National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

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!!

Leading Firefighter Gerard Mann of Fire Rescue Victoria , Australia, is always on the hunt for new "mates". He finds himself looking for similar people who love the job as much as he does. Working as a firefighter for 11 years, Gerard has come to know one thing for sure; firefighters are the same across all borders. Presented with challenges within his urban center, Gerard went all in on learning high-rise strategies and tactics. This need for knowledge and experience led him to find other firefighters globally who could help him design and develop plans for the growing cities in Australia. Gerard fell in love with the complexity of the fire which kept him pressing forward. Firefighting knows no boundaries and now Gerard teaches internationally as well as at FDIC. His attitude and demeanor is infectious and he genuinely buys into people. "I need more friends" is the prefect title for this episode because he truly wants to shake hands and hug everyone he meets. This episode is packed with great stuff and we only scratched the surface with Gerard. Get ready for the continuation episode in the next few weeks!!

Rob and jeremy catch up after two strong conference weekends. Jeremy attended the New England FOOLS conference in Maine while Rob attended the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Foundation training weekend in Texas.

Retiring as a Deputy Chief with the Syracuse, NY Fire Department, John Kane hopped right into teaching after his retirement. Many find themselves touring the region or even nationally speaking about the job and educating students who are hungry to learn. But John didn't have to look far to begin his teaching career. Instead teaching hungry firefighters across the country, John went to work as an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Fire Protection Technology Degree program at the SUNY Onondaga Community College. This two year Associate's Degree program teaches students the ins and outs of public service. Geared towards firefighting, this program is offering a wide array of classes as well as hands on training to students who want to pursue public service in their future. The program is ever evolving, using subject matter expects as adjunct professors who bring a sense of experience and knowledge with them while teaching our up and coming firefighters. The perfect balance of theory, application and experience has allowed this program to flourish over the years. John is a part of the programs 40 year history that boasts over 80% of graduates going to a job in the public service sector. A rich history that also includes the ability to be a student firefighter so that the student can become totally immersed in the firefighting community. John's hard work and dedication to the program has helped it grow while creating a strong base for future students. As the job changes, so does the type of candidates we are actively looking for. Education is important to the job and being able to help shape future generations by providing a thriving place to learn and operate will create the successful path everyone wants in a fire service career. John Kane is helping ensure that the future of the fire service is in a good place.

Reboot episode with Rob and Jeremy.

Matt and Steve of the Primary Complete podcast finally sit down with Jeremy and talk shop. These two hard chargers wanted to create the podcast as a way of giving back and connecting with the job. Dedicated to the pushing the job forward, their podcast talks shop but it also explores life outside the job. From their studio in NC, these two are genuinely interested in their guests and their stories. We all have alot to learn and everyone can share a story that resonates with each one of us. Their mission is clear - engage people and enjoy your time with those around you. BUT, their fortitude is clear... we must hold the line when it comes to the job and the people we serve. It's not all sunshine and rainbows and this episode winds through many different conversations that paint a realistic picture of today's fire service and society in general. Not afraid to have the discussions, Matt and Steve are poised to do great things with the Primary Complete podcast. Check them out!! --- www.https://www.primarycompletepodcast.com/

A "Jersey Guy", John Lewis was all in from an early age. Emulating his Father and older Brother, John knew he wanted to be a firefighter. Joining the volunteer department at an early age set the stage for his love of the job. Soon after, John was hired in a small department in NJ where he was exposed to plenty of work. Many memorable jobs were made but one in particular still stands out. John was caught in a flashover while trying to rescue a civilian during a structural fire. As his gear caught fire, John had to bail out leaving the victim behind. A difficult decision that could've been life ending for himself as well. Learning how to cope with this was certainly a challenging part of the job. An important leader at the time pushed John to teach and talk about his experience. As he became more comfortable with speaking and sharing, the training route became easier. Changing departments due to layoffs, John now found himself in an urban department and promoting upward. His experiences were put to the test when his own department suffered a LODD and his know how and experience helped the department at their lowest time. John's influence and organic love for the fire service made him relatable to both the young and old and his demeanor made him a standout to many entry level firefighters on the academy grounds. His influence can be felt near and far. No longer riding apparatus, John is still involved with teaching and spreading the good word. His contribution to the fire service has been instrumental in moving the dial on today's fire service.

