National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

Lunch with Ray McCormack is always alot of fun. In person podcasts are always much more fun and when I have the opportunity to catch up with a friend, I jump at it. We recorded our time together while breaking bread and sharing a drink. The conversation is nothing more than that, a conversation between two friends. With or without the camera and microphones, this is lunch with Ray and I cherish opportunities like this. So, join us!!

Thomas J. Trzepacz is a highly experienced and dedicated professional currently serving as the Vice President of Sales & Customer Relations at Performance Advantage Company (PAC), a role he has held since April 2007. Located in Lancaster, New York, PAC specializes in manufacturing and marketing high-quality tool mounting brackets, with a primary focus on the fire industry, providing specialty tool mounting solutions for fire apparatus. Beyond his successful career at PAC, Thomas has a deep-rooted connection to the fire service. A 27-year Life Member of the Bowmansville Vol. Fire Association in New York, he is part of a proud tradition as a third-generation firefighter, with his son continuing the legacy as a fourth-generation firefighter. Thomas has held various leadership roles within the fire service, including past Chief for ten years, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and currently serves as a Lieutenant and Vice President of the Bowmansville Vol. Fire Association. His commitment extends beyond his local fire department as he has also served as the President of the Erie County Fire Chiefs and is currently the Financial Secretary and Radio Coordinator for the Lancaster / Alden Fire Chiefs Association. Thomas's extensive volunteer experience, coupled with his work at Performance Advantage Company, highlights a career dedicated to serving and enhancing the fire service community. His leadership roles, both in his professional career and volunteer service, reflect a deep understanding and commitment to the mindset required for effective emergency response and the importance of proper equipment layout in fire apparatus, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and reliability.

TJ Prieur, a Frederick County, MD Firefighter, has come to understand who he is. This fascinating conversation discusses his journey, recognizing the traumas that influenced his life, and ultimately choosing the hard path to find peace and wellness. It took him a long time to figure out what he needed and more so, what he wanted out of life. Finding his home in Frederick County, MD, everything was back on track and going smoothly until TJ found himself as part of the RIT Team who pulled Captain Josh Laird out of burning building. The events of this LODD certainly added to the traumas TJ has faced along his path and it played a part un recognizing the importance of life. His story is powerful and one that resonates with many of us. Today, TJ finds himself working with others teaching the process through programs like Mind the Frontline and Framework to Freedom.

In this episode, Marcus and Stephanie share their experiences as a married couple working in the fire service and competing in Strongman competitions. Marcus discusses his journey in the fire service and how he got into Strongman, while Stephanie shares her background and motivation for joining the fire service. They both emphasize the importance of physical fitness in the fire service and how it contributes to their overall health and happiness. Marcus also talks about his injury and recovery process, highlighting the challenges he faced and the determination to come back stronger. Overall, their story showcases the benefits of physical fitness and the supportive community within the fire service. Marcus and Stephanie Waugh discuss Marcus's journey to winning the Arnold Strongman Classic. Marcus shares his training experience and the nerves he felt leading up to the competition. He describes the events he competed in and the emotional moment when he realized he had won. Marcus and Stephanie also discuss the strength of women in strongman and the importance of functional strength for firefighters. They talk about the support they received from their gym and sponsors, as well as their future plans in the sport. Causing you to ask yourself the question. What’s My Size Up??? Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!

Running on the fire ground is a debatable topic in the firefighting community. Some argue that running is necessary in certain situations, while others believe it should be avoided. The key is to understand the tempo of each fire and act accordingly. Training to run on the fire ground without considering the flow state of the fire can lead to misguided skill sets and blurred vision of speed versus purpose. It's important to prioritize the safety of the firefighters and make decisions based on rational thought rather than emotional reaction.

In this episode, Mickey and Anthony discuss the importance of engine company pride and culture. They highlight the significance of maintaining traditions. They also emphasize the importance of cleanliness and taking pride in the rig. The conversation touches on the role of the engine and truck companies in firefighting tactics, including the coordination between them and the importance of communication. They stress the need for a strong connection between the engine and truck companies, especially when operating above the fire. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of company pride, attention to detail, and maintaining the traditions and culture of the engine company.

Captain Ben Vernon from the San Diego Fire Department shares his experience of a violent incident on June 24, 2015, and the mental health challenges he faced as a result. The incident started as a routine call but quickly escalated, leading to a physical altercation. Captain Vernon reflects on the dangers of overconfidence and complacency in high-stress situations. Despite his attempts to deescalate the situation, he found himself facing a trained killer. Benjamin reflects on the strange reactions and mindset that can occur during a fight, drawing from personal experiences and the insights of others. The conversation delves into the reality of violence in EMS careers and the psychological impact of violent attacks, including nightmares and mental health challenges.

In this conversation, Chief Carl Bittenbender and Deputy Chief Scott Freedman discuss the design and build process of their new apparatus, Quint 2235. They highlight the challenges of a growing department and the need for apparatus that can adapt to changing needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of designing a truck with a purpose and involving a representative committee in the build process. They also discuss the significance of pre-construction meetings and building relationships with dealers and manufacturers.

In this episode, Pip pays tribute to his late friend Erin Varga and emphasizes the importance of giving back. He then chats with Sean Eagen about his DJing career and the challenges of the wedding industry. They also discuss their children's athletic pursuits and the ups and downs of being a sports fan. Sean shares his experiences as a captain in the Buffalo Fire Department and the impact of tragedy on the department. They also touch on the evolution of mental health support in the fire service and the challenges of promotion. Sean Eagen discusses the changes in the fire service throughout his career and the transition to brewing beer as a hobby. He shares his journey from starting with a simple beer-making kit to becoming a passionate brewer. Sean highlights the process and enjoyment of brewing beer, as well as the challenges and rewards of working in a commercial brewery. The conversation also touches on the misuse of alcohol in the fire service and the importance of addressing this issue. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for balance and self-improvement both on and off the job. In this conversation, Sean Eagen and Pip discuss the importance of protecting loved ones, changing the fire service culture, and balancing personal and professional lives. They emphasize the need for listening and understanding, as well as the benefits of finding healthy coping mechanisms and supportive relationships. Causing you to ask yourself the question. What’s My Size Up??? Because, What you do off the job, MATTERS!!!

Chance Craven has set out to capture the moments of those who give back as first responders. The founder of Honor Supply Co., his mission was simple, to Honor firefighters by sharing what they do - it's that simple. These intimate moments that he captures behind the lens might just be a pivotal time in ones life or the last photo ever captured of an individual. Chance is driven by fiercely protecting the craft and those that serve. His focus is steadfast and his commitment is fierce. Chance Craven is someone to watch and his dedication to those that push this job forward is unmatched. I'm excited to see what the next chapters are for him and his impact on the fire service.