National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

Ikaika Blackburn Captain - Maui Fire Engine 11 Our first episode of Maui Firestorm features Captain Ikaika Blackburn of the Maui County Fire Department. Captain Blackburn was commanding one of the first in companies for the Lahaina, HI firestorm on August 8, 2023. His first hand account of his experiences paints a vivid picture of the impossible conditions they were confronted with on that day. His commitment to his crew and the people of Lahaina makes his story one that needs to be told.

Second generation firefighter Tony Alosi is plain and simple, that "guy". "Uncle" Tony is loved by all and has a way about him in which he goes all in on people. Always keeping the conversation going, he is genuinely connected to those he touches and when you need a "guy", Tony will answer the call. Growing up in the firehouse, he learned to engage and be fiercely protective of the firehouse way of life. He can navigate the complex world of personalities and find ways to connect with all of them. Finding that commonality amongst our people and then being able to use that to bring everyone together will create the culture and environment we all strive for in our companies. Tony learned early on while watching his father hold court each day at the firehouse that he wanted to be surrounded by smarter, better people so that he can learn from them. This has always been his mission so that he can be the very best he can be. But being that "guy" can consume you and sometimes you need to take pause and reflect upon your own well being. All of this can come with a sense of renewed focus. "Starting over" has become a common theme in Tony's life. Understanding that taking one step backwards to get three steps forward is sometimes the way to go. With great humility and accountability, focusing on a reset can ground you and bring everything back into focus. Tony discusses this common theme of his life throughout this episode.

Columbus, OH Engine Co. 18 Lieutenant Steve Robertson can rattle off numbers on nozzle and hose packages all day long. His deep knowledge on engine company operations is widely known across the globe with his conference lectures and hands on training, the countless training articles, podcasts, seminars and the list goes on and on. His highly popular class, Stretching for Success, is in his words, 30 years of mistakes wrapped up into one program. "We all make mistakes" and "we screwed up fellas" is easy to say, but how we go about addressing it and fixing it is what sets people apart. "We must train to our weaknesses" is an absolute for Steve. The mentors of Steve's early years truly left a mark with him and he now finds himself over 30 years later helping shape the next generations. It's often easy to forget that Steve still runs as a Lt. in a busy urban engine company. More than just fires, the routine of the job, including shootings and overdoses plague his first due. He speaks to these aspects of the job as well, discussing a recent mass shooting in which there were many lessons to be learned. The job is constantly evolving and "requires us to keep growing". This episode has so much packed into it and Steve Robertson is certainly a leader in the fire service. "Don't take my word for it, vet me" and "Knowledge without experience is just theory". Words that Steve Robertson truly believes in. Stretching for Success in my opinion is not just about stretching lines, it's about accountability and being sure we put the work in to be a successful.

With over 20 years in the fire service, RJ is just as excited today as he was when he stepped foot into the firehouse many years ago. His love for the job shines through his spirit and personality. Always smiling, laughing and taking in the big picture isn't always easy for this Lieutenant. Life certainly can get in the way of true passions and this episode takes a turn into exactly those conversations. Finding a "balance" has taken time. Too often, when we love something so much, it can become detrimental to other parts of your life. Focusing on what's important and prioritizing the mission comes with maturity and awareness. It's a constant work in progress and RJ is determined to figure it all out. He has gone all in, creating Capitol Fire Training while bouncing around as a covering Boss. While most don't like not having a home, RJ takes a different look at this and believes it is a tremendous opportunity. Working in firehouses all over the county allows him to become engaged with so many different firefighters and companies. He can disseminate information while collecting valuable recon so that he can help steer the ship. It is important to know what's happing on the streets and in our firehouses. RJ is committed to being apart of the process by filling in where the department needs him. "Mission over me" has consumed RJ and his approach with the job. Spend a few minutes with him and his infectious love for the fire service will consume you. RJ is truly making an impact on the fire service and those that he can reach.

Fight Fire Don’t Die. Seems like a simple enough concept, right? So simple, Jake from @districtfire.co even put it on a shirt. This week Pip sits down with the owner, founder, designer, printer and shipping guy from District Fire Co , Jake. A former Air Force Firefighter and skate punk fan. Jake took up drawing after he separated from the Air Force and was looking for something to occupy his mind. Jake talks about his struggle with separation from the service, PTSD and the poly vagal theory. This episode is a must listen for anyone preparing to retire or separate from service. It will definitely have you asking yourself the question, What’s My Size Up????

