5-Alarm Task Force!
205 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★ - 20 ratingsNews and Issues For Today's First Responders. We provide some of the top mentors, leaders and members of the Fire Service from the U.S. and Canada.
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Episodes
Build Your Culture - Professionalism v. Minimalism!
December 17, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 136 MBPHOTO CREDIT TO Battalion Chief (ret) Keith Helms) As firefighters we constantly face challenges, however not all of them are at an emergency scene. Many of these challenges occur every day; often before we ever leave the station. And many of those challenges deal with our attitudes. You might be surprised at the toll that a wrong attitude can have. My guests for this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” are Sean Duffy and Pablo Gener, of the “Build Your Culture,” training group. As wi...
The Importance of the 360 Size-Up + More!
December 11, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 161 MBAs long as we have had two-way radios in the fire service, the first arriving officer (or whomever was in a “right seat”) would provide some sort of report upon arrival. In my active years in two different departments from ’77-’85, the FAO might give a 15-30 “quick view” to dispatch. I remember being assigned to “recon” a structure file, a few times and report back to the ranking officer on scene. And mind you, in those days we had two radios: one fixed in the apparatus and one for t...
Big Challenges - Small Departments
December 03, 2019 14:39 - 2 hours - 174 MBMany of us in the fire service believe that, for the most part, most fire departments in North America are the same, other than size and run numbers, with some being career and others volunteer. Part of that broad statement is that many of us still face major organizational problems. How we deal with them might make a difference. Chief Stan Metcalfe of the Beaverlodge Fire Dept., in Alberta Canada explains that while many departments might have similar problems, it is how we approac...
Firefighter Health Initiatives in Canada
November 22, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBBrad Davidson is a Canadian Fire Executive with 38 years serving, “Mrs. Smith.” Brad has a strong love and passion for the fire service, underscored by his years of experience and his certifications. Through out chats on Twitter and by phone, I shared my passion regarding the Fire Service Cancer Initiative with him. And with that, he was off and running. He has done several years of research since our first conversation on the topic and has tried to be as proactive as possible in pr...
Oklahoma City Bombing - Out of Chaos
November 18, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 159 MBI will honestly say that this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force” is one of, if not THE best episode we have ever produced. It is informative, tragic and dark, yet also demonstrates inner strength and recovery. My guest is Chris Fields, a retired Major with the Oklahoma City Fire Dept. While his name may not be familiar, a world-famous photo of him carrying the body of a toddler killed in the bombing of the Federal Building on April 19, 1995, may jog your memory. Chris shares his story...
Smart on the Fireground
November 01, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 111 MBIf you have a year or two more “under your belt” you know that learning in a classroom is nothing compared with learning on an active fireground. A good firefighter is ready for almost anything as he/she dismounts from the apparatus, because the fireground is an ever-evolving, ever-changing, location with massive changes that can occur in just seconds. And if you’re not ready for it…… My guest on this episode is Lt. Mike Daley. He is a nationally known instructor and writer for the t...
New Paths for Help With Behavioral Health Issues
October 19, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 94.5 MBOver the last several years, we have seen more openness, understanding and assistance appear regarding behavioral health issues in the fire service and, for that matter, for all first responders! We know the issue has been there. It’s another case of the “elephant in the firehouse;” everyone sees it, but no one wants to talk about it! Add to that the fact that we’re losing far to many first responders to suicide and issue is as pressing as is the Cancer Initiative. My guest, Mark W....
Fireground Size-Up! How Do YOU See It?
October 07, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBOne of the most important numbers in our business is 360! It has been drilled into us that upon arrival at a call for smoke and/or fire, the first arriving officer should make as complete an inspection of the structure/scene as is possible. Then, the officer gives the crew initial instructions to mitigate the issue. What does that officer see? What’s involved? What needs to be done first. All of this is part of what we call the “size-up.” My guest is Chief Mike Terpak, recently reti...
