The FireDawg Podcast

10/06/2024

New Table Talk episode available!

Head to https://firedawg.us/podcast/table-talk-06-engine-company-decision-making-and-the-rule-of-3s-austin-perry/ to find links to the episode or find it wherever you listen to podcasts.

Matt and Austin discuss breaking down engine company decision making into manageable, easy to remember, and useful approaches. They talk about the “rule of 3s” and how to break down decisions such as what hose or appliance to employ on a fire, how to load and stretch hose, and how to supply the engine and other things into 3 options each. They also talk about how to break down 1st and 2nd due company assignments to again, make decision making easy. The idea is that when you break tactics down into three options it makes your efforts much more effective and the outcome much more favorable.

It should go without saying that the information provided in this episode and others like it are not intended to replace existing department procedures or act as an excuse to not train. These approaches are “simple, not easy” and should be carefully thought through and practiced.

Let us know your thoughts or opinions in our FireDawg Mentorship Facebook Group and head to our website, www.firedawg.us, to check out other episodes.

06/06/2024

Check out our latest episode!

How to listen:
Apple - https://lnkd.in/ggGQbq9Q
Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gCStkF-k
Zencastr - https://lnkd.in/gMbxdFMg
FireDawg Podcast Website - https://lnkd.in/gF9447k5

In Episode 49, Jeret Kinnaird and Brandon Pelkey join Matt and Chris to talk about the North Carolina Air National Guard (ANG) Rescue Technician School. The school offers Rescue Technician I and Rescue Technician II courses which include rope and confined space rescue and trench and structural collapse rescue, respectively. Each course is AETC sanctioned and IFSAC and Pro Board accredited. Throughout the episode, Jeret and Brandon give insights into what the course is about, what the future holds (including a plan to launch a swift water course), and how to sign up.

If you are slated to attend or are interested in earning your Rescue Technician certifications, this one is worth a listen.

NCANG RTS Rescue School

06/05/2024

New episode 🚨 Table Talk - 05 - Engine Company Operations, Interior Firefighting Tactics, Empowering Firefighters - Austin Perry

How to listen 🎧
FireDawg Website - https://lnkd.in/gNqmFZE6
Apple - https://lnkd.in/gqJ6hhHt
Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gvvb8Y6X
Zencastr - https://lnkd.in/gpn5MkME

In this episode, Matt is joined by Austin Perry. Austin and Matt talk about engine company operations as they relate to interior structure fire tactics. More specifically Austin talks about zero visibility nozzle work or working within a structure with zero visibility (and how to approach that), he also talks about the importance of training subordinate firefighters so that they understand tactics and approaches and are empowered to work alone when necessary. They also talk about other firefighting tactics and approaches throughout our conversation.

05/05/2024

Practice the right way every time to develop and refine your muscle memory.

Check out Table Talk Episode 04 with Brandon Laird. Available wherever you find podcasts and on our website, www.firedawg.us.

29/04/2024

New episode! 🚨

Table Talk - 04 - A Standardized Approach to Fireground Size Up

How to listen 🎧
FireDawg Website - https://lnkd.in/gQs3dBwa
Apple - https://lnkd.in/gUxHE3Vz
Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gYrNfvse
Zencastr - https://lnkd.in/gTjSmZqX

In this episode, Matt is joined by Brandon Laird to discuss fireground size up. Do you have a standardized approach to performing size-ups? If you don’t, give this one a listen. If you do, still give it a listen and let us know what you think.

14/03/2024

Congrats to all Senior Master Sergeant selects!

Special shout out to the Rockstar of The FireDawg Podcast, Matthew Wilson!

-Ben

The Air Force has selected 14 Master Sergeants for promotion to Senior Master Sergeant out of 96 eligible for a selection rate of 14.5 percent in the 24E8 promotion cycle.

