He has a 37-year in firefighting, reaching the Captain status. However, Capt. Daley is also the President of the organization, Kill the Flashover with classes to teach firefighters how to “Kill the Flashover.” 

Additionally, Capt. Daley is the founder and President of the FSPC Educators, which is another educational effort with special classes that take place in the both, some in a classroom and hands-on outdoors with plenty of props!

He is also a Contributing Editor with FIREHOUSE® Magazine. 

There are plenty more accolades for Capt. Daley, but it is time to stop reading and it’s time to listen or watch our interview with Capt. Mike Daley!

Chief-Emeritus/Retired Charles Werner has served 44 years in the fire service, 37 years with the Charlottesville Fire Dept., the last ten as the Charlottesville Fire Department. Additionally, he is also the current Executive Director of Droneresponders.org with just under 12,000 members from across the world. 

In our interview, Chief Werner explains recent technology that we either have now or will in the near future. A number of these will be, not only for the Fire Services, but our Brothers & Sisters of Law Enforcement and EMS!

Chief Werner has also served as Acting Deputy State Coordinator and Senior Adviser with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, where he helped to facilitate VDEM’s UAS (sic. Drone), as well helping  the Albermarle County Sheriff's Office SAR team. 

So, if you’re a “techy,” “geek,” etc., this podcast is one you will not want to miss!

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Please remember that we need your help so that we can financially help a Brother, Sister, or their families in dire need. Please visit our website at https://5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and you’ll see a photo of the Silver Siren. Please click on the picture and our donation page pops up. Choose the value and the method of paying. You’ll see a small label that says, “Apply my Gift To” and please select FOUNDATION.

Our podcast welcomes Troy Lachinski of Image Trend, a company integral to the change of Fire/EMS recording within the new system, NERIS, National Emergency Response Information System. More than just a system upgrade, NERIS will fundamentally change how change how departments report, analyze and act on critical data.

Joining us on this episode of 5-Alarm Task Force, is Troy Lachinski. As one of the key personnel who is assisting departments (and you, our viewers and listeners) as to how recording we have been using for decades, But it was often “go” or “no-go.” If the data wasn’t entered as soon as the crews return from the call, folks were exhausted and let it slide to the morning and sometimes, it never did get down. 

Watch and listen to our guest, Troy Lachinski, and you will see the why’s and wherefores and how NERIS will be better us.

Troy supplied these links to more information about NERIS!

Core Data Schemas:
 https://fsri.org/program-update/neris-core-data-schemas-released-beta

Secondary Schemas:
 https://fsri.org/program-update/neris-releases-secondary-data-schemas-30-day-national-engagement-period

Please remember that we need your help so that we can financially assist a Brother, Sister or their families in dire need. Please visit our website at https://5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and you’ll see a photo of the Silver Siren. Please click on the picture and our donation page pops up. Choose the value and the method of paying. You’ll see a small label that says, “Apply my Gift To” and please select FOUNDATION.

As you view the video and/or listen to the audio podcast, you will see that Michael is a “Student of the Science of Fire.” He lectures at local and regional conferences in the UK and Europe. Subjects? Fire Behavior, High-Rise Firefighting and Technical Rescue, which is one of his specialties. In 2023 and 2024, Michael presented at the IFIW – International Fire Instructors Workshop. 

Michael has as the heart of a warrior, however, he also cares deeply about other fire departments and their personnel. Thus, he has also dedicated himself to assist wherever he can through charitable and humanitarian work in countries like Moldova and Ukraine, as well as delivering fire trucks and firefighting equipment to Ukraine, after the war broke out. 

He is also passionate about simplifying scientific concepts and making them relevant and applicable for firefighters during day-to-day operations.

You can reach Michael at stachofire@aol.co.uk! 

Now - Enjoy

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Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Photo Courtesy of ALAMY Stock Photos

On this episode, E.J. stresses the issue that it is incumbent upon us, whether we serve a career, volunteer, part-pay, or paid-on-call, that we know our districts and what is being built in these districts. We should never assume anything, because there is often a chance that the building under construction three months ago will be the same three months later.

Watch our video interview or listen to the audio podcast. Either way, you will learn about what you could face when you arrive at the building and that may be too late. 

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Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

His career began in 1999 as a Junior Firefighter/Explorer with the Oliver Springs Fire Dept. He is a part-time fire instructor with the State of Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, delivering classroom and hands-on instruction in various topics on-campus, at regional fire conferences, and at various local fire departments throughout Tennessee.

He has instructed nationally on the topics of volunteer training program development, professional development and rural fireground management, having presented at both FDIC and Firehouse Expo. 

Chief Bailey has an Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science from Roane State Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University. 

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In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we have learned that nearly a dozen firefighters lost their lives as they tried to effect rescues and saved pets. In the face of the hurricane, no one waved or had to think twice. They new their duty was to save anyone and everyone they could.  Hurricane Helene has been rated the worst hurricane since Katrina! And we all know how that turned out. 
We are researching the news articles to determine who these brave men and women are and what we can do to help.  
Please remember - these brave firefighters, who worked around the clock in preparation of the storm, know that performing their duties in and after this storm was not going to be easy. PLEASE!!! We need your help!

Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Kory is the publisher, Editor-in-Chief and CEO of CRACKYL Media, Inc. He is an industry author and keynote speaker, who acts as an enthusiastic mental health advocate, spreading awareness of what it takes to not only survive, but thrive in the dynamic job of firefighting. 

In this episode, Kory and I discuss two key topics for today’s firefighters, whether in the USA, Canada or almost anywhere else there are firefighters. First, is “Looking at Life’s Challenges,” and “Learning to Learn.”

All too often, we tend to set specific limits on ourselves, i.e., family, finances, perhaps a second job, etc. However, how do our families see us when we tend to focus only on these topics? But how often do you look at yourself and think that all is fine? Sounds right - but it doesn’t feel right. 

Tune in and let’s see if Kory can help you with your focus, for the job, the family, and the community!

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Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Chief Robertson is fueled by a sincere passion to make the fire service better, which today includes talking to his classes about his own struggles with PTSI or PTSD. He hopes that by being open to recruits right at the front end of their careers and explaining to them the very real threat, that each recruit will be able to have a long and joyful job. 

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Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

His many years in the fire service have seen changes, some for the good and some...not. Nevertheless, he promotes the key concept of firefighters be fit, of both mind and body. He doesn't pull his punches, but what he says and teaches is always aimed to help every firefighter to be a better firefighter! Watch, Listen and Learn! Then, answer the key question: "Could you rescue YOU!"

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Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Capt. Aaron “ZAM” Zamzow has been in the fire service for over twenty years. He is the owner for Fire-Rescue-Fitness, a company that creates workout programs and fitness articles that focus on getting Fire Rescue Athletes, “Fit for Duty.” He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Wellness, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Trainer and an IAFF/IAFC Peer Fitness Trainer. He has also worked in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has experience working with the general population, as well as athletes from the NBA, NFL, and NHL.

