National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

When we create an environment of micromanagement and sheltering our people from their actual job, we create Zoo Animals. The fire service can't afford to have zoo animals working the fireground. We need wild animals, ones that learn by trial and error, ones that find their way on their terms and have real world experience. Weak bosses stunt the growth of the individuals by creating an environment of seeking permission to perform their duties. When we get to this place, our hungry firefighters are held back and learn to ask for what they need instead of going and getting it themselves. The public deserves the very best from their firefighters and they can't afford to have zoo animals providing the protection they have come to expect. Bosses - let your people work and get out of their way!!

Jeremy grabs a conversation with Derek Travers, Mike McGinn and Michael Goldstein about the New Hampshire Emergency Services Explorer Training Academy (NHESETA) that they put on for 14-20 year old's at the New Hampshire State Fire Academy. -- https://www.nheseta.org/

Firefighting is a process. It takes experience and maturity which only comes with time on the fireground. To often we rush the process because we want more quickly. Bu this can stunt your growth, and limit your exposure to all of the intricacies of the job over the course of time. Like reading cliff notes, you can write a paper or take a test, but you will always do better if you read the entire book. However, there are times that the process is rushed because of the needs of the company or department. Promoting quicker, less time riding backwards and less exposure to experience can all become part of this equation. Sometimes we need to move along more quickly and therefore, the bigger picture needs you to rush the process. If this is the case, then do everything you can to be informed, educate yourself more than the next guy and learn through training and others experience. I believe you can gain great understanding and knowledge through others. t's not an easy world these days, but if you can, enjoy the ride and make it yours to have.

This week Pip is joined by Conrad Weaver, documentarian and cross country bike rider. Conrad’s recent documentary PTSD911 will be released on Amazon on October 28th. Pip and Conrad talk about the documentary and his coast to coast bike ride to promote it, and first responder wellness. @ptsd911movie https://ptsd911movie.com/

The microphone is turned and Jeremy is on the other side of the conversation. This episode is worth the listen!! -- James Geering and the Behind the Shield Podcast.

Vanguard Safety Wear; Ryan Pennington Andy Shapiro Nick Dinges

@chiefsoller @professional.brotherhood Are you constantly evolving?? For episode 29 Pip sits down with friend and fellow podcaster Brian Soller (Pip finally pronounces his name right). The two friends talk about their growth as firefighters, and friends. The topics vary, but the conversation overall stays the same. How are you evolving and what are you doing in your life to make yourself better. There’s definitely a part 2 for these two down the line. Listen carefully as these two east coast guys chat quickly, but should still have you asking yourself that question. What’s My Size Up????

Jeremy and Pip sit down to talk about their experiences with bringing on guests, and the importance of telling the guests story. The two also dive into some discussions about movies and their influence on them today.

Battalion Chief Tom Gherman is a humble man who early knew he wanted to be a firefighter. From his early volunteer days in Lewisburg, WV, this second generation firefighter watched and emulated his father early on. The volunteer fire service left an incredible impact on Tom, realizing how important it is to be apart of something bigger that gives back to the community in which he lived. Furthering his career, he became a career firefighter with Roanoke, VA where he currently is a Battalion Chief. His early days of training and commitment have stayed with him throughout his career. Today, it is widely known in his Battalion that "Gherman is going to make us work" during their shift. Tom believes that when you're working, you're working. It is important to cut out the distractions of everyday life and focus on the job in which you're there to do. Training is important and part of the day in, day out process. Finding time in the hectic schedule can be challenging, but Tom knows how important it is and pushes his companies to make the time. Reflecting back on the mentors that impressed upon him the values of the job, he speaks highly of those who influenced him early on and tries to emulate the same today for those firefighters that look to him for guidance. In fact, Tom is on the show because his own firefighters recommended him to NFR and that his impact on the job and the firefighters is top shelf. A big man with a humble heart, Battalion Chief Tom Gherman loves the job and the people in which he serves and works with.

Early in Lt. Jason Fejer's career as a DOD firefighter, the call volume was thin so it provided an incredible opportunity to pursue all the training he could absorb. Idle time was filled with opportunity for higher education which in turn opened doors for wanting more from the job. Transferring to the City of Albuquerque, NM, Jason found the busier department had so much more to offer but credits his DOD days on getting him dialed into the job. He spent many years "piping" in some busy companies around the city and then found himself promoted to the Lieutenant position. Taking some time in the "alarm room" was an eye opening experience and one he still thinks back on today. Those busy tours taught him alot about the other side of the job and how important it was to the suppression and medical units in the field. Finding his way back to suppression, being an LT on the engine pushed him to remember his early days of training and how important it is to the mission of the company and department. Promoting his crews, working on what was deficient and shining a light on the good, he found the medium of Instagram to share his experience and knowledge. Today, Jason has a new challenge in front of him, the department's PIO. A challenging position with a whole new set of rules and engagement, Jason enjoys the challenge and embraces the opportunities that come with the position. Being well rounded will make you a better firefighter and Jason Fejer is certainly willing to try different things along the way.