Firefighter Podcast

This episode is a rare role reversal for me as I step into the interview chair for a live recording at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service during International Mens Day 2025. Speaking with Station Manager Gary Devonport, I explore mens mental health, identity, masculinity and the realities that sit behind the uniform. We go into some deeply personal territory, from my past experiences with self destruction and addiction to the long road of recovery, alongside a wider conversation about the role men play as fathers, uncles, coaches and leaders in our communities and why positive male role models still matter.

This is not a polished conversation and it was not meant to be. It is honest, challenging and sometimes uncomfortable, but it reflects exactly where I am at and what I believe needs to be talked about more openly. If you care about culture, leadership, the fire service or the pressures men carry silently, this episode will resonate. It is an invitation to think differently, reflect deeply and hopefully start conversations that go far beyond the watch room.

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• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
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• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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In this episode I sit down with Dr. Johnny Torgeson, a US Army veteran, fire officer, educator and author of Forging Your Team: Demystifying Team Development for First Responders. Johnny brings an incredible mix of military precision, academic insight and real-world fire service experience, and together we dig into what it truly means to build teams that can handle pressure, conflict and change.

We talk about his forging model of leadership, exploring how to heat, shape, cool and polish a team until it becomes something strong enough to withstand the heat of the job. We also look at trust, culture and how the next generation’s mindset is reshaping what leadership looks like in today’s fire service. Whether you are a firefighter, watch manager or senior leader, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and sharp insights you can use to build stronger, more connected crews.

connect with Dr. Johnny Torgeson HERE

buy his book HERE 

explore his website HERE

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In this episode I sit down with Darren Dovey KFSM, former Chief Fire Officer of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, to explore how emotional intelligence can transform leadership in the fire sector. Darren’s 35-year career saw him lead through political upheaval, the transition to PFCC governance, and national crises like COVID and extreme weather. But beyond the operational challenges, Darren shares an honest and reflective look at his own journey—from a bright but rebellious firefighter to a leader who discovered that real influence starts with self-awareness.

Together they unpack the science behind the EQ-i 2.0 model, how emotional intelligence links to culture, mental health, and decision-making, and why developing emotionally intelligent leaders may hold the key to tackling the fire service’s biggest challenges. This is a deep, authentic conversation about leadership, humanity, and how understanding yourself can make you a more effective firefighter, officer, and person.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us Fan Mail

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

On November 8th, 2025, FDNY Firefighter Patrick Brady lost his life while battling a five-alarm fire in Brooklyn, New York. In this episode, we reflect on Patrick’s story as a firefighter from a proud line of service and the realities of the work he loved. We look at the demands of roof operations and vertical ventilation, not to question tactics, but to understand the environments and pressures that firefighters face when everything is on the line.

This episode explores the physical and physiological toll of the job from extreme exertion and heat stress to the hidden impact of shift work, sleep deprivation, and cardiovascular strain. Through Patrick’s story, we examine how courage, preparation, and health intersect on the modern fireground, and how the lessons from his loss can help keep others safe. This is a tribute, a reflection, and a reminder that behind every uniform beats a human heart.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us Fan Mail

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In this episode, Pete sits down once again with Watch Manager Mike “Stacko” Stachowicz GIFIRE a UK firefighter, international fire behaviour instructor, and long-time friend of the podcast to unpack his experiences from IFIW (International Fire Instructor’s Workshop) 2025. From live burns and tactical experiments in Colorado to conversations with global leaders like Andy Starnes, James Mendoza, John McDonough, and Keith Stakes from UL FSRI, Mike brings a firsthand look at the science, strategy, and mindset shaping modern firefighting.

