AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast
58 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingTop-ranked fire protection and safety podcast, hosted by international speaker and fire service leader, Kevin Ferrara, offers uncensored insight on issues impacting fire service organizations around the world such as PFAS exposure and management, cancer, leadership, and many more.
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Episodes
AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast 2023 Kickoff
January 15, 2023 16:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBWelcome to the first episode of 2023! In this podcast, host Kevin Ferrara will talk about January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and why it is important to have clear turnout gear. Then after a short break to hear about the podcast's sponsor, Fire Department Coffee, Kevin speaks about the recently released Mil-Spec document and how he feels it contains some information that is questionable and contradicting. LINKS: Firefighter Cancer Support Network 2013 NIOSH Firefighter Cancer S...
Number of Federal Firefighters Eligible for Presumptive Illness Compensation is Limited
December 10, 2022 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBHost Kevin Ferrara speaks his mind regarding the $858 billion dollar 2023 National Defense Authorization Act that once passed, would enable certain federal firefighters to file medical claims for various diagnosed medical illnesses to include several types of cancer. While on the surface this may seem like a win for federal firefighters, Kevin talks about how it limits those eligible to a select group while alienating others who are dealing with one or more of the listed medical illnesses or...
Number of Federal Firefighters Eligible for Presumptive Illness Compensation is Limited
December 10, 2022 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBHost Kevin Ferrara speaks his mind regarding the $858 billion dollar 2023 National Defense Authorization Act that once passed, would enable certain federal firefighters to file medical claims for various diagnosed medical illnesses to include several types of cancer. While on the surface this may seem like a win for federal firefighters, Kevin talks about how it limits those eligible to a select group while alienating others who are dealing with one or more of the listed medical illnesses or...
Safespill, leaders in new technology to eliminate firefighting foam in hangars
October 27, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara speaks with the founder and CEO of Safespill, a small Houston, Texas based military friendly company that has developed a new product that essentially eliminates the need to use Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) or High Expansion Foam (HEF) in hangars. CEO Tristan Mackintosh introduces himself and his company and, over the course of the podcast, explains how his vision to eliminate the use of toxic firefighting foam in hangars came to fruition which result...
Fire Prevention Week and VBFD Captain Matt "Chevy" Chiaverotti
October 08, 2022 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara starts off by recognizing the 100th Anniversary of NFPA's Fire Prevention Week and the importance of this years theme, "Fire Won't Wait. Plan Your Escape." Kevin talks about how having a plan that variates from time to time will enable those escaping from a fire to be better prepared for the unexpected. As the podcast continues, Kevin talks about firefighter cancer and how Virginia Beach Fire Department Captain Matt "Chevy" Chiaverotti is currently engage...
Susan Wind Talks About Toxic Coal Ash
July 28, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara speaks with Susan Wind who has been researching and speaking about Coal Ash that has polluted water sources around the country and is linked to cancer. IN fact, Susan's daughter developed cancer likely because of her exposure to polluted water that contained coal ash that was dumped within her community. As Susan speaks about yet another pollutant that is plaguing our communities, she speaks of the lack of transparency, accountability, and enforcement re...
Susan Wind Talks About Toxic Coal Ash
July 28, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara speaks with Susan Wind who has been researching and speaking about Coal Ash that has polluted water sources around the country and is linked to cancer. IN fact, Susan's daughter developed cancer likely because of her exposure to polluted water that contained coal ash that was dumped within her community. As Susan speaks about yet another pollutant that is plaguing our communities, she speaks of the lack of transparency, accountability, and enforcement re...
Recap of 2022 PFAS Conference Presentation
June 22, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 79 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara provides the Weekend Wrap-up audience with a recap of his presentation at the 2022 PFAS Conference. During the conference, presenters were allotted only 10-minutes to speak so Kevin thought it would beneficial to recap his presentation and go more in depth to what his message was for conference attendees. Links: 2022 PFAS Conference WTKR News 3 Interview Regarding PFAS Contamination in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia DoD Firefighter PFAS Blood Test ...
Managing Fire Departments
June 01, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 47.7 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara talks about the need for regulating and managing fire departments, in particular volunteer organizations. In addition to his discussion in managing fire departments, Kevin talks about PFAS legislation that is currently being discussed that will impact Federal firefighters, and how PFAS has impacted a New Mexico Dairy farmer. Links: H.R. 2499 Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022 Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act - Cancer in the Occupation of F...
