Rob talks with Jeremy about his class, Active Shooter Fire Department Personnel; In the Line of Fire. This class discusses the role of firefighters and EMS personnel when dealing with active shooter situations. Rob's background has given him plenty of insight into this topic, combining his fire service career with his firearms instructor certification. Rob's passion on this topic shines through his class and offers a specific perspective from his experience.

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For more information, contact Rob at [email protected].

232. No Such Thing as Ground Hog's Day Here - Mike Elston by Jeremy Donch

Columbus, OH Engine Co. 18 Lieutenant Steve Robertson can rattle off numbers on nozzle and hose packages all day long. His deep knowledge on engine company operations is widely known across the globe with his conference lectures and hands on training, the countless training articles, podcasts, seminars and the list goes on and on. His highly popular class, Stretching for Success, is in his words, 30 years of mistakes wrapped up into one program. "We all make mistakes" and "we screwed up fellas" is easy to say, but how we go about addressing it and fixing it is what sets people apart. "We must train to our weaknesses" is an absolute for Steve. The mentors of Steve's early years truly left a mark with him and he now finds himself over 30 years later helping shape the next generations. It's often easy to forget that Steve still runs as a Lt. in a busy urban engine company. More than just fires, the routine of the job, including shootings and overdoses plague his first due. He speaks to these aspects of the job as well, discussing a recent mass shooting in which there were many lessons to be learned. The job is constantly evolving and "requires us to keep growing". This episode has so much packed into it and Steve Robertson is certainly a leader in the fire service. "Don't take my word for it, vet me" and "Knowledge without experience is just theory". Words that Steve Robertson truly believes in. Stretching for Success in my opinion is not just about stretching lines, it's about accountability and being sure we put the work in to be a successful.

@crew1stculture

Leave it better than you found it has been the main tenet of crew 1st cultures mission since day one. Jeremy and Pip’s friendship started several years ago. This week's episode includes topics concerning, family, life, balance, leadership and the fire service.

Jeremy recently attended The Metro Atlanta Fire Firefighters Conference and took part in the Tactical Resiliency program. He speaks about the importance of the class to all firefighters giving you not just the how it is run, but the why. Just more reasons to ask yourself the question. What’s My Size Up.

Jeremy can be contacted on Instagram @crew1stculture or his email [email protected]

23 years with the City of Yuba City, CA, Battalion Chief Eric Hankins recognizes that his position can affect change within his organization. The Battalion Chief still hits the street with companies and is a important part of the operations structure in and out of the firehouse. His presence on the fire ground provides him with the insight he needs to be a champion for the needs of those working the streets. It's a liaison position, the go between the firefighter and officers and the administration. Being able to affect change is a great task and one Eric does not hold lightly. His roots in the fire service hooked him and he took a quick liking to the emergency services. A focus on training really hooked him and he found his way to conferences, training events and other activities where he found like minded firefighters. He was always looking for more knowledge, more insight about the job he was so passionate about. his lead to friendships and comradery that opened more and more doors. He soon found himself the Vice President of the FOOLS (international) and teaching with some of the biggest names in the business. Inside the job, Eric is a decorated firefighter including the 2010 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award by FDIC / Fire Engineering as well as the California State Firefighters Association Medal of Valor for his heroic rescues made off duty from a burning building. His career thus far has been everything he has wanted and more. He has come to understand the need for a sort of balance outside the job and he finds that the two wheel therapy of his motorcycle is exactly what he needs. A member of the Men of Fire Motorcycle Club allows him to unwind and decompress from the job. He values his friendships and recognizes we need to do more for one another. Losing several Brothers and friends to mental health, he knows we have along way to go to help our own and he is passionate about the topic of mental health in the fire service. Eric Hankins loves the job and continues to teach and promote why the job is so good. Eric truly believes that you need to share it in order to pay it forward and he continues to do that each day.