Congratulations Senior Master Sergeant Selectees‼️

15/12/2023

New episode available! 🚨

How to listen 🎧
FireDawg Website - https://lnkd.in/eZNbwDPd
Apple - https://lnkd.in/eJGt8Tsg
Spotify - https://lnkd.in/erfFHCMq
Zencastr - https://lnkd.in/e54iV_32

In episode 48, Matt and Chris speak with Ryan Julius and Leah Lloyd, both recent graduates of DoD Firefighter Rescue & Survival, Class 9. Ryan and Leah recount their experiences and offer advice to anyone interested in attending one of the most mentally and physically demanding courses offered to DoD Firefighters.

Visit https://firedawg.us/fras/ for more info on FRAS and to sign up for the next class.

30/10/2023

New episode available 🚨

How to listen 🎧
FireDawg Website - https://lnkd.in/gA-ffQXC
Apple - https://lnkd.in/gXUDSeS6
Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gfKn8qnu
Zencastr - https://lnkd.in/gW6yvh8a

In episode 47, Matt speaks with Robert Gerry, the Logistic Officer at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Fire Department in New Jersey. RJ is a contributing member of the Air Force Fire & Emergency Services “Reinvigorate the Flight” strategic line of effort (LOE) #2 and championed the new Logistics Officer Course intended to introduce new logistics officers to the information and resources necessary to be successful in the job. In the episode, he explains the rationale behind the course, some of the information included within it, and the other plans for improving the availability of information for the Logistics Officer position.

How to listen 🎧 Apple - Spotify - Zencastr - In episode 47, Matt speaks with Robert Gerry, the Logistic Officer at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

13/05/2023

23/04/2023

New episode available!

How to listen 🎧
FireDawg Website - https://lnkd.in/gaynTSAG
Apple - https://lnkd.in/gbPZpyxi
Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gNK2qYtR
Zencastr - https://lnkd.in/gvZ66qAG

In episode 46, Matt and Chris talk with FDNY Firefighter Jeff Cool. On January 23rd, 2005, Jeff survived what later became known as “Black Sunday”. Jeff and 5 other New York City firefighters bailed out of the 4th floor of an illegally divided tenement in the Bronx, killing two firefighters and leading to the death of a third as a result of his injuries.

Jeff started his firefighting career in 1984 as an active-duty Air Force firefighter at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. From there, he did some time with the Air National Guard and spent four years as a civilian airport firefighter. Following that, he began his FDNY career at Ladder 19 in the Bronx. Following September 11, 2001, he moved to Rescue Company 3.

In the episode, he recounts the events of “Black Sunday”, highlights the heroics of those Firefighters on that day, and discusses how we prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Joey D Foundation Website - https://lnkd.in/gSqUGKG4
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://lnkd.in/ggAb-3Ng
Breakdown of the Event - https://lnkd.in/gbgTfEe4

17/02/2023

Our very own Ben Perry with an impressive achievement! Nice job Ben!

The recipient of the CPC 2023 Ronny Jack Coleman Leadership Legacy Award is Interim Fire Chief Ben Perry, CFO, for his commitment to elevating the profession through mentoring, teaching and advocacy. Congratulations! https://cpse.org/cpse-overview/cpse-awards/ronny-j-coleman-leadership-legacy-award/

17/02/2023

New episode available! 🚨

How to listen 🎧
FireDawg Website - https://lnkd.in/gN5VQZCZ
Apple - https://lnkd.in/g-E-d3UG
Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gRwYYvAa
Zencastr - https://lnkd.in/gAt5GnWH

In episode 45, Matt speaks with Chief Michael "Mikee" Ott, former Air Force Firefighter and now Fire Chief for Tulare Fire Department, California. They discuss his transition out of the military, how to maximize your marketability as a former military firefighter, and what to expect during the transition.

Chief Ott is a retired Air Force Firefighter who served 21 years at multiple locations across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and served as a Deputy Fire Chief at Vandenburg Fire Department before retiring in 2021. Since transitioning out of the military, he secured a job as the Tulare Fire Department Fire Chief and serves as an Adjunct Instructor for Fresno City College. His department responds to nearly 8000 calls per year and serves a community of over 70,000 residents.

Subscribe to our newsletter - https://lnkd.in/ggAb-3Ng

14/01/2023

New episode available!

