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Captain of Planning and Research was never really in the forward vision of Nick Papa's career. He enjoyed being an engine boss and going to fires. He enjoys the personal growth of himself and his crew when they work the fire ground. However, comfort can be a conundrum. Looking for opportunity and future growth, stepping into the role of the Captain of Planning and Research in the New Britain, CT Fire Department took Nick out of his comfort zone and thrusted him into a position that he is enjoying. This new position has allowed Nick to focus on the other aspects of the job that he might not of had the opportunity to learn. His ability to structure their first inhouse recruit academy was a huge win for the department. Nick is now in a larger, more influential position within the department that can affect larger scale change. Protecting the core principals and culture of the department is important and he can ensure that this is prevalent each day when mentoring the next generation. His passion for furthering his own education opens the door for new possibilities in which he can now pass along to his Brothers and Sisters. All of these items coupled with learning the administration side of the job will give Nick the necessary tools to be better. Uncomfortable keeps you learning. Taking a chance on something new is a challenge Nick Papa welcomes. In the course of a career, a quick stop over can be instrumental in personal growth and being a better firefighter and boss. Absorb as much as you can so that you make your time count. Nick is doing just that. -- Check out Nick Papa at www.firesidetraining.org or reach out to him at firesidetraining@yahoo.com. He is a powerful instructor and a published author adding tremendous value to the fire service.

Today Rob sits down with Ithica, NY Firefighter Russell Vidler. Russ is an Army Veteran who was looking for the camaraderie and brotherhood he found serving and found it in the fire department. His natural love for fitness found him now teaching the physical fitness program of the NYS Career Recruit Academy in Montour Falls NY. We talk about fitness, PTSD between the Fire Department and Military and how to be a good husband and father.

Pulling a woman from her burning home in June 2019 thrusted Danny Dwyer into the national headlines for weeks after this fire. One would think that the spotlight was for his heroics and bravery, but in fact, it was for the disciplinary charges that followed that evening. Danny became the "poster child" for the ongoing struggle between firefighters doing their job and the new "safety culture" that has crept into our departments. He performed the way the public blindly expects us to - to provide safety and protection in their worst moments. From this, the "Danny Would Go" movement swept across the American Fire Service. People taking each side of the argument, but where was Danny during all of this commotion?? He was dealing with the fall out and the pressures of being thrusted into a national debate. This wasn't the easiest for Danny and his family but one thing is for sure, he never surrendered his conviction and belief that he performed in the very best traditions of the fire service that night. Danny did go, and he would go again, and again, and again. Staying true and believing in himself, he left the City of Atlanta to focus more on himself and his family. He now rides with a new jurisdiction and he is more excited about the job than ever. He struggled along the way but he found the way back to loving the job and being vindicated by the commission three years later. Life continues to move forward for Danny and he is in a place today where he can influence change. Those principles that let him down back in 2019 will never factor into his mentoring and he'll be dammed to let the public or his people down like he was let down years ago. Danny continues to Go. He doesn't know any other way...

A loyal family man and the life of the party, Rich Stack is just one of those guys who you enjoy being around. His funny antics and sparkling eyes makes him stand out amongst the crowd. His passion for the job and his confidence in himself and his people make Rich a great Boss. Currently assigned as a covering Lieutenant, Rich is on his 22nd year with the Chicago Fire Department. His early days of volunteering with his father set Rich up for wanting to become a career firefighter. After many attempts, his dream became reality and he hasn't looked back. Working in busy companies, Rich gained plenty of experience and knowledge. Teaching for the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI), On-Scene Training Solutions, Affordable Drill Towers and a few other organizations, Rich knows training matters. But even the best can get jammed up in a fire. Rich discusses a close call he had on January 6, 2014 in which he found himself in a precarious position. Rich was able to walk away but it left him struggling with his "experience" that day. Working in the busiest company, teaching, walking tall with experience and yet he got jammed up. "It wasn't supposed to happen." Rich discusses the situation and the aftermath of how he dealt with it. The job is full of ups and downs and sometimes we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of it. Rich Stack is friend, Brother and someone I admire. His willingness to share and reflect on his career will certainly help many other firefighters who might struggle with similar situations. Rich makes this job better.

