National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

On today’s episode of The Gospel on National Fire Radio, Rob sits down with Battalion Chief Marc Aloan of the West Columbia Fire Department to talk about the dynamics of training at the company level and what his passion is when it comes to doing training. He also dives into “The Goal is to Explain the Why?” to lay down the concept of getting training off the ground the right way. You can find Marc on social media at The Fire Inside Blog or through Instagram @thefireinsidepage or Facebook at The Fire inside. Marc Aloan is a career Battalion Chief with the West Columbia Fire Department (SC) and creator of The Fire Inside blog. He has been immersed in the fire service for nearly 20 years, in both volunteer and career departments, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He is a nationally recognized speaker and published author with work in culture and professional development. He holds a B.S. in Fire Protection Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and a M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Waldorf University.

Sweep The Leg is just a classic movie line, from a movie that came out before Episode 34’s guest was even born. But he got it. Tyler Giuliano joins Pip this week for what can only be described as dynamic conversation about everything and anything. A self described “millennial” , Tyler’s passion for life and the job can only be described as contagious. The topics for this episode range from firefighting, Florida, fatherhood, fitness, and BMX (sorry, ran out of F words). Listening to this will have you fired up to start your day for sure and as always ask yourself that question. What’s My Size Up????

The creator of Firehouse Vigilance, the host of The Weekly Scrap and the biggest hype man in the fire service, Corley Moore cannot sit still. His passion for knowledge and his thirst for insight from his guests fires Corley up. This is no exception to this episode. Jeremy and Corley go at it, hitting some big topics head on which turns into one hell of a conversation. What's more important to you; Being Right or Being Effective?? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Catching up with my friend Sean Eagen, Captain of 4 Truck in Buffalo, NY. We discuss communication at home, the series of tragedies that have struck the City of Buffalo and working within a younger job these days. As always, a great conversation with plenty of nuggets to share. Sean knocks it out of the park as always!!

A chance encounter lead to Kamron and Jeremy becoming friends. This straight shooter from the Napa Valley region of California brings so much to the table. Captain Kamron Gangbin of CAL Fire certainly loves his job and his gorgeous first due area. Well entrenched within the community he serves makes it an absolute enjoyment to work in while causing unbearable heartache when the wildfires occur. It's not uncommon to turn the corner and see multiple homes on fire with people still asleep inside. Single man searching under the most harrowing conditions is not uncommon for his company. The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) is a completely different animal than the routine fires and emergencies that most of us deal with on a daily basis. Kamron and his crews need to know it all and understand the consequences of a delayed response or not being prepared could make the difference between a small fire and a conflagration. They train and train some more. Intent matters and Kamron explains why it is imperative to be INTENTIONAL about everything they do. "When you have a constant, you then know when something is out of place." A powerful episode and a unique perspective on a job we all love.

The island of Maui, HI is home to a rich heritage and culture of the Hawaiian people. Those that are sworn to protect these communities from fire also live within the same boarders. A culture of faith, trust and a strong sense of community, the firefighters that work these streets have an insatiable passion for protecting their very own community. Retired Battalion Chief Amos Lonokailua-Hewett has been enjoying the retired life but the fires that began on August 8, 2023 brought him right back to his role within the Fire Department. Unlike the mainland, there are only so many resources available on an island, so when emergencies hit on a large scale, it is the people who fight for their own homes and community. Amos and so many other retired Maui firefighters have been active since the start of the fires because they have a sense of duty and pride to their neighbors. This firestorm destroyed hundreds of properties, caused countless deaths and still, so many are missing among the ashes of the ruins. But the spirit of the Hawaiian people will prevail because of people like Amos Lonokailua-Hewett who live and breathe every sense of his Hawaiian heritage. So much more to come on the Lahaina fires that occurred on the island of Maui. Stay tuned.

TikTok @bluffcitycombat Instagram bluff_city_combat_team Facebook The Bluff City Combat team Email bluffcitycombat@gmail.com You can alway go one extra step in life. This week's guest, Mike Coleman is a true example of that statement. Mike is a firefighter with the Memphis Fire Department and one of the founding members of its Firefighter Challenge Team. Pip and Mike chat about the formation of the team, competing and most importantly training. The overwhelming theme of Mike’s story is constantly progressing in everything you do in life. That attitude alone will have you asking yourself the question. What’s My Size Up???

With over 20 years in the fire service, Assistant Chief Justin McCarthy has learned one thing along the way, you can't replace people. As technology advances and we find ways to do more with less, Justin knows that it's the people that make the difference on the fireground. From his early volunteer days, Justin knew he wanted the experience within an urban department. New Haven, CT became home for Justin, where he had to relearn the job the New Haven way, which was so important to his foundation beginnings as a city fireman. Moving up through the department, he rode with some of the busiest companies and found his way to the Training Academy which lead him to the AC spot. During his tenure, Justin was responsible for so many different opportunities including the organization of their ceremonial unit for recognizing their fallen. During this time, New Haven Firefighter Ricardo Torres was killed while operating on the fireground on May 12, 2021. A memorable time in Justin's career, a time that we will never forget. From New Haven, Justin took an opportunity to change the scenery and took a job as the Assistant Chief in Greenwich, CT. A new zip code with a while new set of operational challenges. Like his beginning in New Haven, he has had to sit back and listen, learn the Greenwich way and find where he can compliment their department. Justin is up for the challenge and in enjoying his new role. He brings with him a simple approach by not overcomplicating the job. "Added layers, added problems." Justin has plenty of time ahead of him to continue forward progress in the fire service by protecting the old school mentality while allowing growth within his ranks. Maintaining a level of continuity across the board is important to Justin and his approach represents this challenge each day he educates the next generation of firefighters.

Train to your "Operational Reality"... Bobby Eckert can't talk about it enough. It's often discussed about the importance of training but how often do we train to the reality in which we respond and operate?? Does your training represent the actual fireground in which we are tested on daily?? Eckert Fire Tactics brings the streets to the training grounds. This helps build confidence which creates know how and initiative on the fireground. The other side of this is the support from our individual departments for those members that seek external training opportunities. As our firefighters gain experience on the training grounds, they become more effective on the fireground. Support your people and push them to pursue additional training and give them the tools they need to make it happen. Please, don't hold your firefighters back by making it difficult. Ego is a dangerous thing and it always gets in the way.

Another great conversation between Jeremy and Gerard. The reality is, this job is a roller coaster ride. We all experience the highs and lows of the job and with this comes the honest conversation about how we deal with it. Many of us feel the range of emotions throughout our careers and the funny thing is, only those that are into it get this crazy ride. Those that are disconnected and lack excitement and passion about the job don't struggle with the frustration and need for a recharge. "Get out of your firehouse" and see how others are doing it. A part of the conversation that Jeremy and Gerard hit on which is one of many ways to recharge your batteries.