NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-006
Date: June 19
Guest: Jason Rivera
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Jason Rivera is a 31-year veteran of the fire service and has served in career and volunteer departments starting in Boonton, NJ. Jason began his career service with Picatinny Arsenal where he worked until leaving for Stamford, CT. He retired from the Stamford Fire Department after 14 years, while serving as the Captain of Rescue 1/ Acting Deputy Chief. He is currently a Firefighter for the New Haven (CT) Fire Department assigned to the Special Operations firehouse.
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He is a current Lieutenant and Past-Chief of the Newtown (CT) Hook and Ladder Fire Company, a Firefighter in Christiana (DE) and a Rescue Specialist with the FEMA USAR team MA-TF1.
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Jason is a ProBoard certified Fire Service Instructor Level 3, has presented at FDIC International since 2017 and taught across the country and internationally.
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Jason is the owner of Tactical Resource Fire Training LLC, a fire service training company focusing on fireground and rescue company disciplines as well as special operations. He also teaches for FAST Rescue Solutions in Philadelphia and Capitol Fire Training LLC in Maryland.
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Jason has been published multiple times in Fire Engineering Magazine and was the recipient of the 2016 Ray Downey Courage and Valor Award at the FDIC.
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#NJFireGuys #NJ #NJFIRE #FirePodcast #Podcast #Fire #FireDuty #FlowandVent #Fireman #Firefighting #GardenState #JerseyShore #NorthJersey #BoontonFire #NewHavenFire #FDIC #FireEngineering

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-005
Date: June 12, 2025
Guest Captain Robert LeBrun

Captain Robert LeBrun is a dedicated and accomplished fire service professional with extensive experience across both volunteer and career departments. He currently serves as a Captain and the Training Officer for the Plainsboro Township Fire Department (NJ), a role he has held since 2022. He began his career with Plainsboro in 2021 as a full-time firefighter, steadily rising through the ranks due to his commitment to operational excellence and firefighter development.

Captain LeBrun’s fire service journey also includes prior career service with the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue  (VA), Westampton Township Fire Department (NJ), Prince William County Fire Department (VA), and Hillsborough Township Fire District (NJ). In the volunteer fire service, he started with Jamesburg Fire Department in 2005, held numerous line officer positions and eventually moved out of town.  After moving and joining he also served as Deputy Chief of East Windsor Fire Company No. 2, where he has been an active and respected leader.

Beyond operations, Captain LeBrun is committed to fire prevention and education. Since 2018, he has served as a Fire Inspector for the East Windsor Township Fire Bureau, and in 2025, he was appointed Fire Official. He also contributes to regional firefighter development as an instructor with the Mercer County Fire Academy, a role he began in 2023.

Captain LeBrun holds an Associate Degree from Essex County College and is finishing up a  Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia Southern University. His dedication, leadership, and instructional impact continue to shape and strengthen the fire service in Central New Jersey and beyond.

NJ Fire Guys
Run#25- 004
Date: May 29
Lieut. Scott Callahan ⠀

Lieutenant Scott Callahan is a seasoned fire service professional with 23 years of experience. He currently serves as a Lieutenant on both a Quint and Rescue unit with the Mount Laurel Fire Department, Station 362 A Platoon. Scott began his fire service career with the Maple Shade Fire Department, where he advanced through the ranks to Deputy Chief. He also served as an Assistant Institution Fire Chief at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital before joining Mount Laurel.

An active leader within the fire service labor community, Scott is the current Vice President of Mount Laurel Professional Firefighters Local 4408, having previously served as President, Vice President, and Secretary. His longstanding commitment to the union reflects a deep dedication to the betterment of his fellow firefighters and the mission of the PFANJ.⠀

Outside the firehouse, Scott maintains a strong commitment to health and fitness. He has played in the South Jersey Masters Soccer League with the Pennsauken team and has been an avid CrossFit athlete since 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University and is a proud husband and father of two.⠀
#NJFireGuys #FireGuys #NJFire #Fireman #Firefighting #NJ #JerseyBoys #JerseyFire #GardenState #Podcast #FirePodcast #PFANJ #IAFF #MountLaurelFire

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-003
Date: Feb. 13, 2005
Guest: Fire Chief William Kramer Jr.  