Pip talks about the importance of music in his life

From wildland firefighting out west to structural firefighting in South Carolina, Kerri Lawson has found a comfort in firefighting. A strong female mentor early on set the stage for Kerri to find her way into the wildland protection. Growing up surrounded by the great outdoors, her love of the freedom and lifestyle that surrounds that type of living was so impactful to her. Wildland firefighting offered something she wanted and proved to be a test of her wit and determination. Dong the job the same as her male counterparts was imperative so that she knew she belonged exactly where she was. Always facing scrutiny and having to prove herself, Kerri has always been on the offensive in making sure she is an equal. From her wilderness days to now firefighting with the St. John's Fire District in South Carolina, she knows that firefighting is where she belongs. Focusing on herself and making sure those around her are well, she is an advocate for metal health. Dealing with her own struggles at times, finding an outlet and just talking with someone can change the course of someone's life. Kerri is passionate about people and those who might need an ear. She longs for the mountains of Wyoming and Utah and hopes to find her way back to her roots because the wilderness is where she thrives.

The world needs more firefighters... career long firefighters. Philadelphia, PA Squad 72 Firefighter Jeff Eckert is longing to retire as a firefighter. A career of riding backwards all while honing his skills and never admitting that 'he knows". There's something to be said for a guy who wants to remain a firefighter throughout his career all while continuing to be a student of the game while paying it forward. Jeff continues to be a student and takes any opportunity he can to better himself. "The highest rank doesn't equal the most knowledgeable"; something that Jeff has come to know and understand. Good leaders understand that there are times those in senior positions need to step in and "lead". it's impossible for someone to know it all regardless of position. Knowing when to step aside and let those with the experience and knowledge in a particular subject be the lead. This style and approach requires confidence. Jeff is proud of his road to becoming a seasoned firefighter. His position with Squad 72 is a cherished one that he knows he has to work hard at to maintain. Over his 25 years in the fire service and the last 17 with Philadelphia, he decided to share his knowledge and experience along with his partner by beginning Philly Tin Helmet Training. Their training company and social media pages offer training tips by seasoned firefighters who are students themselves. Jeff's love for the job is strong and his passion runs deep. It is evident in this conversation and how he conducts himself day in and day out on the fireground.

"A growth mindset requires a training mindset" falls right inline with Jeremy Mathis' belief in continuing to be better. Not just fire training, but life training. Family, faith and the fire ground, three things that Jeremy is passionate about and knows that each needs individual focus but more importantly how one affects the other. Jeremy is a Captain with the Covington, GA Fire Department and is the Director of Training for FAST Rescue Solutions. His hectic schedule requires a team approach and it all starts at home. His family is most important and their focus on religion and faith are key to their appreciation of life. Jeremy is passionate about the fire service and truly is a humbled servant of it as well. Each aspect of his life is done with an underlying tone of service and appreciation for the opportunities and experiences. Over time, Jeremy has dealt with a common theme found within the fire service, imposter syndrome. Being afforded opportunities or finding your way to a place that you believe you don't deserve or worthy of can be hard to navigate in your career. As humble as Jeremy is, his abilities are vast and his knowledge is top shelf. Be belongs in front, teaching and leading because he truly understands what it is to be a humbled servant. He works for his people and understands the value of giving more than you take. Jeremy Mathis is someone to watch and has so much in front of him. His commitment to training and protecting the FAST Rescue Solution culture is never wavering. He loves his family, his faith and the fire service and it shows through his daily actions and his contribution to the fire service.

This week Pip chats it up with Kim Raimon aka @peliKimproducts on the IG. Kim works in the sales division for Pelican, as well as being a volunteer firefighter in her hometown of Ho-Ho-Kus NJ (not the only double hyphen town in the US).

Looking to get a degree in Anthropology? This episode is for you then. Pip and Kim talk about all things Pelican, her life as a volunteer firefighter (covering couplings with diapers) as well as her job as a social media sales/marketing up and comer.

This episode really does have it all. We talk about NJ, allergies, fires, the military and even the guys at the airport who wear ear muffs and wave the party lights for planes. Get ready to soak in the knowledge and ask yourself that question, What’s My Size Up???