Better Every Shift

In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Assistant Chief Dan Rogers explains discusses his article, “And that’s OK: Not all volunteers want to operate like FDNY,” which generated considerable debate and discussion among FireRescue1 community members. Rogers underscores that volunteers have lives beyond the station walls, and we can’t force them to all have the same level of commitment and passion, even if it means frustration when fewer members show up to non-fire calls. Chief Bashoor reads some of the social media reactions, giving Chief Rogers a chance to address readers who disagree and those who support his sentiment. Read Chief Rogers' article: https://www.firerescue1.com/volunteer/articles/and-thats-ok-not-all-volunteers-want-to-operate-like-fdny-OP28oHfDoDJ46mUk/ This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor details the ongoing problem of apparatus rollover accidents. He discusses several recent incidents, what went wrong, and what drivers must consider when operating fire apparatus. Chief Bashoor also explains the 3 Gs of highway incidents: Get there, get done and get out. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief John Dorman digs into the debate about balancing education and hands-on training, outlining some of the ways higher education can complement fireground skills. Dorman details what firefighters should look for in a higher education institution or program, plus the pros and cons of online learning versus in-person courses. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Madison (Wis.) firefighter and fitness expert Aaron Zamzow takes a big picture look at firefighter fitness and the health culture that can help firefighters improve their physical and mental health. Zamzow and Bashoor share their fitness journeys, including the eye-opening stories that propelled them into a health-focused mindset, and discuss their current workout regimens. Zamzow outlines key steps for firefighter fitness and exercises to prolong a firefighting career. The pair also address the role of fitness in helping firefighters (and really everyone) emerge from the “COVID cocoon” of the past year. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief (ret.) Peter Van Dorpe, president of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, addresses the pandemic’s impact on training efforts, key research types that firefighters of all levels should embrace in training, how to not feel intimidated by research, and much more.  This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Kirk McKinzie, a fire captain (ret.) with the Cosumnes Fire Department, and Cosumnes Firefighter Justin Quarisa share their experience bringing immersive learning to the California fire department, how it complemented the department's hands-on training, and what's next for smart firefighting concepts. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

The "Firefighter 3 crew" -- Matthew Hennessy, Andrew Beck and Ben Willey -- talk to Chief Bashoor about all the firefighter life skills that no one taught you in Firefighter 1 and 2, specifically, who's in charge of the remote, laundry etiquette at the station, and other lighthearted lessons all new firefighers should know. The crew also explains how these lighthearted lessons can translate into meaningful mentorship between new and existing members. Learn more about Firefighter 3 and download a Firefighter 3 PDF with firefighter life skills at www.firerescue1.com/FF3. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Deputy Chief Ian Emmons speaks with Fire Chief Marc Bashoor about what fire service leaders are doing to prepare millennials to become the next generation of leaders. They address the unique motivations and value sets of millennials and how leaders can be mindful of these different approaches in order to best prepare them for leadership roles that others can emulate. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Fire Chief Marc Bashoor outlines what he sees as the next "giant leap" in public safety, one that could reduce the disconnect across agencies and lead to positive systemic change for first responders: a single federal parent organization to oversee all fire and EMS. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.

Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Broom, who also works in financial services, discusses how firefighters can conduct a financial size-up, tips for strengthening financial health, what firefighters need to know about selecting the right pension, and financial concerns to address leading up to retirement. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by EFJohnson, a JVCKENWOOD company. As a leader in mission-critical communications for more than 90 years, we have made it our mission to make safe, simple. Visit EFJohnson online at www.efjohnson.com.