5-Alarm Task Force!

How many times have we heard about a friend or relative made his/her annual visit to their doctor. She runs a batch of tests, only to tell you that there is a problem. When the patient is asked, “Why didn’t you come in sooner?” The sad answer is, “I didn’t think it was anything to bother you with.” Sadly, this often results in a serious condition that might have been mitigated with early discovery. Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” is an ardent supporter of our podcast and always teaches us important and valuable info to promote healthy habits for the fire service and, more important, early detection! Over the years, even when still serving as the Executive Assistant Chief of the Broward County Sheriff – Fire/Rescue Division. Even long before he was involved with Lifescan Wellness, he brought them into that very department to evaluate the health of the firefighters, officers, etc. And with every appearance on the podcast, Todd has shared some of the wonderful stories of firefighters, police officers and others who, through the exams through Lifescan Wellness, many folks had early detection of what could have led to that person facing a tough, medical battle. Yet, with early detection, the Lifescan teams have found health issues which, had not been discovered, might have led to a significant issue. Check out our videocast on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp,” and our audio podcast on all major podcast platforms. ******************** Please remember that we need your help especially during this Holiday Season; to raise the important funds we use to financially help our Brothers/Sisters and/or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can afford, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

If you are a “student of fire service,” you should know the name of our guest very well! Capt. Daley has over 35 years of experience in the fire service. He is currently a Captain with the town of Monroe, NJ. Capt. Daley is also the president of the Kill the Flashover organization, a 501(c)(3) charitable company that strives to teach to others about how we can indeed, learn the tactics to look for and prevent a flashover from overtaking your team(s). He is a staff instructor in two county fire academies and is an Adjunct Professor at two County colleges, developing and delivering FESHE approved curriculum in Fire Behavior and Building Construction. In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind the formation of “Kill the Flashover,” some of their ideas and goals, as well as tips to help us avoid the danger of a flashover occurring. Capt. Daley also relates some of what he taught on a recent trip to Colorado, as well as an explanation of the different water application devices that should be used in the appropriate type of fires. You may reach out to Capt. Daley by visiting the website, www.KillTheFlashover.com. ******************** Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com Photo Courtesy of Kill the Flashover

Like many kids in countries around the world, many want to be firefighters. And many of us fulfill that childhood dream. Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” is Lt. Michael Stachowicz of he Edinburgh Fire Service in Scotland. Prior to joining the Edinburgh Fire Service, he was a firefighter with the Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Services in England. As you view the video and/or listen to the audio podcast, you will see that Michael is a “Student of the Science of Fire.” He lectures at local and regional conferences in the UK and Europe. Subjects? Fire Behavior, High-Rise Firefighting and Technical Rescue, which is one of his specialties. In 2023 and 2024, Michael presented at the IFIW – International Fire Instructors Workshop. Michael has as the heart of a warrior, however, he also cares deeply about other fire departments and their personnel. Thus, he has also dedicated himself to assist wherever he can through charitable and humanitarian work in countries like Moldova and Ukraine, as well as delivering fire trucks and firefighting equipment to Ukraine, after the war broke out. He is also passionate about simplifying scientific concepts and making them relevant and applicable for firefighters during day-to-day operations. You can reach Michael at stachofire@aol.co.uk! Now - Enjoy ******************** Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com Photo Courtesy of ALAMY Stock Photos

