National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

Pip sits down with his mate Gerard Mann from Fire Rescue Victoria Melbourne Australia to chat about the importance of friendship in their lives.

The fire service is hard enough when you first enter the door and realize there's so much to learn. An overwhelming feeling sets in as you try to comprehend the intricacies of the job. Compound that times four... when Joe Minehan walked through the doors on his first day, it took him a solid 10 years to figure out his place in the Boston Fire Department. As a forth generation firefighter, following in the giant footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather was no easy task. Legacy has its' privileges', however, finding your place and role within the organization while trying to stake your claim to the individual you want to be is a tall order. Today, Joe Minehan is a District Chief within the Boston Fire Department. His passion and love of the job is an everyday routine. He doesn't take the job for granted like he did during his younger years. He has found his way in conjunction with the precedent set forth by the previous Minehan generations. So much triumph and tragedy within his family's legacy; from his Father's LODD on 6/24/94 to his Grandfather's first fire being at the Coconut Grove fire and his Great-Grandfather retiring as a District Chief. All of this compounded with incredible mentors allowed Joe to find his way. An unconditional love for the job, Joe continues to be a student of the fire service while teaching those around him about RIT and firefighter survival. So much history and experience is wrapped up inside of Joe Minehan, so look for another episode with him very soon.

With close to 40 years in the fire service, over 30 of them with the FDNY, Captain Mark Gregory loves the job. Throughout his career he has been surrounded by some of the very best the FDNY has to offer. His mentorship line up reads something like a fairy tale, working the back step with big names of the business. The lessons learned and the character and integrity shared with him in his early years certainly set Mark up for a solid career. Currently the Captain of Ladder 176, "The Tin House Truck", he continues to be immersed into the job and continues to being a student of the game. As an originator of PL Vulcan, his training company that specializes in courses like "Man vs. Machine", Mark and his hand selected crew trach across the country as one of the "OG" training companies in the US. There reputation is impeccable and their mission and delivery is on point. Crediting his friend and mentor Peter Lund, "Keep it Simple" in the PL Vulcan mantra. No need to over complicate the job and that remains truer than ever today. Mark enjoys his guys and the comradery of the job more than ever. In his words, "Put your cell phone in your locker and enjoy the show." Mark believes this is the best job in the world and he's not slowing down anytime soon. With his large smile and engaging demeanor, Mark Gregory is a presence you need to meet. His high energy, strong belief in treating a fireman like a fireman and his taste for good cigars are all characteristics we should all strive for. -- Check our Pl Vulcan at www.plvulcanfiretrainingconcepts.com for more information.

Quite often the Chief's role can be a lonely one. From a once thriving firefighter and line officer, when you become the Chief of Department, there are plenty of hurdles that you have not encountered on your way up. One in particular, politics. Even the very best firefighter with an impeccable record and reputation isn't ready for the back and forth required when dealing with the higher ups. Jared Renshaw, the Fire Commissioner of the Western berks Fire Department has learned through trial and error the ins and outs of playing politics. His course titled, "A Fire Chief's Guide to Surviving Local Politics" is a powerful class that helps give guidance to those who are thrusted into the Chief's position and now has to deal with city hall. The need for "forecasting" and "strategic planning" are just two topics that Jared dives into. The glorious side to being the Chief is certainly on the fireground and the success of their department. However, it is much more common to deal with the inglorious side of managing and maintaining a fire department. Budgets, political favors, working with other departments all while balancing the conversation for your people while protecting their best interests... this is a high stakes game and it falls primarily on you, the Fire Chief. Jared's course certainly is not your everyday class but the value and message it brings to the table is powerful and can certainly help new Chief's in their roll.

YOLO, You Only Live Once is the motto of this week's guest. Firefighter/EMT, model, Calendar Stud, Game Show Star and good friend Levi Sandoval. Levi and Pip chat about fitness, fame and how hard work and his YOLO attitude landed him a major modeling deal with the Indian Motorcycle company. Levi has also been featured in and on the cover of the Colorado Firefighter calendar. He explains how working with that organization allowed him to give back and realize that he might be able to chase a dream he didn’t know he really had. Levi’s story is far from over. He continues to use the same mentality that started his career as a firefighter to create more opportunities outside of the job. Constantly asking himself that one big question: What’s My Size Up??? https://cofirefightercalendar.org/

Join Jeremy as he discusses the Vector, REV Group's electric fire apparatus now hitting the streets. This educational walk around occurred at FDIC 2023. Rob Anselmi, Toronto FIre Service and Roger Lackore of the REV Group join Jeremy in the discussion.

Join Jeremy as he hosts "It's Tiller Time" from FDIC 2023 with Steve Crothers of tractordrawnaerial.com and Dave Perkins of the REV Group.

Rob and Pip grab a bunch of friends and catch up during this years' FDIC in Indy.

Jeremy and Sam from HiViz Lighting catch up in the podcast booth during FDIC 2023.

@foodonthestovedc Second generation Washington DC firefighter Jonathan Tate wanted to give back to the fire service. As a child he saw the impact his father was able to make not only on the job, but on the community he grew up in. Food is a cultural staple within the fire service. Jonathan saw a need to educate firefighters on the importance of healthy eating. Starting the not for profit Food on the Stove as a passion project within his department. Pip and Jonathan talk about his life, healthy eating, pensions , and his upcoming conference International Firefighters Weekend in DC. This is a must listen episode for everyone. Jonathan’s “Crayon Level” teaching style when it comes to nutrition is a lesson everyone needs to hear. Healthy eating is just another aspect to think about when we ask ourselves that question, What’s My Size Up????