National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

206. Alabama Firefighters Training Foundation by Jeremy Donch

Master Firefighter and Paramedic Kris Ussery is currently assigned to the Training Division of the Virginia Beach, VA Fire Department. In this position she has become the mentor and leader of the Fire Cadet program that embraces kids between 14-18 years of age and teaches them about the fire service. Kris' dedication to this group is evident by the incredible growth that has occurred over the last few years. From 8 kids when she took over the program to over 30 today, the growth can be attributed to word of mouth by their cadets. She treats the cadets like other fire department personnel, putting them through the same processes and holding them to a high level of trust and respect. By making the experience real, it gives the cadets a sense of ownership and pride. The power of this program can certainly set these kids up for success. Teaching them necessary life skills and holding them to a high standard will help throughout their lives, regardless of if they enter the emergency services. But wouldn't it be incredible if these kids find themselves being hired by the Virginia Beach, VA Fire Department?? Kris believes that this program can be a pipeline of educating potential candidates for later on in their journey. To get buy in at those early years will certainly set the department up for future success. Kris Ussery is committed to the program by mentoring her "Fire Nerds" and building the relationship between the department and its' future.

Mike France is the President of the MacBoston 18 Truck Organization which is a 501c3 not for profit group that recognizes our fallen. Serving as a moving memorial for LODD firefighters in New York state, the MacBoston TDA is named after its' origins, the city of Boston and after fallen comrade Paul MacMurray of Hudson Falls, NY. The initial intent of the TDA was to be a fun activity for a group of friends but it quickly became much more than that. Today, the MacBoston 18 Truck organization holds training events, attends wakes and funerals as well as tours the state of New York celebrating the lives of our fallen. Mike France is at the helm of this great organization and he credits their success to all of the supporters of their group. Recognizing those who laid their lives down on the job will always be the main focus of their organization. They will continue to keep their memories alive through education and public awareness. -- Check out www.macboston.com for more information regarding the MacBoston 18 Truck Organization.

Are you Consistently Savage? Sarah Ray aka The Shrinking Savage is living proof that you can be. Pip and Sarah talk about her weight loss journey, which began when she put being a volunteer firefighter on a temporary hold. Sarah talks about how consistently being consistent with her healthy habits keeps her on track and moving forward. What started as an online journal of her journey for herself has grown into something much much more. Sarah’s IG and Tick Toc page has become a source of inspiration for many, of course she has picked up some haters along the way but as she said. If one post helps one person, that’s all that matters. We talk about her bariatric surgery, her job as a dispatcher, running lots of miles and inspiring strangers. Sarah never set out to inspire folks, but she has and plans to continue to do so. This episode will definitely inspire you and make you ask yourself the question, What’s my Size Up??? IG:Shrinking_savage_ TikTok: sarahray90

Retired Fire Captain Bill Lavin hasn't slowed down his continuous efforts in public service since 2014. 26 years with the Elizabeth, NJ Fire Department, 11 years as the Local President and another 16 years as the Statewide Local President, Bill always fought for what is right and deserved. Maybe to his detriment, he takes everything personal. Witnessing tragedy during his tenure led Bill to believe he wanted to do more in giving back as another way to offer public service. Hurricane Katrina, September 11, 2001 and the Sandy Hook school shooting were events that shook Bill Lavin and he wanted to do more. Bill found Where Angels Play, a not for profit foundation that builds playgrounds for those lost during tragedy. Triumph over tragedy is important to Bill and the foundation. Surrounded by hard working volunteers, their foundation has built over 60 playgrounds memorializing these innocent lives lost. Their foundation is not stopping any time soon. As terrible as tragedy is, foundations like Where Angels Play can offer so much for the families and the people involved in the process. This powerful group is making a difference just like firefighters, running towards the tragedy and trying to make a best scenario outcome for all involved. Bill Lavin's passion for the process and love for the families and victims is second to none. He speaks from the heart and the success of this foundation is for one main reason, he takes everything personal. Please visit www.whereangelsplayfoundation.org for more information. The foundation is always looking for volunteers, vendors to offer support and monetary donations. Corporate sponsors play a large role in the process as well and shout outs to Jersey Mikes, Home Depot, Old Castle and Campbell Supply.

