Better Every Shift
FireRescue1
FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 3, 2020 • 27min
Dr. David Black discusses his work with firefighters on behavioral health and mental fitness
Dr. David Black, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Cordico, discusses mental fitness within the fire service, addressing why firefighters don't seek help for behavioral health concerns, as well as how firefighters and fire service leaders can help each other and themselves when stresses grow.
Oct 20, 2020 • 21min
Firefighter James Pribyl shares why he became a volunteer firefighter
Firefighter James Pribyl shares his experience as a volunteer firefighter with Turkey Creek Fire Rescue in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and its connections to his time as an active-duty Marine for 19 years. Pribyl also shares an honest look at a typical day of a volunteer firefighter, based on his FireRescue1 article "I am your local volunteer firefighter."
Oct 7, 2020 • 37min
Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder explains what keeps chiefs up at night -- and where to focus training
Loveland-Symmes (Ohio) Deputy Fire Chief Billy Goldfeder details the problem with "personality-based mutual aid," how crews can integrate policy into daily operations, tips for maintaining fire department relevance, and the key issue that keeps fire chiefs up at night -- and how to solve it.
Oct 1, 2020 • 14min
Gordon Graham talks response coordination and Lexipol Connect
Graham addresses how public safety agencies can employ training and policies to ensure their response efforts have a synergistic effect, rather than three agencies operating in silos. He also shares details about the Lexipol Connect Virtual User Group Conference on Oct. 14, 2020.
Sep 22, 2020 • 26min
Chief Randy Bruegman outlines critical issues impacting the future of the fire service
Chief Randy Bruegman discusses the recent CPSE/ICMA white paper “21st Century Fire & Emergency Services,” designed to stir debate, create dialogue and promote conversations about the changes facing the next generation of leaders, not only in the fire service but also in local government.
Sep 8, 2020 • 23min
Keith Stakes explains the recent UL FSRI research into coordinated fire attack
Keith Stakes, a research engineer with the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute, describes the recent studies into coordinated fire attack, looking at the impact of ventilation on single-family home fires, multi-family dwelling fires and strip mall fires.
Aug 24, 2020 • 32min
Division Chief Greg Ward details Loveland‘s Tactical Firefighting Teams
Loveland (Colorado) Fire Rescue Authority Division Chief Greg Ward explains the origins and purpose of the department's Tactical Firefighting (TAC Fire) Teams, which function as a critical element of the police department's SWAT Team, to respond to mass violence incidents.
Aug 11, 2020 • 27min
Side Alpha Podcast: Baltimore Chief Niles Ford talks navigating politics and budgets
Baltimore City Fire Chief Niles Ford examines the unique challenges facing fire chiefs in the modern era, from COVID-19 to civil unrest, and how leaders can best navigate the challenges of politics and budgets during such unique times.
Jul 28, 2020 • 19min
Side Alpha Podcast: Chief Jason Caughey talks volunteer leadership
Fire Chief Jason Caughey discusses a variety of volunteer fire department challenges, plus how to manage different generations among volunteers while always maintaining the public's trust.
Jul 24, 2020 • 11min
Chief‘s Forum: We are not the enemy
Fire Chief Marc Bashoor addresses the fact that some fire service leaders face a new challenge in being deemed ‘guilty by association’ during recent national emergencies.
Music by David Hyde