Listen 🎧
FireDawg Website - https://lnkd.in/gduAGWAq
Apple - https://lnkd.in/gG6-Nm3d
Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g8a3RJyF
Zencastr - https://lnkd.in/gQ9GdHHq
Google Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/g8XrBJD8

In episode 44, Matt speaks with Andrew Starnes. Andy currently serves as a Battalion Chief in a large career department in NC. He is a well-known fire service contributor on the topics of thermal imaging, fire behavior, leadership, behavioral health, and faith-based devotions. He is also the founder of Bringing Back Brotherhood, a nonprofit organization designed to encourage and provide guidance for firefighters in the area of behavioral health, counseling, and more. He has trained and assisted departments with Thermal Imaging Training in all 50 states and 16 other countries and also consults manufacturers and assists with product development. His company, Insight Fire Training, LLC. offers a wide range of fire behavior and thermal imaging training and education and is the first company to offer a thermography-based firefighter certification credentialed through the Infrared Training Center.

Subscribe to our newsletter - https://lnkd.in/ggAb-3Ng

02/01/2023

Our first episode of 2023 is now available! 🚨

How to listen 🎧
FireDawg Website - https://lnkd.in/ghCvWRWg
Apple - https://lnkd.in/gweXreqT
Spotify - https://lnkd.in/gzBT5w3X
Zencastr - https://lnkd.in/geezx_BH

In Episode 43, Matthew speaks with Chief Josh Loescher. Chief Loescher is the Fire Chief at Traux Field in Madison Wisconsin, home of the 115th Fighter Wing. He highlights the unique characteristics of Fire Protection in the Air National Guard including manpower, funding, support for state and federal emergencies, and differences in promotions and training, among other things. He and I also discuss how active duty Air Force compares with the Guard and how members from each can complement each other well when working together.

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01/01/2023

Interested in receiving our email newsletter? 🗞️ Maybe you'd prefer to receive new episode alerts through email at work rather than social media? We've created a newsletter just for you!

Click the link below to get added to our list.

https://firedawg.us/newslettersubscription/

28/12/2022

"Investment is key to somebody's growth" - Jared Aardema 💡

Leaders have an obligation to invest in people so that they can become the best version of themselves.

Individuals have an obligation to commit to what they are doing so that they set themselves up for success.



🎧 Check out Table Talk Episode 3 at the following links.
Apple - shorturl.at/ghuMP
Zencastr - https://zencastr.com/z/qOiSDDhJ
FireDawg Website - shorturl.at/fjENU

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas from all of us at The FireDawg Podcast. We hope you have the opportunity to enjoy time with your loved ones and with your brothers and sisters at your Fire Departments. If you're on duty or deployed, thank you for holding it down, and please stay safe!

Merry Christmas! 🎄 🎁

15/12/2022

New episode available!

We've been out of action for a few months but we're back at it and excited to bring you another Table Talk episode.

In Episode 3 of Table Talk, Matt talks to Jared Aardema about educational pursuits, networking, and workplace performance. Where should you aim with your educational pursuits? What does right look like in regard to networking? How do you motivate someone to care about the job? How do you rid an organizational culture of mediocrity? These are just a few of the topics that Matt and Jared discuss.

After you've listened, head over to our FireDawg Mentorship Group to continue the conversation.

🎧 Listen to the episode on
Apple - shorturl.at/ghuMP
Zencastr - https://zencastr.com/z/qOiSDDhJ
FireDawg Website - shorturl.at/fjENU

08/10/2022

FireDawgs - Don’t overlook performing fire drills, forming escape plans, and checking detectors at your own home! 🔥

It’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves at times when we get focused on the community.

Be ready, and make sure your family is too!

02/10/2022

Servant-leadership is more than a concept, it is a fact - though it seems paradoxical.

Servant - a person working in the service of a master

Leader - a person who guides and commands others

You can be both.

24/09/2022

2022 Outstanding Airmen of the Year!

Each year, the United States Air Force recognizes 12 enlisted members for their superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. SrA Kristina Schneider, Fire Protection Journeyman with the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield Lahm ANGB, Ohio, was named one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022.