How Do They Do it? CA's Incident Mgt. Teams
September 23, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBWe have all seen the news footage – huge wildfires consuming large areas in California. Last year, major fires like the Woolsey and Camp fires, destroyed thousands of acres of woodland, thousands of homes and disrupted the lives of tens of thousands of residents. And, in almost every newsreel, you saw firefighters and other first responders, doing tasks, such as fighting the fires, clearing a fire line, help escaping residents and much more. It begs the question, “How does California...
The Use of Enhanced Water/Foam in Firefighting
September 19, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 159 MBFor as long as there have been people, fire and those willing to quench unexpected issues from fire, the basic tenet was “put the wet stuff on the red stuff!” Of course, there were no “classes” given to what was burning until many years later. And to be honest, that premise worked. However, in the last fifty years or so, one of the key issues that has changed is WHAT is burning and what is the safest and most expedient way to snuff these more modern flames. On this podcast, my gues...
Creating a Strategic Vision Plan
September 16, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 130 MBWhat direction does your fire, law enforcement or EMS department have for its future? Do you have a timetable for your apparatus, vehicles, equipment, etc.; how long will, what you now have, last and what will you do when it’s time to replace it? Sometimes, it might be similar to how you may have learned to cook spaghetti – throw a few pieces against the wall – if they stick, it’s time to eat! On this podcast, I welcome my friend, Capt. John Dixon. Capt. Dixon is a well-known instru...
EMS - How Do We Be the Providers We Wanted to Be
September 03, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBMost of us who became volunteer or career firefighters, paramedics or EMT’s, did so for a specific reason – to help people. As the late Chief “Bruno” taught us, our job is to take of Mrs. Smith on her worst day, even if that day is her cat up a tree. And that lesson, really does cross all the lines of first responders. However, sometimes the people we are supposed to help are not so happy to see us. My guests on this podcast are Jason Brooks, PM and Kevin Onorevele. Through their c...
Take a Peek Inside - It Just May Save Your Life!
August 26, 2019 00:00 - 1 minute - 1.44 MBHealth, wellness and fitness-for-duty. These words ring loudly for any first responder - the firefighter, the law enforcement officer and the paramedic or EMT. Some are careful with what they eat; others exercise on a regular basis. Yet, none of us have the ability to look inside of ourselves to see what might be going on; something that may not be known until it requires immediate and significant treatment and even that, may come too late. Today though, you will learn that the abo...
Mentoring in the Fire Service - It's Who We Are!
August 19, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBRemember your first day at school? At the fire academy? At your first posting? Those moments are often some of the most difficult in our lives. Yet, for most of us, there was often someone there to guide us on this new journey and that allowed us to calm our nerves. However, it is important to note that learning is almost always a two-way street; there’s the student and there’s the teacher. My guest on this podcast is Chris Baker, a firefighter in central CA and Chris’ passion is m...
Drones in Public Safety with Chief Charles Werner
August 16, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 74 MBSeen any UAS’s recently? No….not UFO’s – I said, “UAS,” an Unmanned Aerial System. And no, we’re talking about renegade blimps or hot-air balloons. UAS is another term for a drone, those relatively small aerial devices that do everything from shoot film or video to deliver a package your ordered online! For the buying public, they began as small toys advertised all over television. The drones we’re talking about is not even close to the ones used today, especially in public safety. ...
We're Back for Season 4!
August 05, 2019 00:00 - 7 minutes - 9.48 MBWe hope you're all having a safe and enjoyable summer. We're back in the studio and preparing for our 4th season! This mini-cast will tell you about some of the guests and projects we have coming up. Watch for our first episode on Friday, August 17th, with Chief Charles Werner. Stay Safe & Stay Well!
"Tactics on Tap" at the 2018 GReat Florida Fire School
June 27, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 123 MBWhat happens when a bunch of firefighters get together? They “shoot the sh*t” is what most would say, and the 2018 Great Florida Fire School is no different. Sponsored by the FSFA (Florida State Firefighters Association, the School provides an opportunity for firefighters from Florida and anywhere else in the country, to attend excellent classes taught by some of the best local and nation fire instructors. “Tactics on Tap,” provides firefighters to come together with a panel of sev...