Eurofins PFAS Blood Test Kit
April 01, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara talks with Andrew Patterson and Taryn McKnight from Eurofins and EmpowerDX about their PFAS Blood Test Kit. Highlights of the episode include talking about who Eurofins are and how they became involved with testing for PFAS as well as some of the behind the scenes efforts that went into developing the test. Also discussed during the podcast is defining half-life of PFAS substances. PFAS Blood Test Kit Giveaway Eurofins is giving one lucky audience memb...
Updates on PFAS Legislation - Call Congress!
March 19, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 51.9 MBKevin welcomes audience members for their continued support which has been instrumental in the podcast being ranked number 15 of the "Best 30 Firefighter Podcasts" and number 5 of the "Best 15 Fire Protection & Safety Podcasts" in the world! Kevin addresses legislation affecting Federal Firefighters (H.R. 2499), recently discussed during "mark-ups", and is now sitting in the House of Representatives awaiting further action. Kevin discusses H.R. 7089, the Vet PFAS Act which calls to furni...
Proposed "Burn Pit" Legislation
March 07, 2022 16:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBIn this episode, host, Kevin Ferrara clarifies what "Burn Pits" is defined as and how it is misleading to military firefighters. The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, proposes to establish presumptive of 23 service connected medical conditions to include respiratory illnesses and cancers for eligible veterans who deployed to certain locations where "Burn Pits" were in operation. Kevin explains how these provisions wi...
Volunteer Fire Service, is it on Life Support?
February 20, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara talks about concerns within the volunteer fire service impacting both the organization and the community. Areas that Kevin speaks about include training & certification, membership, issuance of Fire Taxes, NFPA Standards, accountability, leadership, and legislation. Before the podcast begins, Kevin take time to remember the tragic Station Nightclub fire that occurred on February 20, 2003 that killed 100 people and injured another 230. Kevin encourages ...
First In Wellness
January 14, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 49.2 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara introduces the Weekend Wrap-up Podcast audience to First In Wellness. First In Wellness is a team of experienced health and wellness coaches who provide goal-oriented, personalized, and preventative health and wellness programs designed to meet specific challenges firefighters face everyday. Kevin speaks with guests Danielle Cook Kawash, the founder of First In Wellness and Mike Salemi, the founder of Kettlebell Lifestyle. Together, Danielle and Mike ha...
The Results Are In
December 07, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara talks about his personal PFAS blood test results received from Eurofins. Eurofins is an alternate source of PFAS blood testing. Their testing capabilities look for 47 PFAS analytes. As Kevin talks about his own PFAS levels, he also highlights why it is important to have blood tested for PFAS and what health risks are associated with each analyte. As the podcast continues, Kevin talks about his recent interview with Spotlight on America. Kevin's inte...
Recap of Firefighter Health and Wellness Conference Presentation
November 13, 2021 18:00 - 2 hours - 86.5 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara talks about his recent presentation at the 4th Annual Firefighter Health and Wellness Conference in "exotic" Beavercreek, Ohio where firefighters from 14 states converged to obtain information and listen to industry experts talk about health and safety. The focus of Kevin's presentation was on PFAS exposure to military and DoD firefighters and what the DoD is lacking with respect to minimizing unnecessary exposure and health care for those exposed. Throu...
Something for Everyone
August 29, 2021 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MB*UPDATE* After speaking with the law firm identified in this podcast, they apologized for the article and have since removed it from their website. In this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara thanks his audience members for their support with recognizing his cousin Stephen Ferrara's recent passing. As the episode continues, Kevin speaks about Hurricane IDA and how those along the Gulf Coast need to be prepared for what is being reported as a catastrophic storm. K...
Firefighter Health Seems Less Important than Profits
August 22, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara talks about how many believe the health and safety of firefighters are less important than profits made by chemical companies producing PFAS. Before the podcast starts, Kevin recognizes his cousin, Stephen Ferrara who recently passed away. Stephen was a volunteer firefighter, former Deputy Chief, and emergency communications dispatcher. "Stevie" was someone who would always take time to help someone, so much, he was cr...
