Mentors on Fire Podcast

Mentors on Fire Podcast

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Mentors on Fire Podcast episodes

  • Mentors on Fire Podcast: Episode 23- Jim Smith, Fire Chief

    Jim Smith, a second-generation firefighter, shares his

    journey and experiences in the fire service. He grew up in Northeast Philadelphia in a close-knit, blue-collar community. His father, who was also a firefighter, significantly influenced his career. Jim started his firefighting career in 1994 in Ocean City, New Jersey, where he serves as the Fire Chief. The fire department operates with a full career staff of 67 members and collaborates with the beach patrol for water rescues. Chief Smith discusses firefighting in coastal communities, the training and education in the fire service, the influence of nearby fire departments, volunteer firefighting in coastal communities, regionalization and consolidation of fire services, the decline in interest in fire and EMS careers, changing fire service culture, promotion and career progression, and the influence of
    mentors. Chief Smith discusses his experience with Firehouse magazine and church fires, his connection to the National Fire Academy, and his involvement in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Weekend. Chief Smith shares his transition to a fire chief and leadership role in various organizations. Finally, he discusses his stance on fire-based paramedicine in New Jersey. He also shares his journey to
    achieving the CFO designation and reflects on the toughest decisions he has made as a fire chief. Jim talks about how he is perceived by his team and his
    mentors and influential figures.

    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction and Background

    01:33

    Growing Up in Northeast Philly

    09:07

    Path to the Fire Service

    26:40

    Staffing and Operations

    31:53

    Coastal Community Firefighting

    34:18

    Training and Education in the Fire Service

    37:28

    Influence of Nearby Fire Departments

    40:29

    Volunteer Firefighting in Coastal Communities

    43:28

    Regionalization and Consolidation of Fire Services

    49:43

    Decline in Interest in Fire and EMS Careers

    52:41

    Changing Fire Service Culture

    58:05

    Promotion and Career Progression

    01:05:09

    Influence of Mentors

    01:06:08

    Legacy of Jim's Father

    01:10:06

    Jim Smith's Experience with Firehouse Magazine and Church

    Fires

    01:11:09

    Jim Smith's Connection to the National Fire Academy

    01:12:16

    Jim Smith's Experience at the National Fire Academy

    01:14:16

    Jim Smith's Relationship with His Father at the National

    Fire Academy

    01:17:08

    Jim Smith's Participation in the National Fallen

    Firefighters Foundation Memorial Weekend

    01:19:19

    Jim Smith's Reflection on the Impact of 9/11

    01:20:32

    Jim Smith's Involvement with the National Fire Academy

    01:23:52

    Jim Smith's Experience in the Executive Fire Officer Program

    (EFO)

    01:33:09

    Jim Smith's Transition to Fire Chief

    01:37:10

    Jim Smith's Leadership Roles in Various Organizations

    01:45:11

    Jim Smith's Involvement in Nonprofit and State Associations

    01:49:30

    Jim Smith's Stance on Fire-Based Paramedicine in New Jersey

    01:49:50

    Limitations of Paramedics and ALS Services

    01:51:24

    Fire-Based Paramedicine and Missed Opportunities

    01:52:24

    Overcoming Barriers and Expanding ALS Services

    01:53:30

    Challenges of Limited Paramedics and Ambulance Availability

    01:55:14

    The Importance of Fire-Based EMS and Missed Opportunities

    01:57:07

    Achieving the CFO Designation

    01:59:07

    Reflecting on the Toughest Decisions as a Fire Chief

    02:05:58

    How Others Perceive the Fire Chief

    02:07:23

    Mentors and Influential Figures

    02:10:41

    Personal Achievements and Future Goals

    02:11:09

    ISO Class 1 Rating and Educational Regrets

    02:14:28

    The Difference Between Leadership and Mentorship

    02:19:24

    Wiffle Ball and Sponsorship Acknowledgment

    02:20:51

    Concerns about Electric Vehicles (EVs)