Often, where we are dispatched to a building that we know has automatic water flow in the event of the fire, we tend to expect that the water is flowing as designed and that all we will be left with is mopping up. Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” is an engineer who designs water-flow systems, from the FDC outside to the sprinklers inside the facility. On this episode, E.J. stresses the issue that it is incumbent upon us, whether we serve a career, volunteer, part-pay, or paid-on-call, that we know our districts and what is being built in these districts. We should never assume anything, because there is often a chance that the building under construction three months ago will be the same three months later. Watch our video interview or listen to the audio podcast. Either way, you will learn about what you could face when you arrive at the building and that may be too late. ******************** Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Chief Justin Bailey is a 25+ year “student of the Fire Service. He is the Fire Chief with the Oliver Springs (TN) Fire Dept. and a Captain/Medic with the Knoxville (TN) Fire Department, where he has been serving since 2007 and currently assigned to Engine 1. His career began in 1999 as a Junior Firefighter/Explorer with the Oliver Springs Fire Dept. He is a part-time fire instructor with the State of Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, delivering classroom and hands-on instruction in various topics on-campus, at regional fire conferences, and at various local fire departments throughout Tennessee. He has instructed nationally on the topics of volunteer training program development, professional development and rural fireground management, having presented at both FDIC and Firehouse Expo. Chief Bailey has an Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science from Roane State Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University. ******************** In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we have learned that nearly a dozen firefighters lost their lives as they tried to effect rescues and saved pets. In the face of the hurricane, no one waved or had to think twice. They new their duty was to save anyone and everyone they could. Hurricane Helene has been rated the worst hurricane since Katrina! And we all know how that turned out. We are researching the news articles to determine who these brave men and women are and what we can do to help. Please remember - these brave firefighters, who worked around the clock in preparation of the storm, know that performing their duties in and after this storm was not going to be easy. PLEASE!!! We need your help! Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Capt. Kory Pearn has over twenty years in the Canadian Fire Service. However, looking at the trades to provide more than photos and fire story articles, he did not find what he was searching for. Kory started thinking that firefighters need more than “hotshot” pics. He wanted to read a trade that would focus on firefighters’ health and wellness. And when he was unable to find a trade like that, he created one of his own, “CRACKYL” Magazine. Kory is the publisher, Editor-in-Chief and CEO of CRACKYL Media, Inc. He is an industry author and keynote speaker, who acts as an enthusiastic mental health advocate, spreading awareness of what it takes to not only survive, but thrive in the dynamic job of firefighting. In this episode, Kory and I discuss two key topics for today’s firefighters, whether in the USA, Canada or almost anywhere else there are firefighters. First, is “Looking at Life’s Challenges,” and “Learning to Learn.” All too often, we tend to set specific limits on ourselves, i.e., family, finances, perhaps a second job, etc. However, how do our families see us when we tend to focus only on these topics? But how often do you look at yourself and think that all is fine? Sounds right - but it doesn’t feel right. Tune in and let’s see if Kory can help you with your focus, for the job, the family, and the community! ******************** Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Chief Dave Robertson has more than 25 years in the Fire Service in five different departments in Canada, from bust urban systems to wildland, and to rural/semi-rural areas. He has instructed with his fire departments, in fire academies, paramedic schools and private fire institutions. Chief Robertson is fueled by a sincere passion to make the fire service better, which today includes talking to his classes about his own struggles with PTSI or PTSD. He hopes that by being open to recruits right at the front end of their careers and explaining to them the very real threat, that each recruit will be able to have a long and joyful job. ******************** Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Chief (ret) Marc Bashoor has been one of best chiefs in the business. He was the Chief of Prince George's County Fire Department, a mix of career, volunteer and combo stations. He currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the trade, Fire-Rescue 1. His many years in the fire service have seen changes, some for the good and some...not. Nevertheless, he promotes the key concept of firefighters be fit, of both mind and body. He doesn't pull his punches, but what he says and teaches is always aimed to help every firefighter to be a better firefighter! Watch, Listen and Learn! Then, answer the key question: "Could you rescue YOU!" ******************** Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