Together, Pete and Mike dig into what’s changing on the fireground: the ongoing debate over hose sizes, advances in ventilation and water mapping, and how global collaboration is helping the UK fire service evolve its approach to training, welfare, and leadership. It’s raw, technical, and unfiltered for a deep dive into how international lessons translate into real-world performance for the crews on the ground.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In this second part of our conversation with Jim McParland, we move from the technical to the deeply personal. Jim opens up about the emotional weight of a career spent on the front lines of disaster — the moments that stay with you long after the noise fades, and the quiet burden carried by those who’ve seen the very worst of human tragedy. From the aftermath of catastrophic earthquakes to the heartbreak of lives lost despite every effort, Jim shares what it truly means to live with the memories that come from decades in rescue work.

This episode pulls no punches. It explores the unseen toll of international deployments from the exhaustion, the moral weight of decision-making, and the struggle to switch off when you return home. It’s raw, honest, and necessary listening for anyone who wants to understand the human side of Search and Rescue. This is the story behind the uniform and the second part of a powerful two-part episode with Jim McParland.

Connect with Jim HERE

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Jim McParland’s career reads like a blueprint for courage, discipline, and service. After joining West Midlands Fire Service in 1995, he quickly became part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team, deploying to some of the world’s most severe disaster zones. From the wreckage of the Christchurch earthquake to the chaos of the 2023 Turkey earthquake and the flooding in Malawi, Jim has been at the sharp end of international disaster response. His decades in the field, leading teams through devastation and recovery, reflect a lifetime dedicated not only to saving lives but also to building capability, trust, and professionalism in others.

This episode gives listeners an unfiltered look into that world. The reality of search and rescue, the split-second decisions that define an operation, and the leadership qualities that hold teams together under extreme pressure. You’ll learn what international deployments demand of a responder, how coordination unfolds amid catastrophe, and how resilience and preparation make the difference between control and chaos. This is Part One of a two-part conversation with Jim McParland, a story of skill, service, and staying left of bang.

Connect with Jim HERE

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In May 1979, a fire tore through the Woolworths department store in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens. A blaze that would change British fire safety forever. What began as a small ignition behind a furniture display grew into a full-floor inferno within minutes, fuelled by polyurethane foam and toxic smoke that trapped shoppers and staff on the upper floors.

This episode revisits the incident through modern eyes, unpacking the science, the tactics, and the courage of those who faced the unimaginable. It explores how the tragedy reshaped firefighting knowledge from flow-path control and gas cooling to the understanding that smoke itself is fuel and how the lessons learned in 1979 still guide firefighters on the line today.

A downloadable PDF accompanies this episode, featuring an Instant Overview, Tactical Reflections, and Tactical Takeaways designed for crews and instructors to use as a debrief and training resource.

ACCESS downloadable PDF HERE

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

This episode dives into one of the most important and often misunderstood parts of the UK Fire & Rescue Service. How we attract, develop, and promote the leaders of tomorrow. Joined by Hannah Vallance, Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Director at VCA Ltd, we explore what it really takes to build a workforce and leadership culture that reflects the values and future needs of the modern fire service. 

From values-based recruitment to feedback culture and succession planning, this conversation unpacks how to move beyond tick-box processes and start creating genuine growth opportunities.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how recruitment and promotion can be fair, consistent, and trusted not just by HR teams, but by the watch floor. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a manager shaping development pathways, or part of a service looking to modernise its approach, this episode gives you practical insights into building a culture that identifies potential, supports progression, and prepares the fire service for the challenges ahead.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In Part Two of our National Breathing Apparatus Challenge collaboration, we step behind the smoke to hear from the people who design, assess, and drive one of the UK fire service’s most respected events. After following ten operational crews through their thirty minute, two fire, three casualty scenario in Part One, this episode turns the focus to the organisers and assessors — the experts who build the realism, set the pressure, and define what good looks like on the fireground.

They share how the Challenge is created, what assessors look for during each phase, and what trends they’re seeing in firefighter performance across the country. From scenario design to decision-making under stress, this conversation reveals how the National BA Challenge continues to raise the bar for competence, safety, and professional development in the UK fire and rescue service.

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew