worked hard to find his way to the position he is in today. Attaining the rank of Technician in Rescue 3 is no easy feat. Countless hours of studying, training and learning the job consumed Eric for over a year. The process taught many lessons, much more than the actual skill and knowledge of the job. Motivation and discipline fueled the process. His commitment to excellence and following through on achieving this prestigious position follows suit with the culture of his company. The company fuels the pride and pushes each member to be their best. The road has been long, but the payoff is everything. Adopting the idea of "Failing Forward", Eric applies this to his everyday. As he travels the country lecturing about his story, he shares insights and stories from a busy urban department. He captures alot of the work in videos that highlight the daily work of DC firefighters. Promoting the good of the job comes through in everything he does. Being able to share his love of the job through teaching with Traditions Training has allowed for him to reach others who are looking for more. Constantly challenging himself, Eric Budd has only begun on his long road to promoting the very best the job has to offer.

Always with a smile, Lafontant "Raymen" Dorival has the ability to get people excited. From his early roots in the church, his presence and his passioned delivery of the spoken word, Raymen is for lack of better words a motivational speaker in the highest sense. He consumes those around him, finding the words needed to pick a Brother up, to motivate the unwilling and a true proponent of the Fire Service. When he was new to the fire service, he didn't have the ability to even understand the most basic tasks within the job until he stepped foot in the academy and firehouse. Lacking prior knowledge of the job, he found his way through hard work, determination and finding mentors who could help guide him in his journey. Admittedly, Raymen says he only became a fireman after year six, a pivotal time in his career when he realized he had to go all in on the fire service he fell in love with. His journey is inspirational and his passion and love is infectious. Known for his speaking engagements, classes he teaches and his social media channel, The Way of the Nozzle, Raymen is making an impact and doing it as a constant gentleman with a big ass smile!!

In this episode, Pip and Ryan Pennington discuss the journey of Ryan in the fire service, his experiences, and the importance of positivity and leadership. They explore the opportunities available to firefighters beyond their primary roles, the significance of training and skill development, and the value of personal accountability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being present in life and creating a positive environment in the firehouse, while also reflecting on the experiences that shape their careers and lives. In this engaging conversation, Ryan and Pip discuss the complexities of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, the importance of self-care, and the need for mental health awareness in the fire service. They reflect on legacy, succession planning, and the significance of family connections while navigating career changes and aspirations. The dialogue emphasizes personal growth, responsibility, and the impact of positivity in both personal and professional realms. This episode will have you asking yourself the question, What’s My Size Up??? Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!