National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

Chief of Department Jeremy Lami of the Mobile, AL Fire Rescue Department wears his badge proudly. Born and raised within the city he serves, he was influenced by his father’s career with the Fire Department but forged his own path prior to finding his way back home. Prior to riding backwards, he joined the Army and found tremendous fulfillment as a combat medic. Upon following in his father’s footsteps, he joined the ranks of the department in 2002 and then deployed overseas for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His early days were filled with excitement, learning the job while finding the comradery that the military had offered. Rising through the ranks, Chief Lami was exposed to many different parts of the job, including a stint as the Training Captain. He enjoyed his time in the academy, helping push the progress of the department forward with those who worked along side of him. As he rose through the Chief ranks, Chief Lami continually thought about his people and the those that serve the residents of Mobile each day. Recognizing the “old school” members and their contribution is important to Chief Lami and the department, but finding ways in which we bridge the gap with the younger generation is imperative. The job is moving forward and so must departments. Chief Lami is passionate about the job, the City of Mobile and most importantly, those in which he serves; the public and his department.

This week Pip sits down to talk with his friend Aaron Hinde, Cofounder and President of Life Aid Beverage Company. You would think this podcast focus is business and healthy beverages, and yes there’s some of that. Pip and Aaron talk about a variety of topics centering on living a better life. Not just by what you are eating and drinking, but what you are consuming. Aaron’s take on things over his close to 48 years of learning can benefit everyone. Aaron also talks about losing his home in a 2020 California wildfire. This overall conversation really keeps going back to personal accountability. Whether it be fitness, business, parenting or life. So sit back, relax and get ready to ask yourself. What’s my Size Up????

Laying on the ground and figuring out his next move after the exposure building went to sh*t, Captain Ron Smith had two choices. Do nothing and die or fight your way out and live. Thankfully the latter allowed him to return to the firehouse and finish out his shift that day. A common storyline for so many that almost turned tragic that day has made Ron understand that sometimes things happen and it's how we respond that makes all the difference. Awhile before his own situation, Ron was performing a search of a dwelling and came upon two Brothers that were found to be unconscious. Working on removing them and being part in their survival is just a number of influential experiences he has had during his 24 year career in Gary, IN. These stories along with a powerful mentor pushed Ron to teach and share the good word. His class "Decisions Under Fire" is a deep dive into his experiences and mind set. It's an impactful lesson fueled by real world experience. His passion for teaching and his appreciation for laughter led him to create "Training Seconds", short form social media content on fire ground tactics and tips with a humorous delivery. Sharing a laugh and enjoying his friends, Ron has a long road ahead of sharing his stories and love of the job. Check out @training_seconds on social media for more tips from Ron Smith.

23 years with the Bridgeport, CT Fire Department has provided Nick Esposito plenty of experience. Currently serving as the Captain of the Rescue Company, Nick enjoys the diversified work. However, truck company work has been his passion for quite some time. Running the line on the engine for alittle bit in his early years was a great way to learn the need for quick water which was in result to the work of the truck company. Moving over to the truck let him explore this line of work and he quickly fell for it. He was exposed to a senior man who knew the truck and the required tasks very well. His tutelage went a long way with Nick which he credits to his passion for the truck. Positioning, operations and tactics has lead Nick to create Truck Tactics Training. Being able to share his passion with others through social media and in person training has continued to keep Nick to constantly learn himself. "Because Ladders Matter"... it's a simple saying packed with a tom of responsibility. Continue the conversation... Nick Esposito can be found at www.trucktacticstraining.com, trucktacticstraining@gmail.com and his IG @truck_tactics.

Jeremy grabs a few minutes with Robert "RJ" James , Career Firefighter with Frederick County, MD and an Instructor with Capitol Fire Training. This conversation has a lot packed into a short time slot. Talking about the main principals of firefighting, extinguishment, ventilation and search, a forth one should be added to the mix, firefighter safety and survival. Street credit, the importance of social media and the love of the job round out this episode. Check it out!! Capitol Fire Training
www.capitolfiretraining.com

IG: @sufferwithfriends Website: https://sufferwithfriends.com/ Trigger warning: This podcast discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 This week's episode features Jess, from the IG page @sufferwithfriends. Pip and Jess met in the fitness world a few years back and they have both been following each other's journeys since then. Jess was able to use fitness and her fitness community to overcome her struggles with mental health. As Jess tells her story, she provides valuable tools that anyone can use to help themselves work through a mental health crisis. She also speaks of the importance of therapy. Both professional and self care. She also drops a lot of F bombs, but then again, she is from New Jersey. If you're interested in supporting her causes head over to https://sufferwithfriends.com/wsa and sign up for the workout happening anywhere you are from 8/18-8/20. Pip will certainly be taking it on and asking himself the question. What’s My Size Up???? Trigger warning: This podcast discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255

When it's time to do fireman stuff, look no further than Jason Jeffery. He just can't turn it off. A 13 year firefighter with Georgetown, TX, his passion and love for the job is second to none. When it's time to be all in, Jason doesn't hesitate. His sincere gratitude for the job has lead him to become a mentor to many through his love of training. Sharing conferences and external training opportunities with younger firefighters is important to him but he finds himself torn between the young and old of his department. The constant tug back and forth between generations has made him more patient and has allowed him to bridge the gap between both age groups. In order to make it all work requires the strength of all the team players and Jason is the guy that can make it happen. To continue the conversation, reach out to Jason at jjfire88@yahoo.com or find him on IG @jjfire88.

Rob sits down with Chief Criag Haigh of the Hanover Park IL Fire Department who talks about what it means to be the Dynamic Fire Chief and how this program came about with some mutual friends at Revolutionary Fire Tactics at the Lake. Chief Haigh spans his career from humble beginnings, to helping with the conversion of an all volunteer department to combination, and coming home to Illinois to Hanover Park.

A highly decorated Captain Mike Dugan retired from the FDNY after 27 years of going to fires. His love for the job put him in many busy companies throughout his career and afforded him the incredible opportunities to work with and mentor many of the shining stars within the department. For his actions during a rope rescue, he received the James Gordon Bennet Award which then was followed up with the Harry M. Archer Award a year later, the department's highest citation. There is no mistaking that Mike Dugan is a New York City firefighter. The department is engrained into every ounce of his large frame. Yet, Mike loves to travel, learn and take part in sharing his experiences and knowledge with firefighters across the country. His integrity and character could never be questioned and his willingness to promote those around him is evident. Watching others succeed and being apart of the process gives Mike plenty of enjoyment. So much so, that he was awarded the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award from Fire Engineering at the 2022 FDIC ceremonies for his dedication and commitment to bettering the fire service. Intimidating on the outside, but warm and passionate on the inside, Captain Dugan has made an impact on so many within the fire service. His endless stories are powerful and his contributions immense. Mike's ability to share information and encourage others makes the job better. Check out CaptainDugan.com for more information regarding his training and educational services.

Randy Director of Brand Relations for Fire Dept Coffee Company and Rockford FFs life is fueled by Caffeine and Kindness. Just not as much Caffeine as both he and Pip used to enjoy. Randy and Pip’s conversation tells both his story and the Fire Dept Coffee Company story as well. The two talk about everything from coffee to marketing to parenting to firefighting. Jason Patton is even mentioned once or twice during the show. Towards the end of the episode Randy lets Pip in on his passion project. The Fire Dept Coffee Company Humanitarian Response vehicle. Make sure to listen in to learn how this vehicle will be helping those in need around the country. Grab a cup of your favorite brew (preferably Fire Dept Coffee), sit back and listen in. Then ask yourself the question? What's my Size Up?