In this episode, Mickey breaks down the art of stretching a line—the long-lost heart of firefighting. Understanding where you fit in, knowing your responsibility, and how timing, positioning, and attention to detail all come together for professional firefighting.

In this episode, Mickey breaks down transmitting a Mayday while your low-air alarm is sounding. Whether it’s a vibra-alert, bell, or whistle, those alarms can quickly drive your stress level up. The key is maintaining composure, controlling your cadence, and speaking clearly over the alarm so your Mayday is heard, understood, and acted on.

In this episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast, I sit down with Derek Sang of Workrite Fire Service for a conversation that completely changed the way I think about what we wear underneath our turnout gear.

We spend a tremendous amount of time talking about PPE. We research turnout gear. We debate manufacturers, thermal protection, breathability, PFAS, contamination and cancer prevention. We train with our SCBA. We carry bailout systems. We wash our gear. We do all of these things because we understand the job has risks and we want to control as many of the controllables as we can.

But how much thought have you put into the clothing you are wearing underneath all of it?

I will admit that I never gave it enough consideration.

Derek and I get into the testing Workrite conducted with Chesterfield Fire & EMS, DuPont and the Evans Haynes Burn Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. They put different types of station wear underneath turnout gear and exposed them to simulated flashover conditions to better understand what happens when thermal energy makes its way through our PPE.

What they found should get every firefighter's attention.

Synthetic and meltable materials can contribute to additional injury when exposed to extreme thermal conditions. On the other hand, something as simple as choosing a non meltable material like cotton, or taking the next step into flame resistant station wear, can provide another layer between that thermal energy and your skin.

That was the part of this conversation that really hit home for me.

I always had the same thought that I think a lot of firefighters have. If enough heat gets through my turnout gear to burn me, whatever I am wearing underneath probably isn't going to matter.

It does matter.

This is not about pretending a shirt or pair of pants is going to make us invincible. Nothing we wear eliminates the dangers of the fireground. It is about understanding that if we can reduce an injury, reduce the severity of a burn, or give ourselves another level of protection when everything else is being pushed to its limit, why wouldn't we?

Firefighters today are asking more questions about our health and safety. We are talking about cancer. We are talking about cardiac health. We are talking about contamination, heat stress, fitness, nutrition and the long term effects this job has on our bodies.

Station wear belongs in that conversation.

We also talk about the reality of the firehouse. Comfort matters. Cost matters. Firefighters work out. We sleep at the station. We run EMS calls and service calls. At three o'clock in the morning we want to throw our gear on over whatever we are wearing and get out the door. Derek understands that, and we talk about why manufacturers have to build protective clothing that firefighters actually want to wear.

Nobody gets to control everything that happens inside a burning building. Conditions change. Things go wrong. That is the job.

But we can control the controllables.

What we choose to wear underneath our turnout gear is one of them.

This episode isn't about telling you what you have to wear. It is about giving you information that I believe every firefighter should have so you can make an educated decision for yourself, your department and ultimately the people waiting for you to come home.

Listen to this one. Share it with your crew. Then take the conversation back to the firehouse and ask a very simple question.

What are we wearing underneath our turnout gear, and why?

Website: Workrite Fire Service

LinkedIn: Workrite Fire Service

Workrite Fire Service also has educational resources on its website covering station wear, flame resistant clothing and the testing discussed during this episode.

In this episode, Mickey breaks down the art of searching with tools understanding not only what tools to carry, but where and when to stage them throughout the fire. He discusses managing stress, slowing time down, and staying prepared to react when conditions change rapidly. Everything in this job is an art, including the way we carry, position, stage, and use our tools during our search.

