Episode 42:

In this sobering episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Will, Phil, and Aaron discuss the harrowing ambush in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where two battalion chiefs were murdered and another firefighter critically wounded in a shocking sniper-style attack during a brush fire response.🚒 Will opens the show from his new post in Whitefish, Montana, sharing how this tragedy is reshaping conversations across the fire service—from equipment, tactics, and mindset, to a new understanding of risk for first responders.🎯 Together, the crew dives into:

• The details of the Idaho ambush and timeline of events
• The growing threat of targeted violence against firefighters
• The question every department should be asking: Are we ready for this?
• Tactical considerations, gear discussions (ballistic vests, armored vehicles), and real-life near-miss stories
• A deeper look at how the fire service must evolve in a world where even fire calls can turn deadly
• The rising death toll from the Texas floods and the critical role of inter-agency response

This is more than a podcast episode—it's a call to action for firefighters everywhere to rethink what it means to stay safe on scene.🧠 "Piss poor preparation equals piss poor performance." — A hard truth every firefighter needs to hear.📢 Subscribe now and join us in the hard conversations that matter to the fire service. This isn’t just news—this is our reality.🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

Sponsors:

Castle Contracting:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://castleexteriors.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Strike The Box: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.striketheboxpipeandcigar.com/⁠⁠

Hashtags:

#FirstResponder #FirefighterPodcast #IdahoShooting #FireService #LineOfDutyDeath #ActiveShooterAwareness #SituationalAwareness #FirefightingReality #TexasFloods #ThinRedLine #FirefighterSafety #FirefighterBrotherhood #MentalHealth #EMS #TheOriginalFirefighter

In this episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, hosts Will and Phil break down the chaos erupting in Los Angeles during the No Kings riots. From street-level destruction to the challenges faced by first responders, they give their raw take on the madness unfolding and what it means for the fire service on the ground. Buckle up for a no-holds-barred conversation about civil unrest, public safety, and the reality of responding when a city turns into a battleground.

🔥 Real talk. Real firefighters. Real America.

Sponsors:

Castle Contracting:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://castleexteriors.net⁠⁠⁠⁠

Strike The Box: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.striketheboxpipeandcigar.com/⁠

#FirefighterLife #FirstResponders #CivilUnrest #FireService #BrotherhoodStrong #LAriots #NoKings #FirefighterPodcast #AmericanFirefighters #ThinRedLine #FirefightersOfInstagram #BlueCollarPride #FireHouseTalk #UrbanFirefighting #PublicSafety #FirefighterBrotherhood

In this gripping and emotional episode, Will sits down for a raw, firsthand conversation with three firefighters who survived a harrowing flashover event during the St. James Church fire. Together, they break down the anatomy of a MayDay—unpacking the moment-by-moment radio chatter, photos, and video footage from that intense day.This isn’t just a technical debrief. It’s a deeply human conversation about survival, instinct, training, and the aftermath. The crew opens up about the physical and emotional injuries they sustained and the critical need for mental health support in the fire service.Whether you're on the job or just want to understand the realities firefighters face, this episode is a must-listen. Real stories. Real lessons. Real brotherhood.🔊 Topics Covered:• The timeline and decision points of the St. James Church fire• Live radio traffic and what went right—and wrong• Visual breakdown of the scene through photos and video• The impact of trauma and the road to healing• Why mental health must be part of the conversation in the fire serviceSponsors:Castle Contracting:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://castleexteriors.net⁠⁠⁠⁠Strike The Box: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.striketheboxpipeandcigar.com/⁠Hashtags:#FireService #MayDayCall #ChurchFire #FirefighterPTSD #MentalHealthMatters #FirefighterTraining #StJamesFire #FirstResponderSupport #OriginalFirefighterPodcast

In this on-location episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, we head to Barnstormer Distillery in Rockford, IL for a rich mix of stories, spirits, and service.

🔥 We kick off with fire service updates and shoutouts to local leaders including Michelle Pankow and Kyle Hill.

🥃 Then, we dig into the AJ Lynch Foundation’s veteran-focused mission—and their special barrels of whiskey aging with purpose.

🛩️ Tim and Adi, the minds behind Barnstormer, share their incredible journey from aviation to distillation—including tales of barnstorming pilots, bootleggers, and turning the hangar into a haven for handcrafted bourbon.

🇺🇸 In a heartfelt moment, we sit down with 97-year-old WWII vet Don Weinstein who recounts his time at Camp Grant guarding German POWs.

👨‍🚒 Plus, we taste-test Barnstormer’s 90-proof whiskey, talk about our Bourbon, and reflect on what it means to live out your second act with purpose.

📍 Filmed June 6, 2025, at Barnstormer Distillery in Rockford, IL

🔗 Support the AJ Lynch Foundation: https://ajlynchfoundation.org

Sponsors:

Castle Contracting:⁠⁠⁠ https://castleexteriors.net⁠⁠⁠

Strike The Box: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.striketheboxpipeandcigar.com/

Hashtags:

#OriginalFirefighterPodcast #BarnstormerDistillery #FirefighterLife #WhiskeyWithPurpose #VeteranSupport #WWIIStories #RockfordIL #LeatherheadBourbon #BourbonCulture #FirstResponders #DistilleryLife #VeteranOwned #AmericanHeroes #CraftWhiskey #SecondActStories

In this second part of our two-part episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Chief Will shares the backstory of how he became interested in the Fire Service and what lead him to spend 28 years on the job in Rockford, IL. We also throw some MLB stadium trivia at Will and get in to what is next for his career and for the podcast. That's right, we're taking things to the next level.

🎙️ Grab your bourbon or cigar and dive in with us.

