The Forward Firefighter

I am kicking off 2026 with Captain Nick Ledin from the Eau Claire Wisconsin Fire Department. I'm talking with him about his fire service journey, ECFD operations, and some massive takeaways from the Firefighter Rescue Survey, including data on victim survival rates that might just change how you look at the fireground.

Nick Ledin is a Captain with Eau Claire (WI) Fire Department, currently assigned to Truck 8. Ledin has been a student of the job for 18 years and is a contributor to ‘Firefighter Rescue Survey’, was the former president of the Northland FOOLS, and is a board member of FireNuggets. He’s a technical committee member for NFPA 1700, was a former technical panel member for UL FSRI’s PPA/PPV Study, and is a co-host of the FireNuggets Podcast and GRABS Podcast. Nick is also lucky enough to be a small part of UL FSRI’s Public Education Advisory Committee. He can also grow a pretty legit ‘stache.

Dan is joined by two fantastic guests, Jordan and Leah Crave! Both are dedicated firefighters on the Columbus Wisconsin Fire Department. Now two years into their journey, they dive into the real challenges and rewards of service. Married for sixteen years and parents to four kids, Jordan and Leah discuss how they manage the intense demands of the fire department alongside their respective careers and busy family life. Tune in to hear about the commitment it takes, the balance they strive for, and the unique experience of serving their community together as a firefighting couple.

Join Dan for a conversation with the creative force behind the documentary "The Best of Us," Emmy award-winning editor Ben Cook, and the man at the center of the film, Chief Matt Boulding of the Cornell, WI Fire Department.

Ben, a Cornell native, shares the precise reason he felt the need to turn his lens on the all volunteer fire department that serves his hometown, capturing their sacrifices, challenges, and resilience. Chief Boulding provides a unique, behind the scenes perspective on what it's like to have your department filmed. He also opens up about the demands of balancing family life, running multiple businesses, and leading the department, while giving us an overview of the Cornell Fire Department's operations.

In this episode on The Forward Firefighter Podcast, Dan sits down with Captain/Training Officer Mike Bernard (Arbor Vitae Fire & Rescue) an Instructor with Midwest Fire Tactics and Training, and author in The Book of Search.

Mike dives deep into the necessity of training above the minimum standard, sharing the unique operational challenges of running an all-volunteer department in a high-tourism area of Wisconsin. We explore his passion for mastering the fundamentals, including the practical benefits and instructional techniques behind the high-value skill of 'Masking Up with Gloves'.

Mike also discusses what it takes to build a strong volunteer culture that drives retention, and how anyone in your department can strategically advocate for positive change. If you're looking to elevate your department's training or personal skill set, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I sit down with Dr. Chris Frueh, a clinical psychologist, professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, and leading expert on the health of military veterans and first responders. Dr. Frueh introduces the concept of Firefighter Syndrome, a framework that explains the cumulative physical and psychological toll of the job, whether you serve as a career firefighter or a volunteer.

We talk about how Firefighter Syndrome differs from PTSD, why challenges like anxiety, low energy, or just not feeling like yourself are often misunderstood, and how that impacts both firefighters and their families. At the same time, Dr. Frueh offers a hopeful perspective by sharing proven strategies to protect health and resilience.

This is a conversation about facing the realities of the job with honesty, while also focusing on solutions that help firefighters stay strong, healthy, and ready for the long haul. Whether you are on the front lines or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you practical tools and a renewed sense of hope.

In this powerful episode of The Forward Firefighter, I welcome Jeff Rothmeier—career firefighter, decorated combat veteran, and author of Mastering the Craft. With two decades of experience spanning urban search and rescue, technical rescue, and engine and rescue company work in both Saint Paul and Milwaukee, Jeff brings depth, humility, and passion to the conversation.

Jeff talks about his early days growing up on a Minnesota farm, his military service in Iraq, and how those experiences shaped his work ethic and mission-driven approach to the fire service. You’ll also learn about his current roles with Rescue 1 and Station 23 in Milwaukee.

