In this episode of The Size Up, host Pip discusses his recent illness and the importance of not working while sick, especially in the fire service. He then introduces his guest, Katrina LaClair, a competitive dancer turned fitness enthusiast. They explore Katrina's journey from dance to fitness, her experiences performing on cruise ships, and her eventual discovery of CrossFit. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing fitness and coaching, as well as the importance of finding a passion in life. They explore the importance of connection in coaching, the competitive spirit that drives them, and the joy of community in fitness. Katrina shares her journey from coaching to becoming a firefighter and later joining the military as a combat medic, highlighting the challenges and rewards of each path. In this engaging conversation, Pip and Katrina LaClair explore the intersections of emergency medical response, CrossFit, and personal aspirations. Katrina shares her experiences in the CrossFit Games, the camaraderie among athletes, and the importance of community in fitness. They discuss future goals, including Katrina's interest in flying and participating in tactical games, emphasizing the need to live life fully and embrace new challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of resilience, personal growth, and the joy of pursuing passions, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone. Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!

Topfloor Tactics Ep 48. Steve Robertson by Jeremy Donch

This Bridging the Gap program was given at the Rockland County, NY Fire Academy on October 14, 2024.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Kyle to delve into his transformative journey from a life-changing accident at 19 to becoming a first responder. Kyle opens up about his recovery process and how community support helped him navigate the challenges along the way. They discuss the realities of living with type 1 diabetes, highlighting the importance of open conversations about health struggles, including infertility. Kyle shares his firefighting experiences, emphasizing the value of customer service in emergency services, and the critical role of continuous training and learning from mistakes. This conversation is a testament to resilience, hope, and the belief that anyone can overcome adversity and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Calm, cool and collected on his way into the firehouse, as soon as he crosses the threshold into the building, that quiet and reserved demeanor spikes when his guys poke him about the job. From there, it's off to the races!! Michael Reilly loves the job and he's not afraid to tell you about it. His quiet reserve can quickly ramp into an all out "Let's GO" at the flip of a switch. Mike wants fires, looking for work and will do what it takes to get there. Talking about the job, training, working to better himself, it all comes from a place of wanting to do more and be better. 18 years on the job and 24 total years riding fire trucks, Mike's career is just underway and he is all in for a long time to come.

Jeremy joins host Chris Shimek on the CIV Podcast and discusses the foundation of National Fire Radio and rants in typical fashion. -- Conversation is Ventilation (CIV) Podcast is on the all the podcasdt players and YouTube.

In this conversation, Mickey and Ryan Michler discuss the importance of masculinity, emotional expression, and the need for brotherhood among men. They explore Ryan's background, the creation of Order of Man, and the significance of humility and courage in leadership. The discussion emphasizes the challenges men face in modern society, the role of service in manhood, and the impact of the Iron Council as a supportive community for men seeking growth and accountability.

Eric Valliere has put in his time over the past 33 years. Currently, Eric is the Assistant Chief of the Scottsdale, AZ Fire Department overseeing Emergency Services, managing Operations, EMS and Safety. His opportunities today are much different then his early days, but he hasn't lost sight of what it's like to be a firefighter. He is working hard to protect his people and while maintaining a fire culture that is professional and proficient while making safety a priority. Eric works for his people and a big part of that is doubling down on initiatives that will create an environment of safety. Admittedly, firefighting is a dangerous job, there is no denying that, but there are safety initiatives that can be enacted to ensure we are doing everything possible to mitigate unnecessary risk. The "Safety Culture" term tends to have a bad connotation when talked about within the kitchen or front bumper, but Eric has a realistic approach to it. Safety is not to hamper our duties or limit our operations; it is to coexist with our strategies and tactics while creating an environment of protection for our people. Eric's commitment to safety includes being the Chair of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) ensuring initiatives and practices are vetted and proven so that we can reduce the unnecessary risks for our firefighters. Assistant Chief Eric Valliere is for everything that is good about the job and his firefighters. He works hard to ensure that the "Safety Culture" within the fire service doesn't become the stigma it can sometimes be.

Daryl Liggins felt the time was right to retire from the Oakland, CA Fire Department. His 23 years with Oakland, 30 in the fire service all together, deciding to step away from his daily routine and take on retirement kind of just felt right. It was time. His impressive career and contributions to his own department as well as the fire service in general is one that is worthy of hearing about. Over his tenure, riding in the busiest companies, retiring as the Captain of Training and speaking nationally, Daryl came to understand that the process is all worth it. Hard is slow and easy is fast. This resonates with his approach in most things. He is an all in guy who admittedly loves diving down rabbit holes to learn everything he can about a topic. So when his passion for the engine company became evident, he went all in, learning what he could from everywhere he could find. His contributions to hose and nozzle pairings, his in depth review of moving water and commitment to innovating for the better helped create a legacy that he leaves behind. Daryl's contributions are felt throughout the Oakland, CA Fire Department and the entire fire service is better for it. While settling into retirement, his daily fire service dealings are slowing, but he continues to make an impact teaching and sharing his insights and experiences with those who want more. Like Daryl, the fire service continues to innovate and educate, and with guys like Daryl Liggins at the helm, we have a great mentor helping steer the ship.

Bridging the Gap - This presentation tackles the conversation between young and old and how we find common ground. But be warned, this presentation is full of words like accountability and ownership.