Mentors on Fire Podcast

By Mentors on Fire Podcast

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... more

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FAQs about Mentors on Fire Podcast:

How many episodes does Mentors on Fire Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 32 episodes available.

Mentors on Fire Podcast episodes:

March 03, 2024 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)
...more
2h 22min
February 18, 2024 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
...more
2h 16min
February 13, 2024 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
...more
2h 8min
January 13, 2024 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

...more
2h 6min
January 13, 2024Mentors 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
...more
1h 54min
May 01, 2023 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!
...more
1h 57min
February 28, 2023 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.
...more
2h 32min
February 10, 2023 Mentors on Fire Podcast: Episode 16- Steve Prziborowski, Deputy Fire Chief (Retired)
Retired Deputy Chief Steve Prziborowski takes time out of teaching at the National Fire Academy to talk to us about his 31 years of dedicated service. Throughout his journey, he has written countless articles and books regarding the fire service, assessment centers, and professional development.
Code 3 Fire Training & Education- https://www.code3firetraining.com/
...more
1h 29min
January 22, 2023 Mentors on Fire Podcast: Episode 15- Paul Bearce, Fire Chief (Retired)
In this episode, Retired Chief Bearce shares his career as a photojournalist and entry into his second career as a firefighter at age 42.
...more
2h 29min
December 19, 2022 Mentors on Fire Podcast- Episode 14: John Hayowyk, Battalion Chief (Retired)
Retired Battalion Chief Hayowyk discusses the progression of his career, his dedication to the fire service, specifically the training he teaches nationwide, and his involvement with the National Fallen Firefighter's Foundation.
...more
2h 27min

FAQs about Mentors on Fire Podcast:

How many episodes does Mentors on Fire Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 32 episodes available.