Tune in as “ZAM” shares some sage advice regarding how to hone your diet, your work, both on and off the Job. 

Visit his website at www.FireRescueFitness.com  and learn even more! 

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Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Jeff travels the U.S. and Canada. Holding workshops to teach firefighters and EMS personnel about behavioral health awareness and suicide prevention. FBHA was the only known organization that collects and confirms data on firefighter and EMS suicides across the U.S. In addition, FBHA holds classes for counselors/Chaplains, family members and preparing for retirement.

Jeff holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Argosy University in Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor.

FBHA also is the Behavioral Health Administrators for the Las Vegas Fire Dept. 

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Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Our guest on this Ninth Season Premier of “5-Alarm Task Force,” is Chief (ret) Arjuna George. He knows about everything you see in the top paragraph. And he too, thought he could deal with everything, until he could not, any longer. 

On this episode, Chief George recounts part of what he went through over 24 years as a firefighter, line officer and a Chief. Some of you are dropping your mouth because you thought he was the best. However, he “saw the writing on the wall,” and now he needed help, both emotionally and professionally. And it was that admission that allowed him to grow beyond serving as a fire chief to the excellent trainer to help others who finds themselves in a similar situation. Listen to Chief George and see what you can glean from his experience and wisdom.

Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially assist a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

My guest on this podcast is Capt. Ron Givens. We first met at the 2017 Great Florida Fire School. We spoke here and there, and I stepped into a couple of his classes, both in a classroom and outside in the training area. And one thing that stuck with me was how Ron spoke to his students. There was no yelling or name-calling. He kept a cordial approach with every question asked and demonstrated slowly to teach appropriately. 

In this podcast, Ron and I discuss the absolute need for HUMANITY back into the firehouse. For over a century, the local firehouse or station has been the center of firefighters’ lives. However, as the years pass, we have changed our direction and behavior in the firehouse. And we are not talking about in-house training. We are talking about who we are as the men and women of the fire service. 

Join us and listen, then listen again, to Capt. Givens’ discussion on this episode. You will learn more than you might expect. 

Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially assist a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $8,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can. 

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

On this occasion Jack addresses the tragically high number of “Struck by,” incidents, where a firefighter, law enforcement officer, ambulance team, recovery (tow) operator, Road Ranger and even innocent good-Samaritans are injured or killed, most due to inattentive drivers, from people on bikes to large tractor trailers. We, who are First Responders much work to educate our members to always maintain, “Situational Awareness” and our heads on a “swivel” in our efforts to bring more safety to our jobs.

Jack also explains to us the heavy need for more TIM (Traffic Incident Management) Teams around the country. These teams review past response incidences and how they could have been handled and feed that info to the responder agencies. They also conduct training with various First Responder agencies to help their members learn how to be safer and how to include those findings with those involved. 

For more information, here are several links:

https://www.respondersafety.com/ - Main Website with news and resources and

https://learning.respondersafety.com/ - Responder Safety Learning Network

https://www.ReportStruckBy.com – For reporting struck by vehicle incidents involving emergency responders at incident scenes.

https://www.enddd.org/ - End Distracted Driving resources

Jack Sullivan CSP

Dir. Of Training, Emergency Responder Safety Institute
 www.ResponderSafety.com 

Cell: 804-514-3766

ResponderSafety@GMail.com

And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Initially then, the title of Brad’s book is somewhat incomplete. For the full title of his new book is, “The Flames of Fire – Firefighting Amidst the Explosions!” A bit more intriguing than the first look. Brad has done it all, from being a 17-year-old “probie” to an officer, an instructor and a Fire Inspector. Some of the stories he shares with us will generate the “pucker factor,” no matter how much experience you have. 

We also discuss to of the greatest leaders/teachers in the Fire Service, the late Chief Alan V. Brunacini or “Chief Bruno” as he loved to be called and, the late Chief Bobby Halton. We discuss the philosophies about this job that they both loved and how their simple explanations and recommendations of how we should interact with our victims, made everyone who listened and functioned as they posited, made so many incidents just a little less scary and at the same time, made us better firefighters, career, volunteer, paid-on-call or WUI.

You will find the video versions of our podcasts on our YouTube® Channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” And our audio version can be found on our homepage of www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org or your favorite podcast platform.

And please don’t forget to leave a brief review on your podcast platform page for “5-Alarm Task Force!” and 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. on YouTube®.

Stay Safe & Stay Well and Let’s Make Sure Everyone Goes Home!

Then, the Pearland Fire Dept. started its “Growth Spurt” and Jacob decided that it was a place where one can learn, practice and drill to become a better firefighter and eventually, an officer. And after nearly 18 years, he was recently appointed as the Assistant Chief for Administrative Services with the Pearland Fire Dept. 

In our recent interview, Jacob and I discussed the multi-personnel “MAYDAY” occurrence in October 2023 at a working structure fire. One firefighter was severely injured, yet his colleagues rescued him in the nick of time. If you have or have not had a multi-faceted LODI or LODD in your department or even under your command, Chief Johnson shares insights that we all can learn and perhaps, even save a life with what you see/hear when you watch/listen.

Finally, the Pearland Fire Department has remained above many others by the targeted membership campaign the Department uses. As our mutual friend, Chief Tony Correia teaches, “It should be called “Retention & Recruitment!” Why? Because if we cannot keep our current members, how can we expect to attract new blood?” Listen as Chief Johnson shares the department’s goal to not only keep their crews they have now, but with a sixth station recently opening, to fill the shifts of various apparatus in that firehouse. As Chief Johnson teaches to his rookies, “Be a Nice Human Being.”

You will find the video versions of our podcasts on our YouTube® Channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” And our audio version can be found on our homepage of www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org or your favorite podcast platform.

And please don’t forget to leave a brief review on the Platform page for “5-Alarm Task Force!”

Wiklanski holds certifications as a Fire Instructor II, EMT Instructor, and NJ Certified Emergency Manager (NJCEM). 

 He is a Behavioral Health Specialist for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) working on projects such as the Taking Care of Our Own (TCOOO) course and the Uniformed Peer Support Program. He was recently hired as the Program Manager for the Vulnerability Assessment Program (VAP), an online risk assessment tool.   

Here are a few links to the programs that we discussed. Also, if you can list my foundation email (DWiklanski@firehero.org) for anything NFFF-related. 

Taking Care of Our Own: https://www.firehero.org/fire-service-resources/taking-care-of-our-own/

Vulnerability Assessment Program: https://firevap.org/

It began with Nic writing his first book, “The 5-Tool Firefighter.” Then, he authored a workbook to accompany the “5-Tool Firefighter, and both have been big sellers. Firefighters from all around the U.S. and a foreign country or two were buying the books and putting into their daily lives. Just a short while ago, Nic added “The 5-Tool Firefighter Podcast!”