Chief William Kramer Jr. has lead a career spanning five decades, Chief Kramer’s impact on fire and emergency services is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a junior firefighter following in his father’s footsteps to leading the Cinnaminson Fire Department as both a volunteer chief and later as Fire District Administrator, his dedication to the fire service has shaped not only his department but also fire protection and emergency response across the state. Under his leadership, Cinnaminson Fire District #1 achieved an ISO 2 classification, established a thriving EMS division, and expanded its career and volunteer ranks to meet the growing needs of the community.  

Beyond his local service, Chief Kramer has been a major force at the state level, serving as New Jersey’s State Fire Marshal and Division Director of Fire Safety. His tenure saw the implementation of key fire safety legislation and responses to some of the state’s most significant incidents. Even in retirement, he continues to support the fire service through leadership roles in professional organizations, mentoring the next generation of firefighters, and yes—keeping things safe at Lincoln Financial Field with the Philadelphia Eagles. Join us as we dive into his incredible journey, the lessons he’s learned, and the legacy he leaves behind in the fire service.

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-002
Date: Feb. 6, 2025
Guest: Fire Chief Michael West ⠀

Chief Michael West is a fourth generation firefighter, with over 40 years of fire service experience. Beginning his journey in 1982 with the Monmouth Beach Volunteer Fire Co. and working fulltime as a fire dispatcher with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office starting in 1987. In 1988 he moved to Colorado and transitioned to firefighting with the Eagle River Fire Protection District. In 1990, he joined South Metro Fire Rescue, where he dedicated nearly three decades, rising through the ranks to District Chief and Tour Commander, a role in which he oversaw 46 fire companies working across 5 Battalions out of 29 fire stations protecting over 500,000 residents. In 2019, Chief West left South Metro and has been serving as the Fire Chief of Front Range Fire Rescue in Colorado, leading the department with a commitment to excellence in service, safety, and professional development. ⠀

Beyond his leadership roles, Chief West is passionate about firefighter training and education. Mike holds a Master’s Degree in Communication from Seton Hall University.  He also holds degrees in management and fire science.  As the owner of Fired Up Training Service LLC, he provides specialized instruction designed to enhance operational effectiveness and leadership skills in the fire service. His decades of experience and deep understanding of fireground tactics, command strategies, and mentorship make him a valuable voice in the industry. In his spare time, Mike is a bagpiper, a Harley enthusiast, and an avid traveler.

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 25-001
Date: Jan. 9, 2025
Guest: Dep. Chief Butch Cobb

“Empty Sky, Empty Promises” ⠀

Join us for a powerful episode of the NJ Fire Guys Podcast as we sit down with retired Deputy Chief Robert “Butch” Cobb to discuss the heart-wrenching story of “Empty Sky,” New Jersey’s official 9/11 memorial. Ceremoniously dedicated on September 10, 2011, this poignant tribute to the 749 New Jerseyans lost on September 11, 2001, was unveiled in the presence of notable figures like Governor Chris Christie, five former state governors, Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, and many more. Despite its significance, Chief Cobb sheds light on a sobering reality: the memorial has fallen into disrepair, remaining unfinished and poorly maintained, leaving families and citizens alike searching for answers. ⠀

In this thought-provoking conversation, Chief Cobb shares his personal journey of turning grief into a mission, advocating for the care and completion of this sacred space. He reflects on the importance of honoring those who perished and ensuring their memories endure for future generations. Whether you’re a first responder, an advocate for historical preservation, or someone passionate about remembering the legacy of 9/11, this episode will inspire you to take action and join the call for accountability. Tune in to NJ Fire Guys Podcast Run#: 25-001 and discover how you can help preserve the story of “Empty Sky” and the lives it commemorates. ⠀
#NJFireGuysPodcast #NJFireGuys #FirstResponders #NeverForget #EmptySky #JerseyCity #9/11 #Sept11 #NJ #GardenState #Firefighters #LawEnforcement #EMS #Corruption #FightforRight #Podcast #FirePodcast

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 24-044
Date: Dec. 26, 2024
Guest: Captain Constantine Sypsomos ⠀

Constantine Sypsomos is a seasoned fire service professional with extensive experience in emergency response, training, and public safety education. Currently serving as a Career Fire Captain in Deptford Township, he is the department’s Training Captain and liaison for highway response, traffic incident management, and active shooter/hostile threat response initiatives. A NJ Level 2 Fire Instructor and NJ EMT-Instructor, Constantine is also a certified Fire Official and Fire Investigator, bringing a wealth of expertise to his leadership roles. His passion for education extends to his position as Program Coordinator for the Fire Inspector/Fire Official Program at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology and as Training Officer for the NJ EMS Task Force-South Region. ⠀