    2 hr 22 min
  • Mentors on Fire Podcast: Episode 22- Ren Kalb, Battalion Chief (Retired)

    Ren Kalb, a retired Battalion Chief from Norfolk Fire

    Rescue discusses his career in logistics and the challenges he faced in managing the department's resources. He also shares his transition to a government job and his current role as a program analyst. Ren reflects on his time in the Navy and his experience with the Office of Professional Standards. Ren talks about his transition to the reserves and his involvement with
    boat teams. The conversation concludes with a discussion about a deployment in 2001 and the team dynamics during that time. The conversation covers various topics related to leadership, training, mentorship, and promotions in both the military and fire departments. Ren Kalb shares his experiences and insights,
    highlighting the importance of treating people like adults, allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them. He emphasizes the value of mentors and their impact on one's career. Ren also discusses the significance of making orders your own and killing your enemies with kindness.


    The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of military experience in the fire department and its benefits to leadership roles. He emphasizes the importance of networking,

    learning from others, and continuous learning and improvement. Ren also discusses the essential skills for fire service leaders, including administrative skills, operations and tactics, and interpersonal relationships. He highlights leadership challenges and the need for a positive mindset and attitude. Additionally, Lawrence emphasizes the importance of utilizing technical experts and delegating responsibilities, as well as the four rules of
    leadership: do the right thing, look out for your people, make all orders your own, and kill your enemies with kindness.

    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction and Background

    03:02

    Transition to Electric Vehicles

    04:05

    Career in Logistics

    07:07

    Challenges in Logistics

    08:06

    Transition to Government Job

    09:19

    Office of Professional Standards

    10:30

    Lessons from Office of Professional Standards

    13:09

    Overview of Norfolk Fire Rescue

    15:36

    Role of Office of Professional Standards

    19:00

    Transition to Navy

    20:25

    Motivation to Join the Navy

    24:23

    Navy Career and Transition to Reserves

    28:36

    Transition to Civilian Life

    32:24

    Joining Boat Teams in the Reserves

    41:42

    Deployment in 2001

    46:51

    Leadership and Training

    54:17

    The Impact of Mentors

    58:01

    Making Orders Your Own

    01:01:10

    Kill Your Enemies with Kindness

    01:07:51

    Sears School and Survival Skills

    01:19:02

    Deployment and Promotions

    01:25:35

    Promotions in the Fire Department

    01:31:53

    Military Experience in the Fire Department

    01:32:50

    Transitioning to Leadership Roles

    01:34:25

    The Value of Networking and Learning from Others

    01:36:25

    The Importance of Continuous Learning and Improvement

    01:41:06

    The Three Essential Skills for Fire Service Leaders

    01:44:56

    The Challenges of Leadership and Interpersonal Relationships

    01:49:04

    Understanding the Limitations of Leadership Positions

    01:54:23

    Mindset and Attitude in Leadership

    01:58:15

    Utilizing Technical Experts and Delegating Responsibilities

    02:05:48

    The Four Rules of Leadership

    2 hr 16 min
  • Mentors on Fire Podcast: Episode 21- Dan Degryse, Battalion Chief (Retired)

    In this conversation, Battalion Chief Dan DeGryse (Retired)

    shares his journey from a career in the fire service to becoming a counselor and social worker focused on firefighter mental wellness. Specifically, the importance of sleep and adrenal fatigue awareness, and the need for testing cortisol levels He also shares his experience with the Florian program, Illinois Firefighter Peer Support, and the impact of peer support in saving lives. Dan highlights the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use and the role of peer support in supporting recovery. Finally, Dan talks about his almost involvement in the movie 'Backdraft' and the importance of mentorship in the fire service.