More recently, Tom connected with Chief Tom Marchiano of the Chester Fire Department, just north of NYC. Working together they have added another popular element, “Station Talk,” manned by both Chief Marchiano and Nic.

Tune in and listen to these two “gentlemen firefighters” and their “why’s” and “wherefores’” behind The Firehouse Tribune!

A marketing communications professional with well over four decades of experience, Chuck Moran owns his own digital marketing firm in Charlottesville VA. In addition to building websites and managing social media for small and medium sized businesses, he launched Online Video Mastery to teach personnel in various organizations how to create compelling and professional videos with their smartphones, on-demand and in-house so that they can retain, recruit train and educate effectively. Chuck is currently focusing on assisting Public Safety departments.

In this podcast (you will) want to watch the video on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.”) Chuck with present a version of his, “Revolutionizing Fire & EMS Retention & Recruitment: Harnessing the Power of Smartphone Video!” at the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association’s Fire Rescue Conference in Virginia, this month.

If you have a smartphone and you want to assist your department with retention and recruitment, you will not want to miss this episode of 5-Alarm Task Force!

For years and years, we have watched local and national news of major wildfires in Southern California. And for years, each of these counties basically cared for their counties with help from CAL FIRE and some mutual aid.  However, that all changed in 2021 when the idea of a unified approach with a Quick Response Force took hold in these three counties. The goal was to not only attack these fires as early as possible, but to also have some of the best possible equipment available and…to be able to continue the fight into the night, when fixed-winger aerial aircraft could not fly. 

With the assistance of world-renowned of Coulson Aviation of Vancouver, BC in Canada, the counties leased refitted former military CH-47 Chinook helicopters into masterful firefighting weapons. Each helicopter can drop up to 3,000 gallons of retardant or water in one drop. Using IR goggles, they can fly in the dark of night and hit their marks. This is a game changer. Tune in to learn how and why this came about and what it takes to make it work. And though your department may not be able to grab a Chinook helo, you might learn how your department can enhance your mutual aid pacts and why it is imperative to have them today!

As the holidays are here! Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

Photo © Coulson Aviation Inc. 

My guest today is Peter Matthews, who joined the FIREHOUSE team in 1999, serving both the magazine and online endeavors. Peter travels the country (and sometimes beyond) on a regular basis, enjoying a “ride-along” whenever possible. But those aren’t just for the fun of running calls rather, he uses them as an educational exercise to learn about each department he visits. 

In this episode, we discuss a lesson he gained from a car-service driver who, one may think, read one of the excellent books by the late Chief Alan Brunacini. For the driver explained how easy it is to “be nice.”  We also discuss two key issues many departments are facing, regarding retention of current personnel and recruiting new ones. This conundrum is being faced by all facets of the fire service, career, volunteer, part-pay and WUI. 

For more information, please visit www.firehouse.com 

As the holidays are fast approaching, please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

Photo © and Courtesy of FIREHOUSE®

Our returning guest, Dr. Gamaliel Baer, who holds an Ed.D. from the University of Southern California in Organizational Change and Leadership, provides us with a better, more inclusive and “whole person” perspective on improving our efforts to both retain current members and be successful with recruitment as well. 

Dr. Baer explains that the concepts of DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) should be expanded to include the mind, body and soul. Determining whether or not a recruit is a “good fit” for the department simply based on a basic civil test and a clear police record does not provide that department with all the values that a recruit brings to the table. We should also look at the person’s mind, body and soul. 

Unlike the period from the early 1900’s through the late 1980’s, when the male children of firefighters often followed in their fathers’ line of work. (Except for many terrific children who lost family members in the tragedy of 9|11). Today, that is not as common and thus, we must make stronger efforts to bring in the men and women to join our ranks. And Dr. Baer posits that a better and more complete look at our recruits could very well brings us excellent candidates who “hear the calling” and want to serve their communities. 

To read Dr. Baer’s essay on this topic, please visit: https://drgamalielbaer.substack.com/p/dei-in-the-fire-service

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

Photo (C) & Courtesy of Montgomery County Fire Rescue/Flickr

My two guests on this episode are Nick Peppard and Sean Duffy. Both served a number of years in Florida, but have since moved north, with one to Michigan and the other to Wisconsin. Back in 2019 though, after each had been on “5-Alarm Task Force” as a guest, they came up with an idea for a podcast, “Make Due!” Their goal was to address the issues that suburban departments often face regarding limited equipment, personnel and high call volumes.

Their podcast is almost three years old with plenty of guests and lots of listeners. Why? Because their podcast is about who we are and what we do. Sometimes they discuss tactics. Another topic might be personnel or apparatus issues. And on another, they may simply “shoot the breeze” over the proverbial firehouse kitchen table. Either way, this is a podcast you will want to follow and listen to. Two well-experienced firefighters discussing what they love most, after their families. Moreover, they live by the motto, “Families First!

Find “Make Due” on all major podcast platforms! 

To learn more about the North FL Fire Expo, visit, www.northfloridafireexpo.com 

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

My guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” Capt. Mike Daley is, in my eyes, a consummate firefighter. If I included his bio in these show notes, you would see multiple pages! I will share that he is a nearly 30-year veteran of the fire service and an excellent instructor with the aim to see his students, no matter their time in the Fire Service, learn and exceed the “base” level of being a firefighter. He teaches to create well-learned and highly capable firefighters. 

In this episode, Capt. Daley reviews his very successful classes that he recently taught at the 2023 FIREHOUSE® Expo in Columbus OH. One class was so large that he and the students had to move to a larger room in the facility. Not unexpectedly, he received numerous kudos from the firefighters and officers who attended. 

We also discuss what he calls, “Fireground Strategies: Survivability, Suppression and Stabilization. What does he mean with these terms? Tune in and listen. Whether you are a career, volunteer or paid-on-call firefighter, you will learn from Capt. Daley in this episode. And you will be a smarter and safer firefighter. 

You can email Capt. Daley at either www.KilltheFlashover.com or email him at fspceducators@gmail.com. 

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

Photo by Dalas Penner on Unsplash 

Thankfully, over the last five-six years, we have seen the launch of two major developments, initially in the U.S. Fire Service and subsequently, in other countries as well, the Firefighter Cancer and the Behavioral Health Initiatives. Both are making differences. And there’s always more to learn. 

My guest on this episode is Capt. Kory Pearn, a 20-year veteran firefighter in Ontario Canada. He is also the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of CRACKYL Media, Inc., publisher of CRACKYL Magazine. Launched in 2021, CRACKYL brings a different “face” to the trades, with most of it focus on our lifestyle and the human side of being a firefighter. Many articles in each issue deal with the human side of being in this field. How to balance what we do as firefighters and how to help us to see our time out of the firehouse to be just as important and vital as what we do in it. 

