National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

23 years with the City of Yuba City, CA, Battalion Chief Eric Hankins recognizes that his position can affect change within his organization. The Battalion Chief still hits the street with companies and is a important part of the operations structure in and out of the firehouse. His presence on the fire ground provides him with the insight he needs to be a champion for the needs of those working the streets. It's a liaison position, the go between the firefighter and officers and the administration. Being able to affect change is a great task and one Eric does not hold lightly. His roots in the fire service hooked him and he took a quick liking to the emergency services. A focus on training really hooked him and he found his way to conferences, training events and other activities where he found like minded firefighters. He was always looking for more knowledge, more insight about the job he was so passionate about. his lead to friendships and comradery that opened more and more doors. He soon found himself the Vice President of the FOOLS (international) and teaching with some of the biggest names in the business. Inside the job, Eric is a decorated firefighter including the 2010 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award by FDIC / Fire Engineering as well as the California State Firefighters Association Medal of Valor for his heroic rescues made off duty from a burning building. His career thus far has been everything he has wanted and more. He has come to understand the need for a sort of balance outside the job and he finds that the two wheel therapy of his motorcycle is exactly what he needs. A member of the Men of Fire Motorcycle Club allows him to unwind and decompress from the job. He values his friendships and recognizes we need to do more for one another. Losing several Brothers and friends to mental health, he knows we have along way to go to help our own and he is passionate about the topic of mental health in the fire service. Eric Hankins loves the job and continues to teach and promote why the job is so good. Eric truly believes that you need to share it in order to pay it forward and he continues to do that each day.

Pip talks about the importance of music in his life

From wildland firefighting out west to structural firefighting in South Carolina, Kerri Lawson has found a comfort in firefighting. A strong female mentor early on set the stage for Kerri to find her way into the wildland protection. Growing up surrounded by the great outdoors, her love of the freedom and lifestyle that surrounds that type of living was so impactful to her. Wildland firefighting offered something she wanted and proved to be a test of her wit and determination. Dong the job the same as her male counterparts was imperative so that she knew she belonged exactly where she was. Always facing scrutiny and having to prove herself, Kerri has always been on the offensive in making sure she is an equal. From her wilderness days to now firefighting with the St. John's Fire District in South Carolina, she knows that firefighting is where she belongs. Focusing on herself and making sure those around her are well, she is an advocate for metal health. Dealing with her own struggles at times, finding an outlet and just talking with someone can change the course of someone's life. Kerri is passionate about people and those who might need an ear. She longs for the mountains of Wyoming and Utah and hopes to find her way back to her roots because the wilderness is where she thrives.

The world needs more firefighters... career long firefighters. Philadelphia, PA Squad 72 Firefighter Jeff Eckert is longing to retire as a firefighter. A career of riding backwards all while honing his skills and never admitting that 'he knows". There's something to be said for a guy who wants to remain a firefighter throughout his career all while continuing to be a student of the game while paying it forward. Jeff continues to be a student and takes any opportunity he can to better himself. "The highest rank doesn't equal the most knowledgeable"; something that Jeff has come to know and understand. Good leaders understand that there are times those in senior positions need to step in and "lead". it's impossible for someone to know it all regardless of position. Knowing when to step aside and let those with the experience and knowledge in a particular subject be the lead. This style and approach requires confidence. Jeff is proud of his road to becoming a seasoned firefighter. His position with Squad 72 is a cherished one that he knows he has to work hard at to maintain. Over his 25 years in the fire service and the last 17 with Philadelphia, he decided to share his knowledge and experience along with his partner by beginning Philly Tin Helmet Training. Their training company and social media pages offer training tips by seasoned firefighters who are students themselves. Jeff's love for the job is strong and his passion runs deep. It is evident in this conversation and how he conducts himself day in and day out on the fireground.

"A growth mindset requires a training mindset" falls right inline with Jeremy Mathis' belief in continuing to be better. Not just fire training, but life training. Family, faith and the fire ground, three things that Jeremy is passionate about and knows that each needs individual focus but more importantly how one affects the other. Jeremy is a Captain with the Covington, GA Fire Department and is the Director of Training for FAST Rescue Solutions. His hectic schedule requires a team approach and it all starts at home. His family is most important and their focus on religion and faith are key to their appreciation of life. Jeremy is passionate about the fire service and truly is a humbled servant of it as well. Each aspect of his life is done with an underlying tone of service and appreciation for the opportunities and experiences. Over time, Jeremy has dealt with a common theme found within the fire service, imposter syndrome. Being afforded opportunities or finding your way to a place that you believe you don't deserve or worthy of can be hard to navigate in your career. As humble as Jeremy is, his abilities are vast and his knowledge is top shelf. Be belongs in front, teaching and leading because he truly understands what it is to be a humbled servant. He works for his people and understands the value of giving more than you take. Jeremy Mathis is someone to watch and has so much in front of him. His commitment to training and protecting the FAST Rescue Solution culture is never wavering. He loves his family, his faith and the fire service and it shows through his daily actions and his contribution to the fire service.