NJ NFFF Efforts & the Behavioral Health initiative
June 03, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBWhile many podcasts and all-over social media, we hear and see a great deal of discussion on tactics, strategies, equipment and more. And it makes sense, as those topics are the “sexy” ones regarding firefighting. However, there’s a great deal more that needs to be discussed just as openly as the subjects mentioned above, but are all too often left alone because, well, they’re just too personal. On “5-Alarm Task Force,” we embrace ALL the issues that we face as first responders, eve...
HAZMAT - 1st Due & Starting a Hazmat Team
May 29, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 71.4 MB“HAZMAT” – that’s a word that excites one group of firefighters and scares others right down to the bone. And rightly, it should scare everyone…at least a little bit! Hazmat situations very greatly by community, county and state. In one area, an overturned jug of chlorine on a pool-cleaner’s trailer is quickly treated by a single engine company. Yet in another locale, the same spill with require a full Hazmat team response, even if it is part of a regional, as opposed to local, Hazma...
Responding to Emergencies on Active Roadways
May 27, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBIf you’re first responder in any way, i.e., fire, rescue, EMS, law enforcement, safety ranger or recovery/tow operator, there’s every chance that you are aware of what has been happening on our active roadways. We respond to the scene of an emergency and while on-scene, a distracted driver comes barreling through your safety zone, striking your vehicle or, Heaven forbid, the people working there! Since the beginning of 2019, 71 first responders have been killed and dozens more injur...
"Fully Invlolved Leadership" with Chief Gary Ludwig
May 06, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBIf you have been involved in fire and/or EMS, you probably know the name, “Gary Ludwig.” Chief Ludwig has over 40 years of experience in fire-rescue and EMS. He has served as the Chief Paramedic of the St. Louis Fire Dept, the Deputy Fire Chief for the Memphis Fire Dept, and currently serves as the Chief of the Champaign IL Fire Dept. In his new book, “Fully Involved Leadership,” Chief Ludwig shares some new and fresh perspectives on good leadership. He brings a new view of the lea...
"Life and Death Matters"
April 29, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 134 MBOnce we’re hired as a firefighter or paramedic, or we join a volunteer/paid-on-call department, we realize that there is a long learning road ahead. And once we complete the basic material, we then have to decide what we’ll do next. Will we be satisfied with what we have already accomplished or, will we want to keep learning, advancing our knowledge and, very likely, our career? My guests on this podcast are Christian (Chris) and Sam Adams from Colorado Springs, CO. After a friend ...
Congressional Fire Caucus, "Surviving the Fire Service & More!
April 25, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 89.8 MBThere’s so much happening in the fire service that one could spend the entire day reading the various trade publications, then move onto social media for the next several hours and still not know some of most important news happening in this field that we love. To “quench” our thirst for the latest, I called and invited my friend, Executive Assistant Chief Todd LeDuc of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office – Fire Rescue Services, to be my guest on another podcast. In this episode, Ch...
Give Up Only ONE Thing to Get Healthy!
April 19, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 91.6 MBOne of the first “adult” things we learn to do as children is to shrug off tasks assigned by our parents or maybe, an older sibling. Or, we may have actually learned that behavior from that same older sibling, when one of your parents asked that sibling to perform a certain task or run an errand and they moaned so much about it, that the parent just dropped the matter. That behavior may be all good and well in that situation, however, when we’re discussing firefighting health, wellne...
What Happens When Your Preconnect is Too Short?
April 02, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 115 MBYou are dispatched to a working shed fire. Your district isn’t that large, but there are still areas you’re unfamiliar with.\; this area is one of them. As you turn down the street of the reported address, you see a good loom-up ahead of you. “This one is cooking,” you think to yourself. The officer hits the intercom and assigns you to the nozzle and your partner. When the driver pulls to the side of the given address. As you exit the rig, there’s no fire that can be seen from the s...