Explosive DoD IG Report on PFAS Used Within the DoD
July 29, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 76.1 MBGet ready everyone, this episode is going to be explosive! AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara gives his interpretation of the July 22, 2021, DoD Inspector General (IG) report that shows what the DoD has and has not done to protect DoD personnel including firefighters from PFAS contamination. Kevin provides audience members a summary of the 82-page report, highlighting certain areas that the DoD IG determined to be in his opinion. failures and egregious lack of initiative ...
Crew Inspections
July 04, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 46.8 MBIn this episode, The Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara speaks about the importance and really, the necessity of fire protection and emergency services performing crew inspection through commercial facilities within their jurisdiction. Recent incidents have shown that had a thorough crew inspection, or building walk-through been performed, the outcome might have been prevented. Supporting the topic, Kevin speaks about the recent Surfside, Florida apartment complex collapse, the Station Ni...
Let's Talk About PFAS
June 20, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara talks privately about PFAS and what is and is not being done to protect firefighters exposed to toxic substances. Kevin talks about the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act and where the piece of proposed legislation currently rests in Congress, explaining some of the bill's stipulations and what he feels needs to be revised to ensure all military firefighters are protected. As the episode transitions to o...
Veteran, Firefighter, Paramedic - Jason Kling
June 06, 2021 14:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara sits down with fellow veteran and firefighter Jason Kling to hear his thoughts on his experience in fire protection and emergency services. Jason shares with Kevin's audience how he became interested in emergency services, the military, and how he took his military experience and incorporated it in his transition to being a paramedic in Pennsylvania. Jason shares with the Weekend Wrap-up audience his personal opinions ...
Tom Cook, Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Administrator
May 22, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 49.4 MBIn this episode, Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara speaks with Tom Cook, Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Administrator. Tom shares with the audience how he got into the fire service and ultimately found his calling as the academy's Administrator. Tom shares what the academy does and how it's structured. Throughout the podcast, Tom and Kevin discuss various topics affecting the academy and Pennsylvania's emergency responders to include COVID-19, a recently voted on, state referendum reg...
Interview with the Fire Department Coffee Comedians, Jason Patton and Firefighter Fenton
May 09, 2021 15:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara sits down with two of the most popular comedians in the fire service, Jason Patton, Vice-President of Fire Department Coffee and creator of Fire Department Chronicles, and Brent Fenton, otherwise known as Firefighter Fenton who you might recognize by his iconic mustache and Boston accent. Kevin chats with both Jason and Brent about some serious topics in the fire service as well as adding some hilarious moments in the mi...
Doctor Jamie Dewitt, aka the "Toxicology Chick" Speaks About PFAS Impact to Firefighters
April 25, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara speaks one-on-one with Doctor Jamie DeWitt from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University (ECU), North Carolina. Dr. DeWitt shares her work on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the impact it has on the human body, especially firefighters who use products containing PFAS in their everyday tasks. Dr. Dewitt explains that even if the production of PFAS were to stop today, we would still be expo...
NFPA 1700 Free Online Training
April 11, 2021 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBAFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara introduces listeners to NFPA 1700 - Modern Structural Firefighting. This free course provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is what Kevin considers an extremely beneficial resource tool to put in any firefighter's "toolbox" for use as a reference. Kevin speaks about how fire dynamics is a primary focus on NFPA 1700 and how important it is for every firefighter from the newest rookie to the most senior member like the...
Recap of Congressional Hearing on PFAS
March 28, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBThe Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara starts off this episode by summarizing the recent Remediation and Impact of PFAS Congressional hearing that occurred on March 24 not on the 25th as Kevin misstated in his podcast. Kevin gives his opinion on what he heard during witness testimony and why he feels what the DoD said, or didn't say supports the concerns of veterans and military firefighters. Kevin continues his discussion by highlighting several comments made by Dr. Jamie Dewitt from Eas...
Remediation and Impact of PFAS on Servicemembers
March 14, 2021 16:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBIn this episode, Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara talks about a Congressional hearing on PFAS that was postponed twice and his opportunity to testify removed. Kevin reads for listeners and viewers, what was supposed to be his opening statements that highlight how the DoD and Air Force continue to pushback on the fact PFAS does have a significant impact on US military servicemembers. In addition to reciting his testimony, Kevin highlights the DoDs PFAS blood test for active military an...
