Undisclosed Agents Firefighter Podcast

Retired Fresno Fire member Brad Driscoll shares insights on key incidents shaping West Coast fire tactics. Topics include leadership challenges, morale impact of decisions, learning from tragedies, and balancing risk/resources in firefighting. The podcast emphasizes understanding 'why' in firefighting leadership, promoting professionalism, and enhancing tactics and leadership skills for better fire response.

We’re starting something new. The Undisclosed Agents Podcast  wants to help firefighter owned businesses, as well as promote ways to better yourself as a firefighter so were going to start recording some “mini episodes” that do just that. Today we sat down with Trish Bonari, Executive Director of Fire Shows West. This is a conference in Reno, Nevada coming up this September. Fire Shows West is changing and has the potential to be a premier fire conference out West. This mini episode highlights some of the exciting changes happening this year and gives you all of the information you’ll need if you’re  interested in attending this year. https://www.fireshowswest.com/ https://hortonsandhunt.com/

Bobby Eckert, a seasoned Second-Generation Fireman, shares insights on his career journey, innovative fire tactics classes, and the challenges in the firefighting profession. The podcast delves into his experiences in the fire service, self-publishing struggles, balancing personal and professional life, and the vibrant firefighter activities in Camden. Exploring traditions and family dynamics within the fire department, Bobby's no-nonsense approach makes for a captivating conversation.

Lieutenant Justin Lorenzen shares his passion for firefighting, emphasizing continuous improvement, training, and leaving a positive impact. The podcast delves into intense training exercises, resilience building, creative logo customization, navigating criticism, and embracing training in the firefighting community. It also highlights the importance of ongoing training, peer support, mental health advocacy, and resources within the fire service.

Guest Eric Wheaton, 17-year fire service veteran, discusses optimizing firefighter training, open-mindedness in the fire service, mentoring, truck operations, and leadership development. He emphasizes continuous improvement, communication, and learning from diverse perspectives within the fire service community.

Kevin Pfluger is a 17 year veteran of the fire service and is currently a Lieutenant at the Live Oak fire department in Texas. Kevin is the President of the Live Oak Professional Firefighters Association Local 4098.  Through the local, Kevin is the lead organizer of the Dagum Texas Fire Conference. He teaches with MV Fire Rescue as the lead instructor teaching hose line management in their  class “The First Line” for the Engine Ops Cadre and helps teach firefighter rescue and survival skills on the “No Quit RIT” Cadre. Kevin is also an instructor with the Bearers of the Oath Cadre out of Georgia. When he’s not at the firehouse or instructing Kevin also works for Mercedes Textiles Hose as a Consultant, and sits on the UL 19 Technical Committee for Fire Hose. All that being said Kevin is as humble as they come. The conversation with him was not only entertaining, but also sparked questions inside of us that we discussed at length amongst ourselves after the show. He is the kind of guy that makes you want to be better at this job, period. This was an awesome conversation with an inspiring human being. Hope you enjoy the show. https://www.dagumtexasfireconference.com/ https://hortonsandhunt.com/

Listen to a seasoned firefighter share insights on building a positive circle of influence, enhancing fire chief training, and prioritizing accountability. Discover the evolution of packaging techniques, RIT training, and fitness standards in the fire service. Gain valuable tips on maintaining a work-life balance and showing gratitude in the profession.

Ljay Geist, a firefighter in West Kansas, discusses the importance of mentorship and aggressive firefighting tactics. They also delve into the challenges faced by company officers, the value of outside training and mentorship programs, and the significance of realistic training scenarios and community engagement. The speakers highlight the importance of genuine followership in leadership and share upcoming teaching engagements.

Brian Olson, a 15-year firefighter in Idaho and founding member of the Firefighter Rescue Survey, discusses the benefits of firefighters wearing body cameras and helmet cameras. He also talks about the importance of using prop doors for training, the significance of flashlights in search training, and finding work-life balance in the fire service. The chapter also touches on the origin of 'Tactics on Tap' and the importance of genuine participation.

Dr. Steven Nicholas, a licensed marriage and family therapist, discusses his book Warrior Servants, which explores mental health and trauma in demanding professions. They discuss the importance of proactive conversations about mental health in firefighting and the military, normalizing emotions in the firefighting world, building support networks, the significance of peer support in addressing PTSD, the impact of support after witnessing accidents, the burden of being called a hero, the role of an embedded clinician, transitioning and preparing for retirement in firefighting, and prioritizing mental health in the fire service.