If you are in the fire service as a career, volunteer, etc., we need to know how do our jobs however and, more importantly, we need to know how to have a positive view of ourselves as regular people, with families, friends and our communities. CRACKYL does that in each issue. 

Visit their website at www.crackylmag.com and/or follow them on social media @crackylmag.

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

My guest on this episode is Jim Burneka. Jim is a recently retired firefighter from Dayton OH. Jim was podcasting about PFAS as I was just learning about it. We both posted our thoughts on social media and it was inevitable that we would finally have to talk with other. And through emails and social media postings, we did. And I was honored when he accepted my initial invitation to be on “5-Alarm Task Force.” And I learned a lot more from Jim that day!

On this episode, we discuss the changes that we’ve seen in the last few years. There’s smart decon, shower-within-an-hour, in-house extractor and much more. However, that progress does not mean that we are “in the clear.” Listen to what Jim has to say to learn about our advances and remaining hurdles that we must still face. 

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

Our guest on this episode is Danny Beauvais who serves with the Mooresville Fire Department in North Carolina. However, he started as a volunteer in 2003 in the Spring Valley NY area. When his family relocated from New York to North Carolina, Danny was quick to join another volunteer department. Then, when Mooresville was hiring, he applied and made the team. 

As you listen to our interview, you will learn that Danny takes what we do very seriously. He is a firefighter who always wants to see the best, in both his skills and his workplace. He does not stop learning! He learns and then shares. Knowing this, a number of other firefighters convinced him to create a podcast to share his views and thoughts about being the best we can me. You can find him on all the major podcast platforms as “Student of the Game.” And you can find him on Instagram @NEG_MARRON85

Please remember – the day we stop learning is the day we walk out the door. This “job” changes all the time, sometimes in minutes, hours and/or days! We cannot afford not to keep learning, because the price is too high if we miss something or even, mess-up! Always be a “Student of the Game!”

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

photo courtesy Unsplash

Without us even thinking about it, those last words spur us on. We know what we have to do and the first task is to get to the scene as quickly and SAFELY as possible. But with our hearts beating fast and our concentration focused on the destination, are we driving with the due care that a vehicle of this size and weight demands? Or do we let our heart drive the rig and not our professional “mind?”

Our guest on this podcast, Capt. Dustin Lambert, PhD, has not only studied these factors for 20 years, but he also wrote his dissertation about it. When we allow our emotions to lead us on certain calls, we may not be driving the apparatus with due care. 

Listen as Capt. Lambert shares results of his research that, for some of us, we do not want to hear. However, we must remember that no matter the call, if we do not arrive and return to our firehouse safely, there could be troubles afoot. 

You can reach Capt. Lambert at DustyLambert@gmail.com and find him on both X (Twitter) and Instagram @firefighterwisdom.  

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

In this episode, Chief Werner shares with us the explosive growth of the use of what we will refer to as “professional” drones. These are not the little toy drones of a decade or more ago; these are state-of-the-art drones that are being used to spot fires, victims, deliver medications, reconnaissance and much more. The organization now boasts more than 8,100 members in the U.S., Canada and numerous countries around the world. Drones can often go where humans cannot and that can mean the difference between life and death.

We also discuss the importance and capabilities of the FirstNet communication system from AT&T. This system allows you to use your cell phone to connect you to your department’s radio systems, talk groups, etc. And we talk about the emerging tech that will be able to see the three coordinates of someone, be it a civilian, firefighter or police officer in a multi-story building with the X-coordinate, Y-coordinate and the Z-coordinate. Rescuers or even a robot can then locate and find a victim and remover him/her as necessary. 

If you would like more information, please visit the website, www.DRONERESPONDERS.org.

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

If you are a first responder, no one has to tell you how difficult, dangerous and rewarding these jobs can be. Nevertheless, they still exact a heavy toll, even on those who refuse to admit it. We see crap that we would not want any civilian to see, yet we often see it daily. And whether you are honest enough to admit it or not, they do affect us. 

My guest, Dr. Mynda Ohs was herself a first responder until she contracted a serious disease from a patient. After an extensive recuperation, she tried to return to her EMS work, but did not have the physical ability to do so. Turning the proverbial “lemon into lemonade,” she went back to school and earned her PhD in counseling. 

Today, she works with a number of agencies as a counselor for first responders. And she has published two books:

1.    “Fully Involved Life” (2019) - https://a.co/d/1J33DuC

2. “When the Calls Stop” (2021) - https://a.co/d/jfJ1OKX

Look, we have a lot to deal with. Sometimes, we can just talk it out with each other. But each of us has to be aware that we might just need some extra help to get past that which is bothering us. Every first responder wants to give of himself/herself to the community and people they serve. And we also have to be smart and brave enough to know when we need help. We are listening.

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

Diane Cotter’s husband, Paul, had just been promoted to Lieutenant in the Worcester MA Fire Dept., in 2014, when he was diagnosed with aggressive testicular cancer. Thanks to surgery and treatment, Paul is well today but that illness, surgery and treatment forced  him to “disable out.” I know what it’s like to lose that day-to-day connection with your colleagues and friends. But there is more to Paul’s and Diane’s story. 

Diane is a warrior or, as I say in the interview, her “Mama Bear” instincts kicked in. She wanted to know how this happened. She persevered and was instrumental in the disclosure that our bunker gear was being manufactured containing a man-made chemical as a part of the moisture barrier, but that is also a carcinogen. We urge you to listen to their story. The job we do is dangerous enough, we do not need to worry that the very gear we wear to protect ourselves contains a carcinogenic chemical that can lead to aggressive cancers.

For additional information, please visit:

1.    https://www.lastcallfoundation.org  

2.    https://ewg.org

3.    https://etherealfilms.org/

While this is the last episode of Season 7 of “5-Alarm Task Force,” we will continue our efforts to financially assist our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families, in dire need. And to do so, we need your help! We will return in August with Season 8 of “5-Alarm Task Force!” Until then, have a safe and enjoyable summer!

PLEASE…help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.

You can view our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms, on Podomatic or our website, noted above. 

In this episode, they bring us up to date with the latest news from the front lines of this “battle.” We learn about a new (and not great) rating regarding cancer in the fire service from an international organization that monitors cancer in various jobs. We also learn of a FREE app, the Personal Exposure Tracker, that you can keep on your phone or tablet that helps you keep track of your exposures to various toxins that we deal with on the job. And we learn how toenails (that’s right – toenails!) can help researchers see certain exposures we’ve had! And more!

The show notes for the audio podcast will have numerous links for more information.*

Learn more about their efforts to reduce cancer in the fire service at www.sylvester.org/firefighters. 

You can help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.

You can view our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms and our website, noted above.

* While we were unable to secure the additional links mentioned in the interview in time for this release, we will have them soon.  Please feel free to drop us a line at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com and we will be happy to provide them to you when available!  