    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction and Background

    03:10

    Career in the Fire Service

    05:23

    Transition to Counseling and Social Work

    08:31

    Interest in Mental Health and Behavioral Wellness

    18:05

    Challenges and Rewards of Being a Battalion Chief

    25:00

    Meeting at FDIC and Collaboration

    28:08

    Involvement in Firefighter Mental Wellness

    35:40

    Founding the Florian Program

    37:33

    Importance of Relationships and Prevention

    39:28

    The Difficulty of Quantifying Fire Prevention

    41:15

    The Importance of Addressing Mental Health in the Fire

    Service

    43:24

    The Need for Leadership and Mentorship in the Fire Service

    46:08

    The Impact of Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

    47:52

    The Growth of Behavioral Health Programs in the Fire Service

    49:38

    The Challenges of Starting a Symposium on Behavioral Health

    52:03

    The Evolution of Conversations on Mental Health in the Fire

    Service

    55:18

    The Importance of Connection and Camaraderie in the Fire

    Service

    57:44

    The Journey of Building a Symposium on Behavioral Health

    01:00:16

    The Impact of Leadership and Mentorship in the Fire Service

    01:02:03

    The Need for Change and Progress in the Fire Service

    01:02:34

    The Challenges Faced by Firefighters in the Past

    01:04:37

    The Lack of Focus on Mental Health in the Fire Service

    01:06:14

    The Personal Experience of Anxiety and Depression

    01:07:16

    The Creation of Programs for Mental Health in the Fire

    Service

    01:08:13

    The Need for Change and Progress in the Fire Service

    01:09:35

    The Importance of Rethinking and Training the Brain

    01:12:54

    The Importance of Primary Mental Health Treatment

    01:14:26

    The Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders in Suicide Cases

    01:16:07

    The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Mental Health

    01:19:17

    The Importance of Sleep and Adrenal Fatigue

    01:22:48

    The Need for Testing Cortisol Levels

    01:29:32

    The Importance of Sleep and Recovery

    01:33:33

    The Importance of Allowing Time for Healing and Change

    01:37:58

    The Forward-Thinking Approach of Some Fire Departments

    01:39:12

    The Impact of the FDNY Counseling Center

    01:39:51

    The Origins of Peer Support

    01:41:34

    The Development of Peer Support Model

    01:43:30

    The Importance of Outreach and Education

    01:44:19

    The Florian Program and Illinois Firefighter Peer Support

    01:45:57

    The Role of Peer Support in Saving Lives

    01:47:22

    Breaking the Stigma and Supporting Recovery

    01:48:12

    The Importance of Training for Peer Supporters

    01:49:02

    The Desire to Help and Learn

    01:50:19

    Characteristics of a Good Peer Supporter

    01:51:30

    The Number of Firefighters in the United States

    01:52:09

    The Experience of Keynoting at FDIC

    01:53:22

    The Process of Writing a Keynote Address

    01:55:24

    The Impact of the Keynote Address

    01:58:27

    The Journey to Becoming a Peer Supporter

    01:59:57

    The Challenges of Keynoting at FDIC

    02:00:48

    Recommended Books and Future Writing Plans

    02:02:12

    Almost Being in the Movie 'Backdraft'

    02:03:51

    The Importance of Mentorship

    02:06:00

    Final Thoughts and Gratitude

    02:08:30

    Contact Information and Support Resources

    2 hr 8 min
  • Mentors on Fire Podcast: Episode 20- Colleen Walz, Fire Chief (Retired)