Berks County Fire Chaplains Network
February 28, 2021 15:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MBIn this episode, Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara sits down with representatives from the Berks County, Pennsylvania Fire Chaplains Network to discuss firefighter suicide awareness and prevention. Berks County Fire Chaplains Network representatives, CJ Ferrara and Kindall Wann provide insight on how they became involved in the fire service and what they do as part of a team to prevent firefighter suicides. Using statistics from the IAFF, the discussion focused on the increased number of...
Firefighter Suicide Awareness & Prevention
February 14, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBIn this episode, Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara speaks on the importance of Firefighter Suicide Awareness and Prevention. Kevin provides some data on the number of firefighter suicides throughout the United States as well as telephone numbers for individuals to call and talk with trained professionals. Kevin talks about AFFF and PFAS contamination at Goodfellow Air Force base in San Angelo, Texas where the contamination may be a contributor to the constant smell and poor taste of the ...
Wrapping-up Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month
January 31, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBAFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara discusses firefighter cancer awareness and how it continues to affect firefighters across the globe. Kevin talks about PFAS and how it directly affects firefighters through repeated exposure to products of combustion during and after an incident. Kevin shares his thoughts on why PFAS blood testing is important and why it should be included in the NFPA 1582 Standard. Kevin talks about how important lines of communication and transparency...
Chief Billy Goldfeder Interview
January 17, 2021 16:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBKevin Ferrara, host of AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up podcast continues discussing Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness month. To provide additional commentary, Kevin invited Chief Billy Goldfeder to the show. Chief Goldfeder is no stranger in the fire service, highly recognized for his many years of service to several departments and the communities they serve. In addition, Chief Goldfeder hosts Firefighter Close Calls, Home of the Secret List where every day, he contributes news and informa...
2021, The Fight Begins!
January 03, 2021 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBIt's 2021, and time for the fight to begin! With January being Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, it's fitting AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara talks about PFAS and how it has affected military firefighter, their families, and civilians living near military installations. Kevin highlights the Firefighter Cancer Support Network who have published a group of weekly links, leading viewers to some very informative information, including the document titled Cancer 101. K...
2020, That's a Wrap!
December 20, 2020 14:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode, the last for 2020, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara gives thanks to his listeners while addressing some topics that affected fire protection and emergency services throughout 2020. Kevin sheds some light on what he and the podcast have planned for 2021 to include hosting Chief Billy Goldfeder on an upcoming episode. As 2021 comes to a close, as Kevin states in his podcast, take time to give thanks and appreciate everything we've been given because tomor...
We're Back, Sorry You Missed Us
December 06, 2020 17:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBAFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara returns from a brief hiatus to talk to his faithful listeners about issues affecting fire protection and emergency services around the globe. Kevin starts off by talking about PFAS blood testing and how it has been definitively found in firefighter turnout gear. Kevin discusses the need for more research so that informed decisions can be made in terms of blood testing and selection of turnout gear. Kevin then discusses some trending top...
Structured Firefighter Health & Wellness Program Benefits
November 01, 2020 10:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara discusses what he states in his podcast, something he fears is not being addressed enough, if at all; that being a structured firefighter health and wellness program. Kevin discusses how a research project he authored and then developed an evaluation to test his hypothesis proved that adopting or creating, and implementing a structured firefighter health and wellness program will result in a positive outcome for firefight...
A Need For A Firefighter Turnout Gear Safety Stand-down
October 25, 2020 02:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, the Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara provides his personal insight on an issue that is or should be of significant concern within the fire service; that being a need for a firefighter turnout gear safety stand-down in the US Air Force. After receiving several messages that included evidence of the allegations the new firefighter turnout gear appears to be defective, Kevin conducted his own investigation and found the concerns are not isolated, but rather wid...
Firefighter Dan Casson Cancer Update & Congressional PFAS Legislation
October 17, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 41.7 MBIn this episode of AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up, host Kevin Ferrara invites former firefighter and cancer warrior Dan Casson back to the show. Dan talks about his cancer treatments and how he was awarded new ratings pertaining to his cancer. Dan speaks from the heart and soul about how the various forms of cancer his doctors believe are a result of repeated exposure to AFFF and PFAS has taken a toll on him and his family. Dan and Kevin talk about going to Washington to confront Congr...
