Leadership Under Fire

In this enlightening discussion, FDNY firefighter Kevin O’Connor shares his 17 years of experience and passion for improving firefighting performance. He reveals his journey from a young aspirant to a dedicated firefighter, emphasizing the bonds forged within the firehouse. Kevin highlights innovative training methods, including stress management techniques like breathwork, and the importance of mental skills coaching for enhancing performance. He promotes a supportive, human-centered approach in coaching that fosters trust and vulnerability among first responders.

The FDNY suffered line of duty deaths at two separate fire operations on January 23, 2005, “Black Sunday.”  Firefighter Richard Scalfani of Ladder Co. 103 was killed in the performance of his duties while operating a private dwelling fire on Jerome St. in the East New York section of Brooklyn.  Just hours prior, six members of Ladder Co. 27 and Rescue Co. 3 jumped from the top floor of a 4-story apartment building on E. 178th St in the Bronx.  Lieutenant Curt Meyran, FF John Bellew, and Lieutenant Joseph DiBernardo succumbed to their injuries.      Firefighter Brendan Cawley is a survivor of the 178th St fire. Nearly three years after the fire, Brendan returned to full duty status following a grueling and miraculous recovery from the physical and mental injuries that he sustained after exiting the top floor.  The interview you will hear in this episode was recorded in 2019 at a LUF Human Performance Summit devoted to the concept of resilience and the question, “what happens when we compete to win and lose?”  The LUF team remembers those members who lost their lives on Black Sunday.  The LUF team is inspired by the resilience that the survivors have displayed in the years since, survivors including sons of members killed and critically injured who have recently joined the ranks of the FDNY.

Today's episode is part 2 of a 2 part conversation with Jason Brezler and James McNamara  where we continue to reflect on the range, depth, and reach of Leadership Under Fire’s TEAM efforts in 2024. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and leadership in today’s fire service and other high-risk industries through programs, research, and publications.

In this episode we are joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Senior Man James McNamara.  In this conversation, we reflect on the range, depth, and reach of Leadership Under Fire’s TEAM efforts in 2024. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and leadership in today’s fire service and other high-risk industries through programs, research, and publications.

This episode features a powerful story of courage, compassion, and legacy. We’re honored to have Kristina Moon, wife of fallen FDNY firefighter William (better known as “Billy”) Moon II, whose heroic act of organ donation after a tragic accident in December of 2022 has saved multiple lives and left an enduring legacy of service. For more information, please visit billymoonfoundation.org. 

In this episode, we present part two of a two-part conversation between Jason Brezler and Captain Gabe Angemi of the Camden Fire Department, which originally aired on October 31st. In part one, Gabe shared his experiences during the recovery efforts in Asheville, NC, following Hurricane Helene. Part two shifts focus to the critical role of academia and higher education in shaping and informing leadership within the fire service. Sociocultural Human Performance: Education and Learning for Promotion in the American Fire Service by Gabriel Angemi

Today’s guest is Trevor Renadette.  Trevor is a native of Plattsburgh, NY where he was born and raised before going to college at Plattsburgh State in 1998.  After one year at university Trevor decided to take a break from school in order to join the NY Army Nation Guard.  In 1999 he attended Infantry basic training in Fort Benning, GA. before advanced infantry training where he achieved a dual MOS as an 11 Bravo Infantrymen and an 11 Charlie Mortarman.  After graduating AIT, Trevor returned to college where he received a degree in Communications.  In 2004 Trevor was called into active duty service and was attached to the 1st Infantry Division with whom he deployed to Iraq.  Upon returning home he was honorably Discharged and entered the NYC Fire Academy.  Trevor was Assigned to Engine 38 and Tower Ladder 51 in the Williamsbrige section of The Bronx before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2016.  As a Lieutenant Trevor was assigned to Engine 3 Ladder 12 in Manhattan and just a few weeks ago he was promoted to the rank of Captain and is currently assigned to Division 14 in Queens.    

Our guest for this episode is Gabe Angemi.  Gabe is a second-generation member of the Camden NJ Fire Department. He presently serves as a Captain and is assigned to Squad Company 7. Gabe has spent many years serving in Camden’s Special Operations companies and has been a member of NJ-TF1 FEMA USAR since 2008.  Gabe serves as a tactical leadership advisor for Leadership Under Fire. Gabe last appeared on the LUF podcast in March of 2021. 

Joanne Mariano is a firefighter with the FDNY assigned to L136 in Elmhurst, Queens, and formerly assigned to E225 in East New York, Brooklyn. Prior to joining the fire department, she was a lighting technician with IATSE Local 52 Motion Picture Studio Mechanics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Hunter College and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology with a concentration in applied practice at the University of Western States. Joanne is working towards becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).

This conversation was originally recorded in May of 2024 when Jim Roussell spoke to leaders in the Baltimore City Fire Department during the BCFD’s first weeklong LUF Optimizing Human Performance (MPI) Course. Jim Roussell served with the Chicago Police Department for more than 36 years and spent most of his career in gang-tactical units. He commanded the 24th District and the department’s mobile strike force which targeted gang violence citywide. Jim also served with the US Marines for 39 years where he held numerous billets in infantry and intelligence assignments in both active duty and reserve capacities. He deployed to Iraq on three separate occasions with Marine infantry battalions.  Jim has a Doctor of Education from Olivet Nazarene University and serves as a chief mentor for the LUF team.