The perfect partnership. Eric Allen and Sam Cohen compliment each other perfectly. Eric, a veteran firefighter with the Philadelphia, PA Fire Department Special Operations Command and Sam, a business entrepreneur with laser focus, partnered up to change the way in which firefighter safety and survival on the fireground is performed. The FAST Board is the brain child of Eric; a product he developed through real world experience and the constant frustration that we can do better when removing a downed firefighter. Therefore, FAST Rescue is much more than a product, it's a movement. Their mission is to train firefighters with real world techniques has created a strong foundation in which their company is built upon. Their instructors are top shelf, vetted with real world experience and their buy in is second to none. They each believe in the mission and in fact, they are now known as the TRIBE. Get on, or get out of the way, this TRIBE is making a HUGE impact on firefighter safety and survival. Their mission is steadfast and the movement they have created allows for them to be in the trenches with those they work with. Everything they do represents the very best of their mission; pushing this job forward. Philanthropy and personal sacrifice are two key factors that fuel their ambition. They have gone all in on their business and their friendship. A true partnership that pushes each other's drive to be the very best they can be. They have built a strong product and company that is laser focused on one thing, saving lives. -- Check out FAST Rescue Solutions at www.fastrescuesolutions.com and follow their social media channels where you become part of the TRIBE.

Jeremy chats with Nick Peppard and Kyle Straight about the upcoming North Florida Fire Expo, February 7-10, 2024. On its' fifth year, this conference offers a top shelf list of talent and the venue to match. Announced on this episode, they are opening up more spaces for the sold out classes including Nozzle Forward with Aaron Fields and Tailboard Leadership with LJay Geist. For more info, check out https://www.northfloridafireexpo.com.

Jon Haddad likes change. Change in the fire service is rarely welcomed and often looked at as the enemy. But Jon has a different outlook on change. Change pushes him to be better; to take on new challenges that push him and his career. One such change was when he took on the role of Recruit Class Commander for a recent probie class. In his own words, Jon discusses how that opportunity provided so much for himself as well as his influence on the next generation of firefighters. Jon trusts the process and those that have spent so much time creating it as a roadmap for success. This episode hits so many nuggets that all of us can relate to. His methods and ability to communicate with few words makes his approach intentional. His intentions are clear and to those around Jon Haddad, they know he is there to make a difference with anything he is involved with.

Episode 39 features Brett Dugas and his girls. Pip slid into his DM’s after his brother-in-law shared one of Brett’s dog videos on IG. Brett has been putting out videos of his two dogs and occasionally his girlfriend for 2 years now. His success is evident by the number of views, comments and likes each video gets. Pip and Brett talk about social media, the fire service, the dogs and even share a cat story or two. This episode is filled with laughs and lessons about life in general. Some that will even have you asking yourself, What's My Size Up???

Pulling a woman from her burning home in June 2019 thrusted Danny Dwyer into the national headlines for weeks after this fire. One would think that the spotlight was for his heroics and bravery, but in fact, it was for the disciplinary charges that followed that evening. Danny became the "poster child" for the ongoing struggle between firefighters doing their job and the new "safety culture" that has crept into our departments. He performed the way the public blindly expects us to - to provide safety and protection in their worst moments. From this, the "Danny Would Go" movement swept across the American Fire Service. People taking each side of the argument, but where was Danny during all of this commotion?? He was dealing with the fall out and the pressures of being thrusted into a national debate. This wasn't the easiest for Danny and his family but one thing is for sure, he never surrendered his conviction and belief that he performed in the very best traditions of the fire service that night. Danny did go, and he would go again, and again, and again. Staying true and believing in himself, he left the City of Atlanta to focus more on himself and his family. He now rides with a new jurisdiction and he is more excited about the job than ever. He struggled along the way but he found the way back to loving the job and being vindicated by the commission three years later. Life continues to move forward for Danny and he is in a place today where he can influence change. Those principles that let him down back in 2019 will never factor into his mentoring and he'll be dammed to let the public or his people down like he was let down years ago. Danny continues to Go. He doesn't know any other way...