In this episode of Echoes of Valor, host Tony Ottaviani, alongside co-host Dawn Witherspoon, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Oren Barzilay, the president of the FDNY EMS union. The discussion begins with Oren sharing his journey into emergency medical services, highlighting the evolution of EMS in New York City and the challenges faced by its providers. Oren emphasizes the increasing demand for EMS services, which now account for 80% of FDNY's calls, yet the funding and resources allocated to EMS remain disproportionately low compared to fire services. This disparity has led to a crisis in staffing and response times, with many EMS workers struggling to make ends meet on low wages.

In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Samantha Perez shares her 15-year journey through fire and EMS, from starting as a young EMT in North Carolina to building her career as a paramedic in Florida. She talks about learning the job at a young age, working within different EMS systems, and how her experience in trauma care and the emergency department shaped her approach to patient care.

Samantha also opens up about a serious car crash that put her on the other side of the stretcher, sharing how becoming the patient changed her perspective on safety, recovery, and life in EMS. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on balancing the demands of the job with motherhood, life outside the uniform, and the role The For Paul Foundation has played in her journey. This episode highlights resilience, growth after trauma, and lessons for those looking to build a lasting career in emergency services.

In this episode of Echoes of Valor, We explore the unpredictable, chaotic, and often humorous reality of working in EMS. Haley shares her unconventional path into the profession, the unique culture of EMS in Mississippi, and unforgettable calls that range from heartfelt to downright unbelievable — including a legendary possum CPR story. Through laughter and reflection, this episode highlights how humor, empathy, and connection keep EMS professionals grounded in a demanding career.

In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Eric Bauer joins the conversation to discuss leadership, critical care education, and the mindset required to keep growing in EMS. Drawing from decades of experience and the work behind FlightBridgeED, Eric shares what it takes to build strong clinicians, lead with purpose, and commit to lifelong learning in a demanding profession.

Thank you to our sponsor, Public Safety Answer.

In this episode of Echoes of Valor, guests James and Tony share the powerful journey behind the creation of the National EMS Memorial. They discuss the emotional stories that inspired the project, the legislative challenges involved in establishing a national monument, and why honoring every EMS provider truly matters.

They also highlight how listeners can support the ongoing effort to build a permanent national memorial in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the mission at www.emsmemorial.org.

Thank you to our sponsor Public Saftey Answer

In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with David Ellis — a 30-year EMS veteran, educator, and global leader whose career has stretched from the streets of South Carolina to the skies over Haiti.

David shares his path through decades of EMS service, reflecting on the challenges of leadership, the lessons learned in humanitarian work, and the emotional side of serving others in crisis. The conversation explores what it means to lead with purpose, stay grounded through adversity, and inspire the next generation of professionals who carry the mission forward.

In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Tim Roberto, a Marine veteran, Certified Addiction Counselor, and founder of Stomping Out the Stigma, a nonprofit providing free and confidential mental health services to first responders and veterans.

Tim shares his powerful journey through military service, addiction, and long-term recovery—offering an unfiltered look at the struggles that often go unseen behind the uniform. He opens up about the moments that led him to seek help and how he found purpose in creating a safe, judgment-free space for others to do the same.

The conversation explores the mental health challenges first responders face, the importance of culturally competent care, and how movement, mindfulness, and mission can drive recovery. Tim also shares his latest initiative—a 98-mile walk to raise awareness for mental health and ensure no one suffers in silence.

This episode is honest, inspiring, and packed with real-world insight on resilience, healing, and showing up for yourself and others.

Learn more about his work: https://sotsinc.org

In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Jason Smith, a decorated fire officer, EMS educator, and former union president whose leadership has shaped both frontline response and behind-the-scenes strategy across South Florida.

They unpack Jason’s journey from firefighter/paramedic to Battalion Chief, reflecting on his work training the next generation of medics and navigating the politics of labor relations. Jason shares lessons learned from the field, the importance of maintaining morale, and how to lead teams through both calm and chaos.

The conversation dives into the complexities of command, the value of mentorship, and how true leadership often means knowing when to step forward—and when to step back. With his signature level-headedness and dry humor, Jason offers perspective on what it really takes to lead through crisis, change, and career evolution.

This episode is packed with wisdom, humility, and stories from a career built on experience, service, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Please note: this episode is audio-only due to a last-minute technical issue during recording. We appreciate your understanding and promise the insight is still just as sharp.

In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Amy Vu, a 17-year EMS veteran, community responder, and nonprofit founder whose work has spanned field operations, disaster response, and mentorship.

They dive into Amy’s journey from street medic to leading COVID testing efforts and organizing grassroots relief during Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian. Amy shares what it was like to push through barricades with supplies, rebuild storm-battered communities, and provide aid long after the headlines faded.

The conversation highlights the emotional weight of long-term response, the importance of teaching and mentoring future medics, and the unexpected ways EMS professionals continue to serve even when they’re off the clock. With her signature calm and a touch of sarcasm, Amy reminds us that leadership doesn't always come with a title—and that the best work often happens behind the scenes.

This episode is full of grit, compassion, and stories from a career grounded in purpose and heart.

Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, ⁠Fir Tec⁠ for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.

In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and Brandon sit down with two dynamic leaders in Florida’s fire and EMS community: Captain Johana Cinque of Coral Springs Fire Department and Deputy Chief Chantal Botting of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.

Together, they reflect on decades of experience rising through the ranks—shaping EMS protocols, mentoring future leaders, and managing everything from field operations to multi-agency logistics and station construction. Johana shares her evolution from field medic to EMS training officer and now operational captain, while Chantal offers insight from her role overseeing hundreds of personnel, directing special operations, and advocating for women in fire service leadership across the state.

The conversation explores the challenges of breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession, the complexity of government projects, and the deep pride that comes from building a legacy rooted in service. With shared wisdom, professional grit, and a relentless drive to elevate others, these two leaders show us what it means to lead with impact—and leave a path for others to follow.

Thanking Sponsors:
We’d like to express our gratitude to our sponsor, ⁠⁠⁠Public Safety Answer⁠⁠⁠, for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.