Photo Courtesy UM-Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center - Firefighter Cancer Initiative

There is a new generation of young people interested. And if we can look beyond the fact that they may not have basic tool skills, we just might see that they have other skills that could be very beneficial to a department.

Our guest today is Deputy Chief Dave Robertson. We discuss his premise of , “Hiring Based on Character.” Let’s do away with the 10-item questionnaire that’s been used for 25 years, the expectation that someone in his/her early twenties has five years of firefighting experience behind them and will walk through your door and other ‘old-school” thinking. Chief Robertson posits that if we can create a hiring process based in the 21st century with the numerous life experiences some of these applicants have had, we just might be able to find those men and women who want to be the best firefighter they can be!

To learn more, visit Chief Robertson’s website at:

https://www.fire-edge.com or reach him at chief.robertson@fire-edge.com 

You can help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.

You can view our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms and our website, noted above. 

Photo Copyright Clip Art Key

Chief John Vance knows about the fire service culture. With over forty years of experience, there is little about the fire service culture that he doesn’t know. As a Chief officer, he has seen the highs and lows of our culture across many facets of the fire service. 

In this interview we divide the discussion into two parts; first the general view of our culture and some of its impacts and second, how we draw new members into the culture in such a way as they feel comfortable with learning about and then becoming a contributor to that culture. 

To learn more, visit their websites and videos at:

1.    https://www.minnetonkamn.gov/government/departments/fire-department#ad-image-7

2.    https://bshifter.com/about_01.aspx

3.    https://www.youtube.com/@bshifter 

You can help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.

You can view our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms and our website, noted above. 

On this episode, Capt. Daley tells us about the details of the new NFPA 1700 standard, which will encompass both the previous 1710 and 1720 standards. However, he explains that this new standard includes an implementation section that will assist career and volunteer departments to put the new standard into effect. This is a "game changer," as this will guide departments to put the info from 1700 to good use. "Kill the Flashover" is a program to teach firefighters fine details of fire behavior and much more in their program, "Fire Behavior University." 

Visit their website at www.KillTheFlashover.com.  

To help us help our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org.

You can watch our videos on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force and you can listen to our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms and our website, noted above. 

No matter if we are discussing career, volunteer, part-pay or WUI firefighters, they are humans first, they are sons and daughters, moms and dads, husbands, wives, aunts and uncles, etc. Sadly, we are often so focused on the words in the first paragraph that we lose sight that every single firefighter is a person. 

Our returning guest and friend, Assistant Chief Jacob Johnson of the Pearland TX Fire Department and I dig beneath the smoke, flames and turnout gear to talk about the men and women who come to the station every day, ready to meet the challenge of our oaths, “…To protect the lives and property.”

The Chief shares several occurrences in his years as a firefighter and officer. You’ll also learn how his meme, “Do Your Damn Job,” was coined through his own experience as a line officer. 

While we love to hear the “Q” scream and the Grovers clearing the path, we need to remember that we are not robots. We are human beings with all the good and bad that comes with humanity. We just look at it a bit differently than most!

Take a listen – you just might learn something 

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For the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative: If you need mental health assistance, you can reach out to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance at their website: www.ffbha.org at 847-209-8208 or info@ffbha.org or you can text the word, “BADGE” to 741741, or speak with your officer or clergy. THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP YOU! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

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As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org  or on your favorite podcast platform!

My guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” Andrew Cunningham, has been buffing for over twenty years with the Wheeling WV Fire Department. Andrew shares how it started for him and how, year later he and his co-founder created the Wheeling Fire Buffs. And it bears mentioning that there are indeed stories where those who started as buffs, went on to eventually join a fire department and turn their passion into a way of life. 

You can find Andrew’s photos and more on the following sites:
1.    www.Facebook.com/WheelingsBravest

2.    www.whgfirebuffs.com

3.    www.youtube.com/WheelingFireBuffs 

4.    www.flickr.com/photos/197635805@N08 

Take a listen – you just might learn something 

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For the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative: If you need mental health assistance, you can reach out to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance at their website: www.ffbha.org at 847-209-8208 or info@ffbha.org or you can text the word, “BADGE” to 741741, or speak with your officer or clergy. THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP YOU!

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As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org  or on your favorite podcast platform!

My guest today is Chris Kessinger the founder of Citizens First Fire Training in Ohio. From their website, we see part of their mission statement:

            “Our training and tactics are designed to put the citizens in which we serve as number one and to be the difference in saving their lives when they call us.”

One of our best fire service leaders, the late Chief Alan V. Brunacini of the Phoenix Fire Dept., taught, “Our job is to care for Mrs. Smith on her worst day – even if that day, the problem is her cat is in a tree!”

Chris shares with us the concept behind the nearly nineteen years of success for his company and how they custom tailor each and every class to serve the specific needs of the department hiring them. It is a unique and successful process that many of us can and should learn to do the same!

You can reach Chris and his team at: https://www.citizensfirstfiretraining.com/ 

For the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative: If you need mental health assistance, you can reach out to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance at their website: www.ffbha.org at 847-209-8208 or info@ffbha.org or you can text the word, “BADGE” to 741741, or speak with your officer or clergy. THERE ARE ALWAYS PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP YOU!

Take a listen – you just might learn something. 

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCoorp.org or on your favorite podcast platform!

This work, Photo Essay: Fort McCoy firefighters train to save people clinging to ice with surface ice rescue training, by Scott Sturkol, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

My guests today are deeply involved in the effort to reduce these incursions and, educate both first responders and the public, that distracted driving is indeed dangerous for all; the driver, anyone in that vehicle, as well as any first responder that cannot get out of the way fast enough. Jack Sullivan and Todd Leiss are lead educators for the Responder Safety Institute (www.respondersafety.com). Brock Aun is with HAAS Alert, (www.haasalert.com) a company that, along with others, is pioneering new technology that, using cellular services, will provide drivers with advance warning of a traffic incident ahead, giving them the necessary time to slow down and move over. 

Every state in America has a “Move Over Law and has signage on major roadways that advise drivers to safely slow their vehicle and move over to allow room for the first responders on the scene. Sadly, many drivers who have encroached on an emergency scene will often say, “I didn’t see a sign,” or “I didn’t know that!” Yet, it is the responsibility of anyone with a driver’s license to know all the “Rules of the Road.” Too often, these drivers seriously injure and/or kill, first responders who are on-scene, to help someone else. And that just might land you with hefty fines and even jail time! 

Take a listen – you just might learn something. 

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., and listen to the audio version on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCoorp.org or on your favorite podcast platform!

Our guest, District Chief Vernon Hiller of the Toronto Canada Fire Department. With thirty-five years of experience, Chief Hiller has seen it all. And while he has many fire service stories to tell, we discussed what is “beyond” the job of being a firefighter. We discuss the psychological side of the work we do and what the results can be. We are seeing increased occurrences of depression and PTSD troubling our brothers and sisters. 

