The Kitchen Table

Today i discuss feeling lost and alone and how it relates from the fire department to civilian life. And some of the methods i use to deal with that feeling.

Quick episode talking about why FDNY calls it a Firehouse and not a Fire station.

Today i sat down with Ret. FDNY Captain Brian Lena. Captain Lena retired out of Division 8. He asl spent time in 90 Engine as a Lt. And 30 Truck and 97 Engine as a fireman. He was also a Mahopac NY volunteer fireman. In retirement Captain Lena has become a full time Youtube content creator by starting the channel Searching For Tone. His channel dives into the world of guitars and guitar equipment. He unboxes guitars and pedals and gives honest reviews of such items. Searching For Tone on Youtube.

today i discuss the hiring of new FDNY commissioner Robert Tucker. I also give lots of tips to new and potential firefighters about the day to day operations in the firehouse.

Today i sat with author of the book BROOKLYN SKINHEAD, LOU MORALES. a memoir. One mans journey from fear and self hatred to love and faith. It's an incredible story from being a violent skinhead in sunset park Brooklyn and the LES of Manhattan. To finding GOD and turning his life around to become an overseas Christian missionary.

Today i give a preview of my next interview with Published Author of Brooklyn Skinhead Lou Morales. I also discuss some of the celebrities I have met or interacted with as a first responder.

Today I sat down with Lt. Jay Walsh retired from 59 Engine on the FDNY. Lt. Walsh has over 40 years of experience in the Fire Service. He started as a teenager in the Newington Volley FD and then got hired by New Britain CT. Fire Dept where he was assigned to Engine 1 and also was one of the first firefighters to start the New Britain Rescue 1 Co. He later joined the FDNY , serving at 75 engine and 33 truck in the Bronx. He would eventually end up in 59 Engine as a LT., where he would eventually retire from in 2018. His knowledge and experience are second to none. And now he shares that knowledge, by teaching proby firefighters at the CT. Fire Academy. And he also shares his experiences as a career firefighter, from the volleys, rescuing a woman at a fire, 9/11 and time in the Harlem Zoo. In my opinion one of the best fire officers to have worn the uniform. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Today i discuss Unbreakable bonds formed in the military and civil service. I talk about a documentary about the movie Platoon. And tell the story of a multiple alarm fire where 59 engine was awarded a unit citation.

head over to youtube and subscribe to see the pictures i show in this episode.

Today i sat down with Lt. Ryan Johnston from Engine 289 of the FDNY. Lt. Johnston started his career in the fire service with the Wantaugh Long Island, Volunteer fire dept. He then got Hired onto the FDNY in 2007 where he served 11 years in 59 Engine. 59 Engine is with 30 Truck in Harlem NY. Lt. Johnston was promoted in 2018 and was assigned to Engine 289 in Queens NY. Lt. Johnston opens up about many things including being 3 1/2 years sober. He hit rock bottom and had to make a tough but easy decision to save his marriage and family. Lt. Johnston also talks about the daring rescues he and the members of Ladder 138 made, at a Queens private dwelling fire, where they help save and evacuate over 30 people. These heroic efforts earned him the FDNY Chief McElligot Medal and FF Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award. Along with the other members of L138 receiving medals and citations for their heroic efforts and Bravery that day.

The Kitchen Table Season 2 Episode 2. Today I discuss difficulties transitioning into retirement. And I talk about about my last Nozzle job on the FDNY. First due nozzle at a 5th alarm taxpayer fire.