The FireDawg Podcast

Matt talks to Gordon Graham, a 33-year veteran of law enforcement and the co-founder of a public safety consultancy organization. He is a risk management expert and a practicing attorney who has presented a commonsense risk management approach to hundreds of thousands of public safety professionals around the world. In this episode they discuss recognition-primed decision making, high-risk-low-frequency situations, the value of realistic training, and much more. This is one you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, Matt connects with Sean Sullivan, a 2019 FireFit World Champion. Sean shares his experiences with becoming a Firefighter Combat Challenge competitor and offers advice for those looking to improve their fitness or Combat Challenge time.

Sean is headed to Hannover, Germany this June 2021 to compete as the only U.S. competitor in the FireFit European Championships.

In Episode 30, Bryan Weeks and Andrew Ohls join Matt to discuss the Wright-Patterson AFB Peer Support program which is dedicated to supporting emergency responders who deal with behavioral health issues as a result of their service. They serve as a bridge to community resources or behavioral health treatment when necessary. In addition to serving their Department, they also serve as Peer Support resources for other Fire Departments within the surrounding community when called upon. Bryan and Andrew share insights into the training they received, their experience with the program, and much more.

In this episode, Matt connects with Deputy Chief and retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant John Vanatta. Chief Vanatta offers advice for those interested in transitioning from the military to civilian fire service and also shares his experience working with Iraqi firefighters while deployed to Iraq in 2008.

In Episode 29, Tiana Bykowski & Darliska Shaw join Matt to discuss the initiatives they've embarked on to advance equal opportunity for women within the Air Force fire service. The discussion includes their efforts to get properly fitted protective ensembles, how they're connecting women within the career field, and many other initiatives driven by their newly created FES working group.

In this episode, Matt connects with Assistant Chief Marlon Smith of RAF Croughton who shares his experience in becoming an American citizen, starting his own business and taking advantage of the many other opportunities given in the military and fire service.

In this episode, Matt connects with David Webster, the Deputy Fire Chief at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. David shares advice on how to be successful with military promotion and the importance of different experiences throughout his career.

Ben talks with Christian Jacobs regarding collection, use, and implications of data in the fire service.

Matt connected with Keith Collins of Fort Huachuca Fire Department in Arizona to discuss the importance of firefighter fitness and occupational fitness assessments.

Matt connected with Chris Lopardi to discuss the importance of building up your relationships, and how his trust network helped him while dealing with a tragic loss.