After 22 years with the FDNY, Lt. Steve Gillespie needed a change of scenery. His career spanned with busy companies throughout the Bronx, the majority of his time spent with Squad 41. Finding his way to the Squad Company allowed for Steve to grow as a firefighter, mentored by some of the best firefighters he has ever met. But the position also exposed him alot of the down side of the job as well. Dealing with trauma and tragic incidents such as several LODD fires including September 11, 2001, Steve realized he needed more than just the kitchen table to help him cope with his past experiences. Finding an outlet and changing the scenery led him to retiring from the FDNY and moving to SC to become the Training Captain of the North Charleston, SC Fire Department. This change of pace and distance away from New York City let him focus on himself and the mental and physical healing he needed. Always missing the job up north, Steve found ways to manage his struggles and still remained in love with his childhood passion. Today, he is fully retired and teaches across the country. His immediate focus is on mental health and "Surviving the Job". His class discussed Steve's battles and offers ways to communicate and deal with the daily stresses of the job. "You never know the weight of something until you don't have to carry it anymore." His class is part of his own healing and working with different organizations helps him each day as he shares his story and experiences in hope of reaching others. Steve Gillespie doesn't regret his experiences and the damage that comes with being a firefighter. He does know that not focusing on his own well being could've had a very different outcome. His passion for the job and the Brotherhood keeps him going and allows him to help others even after his second retirement from the job. --- If you want to continue the conversation, you can reach Steve Gillespie at smg9340@outlook.com.

A trending term in the fire service, "Ate Up" accurately defines Ben Wilson. Being "Ate Up" is everything... everything about the fire service. From sun up to sundown and even in his sleep, Ben loves the job and everything that comes along with it. His high energy, infectious love for the job began riding shotgun with Dad in the Chief's Buggy at a young age. From there, every step of the process had him hooked. Going on his 16th year, 9 as a career firefighter in Fauquier County, VA, he is in the sweet spot of relating and understanding the new kids in the firehouse to having a deep appreciation and respect for the senior man. His methods are "goofy" and so is his personality, but that's what makes Ben a standout. Concepts like "Treat the FD like a Gang" or "Be a Fireman, not a Spectator" are just two themes he dives in on. Ben is all in and he wants everyone else around him to be as well. Disconnect?? Grab a puzzle and have the fellas sit down and figure it out together. He's creative, he's a sales man and an operator. Because his passion excites him, be chose to put himself out there and share his passion and experience with the world. Accepting ownership of who he is and his experience, Ben shares alot of it on his Instagram account, @F.D.I.R. Ben has so much in front of him and nothing is going to slow down his drive and excitement. Spend some time with him and you will be better for it. People with an infectious attitude and passion cannot be stopped. Look out for Ben Wilson.

Jeremy ends up on the other side of the microphone for the 24/48 Podcast.

From early in Gary Spohn's life, he can remember Gamewell Alarm Box #2641 as he walked passed it each day. This symbol of the American fire service captured his interest and attention to the point that years later, Gary has become a renowned collector of everything Gamewell. This episode breaks down some of the history, use and the passion many have for this iconic symbol of firefighting.

34 years in the fire service certainly presents many opportunities along the way. Enjoying the nostalgia, the fires and everything else that comes along with the greatest job in the world has Rusty Ricker still loving the job. But, along his journey he realized that the Brotherhood and comradery of this business is what truly fuels his passion. He is emotional when he thinks back to the memories he has created during his tenure as a firefighter. The storytelling and keeping memories alive pushes Rusty to continue his strong work with the New England FOOLS. A powerful organization with over 350 strong, Rusty stands proud as the President and make shit happen guy. Continual engagement and a love for training still brings together young and old throughout the northeast. He is honored and humbled by each and every interaction and friendship made through the FOOLS. This year is the 20th anniversary of the New England FOOLS and Rusty has been there from the beginning. Watching their organization's success has kept Rusty going full stream ahead. Without the FOOLS influence in his life, doesn't know where he would be. It keeps him grounded and passionate about the job. What else could you ask for after 34 years in the business?? -- Check out Rusty and the New England FOOLS at www.nefools.com or find them on social media.

Overcoming challenges is always a baseline conversation for those that talk about leadership. Lt. Mike Nasti, a 16-year firefighter with the Prince George’s County, MD Fire/EMS Department, loves to talk about leadership and the challenges that he has faced along the way. In order to talk about it, one must walk in the shoes of those who learn from their successes and mistakes. Mike does not shy away from the struggles he has faced, and in fact, credits them for who he is today. Years later, Mike has come to take ownership of his life and has learned that you can mend the past. It take hard work and strong character to overcome obstacles and along the way, learn a thing or two. Today, Mike is confident and holds his head high based upon his achievements and successes. He has recently launched a new podcast cast and social media platform that focuses on leadership. Lessons learned has help Mike craft a narrative so other might learn from his past. Tip of the Spear Leadership is his new focus and has incredible potential to carry on his message about character and legacy. -- Check out Tip of the Spear Leadership podcast and social media on all the players or reach out to Lt. Mike Nasti at tip.of.the.spear.leadership@gmail.com.