Proper Rehab on the Emergency Scene!
March 29, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 133 MB“REHAB” – a word that’s both prized and despised by most first responders, especially, firefighters. Why? Simply put, because it takes them away from the job they were doing. Prized? Because you get a quick breather, a cold drink and, if you’re lucky, a towel. This old model of rehab comes from the age when we told firefighters who were having difficulties dealing with some of the tragedy and trauma, to “Suck it up!” That command is no longer appropriate, and neither is poor or even ...
Long-Term Fitness for Duty in Irving TX
March 25, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 89.2 MBIf you have even just a couple of years under your belt as a firefighter, then you are probably still familiar with the huge push in both the career and volunteer/part-pay sectors, for firefighter health, wellness and fitness-for-duty. Some interpret this as it’s time to go to the gym and “muscle-up.” And, while that may assist you in trimming some body fat and maybe even learning how to eat in a healthy style, it doesn’t mean that all the time and effort will make you a “firefi...
Changing the Model of the Volunteer Fire Service
March 22, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 141 MBIf you’re a firefighter and you’ve visited the City of Philadelphia, then I hope you took some time to visit one of the most important sites in American firefighting history – Firemen’s Hall. While this top-shelf museum deals mostly with the history of the Philadelphia Fire Department, it is also closely connected with the very first, organized volunteer fire department in, what was then the colonies – the Union Fire Company, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1736. In front of the muse...
Mutual Aid....to Sierra Leone
March 18, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 113 MBIf you are a first responder, you know that there are times when the first dispatched units arrive on the scene of a call and realizing the enormity of the task at hand, they call for mutual aid. With proper advance planning, neighboring first responders answer the alarm and soon arrive to assist. However, what happens when your asked to respond half-way around the globe to assist the fire service in another country, on a different continent?? This is exactly what happened to Chief ...
The Nestorbar - What's the Latest? (Mini-Cast)
March 12, 2019 00:00 - 27 minutes - 29.7 MBSince his first appearance on "5-Alarm Task Force" my guest (and friend) Mark Slafkovsky, co-creator of the Nestorbar, has been busy "spreading the news" about this unique tool across both the fire-rescue services, as well as the building and contracting service. And if you have a half-dozen or more years on the job, you'll understand why the Nestorbar is similar to several other tools that we've carried for years, that were "comfortable" in different workshops, as well. Mar...
Marketing Your First Responder Agency!
March 08, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBMost of us who have or now serve as first responders have passed out stickers with emergency numbers, fire prevention pamphlets and posters that we hand-stamped with our name and address, key rings and much more. Why? To establish a connection between you and the community you serve. In a word, you are “marketing” your organization! Few people think that a fire, police or EMS organization, volunteer or career, needs a “New York City 5th Avenue advertising and marketing pl...
"21 Tips for the Company Officer"
March 04, 2019 00:00 - 2 hours - 165 MBReturning guest, Deputy Chief (ret) Kevin Burns of the Framingham MA Fire Dept., joins us on this episode to discuss, “21 Tips for the Company Officer.” If you follow Chief Burns on Twitter (@burns227) or you have heard his first episode with us, “The Shift Commander,” you know that Chief Burns is well-experienced and very well-versed in the career firefighting life and ops. In today’s podcast, Chief Burns presents his “21 Tips for the Company Officer.” The easiest way to e...
Dr. Graham Peaslee - Carcinogens in Bunker Gear
February 28, 2019 00:00 - 46 minutes - 52.6 MBFrom cigarettes to well-water and from X-rays to cooking pans, almost everywhere we turn over the past forty years or so, we see warnings for cancer. And while we may be surprised by other products that we may be warned about, the last place we ever expected to find carcinogenic compounds was in our protective bunker gear! How the hell could that have happened? Did the manufacturers know what was happening? And there are many more questions we have! Being dedicated follower...