In this special 100th episode of the Size Up podcast, Pip reflects on the journey of podcasting, the importance of storytelling, and the connections made with guests. Joined by Mickey Farrell, they discuss the evolution of podcasting, the parallels between firefighting and art, and the significance of camaraderie in the firehouse. They also touch on generational changes in the fire service, the balance between tradition and modernization, and the personal experiences that shape their careers in emergency services. Mickey and Pip delve into the emotional complexities of retirement from the fire service, emphasizing the deep familial bonds formed over years of service. They discuss the challenges of transitioning to life after firefighting, the importance of rediscovering personal passions, and the need for accountability in maintaining those interests. The dialogue also touches on the intersection of art in firefighting and photography, and concludes with reflections on community engagement through sports. Mickey and Pip discuss the challenges and nuances of social media communication, particularly focusing on the importance of using platforms like Instagram over Facebook. They delve into upcoming events and training opportunities in the fire service, emphasizing the role of nonprofit organizations in providing essential training. The discussion also touches on personal reflections about humility and the importance of acknowledging mistakes in the fire service, highlighting the need for growth and learning. Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!

In this episode, Mickey discusses three tactical tips for operating on Main Street USA. From accurately estimating the stretch before committing the line, to coordinating ventilation with the interior operation, to reading smoke and heat through the details the building gives you, he breaks down the small decisions that influence everything that follows. Simple concepts, practical tactics, and lessons that apply whether you’re operating in an urban, suburban, or rural environment.

In this episode, Mickey discusses why the difference between urban, suburban, and rural firefighting isn’t nearly as significant as many make it out to be especially when it comes to Main Street USA.

This episode explores how identifying the odor of smoke on arrival can influence the sequential steps that follow. Whether it’s electrical, rubbish, or wood burning can help dictate the order of your actions and the decisions that come next.

What starts as a simple idea in the firehouse can grow into something that impacts departments across the country.

In this episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast, Jeremy sits down with Danny, Matt, and Shawn from Box Alarm Grilles to talk about the journey from hand-cut grille numbers made in a garage to a recognizable firefighter-owned brand in the fire service. What began as a way to identify apparatus in Danny's own department quickly evolved into custom grille numbers, mud flaps, and a business trusted by fire departments, dealers, and manufacturers nationwide.

This isn't just a conversation about custom apparatus accessories. It's an honest discussion about entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, scaling a business, mentorship, customer service, and balancing a full-time career while chasing a passion.

The group shares the realities of growing a firefighter-owned business, the importance of building products that last, learning through failure, and why reputation and relationships will always matter more than shortcuts. They also dive into volunteer fire service challenges, innovation in apparatus design, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who make you better.

Whether you're a firefighter, entrepreneur, apparatus committee member, or someone building a business from the ground up, this episode is packed with lessons that go far beyond the firehouse.

"Add Pride to Your Ride"

Check out Box Alarm Grilles at www.boxalarmgrilles.com

In this episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast, Jeremy sits down with two respected fire service leaders, Mike Ciampo and Larry DiCamillo, for an authentic conversation about the relationships, traditions, and leadership principles that shape a firefighter's career.

Rather than focusing solely on tactics, the discussion explores the human side of the fire service; how friendships are built through shared experiences, why humility creates better instructors, and how the greatest leaders never stop learning. Mike reflects on his remarkable career in the FDNY, growing up in a multi-generation firefighting family, being mentored by some of the department's legendary figures, and eventually becoming one of the most influential voices in the fire service through Fire Engineering. Larry shares his journey from a first-generation firefighter in Houston, discussing the mentors who shaped him and the importance of calm, confident leadership both on the fireground and in the firehouse.

Throughout the conversation, the three discuss the value of preserving fire service history, learning from mistakes, mentoring the next generation, and understanding that great leadership is built on respect, not rank. From apparatus history and truck company operations to stories of legendary firefighters and unforgettable firehouse moments, this episode serves as a reminder that experience is only valuable when it's passed on to others.

Whether you're a new firefighter or a seasoned officer, this conversation is packed with timeless lessons about brotherhood, humility, mentorship, and leaving the fire service better than you found it.

In this episode, Mickey discusses wall orientation and what left-hand and right-hand orientation really means. He covers why maintaining physical contact with the wall during a change of direction under stressful conditions matters, and how combining that with mind mapping and mental triggers helps you reorient yourself. Whether conditions change or you simply need to regain your bearings, these basic concepts can help keep you orient and re-orientate on the fire floor and floors above the fire.