This week Pip chats it up with Kim Raimon aka @peliKimproducts on the IG. Kim works in the sales division for Pelican, as well as being a volunteer firefighter in her hometown of Ho-Ho-Kus NJ (not the only double hyphen town in the US). Looking to get a degree in Anthropology? This episode is for you then. Pip and Kim talk about all things Pelican, her life as a volunteer firefighter (covering couplings with diapers) as well as her job as a social media sales/marketing up and comer. This episode really does have it all. We talk about NJ, allergies, fires, the military and even the guys at the airport who wear ear muffs and wave the party lights for planes. Get ready to soak in the knowledge and ask yourself that question, What’s My Size Up???

Growing up in the Bronx to Irish immigrants, Robert "Bobby" Burke was going to become either a police officer or a fireman. He chose to be an actor. From the neighborhood streets of Washington Heights to his teen years on Long Island, Bobby found himself in and out of jobs along the way until acting became a constant in his life. But during those years, he was surrounded by firefighters and it was second nature to him to hear the stories of the job. He never understood the reality of these stories until years later when he became a firefighter himself. The events of September 11, 2001 hit Bobby hard. His best friend for many years, Patrick "Paddy" Brown was killed that day along with so many others Bobby knew. The attacks that day served as a calling to Bobby, a way in which he picked up the torch of those he loved and lost that day and now carries with him each day. His acting career is vast and his credits are recognizable, but his passion commitment to the fire service is just as notable. He is proud to wear his uniform and to educate those he can influence along the way. Working with several foundations, including the Leary Firefighter's Foundation and the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Foundation, allows Bobby to mix his two worlds so that he can continue to carry the torch he picked up many years ago.

Pip gets personal with this Pip Talk. Talking about the recent loss of his mother, Janet. Losing his mom gave Pip and his family a new appreciation for both life and death. He shares a bit of that story with this weeks Pip Talk.

Ego can be a funny thing... For Lt. Chris Overpeck, it was a pivotal point in his career in which he had to come to some hard realizations. With close to 30 years in the fire service, the Chris Overpeck of today is quite different than the younger Chris Overpeck. His early days of kicking ass and working with companies of hard chargers, his days in Gary, IN proved to be career highlight days even with only a few years on the job. Gary, IN offered plenty of opportunity to work and to build your "resume" in regards to fire duty. However, life outside the firehouse is just as important and finding the balance is critical. When you're 100 MPH on the job and kicking ass, dialing it back and navigating the rest of the world can be a real challenge. Over time, Chris ended up in Terra Haute, IN, another tough town that offers plenty of work to go around. However, managing his early days in Terra Haute were tough, largely in part because he already had it all figured out... Life is funny and over time, experience evens out with maturity. This open conversation with Chris discusses alot of his hard times and how he navigated life inside and outside of the firehouse. Chris Overpeck today is a caring, thoughtful, nurturing Brother who appreciates everything he has and the friendships he has made. His tone today is warm and welcoming and his passion for the job is top shelf, but more importantly, his support of those around him, is what makes Chris a standout today!!

21 years with the Houston, TX Fire Department, Captain Gabriel Dominguez has seen the many highs and low of the job. The highs are the easy part but the lows, they can be a real challenge even for the best of us. Finding a way to give back and be apart of something special, Gabe got involved with the Texas Firefighter's Home which is a not for profit, 501c3 organization that offers free housing for up to 90 days for firefighters and their families who seek medical attention. Houston has the largest medical center in the country as well as a tremendous health care system and many firefighters and their families find their way there for treatment and other medical procedures. The stress of the medical emergency alone is enough for our people, so the Texas Firefighter's Home takes the burden off our firefighters when looking for how they will be able to relocate during their medical needs. They current have six units available for those that apply online. Not only will you be given a place to stay, but Gabe and the organization's Ambassadors from Local 341 will check in on you and your family as well as make sure you are comfortable and your needs are met. Gabe and the organization believe that just like the fireground, no one should go through a MAYDAY alone. When a medical issue arises in your family, we need to circle the wagons, come together and make sure our own are taken care of. This episode is to drive awareness about this incredible program that is available to any firefighter and their families within the US. Take advantage of this program, to learn more or to donate, check out www.texasfirefightershome.org.