    In this conversation, Colleen Walz, a former fire chief,

    shares her experiences and insights on diversity and inclusion in the fire service. She discusses the challenges she faced as a female firefighter and the resistance she encountered from some colleagues. Colleen emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of belonging and valuing the unique perspectives
    and contributions of diverse firefighters. She also highlights the need for proper policies and accommodations for pregnant firefighters. Colleen believes that diversity in the fire service brings different perspectives and strengths, ultimately benefiting the entire team and the communities they serve. This part
    of the conversation explores the resistance to change in the fire service and the need for growth and adaptation. The importance of positive leadership examples and the impact of negative leadership are discussed. The Bryson Street
    and Ebenezer Church fires are examined, highlighting the lessons learned and the challenges faced in handling line-of-duty deaths. The conversation also touches on the issue of gender bias in the fire service and the importance of learning from mistakes. In this conversation, Colleen reflects on the challenges she faced as a female firefighter and leader in the fire service.
    She discusses the importance of support from her spouse and family and the need for better psychological help and support for firefighters. Colleen shares her experiences as a deputy chief and her decision to pursue a chief position in St. John's Fire District. She highlights the challenges of managing multiple governments and the pride she feels in leaving the fire service better than
    before. Colleen also emphasizes the importance of mentoring and inspiring young girls to pursue firefighting.

    Chapters

    00:00

    Introduction and Background

    04:31

    Entering the Fire Service

    08:32

    Challenges and Resistance

    11:41

    Working with Female Mentors

    19:44

    Early Experiences in the Fire Service

    25:02

    Barriers and Second-Guessing

    30:27

    Pregnancy and Maternity Policies

    36:29

    Value of Diversity in the Fire Service

    43:40

    The Goal of the Fire Service

    46:18

    Resistance to Change

    48:02

    The Need for Change and Growth

    49:59

    Inspiration from Officers

    53:16

    Positive and Negative Examples of Leadership

    57:09

    Motivation to Become an Officer

    59:40

    Promotion and Career Development

    01:00:36

    Bryson Street Fire

    01:02:47

    Lessons Learned from Bryson Street

    01:07:26

    Ebenezer Church Fire

    01:13:03

    Impact of Line of Duty Deaths

    01:15:19

    Handling of Line of Duty Deaths

    01:29:36

    Gender Bias in the Fire Service

    01:31:54

    Importance of Learning from Mistakes

    01:37:09

    Reflections on the Challenges of Leadership

    01:38:08

    Support from Spouse and Family

    01:39:39

    Moving Forward and Learning from Mistakes

    01:40:32

    Lack of Psychological Help and Support

    01:41:18

    Becoming Deputy Chief and Considering Chief of the

    Department

    01:44:13

    Transition to St. John's Fire District

    01:46:02

    Challenges of Managing Multiple Governments

    01:47:31

    Leaving a Positive Impact on the Fire Service

    01:50:07

    Mentoring and Supporting Others

    01:53:10

    Favorite and Least Favorite Aspects of Being a Fire Chief

    01:53:44

    Pride in Leaving the Service Better Than Before

    01:54:51

    Inspiring Young Girls to Pursue Firefighting

    01:57:46

    Wishing for an Easier Road for Women in the Fire Service

    02:00:56

    Message to Younger Self: Hang in There, It Gets Better

    02:02:08

    Strength and Perseverance in Overcoming Challenges

    02:03:00

    Acknowledgment of Sponsor: Command Consulting LLC


    2 hr 6 min
  • Mentors On Fire Podcast: Episode 19- Electric Fire Service Vehicles and Microgrids for Resilience

    The conversation explores the topic of electric vehicles and

    microgrids for the fire service. The speakers discuss the benefits of electric vehicles, including cost savings, environmental benefits, and improved safety. They also address the barriers to adoption, such as resistance to change, lack of knowledge, and industry lobbying. The conversation emphasizes the importance
    of educating and informing the fire service about the advantages and challenges of electric vehicles. The chapter titles reflect the main themes discussed in the conversation. This conversation explores the learning curve and maintenance of EV fire apparatus, the need for microgrids in fire departments, the cost of EV fire trucks, designing microgrids, charging police vehicles, the value of resiliency and microgrids, starting with public safety, microgrids for public electric vehicle charging, and microgrids in rural areas. The conversation explores the process of electrifying the fire service and provides insights into creating awareness and convincing stakeholders. It discusses the availability of electric vehicles and the performance benefits they offer. The future of electric ambulances and the potential for smaller-sized electric fire trucks are also explored. The conversation concludes with information on where to find more resources and contact information for further assistance.