It is no secret that being a firefighter, career, volunteer, WUI, Paid-on-Call, etc., can take a physical and emotional toll on us. Often a rookie/probie takes a “lot of heat,” and that is before his/her have even rolled out of the station. Now, add everything else we must do outside the fire service, and we might be shouldering physical issues like weight, unbalanced diets, etc. Our Guest on this podcast can provide pointers to you. Capt. Aaron “ZAM” Zamzow has been in the fire service for over twenty years. He is the owner for Fire-Rescue-Fitness, a company that creates workout programs and fitness articles that focus on getting Fire Rescue Athletes, “Fit for Duty.” He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Wellness, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Trainer and an IAFF/IAFC Peer Fitness Trainer. He has also worked in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has experience working with the general population, as well as athletes from the NBA, NFL, and NHL. Tune in as “ZAM” shares some sage advice regarding how to hone your diet, your work, both on and off the Job. Visit his website at www.FireRescueFitness.com and learn even more! ******************** Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Jeff Dill was an active firefighter and officer with the Palatine Rural Fire Prevention District. But in 2010, he founded the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) which is an IRS-Certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Jeff travels the U.S. and Canada. Holding workshops to teach firefighters and EMS personnel about behavioral health awareness and suicide prevention. FBHA was the only known organization that collects and confirms data on firefighter and EMS suicides across the U.S. In addition, FBHA holds classes for counselors/Chaplains, family members and preparing for retirement. Jeff holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Argosy University in Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor. FBHA also is the Behavioral Health Administrators for the Las Vegas Fire Dept. ******************** Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Those of us who have served or those who continue to serve as a First Responder, as a firefighter, law enforcement and EMS know that beneath the “glory” feeling as we respond, it often comes with a darker side. And, whether we admit it or not, the horrors and trauma we see, we tend, we transport, etc. take an emotional toll on us, whether we wish to admit that or not. When we were little kids and we loved ice cream, too much ice cream, no matter the flavor with take a toll with at least, your stomach! Now, change the result of eating too much ice cream as a kid to what we see everyday on the job. What? Do you think your hands and mind are oblivious to the trauma we see? Not sure if that is you? Try standing in front of a mirror and looking at that person reflected to you. Here is the “wicked” truth. That person knows every single detail of your life! You cannot hide your feelings, thoughts, etc. from the mirror image. So, cut the crap that you think you can control. Because if you do not admit it, it will take charge of you. Our guest on this Ninth Season Premier of “5-Alarm Task Force,” is Chief (ret) Arjuna George. He knows about everything you see in the top paragraph. And he too, thought he could deal with everything, until he could not, any longer. On this episode, Chief George recounts part of what he went through over 24 years as a firefighter, line officer and a Chief. Some of you are dropping your mouth because you thought he was the best. However, he “saw the writing on the wall,” and now he needed help, both emotionally and professionally. And it was that admission that allowed him to grow beyond serving as a fire chief to the excellent trainer to help others who finds themselves in a similar situation. Listen to Chief George and see what you can glean from his experience and wisdom. Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially assist a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

So many podcasts about the fire service cover tactics, gear, tools and many more, focusing on what we do when we respond to a call. However, before you even catch your first response, there is one key aspect of what we do that is often “lost” on the excitement and adrenaline coursing through both new and well-established firefighters. What is that? It’s the word we often use outside of the firehouse, but for some reason, it often doesn’t make it into the firehouse. And that word is “HUMANITY! My guest on this podcast is Capt. Ron Givens. We first met at the 2017 Great Florida Fire School. We spoke here and there, and I stepped into a couple of his classes, both in a classroom and outside in the training area. And one thing that stuck with me was how Ron spoke to his students. There was no yelling or name-calling. He kept a cordial approach with every question asked and demonstrated slowly to teach appropriately. In this podcast, Ron and I discuss the absolute need for HUMANITY back into the firehouse. For over a century, the local firehouse or station has been the center of firefighters’ lives. However, as the years pass, we have changed our direction and behavior in the firehouse. And we are not talking about in-house training. We are talking about who we are as the men and women of the fire service. Join us and listen, then listen again, to Capt. Givens’ discussion on this episode. You will learn more than you might expect. Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially assist a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $8,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

Our guest, Jack Sullivan is the Director of Training for the Responder Safety Institute and has been with us several times over the years. On this occasion Jack addresses the tragically high number of “Struck by,” incidents, where a firefighter, law enforcement officer, ambulance team, recovery (tow) operator, Road Ranger and even innocent good-Samaritans are injured or killed, most due to inattentive drivers, from people on bikes to large tractor trailers. We, who are First Responders much work to educate our members to always maintain, “Situational Awareness” and our heads on a “swivel” in our efforts to bring more safety to our jobs. Jack also explains to us the heavy need for more TIM (Traffic Incident Management) Teams around the country. These teams review past response incidences and how they could have been handled and feed that info to the responder agencies. They also conduct training with various First Responder agencies to help their members learn how to be safer and how to include those findings with those involved. For more information, here are several links: https://www.respondersafety.com/ - Main Website with news and resources and https://learning.respondersafety.com/ - Responder Safety Learning Network https://www.ReportStruckBy.com – For reporting struck by vehicle incidents involving emergency responders at incident scenes. https://www.enddd.org/ - End Distracted Driving resources Jack Sullivan CSP Dir. Of Training, Emergency Responder Safety Institute www.ResponderSafety.com Cell: 804-514-3766 ResponderSafety@GMail.com And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