SrA Schneider clearly demonstrates her passion for helping those around her, whether through her critical work as a firefighter during Operation Spartan Shield or by supporting the 179 AW fire department. Congratulations on this well deserved achievement!

Learn more about SrA Schneider’s empowering story here: https://bit.ly/3SlQaHn

Ohio National Guard | Air Force Fire & Emergency Services | Air National Guard |

18/08/2022

All this week FireDawgs engaged with Air Force senior leaders at this year’s Air Force Sergeants Association Professional Education & Development Synposium in San Antonio, TX.

Pictured below is Command Chief Joshua Trundle delivering a message, “Continue to lead without fear!”

12/08/2022

New episode available!

In episode 42, Matt and Chris sit down with Nick Martin, a well-known fireground training advocate and founder of Combat Ready Fire Training. They discuss the “combat ready” mentality and the importance of always being ready to perform. Nick also offers advice to departments with lower call volumes and advice for effective training drills.

Head over to his site www.combatreadyfire.com to learn more about what training he and his team offer. You can also check him out on Facebook or on Instagram .

Click the link to listen now!
Apple: www.shorturl.at/bCDY5
Spotify: www.shorturl.at/cFGV9
Website: www.shorturl.at/beoAL

02/08/2022

New post over at firedawg.us. Thoughts on humility, hard work, and a quest for precision by contributor Chris Bauchle.

“Contentment is the root of complacency and there are few greater evils in the fire service. There is no shortcut to truly mastering the fundamentals of our craft, just hard work and the relentless pursuit of perfection.”

We don’t fight fire like we used to. With the exception of perhaps a small minority of companies across the country, the act of actually fighting fire

16/07/2022

🎧 Catch up on a few of our 64 past episodes of The FireDawg Podcast today!

🍎 Apple - tinyurl.com/4sm3rspa
🎵 Spotify - tinyurl.com/2febw9mt
🔥 FireDawg Website - www.firedawg.us

26/05/2022

Episode 41 is live! 🔥

In this episode, Matt speaks with MSgt Roy Campos about the Air Force Fire Protection Support given at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul Afghanistan in August 2021. Roy led the 13-person Fire Protection Quick Strike Team (QST) for 12 days in support of the Afghanistan evacuation and the largest human airlift in history. In the episode, he recounts the experience and highlights specific events during their time on HKIA. As a result of his leadership and the team's efforts, Roy received a Bronze Star Medal on March 31, 2022.

Listen here:
Apple - shorturl.at/blFLR
Spotify - shorturl.at/nDJ69
FireDawg Website - www.firedawg.us

18/05/2022

New episode available! 🚨

In episode 40, Matt talks to former Ohio State Fire Marshal Bob Rielage about his service in Vietnam as an Air Force Intelligence Officer, fire service leadership, and transitioning from the military to civilian fire service. Chief Rielage has been a chief officer in several departments with over 30 years of experience, is a past president of the Institution of Fire Engineers – USA Branch, has worked with FEMA, the USFA, and the National Fire Academy, and has served as a committee member for NFPA 1250 and NFPA 1201. Chief Rielage is also a columnist for FireRescue1.

In this episode, Matt talks to former Ohio State Fire Marshal Bob Rielage. They speak about his service in Vietnam as an Air Force Intelligence Officer,

05/05/2022

🚨 In Episode 2 of Table Talk, Chris Bauchle is joined by friend Travis Bender to discuss their take on tactics for training and stress management in the department.

Chris Bauchle is joined by friend Travis Bender to discuss their take on tactics for training and stress management in the department.

23/04/2022

Did you train today?
Here is a nugget:

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie

07/04/2022

Check out our latest Department Highlight episode! 🚒

In this episode, Matt talks to James Muncy and Robyn Torrence about Travis AFB Fire Department. Tune in if you're interested in hearing about what life is like at Travis!

Episode available on our website or on any podcast platform.

In this episode, Matt joins SSgt James Muncy and Mr. Robyn Torrence to highlight Travis AFB Fire Department. They discuss details about the Department,