The Chief discusses the challenges he faced in school at an early age and his strong efforts to overcome those challenges. More importantly, he made strong efforts to overcome those issues and those efforts buoyed him through his fire service career, where he is now a District Chief. 

We can let our challenges overwhelm us or we can be stronger than they are and deal with them, while still getting on with a full and productive life. 

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

Our two guests today, Brad Davidson, a former Fire Investigator in Manitoba Canada and Chief Arjuna George of the Vancouver area, share with us the parts of their personal journeys that led them to write their individual books. As you will hear, we discuss the efforts by both of our countries to promote and ensure the Firefighter Behavioral Health Initiative. However, it is incumbent upon each of us to know when this job is taking too heavy a toll on us and work to correct that situation. 

Chief George’s book, “Burnt Around the Edges” is available on http://www.BurntAroundTheEdges.com and Amazon.

Inspector Davidson’s Book, “Flames of the Fire: Firefighting Amidst the Explosions,” will be released in May 2023. Watch for its release on www.BradleyRDavidson.com. 

To support our the 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.’s nonprofit program to assist our Brothers and Sisters and/or their families in dire need, please visit our website, https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the “Q2B” siren and click!

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our website at www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org, on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

There is growing evidence that the ionization type of smoke detectors may not be working properly, giving proper notice of smoke being detected. What if you went to bed, a fire starts in your den, where there is a smoke detector and by the time it sounds its alert, you have succumbed to smoke and poisonous gases.

Dennis Fox has been working on this very topic for almost seven years, while a close friend of his first saw this problem and said something about it, almost 46 years ago! While he notified the manufacturers and the various governmental bodies, all to no avail. Yes, there is a better smoke detector (Photo-Cell) and heat detectors available and they do cost more than the ionization type. But what price do you put on your life to protect you, your family and your home!

For additional information, please visit http://www.SmokeAlarmSafety.org and visit www.scribd.com and search for “Richard Patton.”

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., or on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” the Chief shares his wisdom regarding “Character, Attitudes & Values,” and the how these traits should be seriously considered within your retention and recruitment efforts. Though many departments including career, volunteer, combination and WUI, are “hungry” to add new members, we have to be sure we are hiring the men and women who will be a good fit for the department. And Chief Correia explains why these three traits are so necessary, especially in these times of acute need for many Fire and/or EMS agencies! 

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

Photo Courtesy NARA & DVIDS Public Domains Archives

Chief LeDuc has been a frequent guest and long-time supporter the podcast. In this episode we discuss his long relationship with the late Chief Bobby Halton, as both a friend and an author of several books and numerous articles that Chief Halton approved. We also discuss the rise in firefighter Line-of-Duty Deaths in 2022 and, how Lifescan’s early detection exams very likely saved the lives of two more firefighters in the department that he once help to lead!

We extend to all our viewers and listeners our best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Safe New Year!

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp., on our Podomatic page at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dalmatprod206  or tune in to the audio version on your favorite podcast platform!

In this interview, the Chief discusses two, recently released After Action Reports from the Boyd St. Fire in Los Angeles, which seriously injured three firefighters and the S. Stricker St. Fire in Baltimore, which claimed the lives of three Baltimore Firefighters. 

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) created a documentary regarding the Boyd Street Fire, which is available at https://www.firehero.org/2022/11/18/boyd-street/. Information on the Baltimore Fire can be found at https://cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/resources/LineofDutyDeathReport_205S_Stricker_Street.pdf 

In the second segment of this interview, Chief Bashoor discusses his “Can You Rescue U?” (https://yourescueu.com/) a class about Experienced Leadership – To Help You Survive & Thrive.”

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or tune in to the audio version on our website https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org, Podomatic or on your favorite podcast platform!

Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” is one of those people who wears two hats, one is a fire protection systems engineer and the other is as a Captain in his local volunteer fire department, about an hour outside of the city of Philadelphia, where the volunteer fire service first came to be, thanks to Benjamin Franklin. 

Captain E.J. Henninger has been a fire protection systems engineer for over twenty years and he shares with us how his profession and avocation allow him to provide service, not only to his own community, but also to builders and businesses that are looking to protect their facilities and the people who work therein! 

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. or tune in to the audio version on our website https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org or your favorite podcast platform!

Our guest today, Bill Dungey, is a firefighter in Brant County, Ontario Canada. Like many firefighters in the northern half of the U.S., they deal with a great deal of snow and very wintry weather. So, it is no surprise that Bill soon realized that it can take a real effort to maintain both the physical and mental demands of this job.

In this episode, Bill explains the background of how firefighting led him to see what he himself needed and how that guided him into creating the “Wedge.” If you want to learn about resilience and how to find it in yourself, this is a podcast for you!

As always, you can catch the video version on our YouTube® channel or tune in to the audio version on our website or your favorite podcast platform!

His first book, "Fire Command" taught us better ways of serving in that command function. Years later, a number of those lessons are not only still valid but have become the basis for the "B-Shifter Blue Card." 

Heading up the B-Shifter team is Chief John Vance, Nic Brunacini and Josh Blum. Whether it's at the Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center or in your department's classroom, rec room, etc., you can now learn the importance and value of the Blue Card System. 

Joining us today are Nic Brunacini and Josh Blum and we discuss some of the important information regarding MAYDAYS and the value of necessary and concise radio traffic.

Yet, with over 70% of America being protected by volunteer or paid-on-call firefighters, we still have excellent leaders. My guest today is Chief Brandon Fletcher of the Gilt Edge FD in western Tennessee. Chief Fletcher is dedicated to his community and his firefighters. His department has automatic mutual aid agreements with surrounding departments for certain types of calls. This takes a strong and confident leader to establish this type of agreement. 

We discuss recruitment and retention, training, challenges and more! And, you will hear more from him and you will able to learn from him, as well!

You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. 

To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

This program will help you attain the true measure of a fire service leader. If you have that "hunger" inside you that keeps telling you to work harder, learn more and be the best that you can be, than this program might just be for you. Listen to our guests relate their experiences over thirty years ago and the bonds of both leadership and friendship that were an outgrowth of this amazing learning experience.

You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. 

To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Ryan Johnston is a 24+ year career firefighter and a 30+ year volunteer firefighter. He is the owner if Maineiac Training, a small training group that prides itself on providing realistic, experience-based, fire training. 

Ryan is currently the Rescue Technician in A Shift at the Waterville ME Fire Dept. He is a lieutenant with the Oakland Maine Fire Department. 

You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. 

To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

My guests today are Dr. Burton A. Clark, PhD, EFO, Chief Trey Mayo, EFO, Winston-Salem NC Fire Dept. and Chuck Burkell, an advisor and former instructor at the  National Fire Academy.

