In this episode we talk with District Chief Chris Kidder about the importance of training, leadership, being an influencer (of people), the two articles he has had published, and much more. 

A link to Chris' article "Developing the Mindset for the Suburban Chief Officer" from the May 2025 edition of Fire Engineering is here:
https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/fire-leadership/developing-the-mindset-for-the-suburban-chief-officer/

A link to Chris' article "7 Ways a Company Officer Becomes and Influencer" published in August 2023 on www.firehouse.com is here:
https://www.firehouse.com/leadership/article/53068882/7-ways-a-company-officer-becomes-an-influencer

Episode: 10
Release Date: 10/5/2025
Guest: District Chief Chris Kidder, South Walton (FL) Fire District 
Host: Dean Babineau
Executive Producer: Mac Rice

In this episode we talk with Battalion Chief Patrick Wirkus about using Chief Officers as Division Supervisors and much more. 

A link to Patrick's article "USING CHIEF OFFICERS AS DIVISION SUPERVISORS" from the May 2025 editions is here: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/fire-leadership/using-chief-officers-as-division-supervisors/

Episode: 9
Release Date: 9/14/2025
Guest: BC Patrick Wirkus, Elizabeth (NJ) Fire Department
Host: Dean Babineau
Executive Producer: Mac Rice

In this episode we talk with Matt Berkins about training, reps, and that there is no secret ingredient to success.

A link to Matt's Letter to the Editor "THERE IS NO “SECRET INGREDIENT" from the December 2024 edition is here: https://www.fireengineering.com/firef...

Episode: 8
Release Date: 4/28/25
Guest: Matt Berkins, St. Tammany Fire Protection Distr. #1, Slidell, LA
Host: Dean Babineau
Executive Producer: Mac Rice

In this episode we talk with Joe Campagna, Leominster (MA) Fire. We talked about the value of local training conferences and the Massachusetts Fire District 8 Firefighters Conference. 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570942431784

Episode: 7
Release Date: 3/16/25
Guest: Joe Campagna, Leominster Fire
Host: Dean Babineau
Executive Producer: Mac Rice

In this special episode, we chat with our panelists about the value the National Fire Academy brings to the US Fire Service. We discuss the void that the fire service would feel if the NFA is not restored and what action steps you can take to support the NFA. 

Episode: 6
Release Date: 3/15/25
Guest: Joe Guarnera, John Yovanovitch, Tiger Schmittendorf
Host: Dean Babineau
Executive Producer: Mac Rice

In this special episode we chat with Dr. Denis Onieal, Chief (Ret) Marc Bashoor, and Asst. Chief Chad Costa focusing on the value the National Fire Academy brings to the US Fire Service. We discuss the void that the fire service would feel if the NFA is not restored and what action steps you can take to support the NFA. 

Episode: 5
Release Date: 3/15/25
Guest: Dr. Denis Onieal, Chief Marc Bashoor, and Asst. Chad Costa
Host: Dean Babineau
Executive Producer: Mac Rice

In this episode, we talk to Joseph Cea. Joe has brought his experience as educator to the fire service and has recently written a thorough article on providing instruction to youth members. Our conversation covers Joe's role as a station keeper and on-call firefighter, as well as his methodology for connecting with fire service youth.

You can find the article in the 'Training Notebook' feature of the December 2024 issue of Fire Engineering magazine.

https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighter-training/teaching-fire-service-youth-more-than-just-instruction/

Episode: 04
Release Date: 3/8/25
Guest: Joseph Cea
Host: Dean Babineau
Executive Producer: Mac Rice

In this episode, we talk to Zane Riggs from a major metropolitan fire department in the southeast. He has more than 14 years of experience and believes in training and hard work. He also participates in a couple of interesting mentoring roles. This was a great episode to record and we know you will enjoy it.   

In this episode we talk to Brian Belhumer about his career and working in the City of Providence. From Recruit Firefighter to Battalion Chief we chat about hard work, dedication, some tactics, and some cool thoughts. 

This is our first "in studio" guest.

Episode: 02
Release Date:
Guest: Brian Belhumer
Host: Dean Babineau
Executive Producer: Mac Rice

Welcome to Episode ONE of Talkin' Fire hosted by Dean Babineau. On this episode Dean interviews Matt Aalto. Matt Aalto currently serves as a Battalion Chief – Training Officer and RRC for the Estacada (OR) Fire District. Join us as we learn about how Matt has worked to implement new ways of recruitment and retention amongst his district. 

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