The FireDawg Podcast

In this episode, Matt joins SSgt James Muncy and Mr. Robyn Torrence to highlight Travis AFB Fire Department. They discuss details about the Department, talk about services offered, highlight the local community, and much more.

In episode 39, Matt and Ben talk with our newest Career Field Manager, CMSgt Phillip Winkelmann, about career field updates on deployments, mental health initiatives, and much more.

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In Episode 38, Chris and Matt talk to Chief David Rhodes, a retired Atlanta Battalion Chief, and the Chief Elder for Georgia Smoke Divers Program. Chief Rhodes answers questions on common leadership dilemmas and covers many experiences he had throughout his 30 year career.

Matt speaks with Phil Crews about the Suicide Prevention Initiative, an effort to bring awareness to, and prevent suicides in the DoD Fire Service.

Matt and Chris talk to Dr. Kenny Fent and Dr. Gavin Horn who are leading researchers in firefighter safety and health initiatives. Collectively, their research is advancing what we know about firefighter exposure to carcinogens on structural fires and the physiological demands while working in gear.

In episode 36, Matt speaks with Dr. Lance Davis and Sean Lazio, founders and leaders of The Rising Warrior, a mental health program designed to provide a holistic approach to healing, growth, and betterment of current military members, veterans, and First Responders. They are both veterans of the Army who went through their own personal struggles with mental health and, as a result, decided to design and deliver practical solutions to mental healing. In the episode, they explain the components of their program and how they can bridge the gaps in a mental healing journey.

In Episode 35, Matt and Chris speak with CMSgt Peter Webb, Command Chief for the 919th Special Operations Wing and Battalion Chief for the Dothan Fire Department. Chief Webb entered the Army Reserves as a Firefighter in 1989. In 1998, he joined the Air Force Reserves to work as a Firefighter for the 919th Special Operations Wing at Duke Field, Florida, and eventually landed an opportunity to serve as the Command Chief - a position he still holds today. He has also served as a Firefighter and is currently a Battalion Chief for the Dothan Fire Department in Alabama. He joins us today to talk about his experience in the military, his experience as a firefighter in Dothan, and shares a first-hand account of a “mayday” situation where he was the Incident Commander.

In Episode 34, Matt speaks with MSgt Maria Stivers and MSgt Cartalo Madison about their efforts as leaders within the Air Force FES Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. The group was formed in 2020 with the intent of advancing diversity and inclusion within the career field. In the episode, they elaborate on the purpose of the group, explain how survey data and feedback from the field helped to shape their initiatives, offer their thoughts on anyone who may be skeptical of the effort, and much more. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to check out their Facebook Group called “United States Air Force Fire and Emergency Services Diversity and Inclusion.”