He shares the story of a devastating fall from a roof while on the job. At the same time, his daughter was going through a major medical battle. Learn how the fire service brotherhood carried him through both.

Jeff also reflects on what led him to write Mastering the Craft, emphasizing the need for competence and preparation behind every aggressive tactic.

Whether you’re on a rural volunteer crew or riding with a busy rescue company, this episode will challenge and inspire you to approach the craft with greater purpose, pride, and perspective.

In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I talk with April Hammond, Assistant Chief of the Cottage Grove Fire Department and DSPS Integrated Section Chief. April shares an inside look at Cottage Grove’s training culture, call volume, and what it takes to lead a modern volunteer fire department.

She also breaks down her work at the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, including how fire departments are audited and why SPS 330 compliance matters to every firefighter’s health and safety.

April talks about her passion for teaching the next generation of firefighters as an instructor at Madison College, and she reflects on her commitment to peer support and her work with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Everyone Goes Home initiative.

From the fireground to the classroom, April’s story is a reminder that the fire service is one big team—and together, we’re a force to be reckoned with.

April Hammond is the DSPS Integrated Section Chief for the Fire Prevention/Safety and Health Program. She previously served as a DSPS Fire Prevention Coordinator and Occupational Safety Inspector from 2008 to 2023, working on several SPS code updates. April is an Assistant Fire Chief, works part-time as a Madison College Instructor, and volunteers as an Investigator in Dane County. She is also an advocate for Everyone Goes Home, founded by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. April has worked as a Municipal Judge, wildland firefighter, emergency dispatcher, EMT, and in law enforcement. She has degrees in criminal justice and holds several additional fire science credentials. April and her family also manage a Dane County farm

In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I sit down with Chief Chris Dallas of the Valders Fire Department in Wisconsin. Chief Dallas shares insights into his department’s approach and walks us through the mindset, preparation, and tactical considerations for effective vehicle extrications. From emergency scene readiness to hands-on training tips, this episode delivers both education and motivation to help firefighters respond with confidence and precision when seconds count.

Chief Dallas began his fire service career in 2000 and became Chief of the Valders Fire Department in 2013. Before leading the department, he spent five years as a rescue tool specialist, gaining valuable technical expertise in vehicle extrication. In addition to his local leadership, he currently serves as the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association Volunteer Trustee, advocating for volunteer departments across the state.

In this episode, we delve into the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) with three distinguished guests: Tim Haas, Fire Services Coordinator for Wisconsin Emergency Management; Josh Ripp, Chief at Stoughton, WI Fire Department and VP of MABAS Wisconsin; and Bruce Hennington, Regional Coordinator for the Southwest region for MABAS Wisconsin.

We discuss the history and advantages of MABAS, its structure, and the critical role it plays in resource allocation for mutual aid. Our guests share their extensive fire service backgrounds and highlight notable incidents where MABAS was instrumental. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the workings of MABAS and its impact on fire service operations.

In this episode, I welcome back Marc Hill to talk about his second book, Read Before You Lead. Learn from Marc as we discuss his experience becoming a new fire chief for a volunteer fire department.

Listen to episode 10 to learn more about Marc and his first book, Two Dark Thirty.

Marc Hill has devoted over two decades to public service, holding diverse roles as an educator, coach, principal, firefighter, engineer, and fire chief in both volunteer and career departments. An accomplished author, his Amazon bestseller Two Dark Thirty: True Stories to Inspire Teaching and Learning in Our Local Heroes and his latest book, Read Before Leading: 20 Essential Leadership Lessons to Help You Succeed and Avoid Failure, provide invaluable insights on leadership, professional growth, and lifelong learning.

Hill holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and numerous state and national certifications as an instructor, firefighter/paramedic, and incident commander. His contributions to education and leadership have been recognized with three Teacher of the Year awards and the prestigious Core Values Award.

As the founder and chief instructor at Two Dark Thirty Consulting, Hill is dedicated to equipping leaders and educators with the tools to navigate complex challenges, advance strength, and drive meaningful change.