National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

10 year Philadelphia firefighter Dave Weinman wanted one thing early on in his career, more fires. "Trying to find more fires" was something Dave wanted so that he could be the firefighter he always wanted to be. Landing at Ladder 13 on the west side of Philadelphia is home for Dave and he hopes to stay there until the day he walks out on his terms. Mentors early in his career coupled with his own pursuit of "Pride and Ownership" set the stage for his tinkering with tools and equipment. Always being hyper focused on whatever he set his mind to, Dave continued to learn the tools of the trade in addition to finding it as a way to learn something new. From there, he taught himself how to renovate his home, restore old infrastructure and frankly, became a jack of all trades. Realizing his passion for the restoration industry, he began his own YouTube channel, "Parts and Restoration", on the advise of his brothers in the firehouse. From there, this father of two became successful in the space and was soon being part of a television series on the History channel, "Secret Restoration". Dave credits his all of this to his hard work and his willingness to fail. "We cannot ignore our mistakes" is something Dave is adamant about. It's a part of life and certainly apart of being a firefighter. Dave Weinman is exactly who he is and he doesn't want to be anything else. Things become really good when you become content and happy with who you are as a person. Dave has an incredible future ahead while he continues on his life's journey of being the guy he chooses to be. -- Check out Dave Weinman's YouTube channel, "Parts and Restoration".

With 756 podcast’s under his belt, James Geering is what we may describe as a serious podcaster. Pip was stoked to be able to interview him, being that Pip has been a guest on the Behind the Shield Podcast , not once, not twice, but three times. James and Pip spend their time talking about the vast array of guests he has had the privilege of interviewing and learning from. Hence the title of this episode , The Perpetual Student. James speaks of his goals for himself, the podcast and his listeners. As well as some of the issues that are currently plaguing Emergency Service providers worldwide. We highly recommend adding Behind the Shield to your current podcast rotation, or you can literally pick through past episodes if you are looking for more information on a specific topic. James is also an author, his book, One More Light can be found on his website or Amazon. IG:@behindtheshield Website. www.jamesgeering.com

Throw back episode of the The Coffee Table Podcast that debuted in 2021.

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.