Deputy Assistant Chief John Norman's (ret.) latest book, "Working with Giants" is the perfect title for how he talks about the job. As he reminisces about his incredible career, he constantly credits those he worked along side of. Those who served as mentors as well as those who served under Chief Norman's command are remembered and talked about by name. With over 50 years in the fire service, 27 of them with the FDNY, Chief Norman certainly has a lifetimes' worth of experiences. His love for the job took him to so many different places throughout his career, most of which was with the Special Operations Command (SOC). Recognizing the importance of his experience, Chief Norman began publishing articles and publications to help push the job forward. His contributions to the Fire Service are quite vast. His widely read book, the Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics is an industry staple. He has dedicated his lifetime of experience to educating and promoting the job. Even today, Chief Norman recognized the need to share his knowledge through social media channels. A love for fire photos and storytelling makes social media the perfect delivery platform for his willingness to share. Reaching the next generation by where they spend their time is case in point about how in tune Chief Norman is with the job. Adapting to today and understanding the importance of his contributions, Chief Norman will continue to educate as long as he "doesn't run out of photos." John Norman's legacy and commitment to the fire service certainly makes him one of the "Giants". -- For more information, check out www.chiefnorman.com or find him on IG @chiefnormanfdny

Sometimes opportunity presents itself and you have to just have to believe and go all in. Coming off the line for a year and taking a staff position, Lt. Auggie Matt of the Syracuse, NY Fire Department loves working the streets. Prior to being promoted, he was the senior driver of the Rescue and really liked where he was at. But when the Chief asked him to take on a new project with another Lieutenant, he went all in. Creating the Syracuse Fire Department's Professional Development Program was an opportunity to change the trajectory of the department. Creating a blueprint for the membership in both horizontal and vertical applications, Auggie knew how game changing such an endeavor could be. Having a department and administration that believes in the promotion of their people, they provided the tools necessary for firefighters and officers alike to further their education within the fire service. It is not uncommon to have firefighters talking about the courses they're taking or asking questions about the next class coming up. This environment is buy in from the top down and the bottom up. Giving each member the ability to further themselves creates a healthy environment where the attitude is to be better. It's not surprising that Auggie saw the importance of this process. As a student of the fire service, he knows the importance of history and speaks regularly about the early days of the department. He is the owner of Take The Door Training and he runs the annual Heavy Rescue Conference in Syracuse, NY each September. His love of the job and passion for pushing the job forward is evident in everything he touches. The job is good and people like Auggie work hard at making sure it stays that way. -- Check out www.takethedoor.com for moori information about Auggie, his training company and the Heavy Rescue Conference.

How does one know when they become the "Senior Man"?? There is no formal process or recipe for how and when it happens. But there are the ingredients that are necessary for who becomes the "Senior Man". Jess Rodzinka, a Captain with the Charlottesville, VA Fire Department found himself navigating this situation during his 25 year career. The informal leader of the firehouse, this position is often talked about but what is an actual "Senior Man"?? The skills and traits required to carry this title. It's not being the oldest, it doesn't require being the longest serving... it's more than all of that. The one who is looked up to, the one who makes shit happen, the one the boss talks to to make things happen. Respected and protective of the company, its' rules and operations. The list goes on and on with what goes into this pivotal position. Jess dives in and speaks about the ins and outs of the "Senior Man" position and has created a class about it. He speaks from first hand knowledge and experience. His passion for his people, the integrity of the company and the importance of legacy. These traits are all part of the job and meaning of the "Senior Man."