With almost 40 years in the fire service, Aaron Heller has accomplished alot. Recently retiring as a Deputy Chief with the Hamilton Township, NJ Fire Department, Aaron knew the time was right. Being apart of a large scale consolidation of 9 fire departments into one, Aaron felt the time was right after some of the dust settled to hang up his duty radio and begin to focus on the other parts of his life. Leaving the job doesn't mean that he is walking away for the fire service. Not even close. Aaron is working harder today on behalf of the fire service with his training company, On-Scene Training Associates. His Instructor staff is broad and they cover many different disciplines in the fire service. A cadre of experienced firefighters, his staff is located across the country and are always busy pushing the job forward on the training grounds. "The harder you work, the lucky you get" was mentioned during the episode. Hard work is persistence, and persistence allows for more opportunity. Aaron Heller continues to make his own luck by constantly grinding and sharing his experience and knowledge of the job. Though retired, Aaron is not slowing anytime soon.

Recently, Jeremy hosted a roundtable discussion in New London, CT with Captain Nick Esposito. Bridgeport, CT and Lt. Mickey Farrell, FDNY. Titled, Experience Matters, this roundtable was a fund raiser for the New London, CT Burn Foundation. Both speakers have successful social media pages; Nick Esposito is the man behind @truck_tactics and Mickey Farrell runs @topfloortactics. Both knowledgeable pages that share their experiences from the streets of their cities.

Brockton, MA has one of their own at the helm of their Fire Department. Chief of Department Brian Nardelli is homegrown on the streets of Brockton. He grew up there and he lives there today. The town has changed some but his love for it has never wavered. Brian has an infectious way about him. His demeanor is consuming and his presence is felt. He is passionate about the fire service but more importantly, he recognizes those who he serves; both the community and his firefighters. Proud of his city and department, this straight talking Chief believes in the importance of knowing our past. Without knowing the foundation for which the department was built, it is hard to steer it into the future. Brian admits he's at the helm, however, he credits all the success on his people. They are the reason for which Brian enjoys going to work each day. At a recent fire, Chief Nardelli speaks to the news agencies about the tough work his firefighters faced and explained the monumental task of removing victims over ground ladders. He focused on his people the entire time making sure the public they serve understands the significance of their accomplishments. The fire service would be in a much better place if more Chiefs followed in Brian Nardelli's footsteps. If you're not pushing this job forward, it's time to go. Brian is truly enjoying his time and position. He continues to walk the training grounds, learn new things and meet new people. Staying in touch and making sure he gets out of his office will continue to ground him and his responsibilities. Chief Brian Nardelli certainly appreciates his people and lets his people work. Brockton, MA Fire Department is in a great place with Chief Nardelli at the helm. Well done Chief!!

Welcome Back!!!! After a longer than expected hiatus, The Size Up by National Fire Radio is returning to the podcast world. Pip decided to start the reboot just like he started the original. Jeremy, from National Fire Radio joins Pip for this week's chat. And boy does he chat, and chat and chat. Jeremy, From National Fire Radio breaks down a bit about his past 5 years and our plan for this podcast. Then we just start to have one of our normal conversations, which as we hang up, we always say, we should have recorded this for the podcast. Although Jeremy isn’t used to being “the guest” he does a great job of taking a step back as he talks about his personal life. This conversation is surely one for the books, as Pip and Jeremy talk about their childhoods, their careers and families. Parenting, Podcasting and Friendship are all included in this look behind The National Fire Radio curtain.

What do you want to be when you grow up?? This all to common question we ask children certainly didn't trip up Bo Yelich when he was little. From very early on, he was immersed into the fire service by his mother and father. "It's Mom's fault", says Bo. "She's the one who brought me down to the firehouse when dad was working." Watching his father work the firehouse and command the fire ground, Bo knew he was going to follow in his footsteps. Being a generational firefighter sure has its' challenges though. Walking in the shadows of his father, Bo had to find his own way and make a name for himself. Growing up during that time, it's the "Sons and Dads Generation", where the sons want to be their dads. Finding his way through some busy departments in the South, Bo gained plenty of experience early on in his career. Finding himself in the 10-20 year position, there are plenty of times where he is the front man for the younger, hungry firefighters as well as acting up when called upon to do so. Bo Yelich loves the job and has from the day he was born. Crafting his own narrative and finding his own way on the fire ground continues to fuel his need to be the best he can be. He loves to talk about the job but more importantly, he loves to do the job!!