National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

Stand behind value driven decisions... this statement sums up Jim Trzaski's approach as a Fire Chief. During his tenure, he has come to understand the importance of supporting his people and protecting the mission. His realistic approach and problem solving comes from years of relationship building and personal growth. Jim's commitment and passion for the fire services started early in his career as a dedicated volunteer firefighter. It was common belief that he was destined to be a career firefighter and he soon had the opportunity to take his volunteer status full time. A highly respected and well known firefighter, Jim finds himself bridging the gap between generations while protecting the sanctity of the firehouse. His dedication is top shelf and he works hard, day in and day out to ensure the past is not forgotten. Relating this with the "new normal", it takes a dynamic leader to be able to pull this together. Jim Trzaski is that leader, ensuring his memories and upbringing is shared with the next generation.

Today we are joined by special guest, Chris Kessinger, the Owner and Lead Instructor of Citizens First Fire Training. Chris is here to share his unique perspective on fire training, one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the community above all else. His approach, developed alongside a skilled cadre of instructors, focuses on preparing firefighters not just in the technical aspects of firefighting but also in understanding and valuing their crucial role as protectors and helpers in our society. So, without further ado, let's dive into this conversation with Chris and learn more about how putting citizens first can transform the way firefighters train and respond to emergencies.

The Size Up Episode 43. Be Consistent - Chris Gilbert by Jeremy Donch

Our third installment of Maui Firestorm, Jeremy sits down with Greg Jenkins, a retired Captain of the Maui County Fire Department. This hard hitting episode discusses the lack of prevention to protect Lahaina from the threat of fire and the hard realities that surround this devastating fire.

Everything is bigger in Texas, and District Chief Clyde Gordon is no exception. His stature is strong and his passion and fire ground presence is stronger. Clyde has over 33 years with the Houston, TX Fire Department. From his early days of hard charging and his "put me in the game coach" attitude, Clyde developed a strong love of the job while pushing the envelope. He committed to the job and made sure he did his part in protecting the city. With time comes reflection and maturity. His hard charging ways has lead him to be a strong Chief with a more fully understanding of the "why". The "why" matters to Clyde, providing a service to those who rely on us - giving everything we have for those we protect. Clyde knows that we can make a difference and he pushes his people to understand that mindset and the importance of putting their citizens first is the priority. Set expectations, follow through on all of it... integrity, sacrifice, work ethic, accountability - all words that matter. Clyde believes in these words. He makes sure to emulate them in each interaction and situation he faces. Be who you say you are and for Clyde Gordon, believe me, it's truly that simple.

Welcome to another episode of The Gospel with National Fire Radio. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with seasoned firefighter, Lt. David Quick, from the Manchester NH Fire Department, Engine Company 11. Today, Lt. Quick delves deep into a firefighting technique that's gaining momentum across North America - the vertical stretch. While this technique has long been a common practice in the Northeast, particularly in the heart of New England, Lt. Quick sheds light on the reasons why the vertical stretch is poised to become commonplace in fire departments all over North America. The driving force behind this shift? The evolving landscape of building construction. Lt. Quick emphasizes how the vertical stretch, when executed through company level training, represents a proactive and essential approach to modern firefighting. Join us as we explore the intricacies of this vital strategy, unraveling its potential to shape the future of firefighting tactics in your company and sharpen your edge as a company officer or someone in charge of training.

The Size Up Episode 42. Back to School - Jeremy King by Jeremy Donch

On Episode 2 of Maui Firestorm, with with Dr. Hokulani Holt, of the University of Hawaii, Maui College.

Mandatory hold overs, so commonplace today in career fire departments across the country can certainly take its' toll on firefighters. The dreaded "MANDO VAN" comes rolling through town so often it became an ongoing joke for John Gary and his comrades. The MANDO culture is a big part of his American Fire Brigade social media platform that has become so widely popular. John has found his comedy through memes and video to be a big part of his therapy off the job. Several years ago John was seriously injured during a fire. While taking his time off to heal, he realized he wasn't the guy he once was; that the job was tearing him apart. This time off allowed for him to refocus on himself by finding the right tools he needed to cope with the stresses of the job. Putting focus back on his own health and his family, John's renewed focus lead him to the creation of the Brigade. Today, John is a smiling, consuming guy who's infectious smile and love for 1980-1990's movies has built a great social media page and following. His ability to capture the reality of the job while being able to poke fun at it has helped change the MANDO culture in his department. John believes that we must "protect our days off" in order to ensure we have the down time needed for the important things in life. His close to career ending injury gave him his life back in a way, and John is ok with that!! -- Check out the American Fire Brigade on social.

Excited about training, Mike Wolfschmidt has gone all in on being the best he can be. A never ending quest, Mike believes that training should be retitled, "Self Improvement", always learning to be better and to do better. On and off the job, Mike has pushed himself to emulate those that stood out to him throughout his upbringing in the firehouse. True gentlemen, people who exhibited the very best values, that's who Mike wanted to be. Mike believes in a strong foundation and constantly learning and growing as an individual and firefighter. This 4th generation firefighter cannot get enough of the job. From his commitment to the volunteer companies to his career job, firefighting is in his bones. He shares this passion with his six year old daughter who routinely askes about what type of calls he has run during his shift. Involving her and exposing her to the upside of the job has created a very special bond between them. This fuels his desire to be a good man, one who carries on the foundation from which he learned from. He shares his knowledge and experience through Wolfschmidt Fire Training as well as being a part of the Eckert Fire Training cadre. He is unapologetic for his love of the craft and he makes no excuses about it. --- www.wolfschmidtfiretraining.com