Make Due: Suburban Fireman Podcast

Season 6 is officially underway! After a long sabbatical the show is BACK! Host Nick Peppard gives an update on what's been going on since last year. He provides a run down on changes to the show as well exciting new content in the works for season 6! Buckle up, season 6 is coming at ya fast!!!

Chris Naum (Syracuse, NY) brings over 5 decades of experience to the show as both firefighter, fire officer, architect, educator, author, and public speaker. Chris joins the show to blow the lid off building construction in the modern fire service. We discuss how the lack of deeper understanding of building construction in the modern fire service has had unintended consequences at both the strategic and tactical levels. We discuss several fire service buzzwords and catch phrases, their origin and the oversimplification that has occurred because of them. The show dives into how construction features and technology have changed with each era and how this information can be used to make educated decisions on the fireground. If you're looking to get the thinking juices flowing and elevate your building construction knowledge, this episode should do the trick! 

Ready to elevate your Pump Operator game? Then you need to catch this episode! Chief Paul Watlington of Burlington (NC) FD is a 24-year fire service veteran, owner of Impact Fire Training, and presents regularly around the country including FDIC. In this episode Paul discusses the role of the pump operator, the importance of working driver/operators, troubleshooting, mindset, training and traits needed to succeed at a high level in the pump operator position. Paul drops some practical knowledge and experience that is sure to improve all would-be pump operators, current D/O's, as well as company officers and chief officers looking to improve their pump operator training programs and drills. Turn up your dial and enjoy!

Episode 65 welcomes special guest, Ljay Geist out of Garden City (KS) FD to the show. We discuss his love for engine work, his recent work with HEN nozzles and his initial impression of the HEN nozzle in interior firefighting. The second half of the episode is a deep dive into leadership specifically from the perspective of those not in formal leadership positions. Ljay lays the groundwork for having a positive impact on your crew, firehouse and organization. This episode is about street level leadership and how to capitalize on it to build better fire departments!

Episode 64 welcomes special guest, Julio Ramos to the show to take a technical deep dive into common saws used in the fire service. Julio is an 18-year student of the trade currently serving as a Lieutenant on a squad company in a major metropolitan department in central Florida. He is owner/operator of Fireground and Special Operations, LLC and has instructed at numerous conferences across the country. This episode is a cut above (pun intended)! Julio breaks down the ins and outs of fire service saws. From getting in detail about design, specs, blade and chain types, electric vs gas power saw applications, to inspection & maintenance guidelines and tactical recommendations, this episode is absolutely packed with practical knowledge, wisdom and experience that will elevate your saw game to a whole new level! You're going to want a pad and paper for this educational gem! So, grab a drink and enjoy!

Episode 63 welcomes special guest, Todd Edwards to the show to discuss suburban strategies, tactics and training. Todd brings 43 years of experience to the table. Notably, Todd faithfully served in numerous capacities over 30+ years with the Atlanta (GA) Fire Department. He is the founder and lead instructor at Fire Life Training and has been instrumental in conducting a variety of high-quality fire service training and education programs across the nation. In this episode we examine variables impacting strategic and tactical decision making specifically through the lens of the minimally staffed suburban fire service. We also examine the importance of realistic training and how it can greatly improve our chances for success when the bell rings. Grab a cold (or warm) drink and enjoy! This episode is packed with some great nuggets from a man who truly loves and gives back to the job!

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Episode 62 welcomes our friend and brother, Aaron Zamzow to the show. Zam is a 20-year fire service veteran serving as a Lieutenant with the Madison (WI) Fire Department. He is head coach at Fire Rescue Fitness, has 30 years of experience as a fitness trainer, and holds a bachelor's degree in health and wellness. He hosts the Better Every Shift podcast, has authored numerous fire service articles and was recently featured on the cover of Crackyl Magazine. This episode explores functional health and fitness as it pertains to the fire service. Zam explains why a wholistic approach to the job is important and gives great tips for improving your health and fitness game. If you're struggling with those new year's resolutions, need help getting started or just want to up your health and fitness game, this episode is sure to motivate and inspire you to do better! 

We're Baaaaaaack! Season 5 kicks off with a dynamite episode featuring special guest, Scott Hewlett! Scott is a 26-year fire service veteran currently serving as a Training Officer in an urban fire department in southern Ontario, Canada. Scott is also founder and host of the Multiple Calls podcast. The crew takes a hard look at mindset, personal growth and mental health in the fire service. We can't think of a better way to start the new year and the new season than talking shop with our brother north of the border. Cheers!

Sean and Nick wrap up season 4 with special guest, Frank Viscuso. Chief Viscuso retired with the rank of Deputy Chief in New Jersey, has written numerous Fire Engineering articles, is an accomplished author of 12 books including Step Up and Lead, Common Valor and Flashpoint, was Keynote speaker at FDIC in 2022 and travels the country speaking on leadership to fire service, private sector and military personnel. This episode is packed with leadership gold as Chief Viscuso drops some serious knowledge, experience and wisdom! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! We can't think of a better person to close out season 4. Cheers!

Nick and Sean team up with Nick Ledin and Jeff Bryant of the Fire Nuggets podcast in this EPIC crossover episode! The gang discusses training, search culture, two in/two out, what it takes to run a successful fire training event, engine operations and more.