    Takeaways

    • Electric vehicles offer cost savings, environmental
      • benefits, and improved safety for the fire service.
    • Resistance to change, lack of knowledge, and industry
      • lobbying are barriers to electric vehicle adoption.
    • Educating and informing the fire service about electric
      • vehicles is crucial for successful implementation.
    • Service and maintenance of electric vehicles require
      • specialized knowledge and training. Creating awareness and convincing
      stakeholders is crucial for the electrification of the fire service.
    • Electric vehicles offer performance benefits and can be used
      • effectively in the fire service.
    • The availability of electric vehicles is increasing, and
      • there are options for different needs and applications.
    • The future of electric ambulances and smaller-sized electric
      • fire trucks is promising.

      Chapters

      00:00

      Introduction and Welcome

      01:01

      Command Consulting LLC and the Topic of Discussion

      01:12

      General Discussion and Catching Up

      01:56

      Introduction to Electric Vehicles and Microgrids

      03:18

      The Gap in Knowledge and the Importance of Why

      04:14

      Market Forces and Efficiency of Electric Vehicles

      05:13

      Environmental Benefits and Cost Savings

      06:37

      Physics and Safety of Electric Vehicles

      09:28

      Barriers to Electric Vehicle Adoption

      10:46

      Types of Electric Vehicles and Manufacturers

      11:49

      Resistance and Barriers to Electric Vehicles

      18:45

      Barriers: Poverty, Election Cycles, and Industry Lobbyists

      21:06

      Educating and Informing the Fire Service

      24:34

      Service and Maintenance of Electric Vehicles

      43:55

      Learning Curve and Maintenance of EV Fire Apparatus

      49:10

      The Need for a Microgrid

      54:21

      Charging and Maintenance of Range Extender System

      58:00

      Cost of EV Fire Trucks

      01:04:21

      Designing a Microgrid

      01:09:42

      Charging Police Vehicles

      01:19:12

      Value of Resiliency and Microgrids

      01:25:23

      Starting with Public Safety

      01:26:01

      Microgrids for Public Electric Vehicle Charging

      01:27:01

      Microgrids in Rural Areas

      01:28:20

      Creating Awareness and Convincing Stakeholders

      01:31:27

      Electrifying the Fire Service

      01:34:25

      Getting Started with Electrification

      01:36:35

      Electric Vehicles and Performance

      01:42:05

      Availability of Electric Vehicles

      01:44:54

      The Future of Electric Ambulances

      01:45:26

      Sizing Electric Fire Trucks

      01:46:53

      Where to Find More Information

      01:49:56

      Conclusion and Contact Information

      1 hr 54 min
    • Mentors on Fire Podcast: Episode 18- Bob Horton, Fire Chief

      Fire Chief Bob Horton shares his experience and career. Chief Horton discusses "reimagining" the fire service regarding recruitment and retention, community risk reduction, and the importance of public policies in achieving the fire service's goal of protecting and preserving life and property. If you are a Chief Officer struggling with these challenges, this is a must-listen/watch episode. Please let us know what you think!

      1 hr 57 min
    • Mentors on Fire Podcast: Episode 17- Casey Jones, Captain

      Casey Jones is a Captain and Health & Safety Officer (HSO) for the Little Rock Fire Department (Capital of Arkansas) and holds degrees in Fire Science, Fire Administration, and Business Administration. Captain Jones is the NFFF Everyone Goes Home advocate for the State of Arkansas and a member of the IAFC, FDSOA, and IFE, as well as a Chief Training Officer (CTO) with the CPSE. He is also a writer for International Fire Fighter magazine and the International Fire and Safety Journal.

      2 hr 32 min

    About Mentors on Fire Podcast

    From the publisher's feed

    The purpose of the podcast is to be an awareness and educational resource for emergency and public service personnel regarding professional development, leadership, behavioral health, service-specific…