Philip Nichols/CaptainRutherford County Fire and RescueApril 4, 2026 1800 hrsSingle story single family dwelling (1200 sq ft ranch)4 minutes from on scene to victim removed260-275Never let go of a conscious victimNever put your tool downSmoke drunk is a real thing, never trust a conscious victim. Don’t get complacent. A small fire with a decent amount of smoke make me think it would be an easy job and cause me to make some poor decisions.  Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Philip Nichols/Captain Rutherford County Fire and Rescue April 4, 2026 1800 hrs Single story single family dwelling (1200 sq ft ranch) 4 minutes from on scene to victim removed 260-275 Never let go of a conscious victim Never put your tool down Smoke drunk is a real thing, never trust a conscious victim. Don’t get complacent. A small fire with a decent amount of smoke make me think it would be an easy job and cause me to make some poor decisions. Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Philip Nichols/CaptainRutherford County Fire and RescueApril 4, 2026 1800 hrsSingle story single family dwelling (1200 sq ft ranch)4 minutes from on scene to victim removed260-275Never let go of a conscious victimNever put your tool downSmoke drunk is a real thing, never trust a conscious victim.&nbsp;Don’t get complacent. A small fire with a decent amount of smoke make me think it would be an easy job and cause me to make some poor decisions.&nbsp; Grabspodcast@gmail.com

GRABS 191 - Rutherford County (TN) Fire and Rescue (4.4.26)

Grabs 190 Ft Myers, FL (10/2004)<ul><li>Grant speaks with John Lovato (BC, then FF) </li><li>2 Story Multi-Family</li><li>Multiple Units Arrive at the Same Time</li><li>First Vice Located by another crew on couch (deceased) </li><li>4-6 FF's went upstairs, child located in closet in laundry basket quickly.  </li><li>Viz @ knees</li><li>Quick one person removal</li><li>Discussion about how unorganized this felt (as a new FF) </li><li>Under 3 minutes arrival to removal </li></ul> Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Grabs 190 Ft Myers, FL (10/2004)Grant speaks with John Lovato (BC, then FF) 2 Story Multi-FamilyMultiple Units Arrive at the Same TimeFirst Vice Located by another crew on couch (deceased) 4-6 FF's went upstairs, child located in closet in laundry basket quickly. Viz @ kneesQuick one person removalDiscussion about how unorganized this felt (as a new FF) Under 3 minutes arrival to removal Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Grabs 190 Ft Myers, FL (10/2004)<ul><li>Grant speaks with John Lovato (BC, then FF)&nbsp;</li><li>2 Story Multi-Family</li><li>Multiple Units Arrive at the Same Time</li><li>First Vice Located by another crew on couch (deceased)&nbsp;</li><li>4-6 FF's went upstairs, child located in closet in laundry basket quickly. &nbsp;</li><li>Viz @ knees</li><li>Quick one person removal</li><li>Discussion about how unorganized this felt (as a new FF)&nbsp;</li><li>Under 3 minutes arrival to removal&nbsp;</li></ul> Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Grabs 190 Ft Myers, FL (10/2004)