"Surviving the Firehouse"
February 24, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 114 MBSo you want to be a firefighter? Sure, you like all the lights and sirens; the excitement of barreling down the roadways, making others get out of your way! But do you really know what it takes to be a firefighter? Do you know what you have to do to become a firefighter (career or volunteer)? What is life in a firehouse like? My guest on this podcast, Mauro Porcelli, is a former firefighter with a 25-year career. He worked for a smaller, county department and for a large urban depar...
Preparing for Command Level
February 19, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 96.1 MBThe make-up of each firefighter is different, whether career or volunteer, some love humping that hose and always busting through the breach. With a few years under their belt, others start looking for leading that first group on the fireground or other emergency scene. Then, there are those who have their sights on a higher goal, the command level. A group of them remain committed to directing personal at scene of urgent need. Then, there are those whose bugles on the collars bring ...
The Difficult Psychology of First Responders
February 08, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBFrom an outside view, the life of first responders looks glamorous and exciting. The red, white and blue lights flashing, “busting” the speed limit, sirens screaming. However, when those first responders arrive on the scene, they often find sadness and desolation, the darkest side of humanity or tragic, unnecessary loss. Now, imagine facing those situations day-after-day or on almost every shift. As we are about to close the second decade of the twenty-first century, our first r...
Staffing, Recruitment & Retention – A Panel’s View
February 04, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBThere are few greater issues facing not only the fire service today, but all manner of first responders. To address these important matters, I am proud to present four current or past chiefs, who share their own experiences and views. Joining me is Chief Anthony Correia (ret.) Burlington Township NJ Fire Dept., Commissioner Jaren Renshaw, Western Berks Fire Dept., PA, Chief Brian Soller, Monticello NY Fire Dept. and Chief James Tornebene, TX. As the roles and demands of our ever-c...
Situational Awareness Matters!
January 28, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 79.4 MBIf you’re a firefighter or in law enforcement, if you’re in EMS or another profession where “risk” at the top of the job description, you have probably had that “feeling in your gut.” You know the one; you are about to do something, but that little voice inside whispers to you to reconsider? If you’re in any profession with high risk, you know exactly what I am talking about. That is your inner-self speaking to you, as it sees or knows a bit more than you do at that very moment. My ...
Hoods for Heroes Part II-Who Pays for My Cancer Treatment?
January 07, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 89.8 MBI am happy to welcome back the two founders of Hoods for Heroes, Jeff Rountree and Bill Hamilton. In Part I of their program, we learned how Jeff and Bill have dedicated the past year to providing new flash hoods, ones with a special weave, the precludes soot, toxins and carcinogens for passing through to the sensitive skin on our neck and face. Their foundation is raising funds from other foundations, corporate sponsors and others, to meet the goal of providing these hoods to every ...
The Northern Star Fire Compass System
December 31, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBTechnology – it’s all around us. From our homes, to our cell phones and for many of us, where we work. Many of us are enthralled with new technology and make an effort to keep up with it, especially in our personal lives. Yet, the fire service, as much as we like new equipment, tools, etc., can often be reticent to accept and embrace new technology. It goes without saying that we should do our due diligence when examining a new product. At the same time, we also need to keep an open...
"Courage Under Fire-Being the Best Officer You Can!"
December 20, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 73.2 MBAfter a few years on the front lines, a number of us believe that we should be officers. Perhaps I “should” have used “could be officers!” And that is because being an officer, from a lieutenant up to the chief, is not an easy job, no matter what you see, think or what your pals have told you! Not sure? Then I encourage you to listen to this podcast. No, it’s not a listing of all the negatives about being an officer. In fact, you may learn some important traits you will need if you ...
Where We Fall Short in Our Training
December 12, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 85.6 MBCareer or volunteer, our days are busy, at least most of the time. Nevertheless, training and drills are an important and integral part of the job we do. If you’re in a busy department, you may feel that all the calls that you run are enough training. If you’re a volunteer, you hardly have enough time to take care of the family, work full-time and respond to the calls you can! And to be honest, most of us like to train when it’s convenient. The problem is, the emergencies we respond...