Beyond his department responsibilities, Constantine has dedicated himself to advancing public safety through instruction and public speaking. He has presented at prestigious events such as the National Conference for EMS, NJ Emergency Preparedness Conference, and National Collegiate EMS Foundation in Boston. With a parallel career in EMS, Constantine serves as an EMT for Gloucester County EMS and Cooper University Hospital EMS in Camden City. A committed union leader, he served as Secretary and Vice-President for IAFF Local 3592 from 2007 to 2023 and continues his advocacy as Vice-President of IAFF Local 5025. His diverse experience and leadership have made him a trusted voice in emergency services and an influential figure in fire and EMS education.

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 24-042
Date: Dec. 12, 2024
Guest: Dep. Chief Robert Beattie ⠀

Deputy Chief Robert Beattie, a distinguished 36-year veteran of the New Jersey fire service and the administrative Deputy Chief of the North Plainfield Fire Department in Somerset County. Rob began his journey in the fire service as a 16-year-old junior member of the Green Brook Volunteer Fire Company before joining North Plainfield’s volunteer call force in 1991. Following in his father Brian’s footsteps, he became a full-time firefighter in North Plainfield in 1999 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Captain, EMS Supervisor, and Training Officer before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2021. Rob is also an experienced fire inspector and instructor, currently teaching in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. ⠀

Beyond his department duties, Rob has made an indelible impact on the broader fire service community. A longtime leader within the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ), he has served in various roles, including Vice President and local union President. He is an IAFF Peer Support Team member, a passionate St. Baldrick’s Foundation volunteer, and a leader in preserving fire service history at the North Plainfield Exempt Firemen’s Hall. Additionally, Rob contributes to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and serves as an IAFF instructor and Field Services Representative, exemplifying a lifelong commitment to service, education, and firefighter advocacy.

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 24-041
Date: Dec. 5, 2024
Guest: Jim Aleski ⠀

Jim Aleski, a nearly 28-year veteran of the fire service who currently serves as a Lieutenant on Engine 1352 with the Cherry Hill Fire Department in Camden County, New Jersey. Jim’s fire service journey began in 1997 as a volunteer with the Melrose Hose Company of the Sayreville Fire Department, where he served over 12 years, holding ranks of Lieutenant and Captain. Since joining Cherry Hill Fire Department in 2007, he has been assigned to 5 of its 6 companies, gaining valuable experience across engine, ladder, and rescue operations. ⠀

Outside of fire suppression, Jim brings a unique perspective from his decade-long career in the film and television industry, where he worked on high-profile projects like national commercials, network branding campaigns, and music videos. He’s leveraged his media expertise in the fire service, working as a Branding and Content Specialist at NEP Services, serving as the Communications Director for the PFANJ, and managing the social media presence for Cherry Hill’s IAFF Locals 2663 and 3198. ⠀

Jim holds a Bachelor’s in Mass Communications from Emerson College and a Master’s in Fire and Emergency Management Administration from Oklahoma State University, where his thesis focused on how the fire service engages stakeholders through social media. He’s a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on media engagement and social networking tools for emergency services agencies at conferences and on podcasts like ‘Firehouse Problems, Kitchen Table Solutions’ and the IAFF’s ‘Kitchen Table.’ ⠀

We’re excited to have Jim here today to share his wealth of knowledge and experiences!”

NJ Fire Guys
Run#: 24-040
Date: Nov. 28, 2024
Guest: Jeremy Donch  

Some of you may know him as “Jeremy from National Fire Radio”, but Jeremy Donch got his start in Franklin Lakes Fire Department at an early age. While attending Marist College, Jeremy continued to follow his passion and volunteered at Fair View Fire District.  

In 2018 Jeremy took his passion to an entirely different level and started National Fire Radio. Today National Fire Radio has grown into an industry all its own, hosting podcasts, advertising progressive products technologies, assisting charities, and reinvigorating the passion for this job.  
#NJFireGuys #NFR #NatinalFireRadio #FirePodcast #Podcasting #GardenState #FiremanRoots