Name: John Farrell Captain Truck 307 Department: Chatham County Fire Department Date: 4 12 2026 Building type: 3 story multi-family residual, lightweight wood-frame. Smoke and flames coming from the alpha side stair well extended to the Charlie side of the structure division 2 and 3.Reports of 5 victims 2 kids 3 adults Time of arrival: 4:02 4:04 Assisted and walked down the 24ft ladderPD video of kid drops:https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fr%2F1CQjFKZHjJ%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cbbfef9b1174a4e19ebb108deab992643%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639136871441996172%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BbrFWrhu4ImAXObZDppF7oRPBHEc4XtiXsj22vELc4M%3D&reserved=0 FD video of 3 ladder rescues:https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fv%2F1CkbNTapPb%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cbbfef9b1174a4e19ebb108deab992643%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639136871442197993%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=J0jhAEcpsT4IiSBqYPW9Jn9o42jdcbaZsK9bxrG9xQE%3D&reserved=0  3 takeaways: Nobody cares if it’s your first fire, be ready to preform. Physically and mentally Training matters we train to run on the fireground its about them not us SPEED with a PURPOSE We get to do this job be really good at it  Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Name: John Farrell Captain Truck 307 Department: Chatham County Fire Department Date: 4 12 2026 Building type: 3 story multi-family residual, lightweight wood-frame. Smoke and flames coming from the alpha side stair well extended to the Charlie side of the structure division 2 and 3. Reports of 5 victims 2 kids 3 adults Time of arrival: 4:02 4:04 Assisted and walked down the 24ft ladder PD video of kid drops: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fr%2F1CQjFKZHjJ%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cbbfef9b1174a4e19ebb108deab992643%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639136871441996172%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BbrFWrhu4ImAXObZDppF7oRPBHEc4XtiXsj22vELc4M%3D&reserved=0 FD video of 3 ladder rescues: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fv%2F1CkbNTapPb%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cbbfef9b1174a4e19ebb108deab992643%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639136871442197993%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=J0jhAEcpsT4IiSBqYPW9Jn9o42jdcbaZsK9bxrG9xQE%3D&reserved=0 3 takeaways: Nobody cares if it’s your first fire, be ready to preform. Physically and mentally Training matters we train to run on the fireground its about them not us SPEED with a PURPOSE We get to do this job be really good at it Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Name: John Farrell Captain Truck 307&nbsp;Department: Chatham County Fire Department Date: 4 12 2026&nbsp;Building type: 3 story multi-family residual, lightweight wood-frame. Smoke and flames coming from the alpha side stair well extended to the Charlie side of the structure division 2 and 3.Reports of 5 victims 2 kids 3 adults&nbsp;Time of arrival: 4:02 4:04 Assisted and walked down the 24ft ladderPD video of kid drops:https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fr%2F1CQjFKZHjJ%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7Cbbfef9b1174a4e19ebb108deab992643%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639136871441996172%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=BbrFWrhu4ImAXObZDppF7oRPBHEc4XtiXsj22vELc4M%3D&amp;reserved=0 FD video of 3 ladder rescues:https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fv%2F1CkbNTapPb%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7Cbbfef9b1174a4e19ebb108deab992643%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639136871442197993%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=J0jhAEcpsT4IiSBqYPW9Jn9o42jdcbaZsK9bxrG9xQE%3D&amp;reserved=0&nbsp; 3 takeaways:&nbsp;Nobody cares if it’s your first fire, be ready to preform. Physically and mentally&nbsp;Training matters we train to run on the fireground its about them not us SPEED with a PURPOSE&nbsp;We get to do this job be really good at it&nbsp; Grabspodcast@gmail.com

GRABS 192- Chatham County (GA) Fire Department (4.12.26)

- 2 victims rescues - Both survived - 1st due engine with a 1 min ETA - Known victims with known location - Search ahead of the hoseline (rescue mode) Grabspodcast@gmail.com

- 2 victims rescues - Both survived - 1st due engine with a 1 min ETA - Known victims with known location - Search ahead of the hoseline (rescue mode) Grabspodcast@gmail.com

- 2 victims rescues - Both survived - 1st due engine with a 1 min ETA - Known victims with known location - Search ahead of the hoseline (rescue mode) Grabspodcast@gmail.com

GRABS 193 - Carson City (NV) Fire Department (8.23.24)

Grabs 175 Columbia, SC (October 8, 2016)<ul><li>Morgan Craver, Volunteer Firefighter</li><li>Columbia-Richland FD</li><li>During Hurricane Matthew </li><li>Phone call from BC, reporting tree on a house. </li><li>Rural area with Engine and Tender 2 on each </li><li>Tree split manufactured home in half with the home on fire. </li><li>Line pulled and fire knocked from outside</li><li>Lots of family members-ran up to report grandma inside. </li><li>Family showed where victim was (behind door, they couldn’t open) trapped behind locked door and tree. </li><li>Mule kick door open (a few tries) smoke at about 3’ duck below allowed him to see victim. </li><li>Backward drag under victim’s arms </li><li>250-300 lb victim </li><li>Engineer and family member assisted with removal. </li><li>< 5minutes </li><li>24 minutes until second arrival rig due to trees down. </li><li>Take-Aways  <ul><li>Develop a routine </li></ul></li><li> <ul><li>Plan for Audible when you’re far out from incoming companies </li></ul></li><li> </li></ul> Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Grabs 175 Columbia, SC (October 8, 2016)Morgan Craver, Volunteer FirefighterColumbia-Richland FDDuring Hurricane Matthew Phone call from BC, reporting tree on a house. Rural area with Engine and Tender 2 on each Tree split manufactured home in half with the home on fire. Line pulled and fire knocked from outsideLots of family members-ran up to report grandma inside. Family showed where victim was (behind door, they couldn’t open) trapped behind locked door and tree. Mule kick door open (a few tries) smoke at about 3’ duck below allowed him to see victim. Backward drag under victim’s arms 250-300 lb victim Engineer and family member assisted with removal. 24 minutes until second arrival rig due to trees down. Take-Aways Develop a routine Plan for Audible when you’re far out from incoming companies Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Grabs 175 Columbia, SC (October 8, 2016)<ul><li>Morgan Craver, Volunteer Firefighter</li><li>Columbia-Richland FD</li><li>During Hurricane Matthew&nbsp;</li><li>Phone call from BC, reporting tree on a house.&nbsp;</li><li>Rural area with Engine and Tender 2 on each&nbsp;</li><li>Tree split manufactured home in half with the home on fire.&nbsp;</li><li>Line pulled and fire knocked from outside</li><li>Lots of family members-ran up to report grandma inside.&nbsp;</li><li>Family showed where victim was (behind door, they couldn’t open) trapped behind locked door and tree.&nbsp;</li><li>Mule kick door open (a few tries) smoke at about 3’ duck below allowed him to see victim.&nbsp;</li><li>Backward drag under victim’s arms&nbsp;</li><li>250-300 lb victim&nbsp;</li><li>Engineer and family member assisted with removal.&nbsp;</li><li>&lt; 5minutes&nbsp;</li><li>24 minutes until second arrival rig due to trees down.&nbsp;</li><li>Take-Aways &nbsp;<ul><li>Develop a routine&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li> <ul><li>Plan for Audible when you’re far out from incoming companies&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li> </li></ul> Grabspodcast@gmail.com