If you have been or still are a firefighter and you have a few years (or more) under your belt, you have probably had a couple of “workers” that gave you a bit more than an east knockdown. Initially then, the title of Brad’s book is somewhat incomplete. For the full title of his new book is, “The Flames of Fire – Firefighting Amidst the Explosions!” A bit more intriguing than the first look. Brad has done it all, from being a 17-year-old “probie” to an officer, an instructor and a Fire Inspector. Some of the stories he shares with us will generate the “pucker factor,” no matter how much experience you have. We also discuss to of the greatest leaders/teachers in the Fire Service, the late Chief Alan V. Brunacini or “Chief Bruno” as he loved to be called and, the late Chief Bobby Halton. We discuss the philosophies about this job that they both loved and how their simple explanations and recommendations of how we should interact with our victims, made everyone who listened and functioned as they posited, made so many incidents just a little less scary and at the same time, made us better firefighters, career, volunteer, paid-on-call or WUI. You will find the video versions of our podcasts on our YouTube® Channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” And our audio version can be found on our homepage of www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org or your favorite podcast platform. And please don’t forget to leave a brief review on your podcast platform page for “5-Alarm Task Force!” and 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. on YouTube®. Stay Safe & Stay Well and Let’s Make Sure Everyone Goes Home!

There is no doubt that Asst. Chief Jacob Johnson has had a well-experienced path in the fire service, starting as a 15-year-old “water boy” and “hanger-on” to learn as much about firefighting as possible. It wasn’t long before Jacob was climbing the department’s “ladder,” through the Katy Fire Department for approximately seven years. Then, the Pearland Fire Dept. started its “Growth Spurt” and Jacob decided that it was a place where one can learn, practice and drill to become a better firefighter and eventually, an officer. And after nearly 18 years, he was recently appointed as the Assistant Chief for Administrative Services with the Pearland Fire Dept. In our recent interview, Jacob and I discussed the multi-personnel “MAYDAY” occurrence in October 2023 at a working structure fire. One firefighter was severely injured, yet his colleagues rescued him in the nick of time. If you have or have not had a multi-faceted LODI or LODD in your department or even under your command, Chief Johnson shares insights that we all can learn and perhaps, even save a life with what you see/hear when you watch/listen. Finally, the Pearland Fire Department has remained above many others by the targeted membership campaign the Department uses. As our mutual friend, Chief Tony Correia teaches, “It should be called “Retention & Recruitment!” Why? Because if we cannot keep our current members, how can we expect to attract new blood?” Listen as Chief Johnson shares the department’s goal to not only keep their crews they have now, but with a sixth station recently opening, to fill the shifts of various apparatus in that firehouse. As Chief Johnson teaches to his rookies, “Be a Nice Human Being.” You will find the video versions of our podcasts on our YouTube® Channel, 5-Alarm Task Force Corp.” And our audio version can be found on our homepage of www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org or your favorite podcast platform. And please don’t forget to leave a brief review on the Platform page for “5-Alarm Task Force!”

David Wiklanski is an Engine Company Captain for an urban fire department in New Jersey. He has over twenty years in Emergency Services. Wiklanski is a speaker and writer, with most of his presentations on behavioral health, in addition to Suicide Terrorism. His mission is to end the stigma associated with mental health and to connect responders with the available resources to not only survive but thrive in their careers. He has contributed articles to Fire Engineering, Firehouse Magazine, Firehouse Tribune, and Firefighting in Canada. His first book: Suicide Bombers, Understanding Suicide Terrorism from a Cultural and Memetic perspective is available online and he is currently working on authoring his next book. Wiklanski has an MA in Behavioral Sciences-Human Behavior and Organizational Psychology from Kean University. He has been an adjunct professor at Kean University for the past 17 years. Wiklanski holds certifications as a Fire Instructor II, EMT Instructor, and NJ Certified Emergency Manager (NJCEM). He is a Behavioral Health Specialist for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) working on projects such as the Taking Care of Our Own (TCOOO) course and the Uniformed Peer Support Program. He was recently hired as the Program Manager for the Vulnerability Assessment Program (VAP), an online risk assessment tool. Here are a few links to the programs that we discussed. Also, if you can list my foundation email (DWiklanski@firehero.org) for anything NFFF-related. Taking Care of Our Own: https://www.firehero.org/fire-service-resources/taking-care-of-our-own/ Vulnerability Assessment Program: https://firevap.org/

If you’re a firefighter and you have been on social media oh, let’s say some time around 2011, you could not help but notice the frequent posts from The Firehouse Tribune. Then, it was a couple of firefighters posting some key ideas, facts, tactics, health, etc. Recently, Nic, the founder and editor of The Firehouse Tribune has raised the level the “Tribune.” It began with Nic writing his first book, “The 5-Tool Firefighter.” Then, he authored a workbook to accompany the “5-Tool Firefighter, and both have been big sellers. Firefighters from all around the U.S. and a foreign country or two were buying the books and putting into their daily lives. Just a short while ago, Nic added “The 5-Tool Firefighter Podcast!” More recently, Tom connected with Chief Tom Marchiano of the Chester Fire Department, just north of NYC. Working together they have added another popular element, “Station Talk,” manned by both Chief Marchiano and Nic. Tune in and listen to these two “gentlemen firefighters” and their “why’s” and “wherefores’” behind The Firehouse Tribune!