How to Avoid those "Career Crushers!"
December 10, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 85.4 MBYou’ve seen it happen. You may have even done it yourself. No, not being a few minutes late for your shift! No, not horsing around in the day room! We are talking about making the type of judgement error that could cost you your job and possibly, your career! So, listen up – this podcast applies to all first responders. My guest is Chief Dennis L. Rubin, currently serving as the first Chief of Fire & EMS for Upper Merion Township in Pennsylvania, not too far from the great city of ...
Hoods for Heroes - Part I
December 07, 2018 13:37 - 1 hour - 81.9 MBFor most folks, especially those who are first responders, if they someone in pain or truly distraught, they won’t have the heart to just pass it by and go on with their shopping, run, picking up the dry-cleaning, etc. My two guests on this podcast, Jeff Rountree and Bill Hamilton, are “cut from the same cloth.” This past May, while first-timers at promoting International Firefighters’ Day in Clay County, Florida, they found out about the scourge that is devouring great firefight...
The Firefighter Cancer Initiative - Part II
December 03, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 80.6 MBIt is what it is! This job that we love to do has inherent risks and now, besides everything else, we know, all too well, that one of those risks is cancer. It’s a fact that firefighters have higher occurrences of cancer than the average American. However, we also have excellent medical and research teams around the country who are doing everything they can to learn about our behaviors, exposures, the equipment we use and more, in the herculean effort to help us reduce these risks. ...
New Water Enhancement Product From "Fire Rein"
November 23, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBWhen we have one “cookin,” we know we’re going to need water and lots of it. In most cases, if you’re located in an urban or metro area, water will probably not be a problem, but perhaps pressure may. But, what if we could use less water and what we do use, would have a greater effect on our efforts to extinguish the blaze? My two guests on this podcast, Quincy Emmons and Peter Sells, discuss their product which, they say, can actually accomplish the statement in the last sentence ...
"The Evolving Fire Ground"
November 19, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 92.8 MBWhen you’re on the fireground, it often looks like organized chaos. Why? Because, rarely does the situation remain stagnant. Things are always changing. Whether its redirecting a hose line, raising the stick, one crew heads out to rehab, while a fresh one gets ready for entry. Change in wind direction, etc. My guests on this podcast, Dep. Chief PJ Norwood and Capt. Sean Gray, have seen this occur over and over again through their years of experience. However, more than the simplist...
Size-Up & 360 for First Arriving on Scene
November 16, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBIf you’ve been riding the apparatus for as little as a few months, you already know that there is something special about being on the first arriving piece at a “worker!” That’s the first arriving piece, not the first due piece. Traffic, construction, etc., can and does often get in the way, making the first due the second or even third to arrive. As our guest, Capt. Joe DeVito points out in this podcast, there is a great deal of responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the fi...
Proper Blocking on Active Roadways
November 12, 2018 00:00 - 55 minutes - 59 MBLooking back over the last several months, there have been several firefighters, EMS workers, LEO’s and recovery personnel, who have lost their lives on the scene of an emergency, on active roadways. Sadly, this is nothing new. As the number of distracted and/or drivers under the influence have increased, so have the numbers of deaths and injuries to emergency and recovery workers. This issue hit very close to home for Chief Victor Conley and the members of the Irving TX Fir...
A Visit to the Irish Fire Brigade & More!
November 09, 2018 00:00 - 58 minutes - 61 MBWhen we think of the fire service, we think of the one where we live. But how often do you think about the fire service in other countries? Luckily, many of our listeners are spread out across the globe. And in this podcast, a good friend of the show, Exec. Asst. Chief Todd LeDuc shares with us hos recent visit to the Irish Fire Brigade. Chief LeDuc traveled to Ireland on behalf of the IAFC-SHS (The International Association of Fire Chiefs – Safety, Health and Survival) Division....