In this episode, which is Part I in a series, they explain the origins of, not only the EFO, but the creation of the National Fire Academy and the various programs that were developed as the federal government and fire service leaders worked together to build an educational foundation for the fire service. 

You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. 

To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

Picture is courtesy the U.S. Fire Administration 

Our guests today are Corey Hohs and Brock Aun of HAAS Alert. Haas Alert has been working for nearly six years, with local, state and national officials to provide a signal that would be initiated by the responding emergency agency and received in vehicles, either via the infotainment system or even as a message on the dash, to advise that there is an emergency ahead and to move over and slow down. 

It is quite likely that a car or truck you are driving now or maybe the next one, will have Haas Alert’s “Safety Cloud” included in its configuration. Tune in and learn more!

You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. 

To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

Capt. Childers joins us today to discuss his recent article in FIREHOUSE® Magazine’s December 2021 issue, about training for night operations. Besides being the training officer for the Champaign IL Fire Dept., he is also an instructor for the IFSI (Illinois Fire Service Institute).   

Capt. Childers truly cares, not simply about teaching, but educating and mentoring every single cadet that comes through the academy and in his own department. Tune in to hear us discuss the key issues that should be addressed through training modules performed at night and the reasons behind that position. 

You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. 

To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign goal to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

One of the largest impacts of the lower availability of volunteers is the shortage of personnel in the volunteer fire service and, there multiple causes behind this phenomenon. In turn, volunteer fire departments must “up their game” as regards training, so that the members will be as safe as possible and the community will benefit from their assistance.

My guest is Chief Justin Bailey of the Oliver Springs TN Fire Dept. Chief Bailey talks about the need for a training calendar. The calendar will advise all the members what topics, tactics or practices will be covered and when. While not every member may make a given drill night, there are always make-ups scheduled, in an effort to be fair to all. Learn more of what Chief Bailey faces everyday and how it might not be too different from what you experience in your own volunteer department.

You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. 

To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

In charge of Tour 3 that day was good friend, Battalion Chief John Hayowyk A. Hayowyk, Jr., with over 29 years in the fire service. Also on shift that evening was Capt. James Kovacs, a 24-year veteran of the fire service. 

Initially, multiple calls came into Passaic Dispatch as a car fire. However, first arriving units realized that what they really had was a plant of 1-3/3 acres, that manufactured chlorine and other pool supplies. And the first chief officer to arrive was Chief Hayowyk, soon followed by Engine 4 with Captain Kovacs. 

These brave firefighters explain what they heard, then saw and what had to be done to hopefully, prevent the fire from reaching the area where the chlorine was stored!

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EPISODE!!

You can watch us on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” or tune in to our podcast via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. 

To make a donation towards our 2022 Campaign to raise $12,000 to help our Brothers & Sisters, and/or their families in dire need, please visit our homepage! Thank you.

Photo © Matzav. Com

Audio provided by Broadcastify

Having initially been a personal trainer, who rose to work with players in both the NFL and NBA, when he joined his first fire company, he realized that he needed different workouts to focus more on the jobs that we do as firefighters. You will hear a great analogy from Aaron to the movie, “Rudy.”

In today’s discussion he shares the new “level” hi has and continues to create with is an app that you will be able to have on a computer or a mobile device, which will provide you with different programs, menus, nutrition information, hydration and much more! 

You can tune in via your favorite podcast platform or visit our website at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down the homepage to listen in. 

Photo Courtesy of www.firerescuefitness.com

Each of my guests host excellent podcasts about the fire service. Capt. Nick (along with another great firefighter and friend, Sean Duffy) host, “Make Do!” a podcast that focuses on issues of suburban firefighting (which about 80% of us deal with), Lt. Jason Liska is the host of “The Can Man Radio Show,” which covers tactics, practices, training, camaraderie and more. And Chief Johnson will very soon launch his new podcast, “Do Your Damn Job!” which focuses on the importance of mentoring and guiding in the fire service. 

We got together to share those passions, talk about our shortcomings, some reality checks and what we can do to help our fire service improve in the future. 

This is a “no holds barred” discussion! And be advised, some “salty” language is used. But it will be the takeaways that you hear that you need to remember and share with your colleagues.

Though he officially retires on December 31st, after a storied, 30-year career, the Chief has spent some of his accrued time off traveling the country to enjoy his three passions, visiting ballparks (he’s been to all major league parks!), visiting firehouses and sharing his experience, knowledge, and wisdom, with firefighters across the country. 

We discuss his travels, his books, his career and what the future holds for him. When it comes to the Fire Service, the Chief is a “Man of Letters,” a term that reflects strong learning, teaching, and mentoring skills. It is our honor to welcome him back to “5-Alarm Task Force.”

Check out the video webcast on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp, or tune in to the audio podcast on your favorite podcast platform. 

Photo Courtesy of: Steve Prziborowski

One of the leaders for that call is my guest, Jason Burns. Literally, thrown into the presidency of his local IAFF union, he was forced to bury two colleagues, both in their thirties, within two years of his election. And Jason wanted to learn more about cancer in the fire service. 

He did extensive homework to learn as much as possible. As did many of us, he was introduced into the “PFOA in Our Bunker Gear” action group on social media and he learned a great deal from the members and research down by those independent from manufacturers. He was instrumental in the passing of Resolution 28 at the 2021 IAFF annual conference. Listen as he shares his difficult and painful journey to where he is today!

Check out the video webcast on our YouTube® channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp, or tune in to the audio podcast on your favorite podcast platform. 

Photo Courtesy of: USGS.gov

It is my pleasure to welcome my dear friend, Nic Higgins, Co-Founder and Editor of “The Firehouse Tribune,” to discuss his newly published first book, “The 5-Tool Firefighter.” Nic put this together with nearly twenty years of experience as a firefighter, a long-time fire instructor and a former collegiate athlete. The name of his book was derived from a term he learned while playing collegiate baseball, the “5-Tool Player. This defined a player who was good at hitting, fielding, running, etc. 

With that thought, Nic created this book to provide the reader with similar definitions that would make a great firefighter. No, not a “perfect” one, but a great one. Tune in to view and listen as Nix explains his thought processes and how a baseball term certainly has its place in the fire service. 

Photo Courtesy of: Nicholas Higgins

The Chief shares his own failings earlier in his career and how it made him realize how he had dropped the proverbial “ball” in assisting a new recruit. He learned from the lesson that there is much more for a firefighter to do, besides fighting fire and working MVC’s. And if we banter the word, “family” around because we are  firefighters, then we must live up to the meaning of family. 

Join us and learn how Chief Johnson sees our duty, both in and out of the firehouse! 