We all know that many fire departments across the country, both career and volunteer are struggling with retention and recruitment. And most are looking for new ways and/or tools to assist them in this endeavor. Sure, there’s advertising in the trades, posting on social media, etc., but there doesn’t appear to be any “heart” in these efforts. It may be time to try a new method, using what almost everyone has – your cell phone! A marketing communications professional with well over four decades of experience, Chuck Moran owns his own digital marketing firm in Charlottesville VA. In addition to building websites and managing social media for small and medium sized businesses, he launched Online Video Mastery to teach personnel in various organizations how to create compelling and professional videos with their smartphones, on-demand and in-house so that they can retain, recruit train and educate effectively. Chuck is currently focusing on assisting Public Safety departments. In this podcast (you will) want to watch the video on our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force Corp.”) Chuck with present a version of his, “Revolutionizing Fire & EMS Retention & Recruitment: Harnessing the Power of Smartphone Video!” at the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association’s Fire Rescue Conference in Virginia, this month. If you have a smartphone and you want to assist your department with retention and recruitment, you will not want to miss this episode of 5-Alarm Task Force!

Mutual aid – fairly common in the fire service, right? Sure, there can be “stumbling blocks” in setting these arrangements up, such as personnel, different equipment, availability and even what might be seen as “silly” issues, like egos and a competition mindset. Lest we forget that our oath is succinct…”To protect the lives and property of our community. “ There is no mention of egos or equipment matches, etc., in the Oath, just “to protect!” No departments exemplify this truth as do the Orange County Fire Authority, Los Angeles County Fire & Rescue and Ventura County Fire Department. For years and years, we have watched local and national news of major wildfires in Southern California. And for years, each of these counties basically cared for their counties with help from CAL FIRE and some mutual aid. However, that all changed in 2021 when the idea of a unified approach with a Quick Response Force took hold in these three counties. The goal was to not only attack these fires as early as possible, but to also have some of the best possible equipment available and…to be able to continue the fight into the night, when fixed-winger aerial aircraft could not fly. With the assistance of world-renowned of Coulson Aviation of Vancouver, BC in Canada, the counties leased refitted former military CH-47 Chinook helicopters into masterful firefighting weapons. Each helicopter can drop up to 3,000 gallons of retardant or water in one drop. Using IR goggles, they can fly in the dark of night and hit their marks. This is a game changer. Tune in to learn how and why this came about and what it takes to make it work. And though your department may not be able to grab a Chinook helo, you might learn how your department can enhance your mutual aid pacts and why it is imperative to have them today! As the holidays are here! Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! Photo © Coulson Aviation Inc.

Almost every industry in the U.S. has its “Trades,” that is, magazines devoted to and about that industry. The U.S./Canadian fire services are no different. There are numerous periodicals for us to choose from, one of which is the one that somewhat taught me how to be a better firefighter, even though it was a brand-new periodical back in 1977, when it was first published by FDNY firefighter, Dennis Smith – FIREHOUSE® Magazine. And I’ve rarely missed an issue in those more than 45 years. My guest today is Peter Matthews, who joined the FIREHOUSE team in 1999, serving both the magazine and online endeavors. Peter travels the country (and sometimes beyond) on a regular basis, enjoying a “ride-along” whenever possible. But those aren’t just for the fun of running calls rather, he uses them as an educational exercise to learn about each department he visits. In this episode, we discuss a lesson he gained from a car-service driver who, one may think, read one of the excellent books by the late Chief Alan Brunacini. For the driver explained how easy it is to “be nice.” We also discuss two key issues many departments are facing, regarding retention of current personnel and recruiting new ones. This conundrum is being faced by all facets of the fire service, career, volunteer, part-pay and WUI. For more information, please visit www.firehouse.com As the holidays are fast approaching, please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! Photo © and Courtesy of FIREHOUSE®