This wee on the Firehouse Sergeants Podcast, we're joined by Firefighter Mike Greco.

Mike is a second-generation firefighter who started his career as a volunteer in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Mike rose through the ranks to Chief of Department and remains an active firefighter today. In 2010, he was hired as a career firefighter in the City of Hackensack Fire Department, where he has built a reputation for professionalism, hard work, and a commitment to doing the job the right way.

Whether it's training, mentoring, or answering the bells, Mike brings the passion and dedication that define the best of our profession. He's the kind of firefighter every crew wants riding on the rig and the very definition of a Firehouse Sergeant.

We're honored to have Mike join us to talk about leadership, tradition, training, and the lessons he's learned throughout his career.

If you're enjoying the show please remember to Like, Comment, Share, & Subscribe

Get over to www.FirefightersBookClub.com today and preorder my new book Firehouse Sergeants: Earning Your Stripes

With more than 30 years in the fire service, Chief Dave Robertson has served in multiple departments and worked his way through the ranks as a firefighter, paramedic, company officer, training chief, and fire chief. Along the way, he’s become a respected voice on leadership, mentorship, incident command, firefighter development, and building healthy fire service cultures.  

Dave is also the founder of FireEDGE, where he helps firefighters and officers advance their careers through coaching, training, and leadership development. He’s a speaker, author, educator, and someone who isn’t afraid to tackle the tough conversations facing the fire service today.

Kicking of our rebranding with a true titan of fire service media, Kevin "Kubes" Kubler. 

Kubes, is a retired FDNY Firefighter and Plank Holder of Squad Co. 288. He is co-founder of Gettin' Salty Apparel, co-host of The Gettin' Salty Experience Podcast "the self-proclaimed greatest fire service podcast on the internet" and NOW AUTHOR of the newly published book The War Years and Back.

Find Kevin and his best buddy Lou on Thursday nights at https://www.youtube.com/@GettinSaltyExperience

Find Kevin's newly released The War Years and Back and other great fire service merch and gifts at https://www.gettinsaltyapparel.com

Stay Safe

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-007
Date: Nov. 6, 2025
Guest: Captain Karl Ramm  

With 29 years of service, Captain Karl Ramm’s career reads like a masterclass in rescue operations and leadership under pressure. From 13 years as a Rescue Officer to leading missions as a Search Team Manager with NJ-TF1 FEMA Urban Search & Rescue, Karl has been on the front lines of America’s toughest disasters — from Superstorm Sandy to Hurricanes Matthew, Ida, Helene, and Irene.  

He’s also a Lead Instructor for Safety & Survival Training LLC and NJ-TF1, shaping the next generation of rescuers in water rescue, boat operations, and special operations disciplines. His accolades include DOD Fire Officer of the Year, Fire Instructor of the Year, and commendations for national disaster response — but what stands out most is his humility, his passion for the craft, and his unwavering dedication to service.

#NJFireGuys #Firefighting #TechRescue #NJTF1 #USAR #DODFire #Podcast #FirePodcast

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-006
Date: June 19
Guest: Jason Rivera
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Jason Rivera is a 31-year veteran of the fire service and has served in career and volunteer departments starting in Boonton, NJ. Jason began his career service with Picatinny Arsenal where he worked until leaving for Stamford, CT. He retired from the Stamford Fire Department after 14 years, while serving as the Captain of Rescue 1/ Acting Deputy Chief. He is currently a Firefighter for the New Haven (CT) Fire Department assigned to the Special Operations firehouse.
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He is a current Lieutenant and Past-Chief of the Newtown (CT) Hook and Ladder Fire Company, a Firefighter in Christiana (DE) and a Rescue Specialist with the FEMA USAR team MA-TF1.
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Jason is a ProBoard certified Fire Service Instructor Level 3, has presented at FDIC International since 2017 and taught across the country and internationally.
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Jason is the owner of Tactical Resource Fire Training LLC, a fire service training company focusing on fireground and rescue company disciplines as well as special operations. He also teaches for FAST Rescue Solutions in Philadelphia and Capitol Fire Training LLC in Maryland.
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Jason has been published multiple times in Fire Engineering Magazine and was the recipient of the 2016 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award at the FDIC.
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#NJFireGuys #NJ #NJFIRE #FirePodcast #Podcast #Fire #FireDuty #FlowandVent #Fireman #Firefighting #GardenState #JerseyShore #NorthJersey #BoontonFire #NewHavenFire #FDIC #FireEngineering

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-005
Date: June 12, 2025
Guest Captain Robert LeBrun

Captain Robert LeBrun is a dedicated and accomplished fire service professional with extensive experience across both volunteer and career departments. He currently serves as a Captain and the Training Officer for the Plainsboro Township Fire Department (NJ), a role he has held since 2022. He began his career with Plainsboro in 2021 as a full-time firefighter, steadily rising through the ranks due to his commitment to operational excellence and firefighter development.

Captain LeBrun’s fire service journey also includes prior career service with the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue  (VA), Westampton Township Fire Department (NJ), Prince William County Fire Department (VA), and Hillsborough Township Fire District (NJ). In the volunteer fire service, he started with Jamesburg Fire Department in 2005, held numerous line officer positions and eventually moved out of town.  After moving and joining he also served as Deputy Chief of East Windsor Fire Company No. 2, where he has been an active and respected leader.

Beyond operations, Captain LeBrun is committed to fire prevention and education. Since 2018, he has served as a Fire Inspector for the East Windsor Township Fire Bureau, and in 2025, he was appointed Fire Official. He also contributes to regional firefighter development as an instructor with the Mercer County Fire Academy, a role he began in 2023.

