FMBA Nation

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower, sits with Rob Garrison, Legal Counsel for the PFRSNJ, and talks about federal student loan forgiveness for public service employees. Rob runs through the steps you need to take to see if you qualify, and how to convert your current older federal loans to direct loans for the discharge. The deadline to convert the loans is October 31st, 2022 and you can find out if you are eligible for the program by visiting www.studentaid.gov

Ever wonder what it takes to start a 501(c)3 Foundation? Look no further! In this episdoe, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Karen Taylor-Burke from PKF O'Connor Davies and NJ FMBA Treasurer Troy Powell on how to get started and the benefits of starting a foundation for your local. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Attorney Joe Burke about dependency claims. Joe is a retired Captain from Montclair FMBA Local 20 who is now a practicing attorney at law who focuses on worker's compensations claims. Joe discusses how the Thomas Canzanella Act and dependency claims work and how a member's family can use the dependency claim to help with financial hardships. 

In this episode, FMBA nation host Bill Brower talks with Cherie Castellano about the NJ Fire/EMS Lifeline which has been established to provide mental health support and services to NJ first responders and their families. If you or someone you know needs help please call the lifeline at 888-653-3367 or go to www.njfireems.com for more information on how to get assistance. 

In Episode 51, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with nuclear physicist, Dr. Graham Peaslee, from the University of Notre Dame, about the forever chemicals known as PFAS that has been contaminating firefighters for years. These chemicals have been linked to cancer and have been found in the turnout gear that is worn everyday by firefighters as well as the foam that is used for chemical and flammable liquid fires for years. This is a must listen episode in battling the cancer epidemic of the fire service.

In the 50th episode of FMBA Nation, host Bill Brower chats with the keynote speaker from the 125th NJ FMBA Convention, Katie McKenna. Katie is the author of "How to get run over by a truck" and tells Bill about her journey and how she faced true adversity and determination to survive. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherril (NJ 11th District), about the SALT (State and Local Tax) Deduction Cap. They discuss how it affects NJ First Responders as well as middle class families in NJ.  

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with the boys from Flow and Vent at the 125th Annual NJ FMBA Convention. Rob and Kyle tell Bill about their success on Instagram and their dedication to training and education within the fire service. Both Rob and Kyle are members of the NJ FMBA and plan to get involved with more training education with FMBA Nation. 

In this episode, FMBA Nation Host, Bill Brower, talks with Captain Bob Falzarano from the Union Fire Department about his personal struggles with PTSD and other mental health challenges. Bob opens up and tells FMBA nation how he was close to taking his own life and how he took the steps he needed to get help. For anyone that is in need of help for mental health, substance abuse, or just needs someone to talk to, please reach out to our Mental Health/Peer Assistance Team. 

Dr. Michael Bizzarro 732-771-7165

Dr. Julie Tropeano 732-977-3819

Tyrone Smith 973-573-9694

Ken Burkert 908-346-1691

CISM Team Coordinator Troy Powell 973-868-0527

In this episode, FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with Marc Junkerman about his mental health program "Planning to Thrive".

Planning to Thrive (P2T) introduces adaptable management concepts intended to assist you in implementing and maintaining a successful culture of first responder wellness.  The blueprint is yours.  These are just a few "extra tools for your box" to help you with the build.  

Marc "Junk" Junkerman is an active law enforcement commander in Maryland with nearly three decades of service which includes nearly two decades advocating for first responder safety and wellness.  He continues to provide regular consultation and instructional support in this arena to various agencies within his state in addition to serving as a Mental Health First Aid instructor and as an International Critical Incident Stress Foundation faculty member.