Grabs 175 Columbia, SC (October 8, 2016)

Grant speaks with Rodney Hewitt Jr from Snohomish County WA about a grab made on April 19, 2020https://www.heraldnet.com/news/girl-hiding-in-toy-trunk-rescued-from-monroe-house-fire/

Grant speaks with Rodney Hewitt Jr from Snohomish County WA about a grab made on April 19, 2020https://www.heraldnet.com/news/girl-hiding-in-toy-trunk-rescued-from-monroe-house-fire/

Grant speaks with Rodney Hewitt Jr from Snohomish County WA about a grab made on April 19, 2020https://www.heraldnet.com/news/girl-hiding-in-toy-trunk-rescued-from-monroe-house-fire/

Grabs 12: Snohomish County, WA

Justin McWilliams speaks with Nate Rank from South Metro, MN about a grab they made in 2017

GRABS 11:  South Metro Fire, MN

Grabs 10 Alex Smith Hickory Fire Department (North Carolina) joins Grant to talk about a grab made on July 16, 2017.

Grabs 10 Alex Smith Hickory Fire Department (North Carolina) joins Grant to talk about a grab made on July 16, 2017.

Grabs 10 Alex Smith Hickory Fire Department (North Carolina) joins Grant to talk about a grab made on&nbsp;July 16, 2017.

GRABS 10: Hickory, NC

Justin talks with Dan Dubbs with Baltimore County Fire.

Justin talks with Dan Dubbs with Baltimore County Fire.

Justin talks with Dan Dubbs with Baltimore County Fire.

GRABS 9: Baltimore County, MD

Grant speaks with Paul Capo about a grab he had in Clearwater, FL in 2010.

Grant speaks with Paul Capo about a grab he had in Clearwater, FL in 2010.

Grant speaks with Paul Capo about a grab he had in Clearwater, FL in 2010.

GRABS 8: Clearwater, FL

Justin talks with Clay McGee from Birmingham, AL.

Justin talks with Clay McGee from Birmingham, AL.

Justin talks with Clay McGee from Birmingham, AL.

GRABS 7: Birmingham, AL

Justin McWilliams talks with Hale Fitzgerald from South Portland about a grab on October 31, 2018.

Justin McWilliams talks with Hale Fitzgerald from South Portland about a grab on October 31, 2018.

Justin McWilliams talks with Hale Fitzgerald from South Portland about a grab on October 31, 2018.

GRABS 6: South Portland, ME

Grant is joined by David Mellen to talk about a victim grab in 2014 in the small town of Tonganoxie, KS.

Grant is joined by David Mellen to talk about a victim grab in 2014 in the small town of Tonganoxie, KS.

Grant is joined by David Mellen to talk about a victim grab in 2014 in the small town of Tonganoxie, KS.

GRABS 5: Tonganoxie, KS

Grant talks with Paul George about an interesting grab in Hillsborough County, FL.

Grant talks with Paul George about an interesting grab in Hillsborough County, FL.

Grant talks with Paul George about an interesting grab in Hillsborough County, FL.

Episode 4: Hillsborough County, FL

Grant talks with Nate Carn from Deland, FL about a grab made in June 2019.

Grant talks with Nate Carn from Deland, FL about a grab made in June 2019.

Grant talks with Nate Carn from Deland, FL about a grab made in June 2019.

Episode 3: Deland, FL

GRABS Podcast: Grant Schwalbe, Justin McWilliams, Nick Ledin, Jeffrey Bryant and others bring you the stories of the victim rescues being made all over the country. &nbsp;

History

GRABS Podcast: Grant Schwalbe, Justin McWilliams, Nick Ledin, Jeffrey Bryant and others bring you the stories of the victim rescues being made all over the country.  

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