Captain LeBrun holds an Associate Degree from Essex County College and is finishing up a  Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia Southern University. His dedication, leadership, and instructional impact continue to shape and strengthen the fire service in Central New Jersey and beyond.

NJ Fire Guys
Run#25- 004
Date: May 29
Lieut. Scott Callahan ⠀

Lieutenant Scott Callahan is a seasoned fire service professional with 23 years of experience. He currently serves as a Lieutenant on both a Quint and Rescue unit with the Mount Laurel Fire Department, Station 362 A Platoon. Scott began his fire service career with the Maple Shade Fire Department, where he advanced through the ranks to Deputy Chief. He also served as an Assistant Institution Fire Chief at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital before joining Mount Laurel.

An active leader within the fire service labor community, Scott is the current Vice President of Mount Laurel Professional Firefighters Local 4408, having previously served as President, Vice President, and Secretary. His longstanding commitment to the union reflects a deep dedication to the betterment of his fellow firefighters and the mission of the PFANJ.⠀

Outside the firehouse, Scott maintains a strong commitment to health and fitness. He has played in the South Jersey Masters Soccer League with the Pennsauken team and has been an avid CrossFit athlete since 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and is a proud husband and father of two.⠀
#NJFireGuys #FireGuys #NJFire #Fireman #Firefighting #NJ #JerseyBoys #JerseyFire #GardenState #Podcast #FirePodcast #PFANJ #IAFF #MountLaurelFire

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-003
Date: Feb. 13, 2005
Guest: Fire Chief William Kramer Jr.  

Chief William Kramer Jr. has lead a career spanning five decades, Chief Kramer’s impact on fire and emergency services is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a junior firefighter following in his father’s footsteps to leading the Cinnaminson Fire Department as both a volunteer chief and later as Fire District Administrator, his dedication to the fire service has shaped not only his department but also fire protection and emergency response across the state. Under his leadership, Cinnaminson Fire District #1 achieved an ISO 2 classification, established a thriving EMS division, and expanded its career and volunteer ranks to meet the growing needs of the community.  

Beyond his local service, Chief Kramer has been a major force at the state level, serving as New Jersey’s State Fire Marshal and Division Director of Fire Safety. His tenure saw the implementation of key fire safety legislation and responses to some of the state’s most significant incidents. Even in retirement, he continues to support the fire service through leadership roles in professional organizations, mentoring the next generation of firefighters, and yes—keeping things safe at Lincoln Financial Field with the Philadelphia Eagles. Join us as we dive into his incredible journey, the lessons he’s learned, and the legacy he leaves behind in the fire service.

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-002
Date: Feb. 6, 2025
Guest: Fire Chief Michael West ⠀

Chief Michael West is a fourth generation firefighter, with over 40 years of fire service experience. Beginning his journey in 1982 with the Monmouth Beach Volunteer Fire Co. and working fulltime as a fire dispatcher with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office starting in 1987. In 1988 he moved to Colorado and transitioned to firefighting with the Eagle River Fire Protection District. In 1990, he joined South Metro Fire Rescue, where he dedicated nearly three decades, rising through the ranks to District Chief and Tour Commander, a role in which he oversaw 46 fire companies working across 5 Battalions out of 29 fire stations protecting over 500,000 residents. In 2019, Chief West left South Metro and has been serving as the Fire Chief of Front Range Fire Rescue in Colorado, leading the department with a commitment to excellence in service, safety, and professional development. ⠀

Beyond his leadership roles, Chief West is passionate about firefighter training and education. Mike holds a Master’s Degree in Communication from Seton Hall University.  He also holds degrees in management and fire science.  As the owner of Fired Up Training Service LLC, he provides specialized instruction designed to enhance operational effectiveness and leadership skills in the fire service. His decades of experience and deep understanding of fireground tactics, command strategies, and mentorship make him a valuable voice in the industry. In his spare time, Mike is a bagpiper, a Harley enthusiast, and an avid traveler.

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-001
Date: Jan. 9, 2025
Guest: Dep. Chief Butch Cobb

“Empty Sky, Empty Promises” ⠀

Join us for a powerful episode of the NJ Fire Guys Podcast as we sit down with retired Deputy Chief Robert “Butch” Cobb to discuss the heart-wrenching story of “Empty Sky,” New Jersey’s official 9/11 memorial. Ceremoniously dedicated on September 10, 2011, this poignant tribute to the 749 New Jerseyans lost on September 11, 2001, was unveiled in the presence of notable figures like Governor Chris Christie, five former state governors, Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, and many more. Despite its significance, Chief Cobb sheds light on a sobering reality: the memorial has fallen into disrepair, remaining unfinished and poorly maintained, leaving families and citizens alike searching for answers. ⠀

In this thought-provoking conversation, Chief Cobb shares his personal journey of turning grief into a mission, advocating for the care and completion of this sacred space. He reflects on the importance of honoring those who perished and ensuring their memories endure for future generations. Whether you’re a first responder, an advocate for historical preservation, or someone passionate about remembering the legacy of 9/11, this episode will inspire you to take action and join the call for accountability. Tune in to NJ Fire Guys Podcast Run#: 25-001 and discover how you can help preserve the story of “Empty Sky” and the lives it commemorates. ⠀
#NJFireGuysPodcast #NJFireGuys #FirstResponders #NeverForget #EmptySky #JerseyCity #9/11 #Sept11 #NJ #GardenState #Firefighters #LawEnforcement #EMS #Corruption #FightforRight #Podcast #FirePodcast