Sponsors:

Castle Contracting:⁠⁠ https://castleexteriors.net⁠⁠

Strike The Box: ⁠⁠https://www.striketheboxpipeandcigar.com/⁠

Hashtags:

#FirefighterPodcast #FirstResponderNews #FireServiceTalk #BidenCancer #FertilityClinicBombing #SanDiegoCrash #FirefighterLife #ChiefWill #FireServicePerspectives #TheOriginalFirefighter #StationTalk #FirefighterBrotherhood #PodcastForFirefighters #EmergencyResponseNews

In this two-part episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Chief Will, Rob, and Aaron sit down to tackle some of the wildest headlines dominating the news cycle. From former President Biden’s reported cancer diagnosis to the tragic bombing of a fertility clinic, to downed aircraft in San Diego and a barrage of bizarre stories—nothing is off-limits. The crew also weighs in on how the fire service is being affected by and responding to these unfolding events.

As always, the conversation is raw, real, and from the heart of the firehouse. And stick around until the end—Chief Will starts to reveal what’s coming next for the podcast and how we're planning to take things to the next level.

🎙️ Grab your coffee or cigar and dive in with us.

Sponsors:

Castle Contracting:⁠ https://castleexteriors.net⁠

Strike The Box: ⁠https://www.striketheboxpipeandcigar.com/

Hashtags:

#FirefighterPodcast #FirstResponderNews #FireServiceTalk #BidenCancer #FertilityClinicBombing #SanDiegoCrash #FirefighterLife #ChiefWill #FireServicePerspectives #TheOriginalFirefighter #StationTalk #FirefighterBrotherhood #PodcastForFirefighters #EmergencyResponseNews

In this laid-back and smoky episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Will, Aaron, and Rob sit down with Alan at the Strike The Box Pipe and Cigar Shop for a relaxed conversation among friends. With cigars lit and pipes in hand, we dive into recent events, talk firehouse stories, and take a deeper look at Alan’s incredible career in the Fire Service.

Alan also shares his tips for picking the right cigar—whether you're a rookie or a seasoned aficionado. Plus, we get the inside scoop on the soon-to-launch "Chiefs Club", an exclusive cigar club built for first responders and cigar enthusiasts alike.

You won’t want to miss this one—just good vibes, good smokes, and real fire service conversation.

🎙️ Light one up and join us for Episode 36 – “Strike the Box.”

#TheOriginalFirefighterPodcast #StrikeTheBox #FirefighterLife #FirstResponderStories #CigarLovers #PipeSmokers #TheChiefsClub #FireService #CigarCulture #FirefightersWhoSmoke

📍Special thanks to our friends at @StrikeTheBox for hosting us!

Sponsors:

Castle Contracting: https://castleexteriors.net

Strike The Box: https://www.striketheboxpipeandcigar.com/

In this high-flying episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Will, Rob, and Aaron cover a wide range of hot topics—from the tragic Mother's Day fire in Milwaukee and its implications for first responders, to the controversy surrounding a Qatar jet reportedly offered to President Trump. They also take a closer look at a failing radar system that could spell big trouble for national airspace safety, and yes... UFOs are back on the radar—literally.

To keep things light, Will brings in an airplane-themed movie quiz that’s sure to test your knowledge and get a few laughs. It’s an episode packed with insight, opinions, and the kind of banter only firefighters can deliver.

🎧 Tune in for real talk, real issues, and a little movie trivia fun.

Sponsors:

Strike The Box: https://striketheboxpipeandcigar.com

Castle Contracting: https://castleexteriors.net

#FirefighterPodcast #FirefightingCommunity #MilwaukeeFire #MothersDayFire #QatarJet #TrumpNews #RadarFailure #UFOs2025 #AviationNews #FirstResponderLife #FirehouseTalk #EmergencyServices #FirefighterNation #AviationTrivia #MovieQuiz #FirefighterHumor

Join us in this third and final installment of our FDIC coverage where we talk with Firefighters from London Ontario CA, Detroit MI, Amarillo, Tx, and Rockford, IL. We have a conversation with Sad Team Six, a group of firefighter comedians that are using humor to combat mental health issues and PTSD in the fire service. We also connect with the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, Project Fire Buddies and Mercury Associates. Don't miss these insightful conversations about how we can continue to strive for operational excellence and mental health as first responders.

Resources:

Fire Dept. Safety Officers Assoc: https://fdsoa.org/

Sad Team Six: https://sadteamsix.com

Project Fire Buddies: https://www.projectfirebuddies.org/

Mercury Associates Inc: https://mercury-assoc.com/

Sponsors:

Strike The Box: https://striketheboxpipeandcigar.com

Castle Contracting: https://castleexteriors.net

Feeding the Algorithm:

#FDIC2025 #FirefighterPodcast #TheOriginalFirefighterPodcast #FireServiceStrong #BrotherhoodByFire #FirstResponderVoices #FirefighterInnovation #FirefighterLife #FDICHighlights #IndianapolisFDIC #FirefightingCommunity #FireServiceLeadership #ThinRedLine #SadTeamSix #FDSOA #MercuryAssociates #ProjectFireBuddies

In this episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Will, Rob, and Aaron come together to tackle the critical intersections of fire service, personal faith, and the ever-changing landscape of funding in a country facing serious challenges. We dive into the health of our nation—physically, spiritually, and institutionally—and share our reflections on an impactful week at FDIC International, where ideas, innovations, and brotherhood were on full display.

Whether you're on shift or off duty, this episode delivers real talk, raw insight, and a passion for the fire service that never quits.

Sponsors:

Strike the Box: https://striketheboxpipeandcigar.com

Castle Contracting: https://castleexteriors.net

#Firefighters #FireService #FirstResponders #FaithAndFire #FirefightingLife #FDIC2025 #BrotherhoodStrong #FirePodcast #PublicSafety #NationInFlux #FirehouseTalk #ThinRedLine