In our second segment, the Commissioner discusses that the rank of fire chief, often holds more responsibility than tactics, operations, and training. All the facets of a COO (chief operating officer) are in play, as the chief must also be a part of the “city hall” of his/her community. From his recent article in FIREHOUSE® Magazine, Commissioner Renshaw notes the key attributes of being a member of the community leadership, i.e. City Council, Mayor, etc., and provides strong and positive advice of how to participate in this side of the job. 

As always, finds us on your favorite podcast platform or watch the webcasts on our YouTube® channel, -5-AlarmTask Force Corp.

City Hall Photo Courtesy of: Fireragestock.com

My guest on this episode is Tonya Herbert, the Owner/President of Responder Wipes® and Florida PPE Services, a certified ISP. Tonya shares with us how her life journey led her from her work in an architectural firm to creating Responder Wipes® and, this journey began in 2014, prior to the overall national recognition of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative. 

Additionally, she has become one of the key leadership members of the Carney Strong Initiative, created in memory of Battalion Chief Josh Carney, who succumbed to occupational cancer at far too young an age.

In this special episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” I share my personal experience of how an unnecessary accident wound up costing me my career as a volunteer firefighter, after only eight years. 

We who choose the fire service feel a calling to do so. And when we’re in, learning, doing, learning more, doing more, it becomes a passion; it begins to define who we are. When the ability to follow that passion is suddenly cut short, due to an injury or illness, it tears out piece of who we are. And all too often, it leads us to a “dark place.”

I share with you my story – what happened, how it occurred and what the long-term results were. I will not lie and say that it was easy, because it was not. It was emotional, difficult on many levels and very dark at others, too. 

Remember, there is always someone you can talk to. At the very least, to can text the word “badge” to 741741. Stay Safe & Stay Well. 

As always, catch the webcast on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm task Force Corp,” or listen on your favorite podcast platform or our website, https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. 

Wingspread VII took place in August 2021 at the Conference Center. For this webcast/podcast, we are truly honored to have a panel of fire service leaders and educators who will share their “take-away” from the conference. My guests include Chief John S. Butler of Fairfax County VA Fire & Rescue, Ms. Jessica Pickett of RPM Solutions Group, Inc., Kevin Roach a FACETS partner and formerly of the Phoenix Fire Dept., and Commissioner Adam Thiel of the Philadelphia Fire Dept. 

What they share has meaning for anyone and everyone in the American Fire Service, no matter if your career, volunteer, part-pay or WUI! We discuss not just what we do, but how we do it, both out on calls and in our lives in our stations. 

As always, catch the webcast on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm task Force Corp,” or listen on your favorite podcast platform or our website, https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. 

Photo courtesy: The Johnson Foundation

My guest today is FF/PM Jim Burneka. Jim has served with the Dayton OH Fire Dept. for twenty years and has been involved with the fight against occupational cancer for fifteen years. He has presented  on cancer prevention across the U.S. and Canada. And as you will hear on this podcast, his knowledge about firefighter cancer is not just from study and his presentations. Over the last year, it became personal.

PLEASE....Listen to this episode! It just might save YOUR life!

As always, catch the webcast on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm task Force Corp,” or listen on your favorite podcast platform or our website, https://www/5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. 

Photo courtesy: Healthline.com

Capt. John Lovato Jr., has been a firefighter in southwest Florida since 2003, with the City of Ft. Myers Fire Dept. A third-generation firefighter, he started in the suburbs of Chicago; no easy place to learn to be a firefighter! As he learned his craft, he rose through the ranks, now a Captain and fill-in Battalion Chief. 

One of the most important tenets he learned was teamwork, And that means that every firefighter on the team must share in the team’s tasks. As is often said,” Just because you got a t-shirt, doesn’t make you a firefighter!” 

It takes working together, practicing together, learning, and teaching each other. Just like two cogs in a machine, when the gears mesh-up, the machine works well. But if just one cog has a broken tooth, the machine stops…COLD. If firefighting teams stop…danger and disaster may follow!

Listen to his message, then ask yourself, “Am I a true member of a team or am I a freelancer?”

Photo courtesy: NASA/Daniel Casper, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chirs serves as the lead instructor and owner of Citizens First Fire Training, in addition to his roles as training officer and instructor for numerous schools, training facilities and departments. In addition, he is also a member of the Central Ohio F.O.O.L.S. chapter. 

While currently assigned to an engine company, his passion and heart will always be with truck company operations. Chris just loves this job and loves spreading that passion everywhere he goes. 

Our citizens are our number-one priority and we must always remember our mission and they are number one!

Photo courtesy nohat.cc 

My guest is longtime friend and Chief Strategy Officer of Lifescan Wellness Centers and, Executive Assistant Chief (ret) Todd LeDuc. In his Chief’s position, he was charged with managing the health and wellness of an 800-member fire service. As you’ll year in today’s episode, Todd will explain how he came to engage with Lifescan Wellness Centers, in his effort to be proactive in protecting these members.   

As many of you know, our next webinar takes place on Tuesday, August 31st at 6:30 PM EDT. Tickets are still available at https://Bit.ly/PFOS_PFOA2021. Net proceeds will go to the 5-Alarm Task Force Foundation, which disburses financial assistance to our Brothers and Sisters, and/or their families, in dire need. 

We have recently been posting on social media that we would announce the major prizes for the webinar. We can tell you that both the First and Grand Prizes could make a difference in your life and the lives of others. All you need to do is purchase your ticket and join us on August 31st, as every attendee has an equal chance of winning any of the prizes! We’ll also be raffling off three of our new t-shirts, as well.

Tune in to “5-Alarm Task Force” on your our website, www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org, your favorite podcast platform or watch our interview on our YouTube® Channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.

Photo Courtesy Cllarius.com

These are the three main branches of Public Safety. And often times when the public sees or hears about us, they “think” we wear capes! However, nothing could be further from the truth. No, we don’t worry about kryptonite, the Joker or “Dr. Evil.” But we do care about you…sometimes more than we do ourselves. As First Responders, we are well aware of the dangers, tragedy, and horror we often face. Yet, these experiences do not make us any less human. We still wince with pain, cry at old movies, suffer physical pain and often live with some terrible memories. And that is often, not easy to do.

Our guest today is Chief Paul V. Jockimo, considered one of the leading experts on CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management), also know as Peer Support. For over 30 years, Chief Jockimo has helped member of both Public Safety and our Military, dealing with incident stress. He counseled after the Worcester Cold Storage Fire, 9|11, Oklahoma City, and many other tragedies. 

In this episode, the Chief shares his definitions and visions of Peer Support and its absolute necessity and importance in Public Safety. While First Responders often “wear” an outer coat of invincibility, we still hurt “on the inside,” even if we refuse to show it on the outside. If you have been a First Responder for even a year or two, or more, you have probably had a least one very serious and tragic incident. Remember, you are NOT alone!

Please remember, we need your help to allow us to assist our Brothers and Sisters in dire straits. Please visit our website, https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org and look for the photo of the “Q,” to make your donation.