Doctor Graham Peaslee, Firefighter Turnout Gear and PFAS Researcher
October 10, 2020 18:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara speaks with Doctor Graham Peaslee, a renowned leader in the science community who along with his students and esteemed colleagues, conducted research that found PFAS in firefighter turnout gear. Doctor Peaslee explains why his work is important and why those in the fire service community should be cautious and even concerned. Doctor Peaslee, an individual whose work is often referenced across the globe, responds to and c...
Ret. DoD Command Fire Chief Neil Hogan
October 04, 2020 10:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara speaks with Neil Hogan, former Air Force firefighter and retired DoD Chief Fire Officer who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2018. Neil discusses how he was diagnosed with cancer, the impact it has on him and his family, and how the Veterans Affairs (VA) finally recognized his form of brain cancer, a first according to Neil and his doctors. Nel addresses the need for legislation to be passed regarding PFAS and...
PPE Specialist Jeff Knobbe
September 27, 2020 10:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara speaks with Jeff Knobbe, firefighter and PPE specialist who shares his personal thoughts on PFAS and how it is affecting firefighters across the country. Jeff starts the episode by sharing with listeners, how he became involved in the fire service. Jeff then talks about his dealings with the NFPA, manufacturers, and other organizations involved regarding PFAS in turnout gear, and what he personally feels is needed to ens...
PFAS, Turnout Gear, and NFPA
September 19, 2020 22:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara provides his own opinion about PFAS, firefighter turnout gear, and the NFPA, in particular, the certification process for firefighter turnout gear and what he and many others believe needs to be changed. Before the episode begins, host Kevin Ferrara shares the exciting news that Fire Dept. Coffee is now a sponsor of The Weekend Wrap-up podcast. Listeners who use promo code AFSO21 at checkout will receive a 10% discount. ...
Larissa Conroy, Firefighter / Paramedic / Olympic Weightlifter
September 10, 2020 15:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara speaks one-on-one with Larissa Conroy, Orlando FD firefighter paramedic, and Olympic weightlifter Larissa begins the interview discussing how she became a firefighter and why she is so passionate about career development and secondary education. Throughout the interview, Larissa speaks about mentors and how first impressions can have an impact on new firefighters, sharing her experience as a cadet in a fire academy. Whe...
Sean Mitchell, Secretary/Treasurer Nantucket Firefighters Local 2509 Interview
September 06, 2020 10:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up, host Kevin Ferrara speaks one-on-one with Sean Mitchel, Secretary/Treasurer of Nantucket Firefighters Local 2509. Sean begins the interview discussing how he became a firefighter and what led him to where he is today in the fire service highlighting who his mentors were and continue to be. Throughout the interview, Sean explains how he personally became involved in researching PFAS and why the topic is so important to him and his family. ...
Mentoring is Everything in the Firehouse
August 30, 2020 16:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBIn this episode of AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up, host Kevin Ferrara talks about why mentoring in the firehouse is important and what affect or impact it has on each individual and the organization overall. Kevin then provides updates to the Edwards Air Force Base High Expansion Foam incident and explains why it is important now more than ever to contact your local, state, and federal representatives demanding regulations are implemented for chemicals used in products and or equipment u...
Edwards AFB High Expansion Foam Training Event
August 15, 2020 20:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara talks to listeners about firefighters at Edwards Air Force Base in California training with high expansion foam (HEF) during an exercise involving an aircraft hangar. The HEF foam contains hazardous chemicals similar to AFFF yet, firefighters were unnecessarily exposed to toxic foam who likely believed the material was safe thereby why they were lacking proper PPE. Kevin provides his opinion about how leaders in the fire service seemingly enable exposure...
Retired USAF ANG Assistant Fire Chief Vince Davis Interview
August 02, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 47.5 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara talks with military veteran and former firefighter Vince Davis. Vince is a leader and mentor in the fire service that many look to for guidance and encouragement. Vince is an outspoken individual that says what he thinks and means what he says. Not afraid to speak about the ongoing AFFF issues plaguing the fire service and the military, Vince has voiced his concerns that AFSO21 echo. Listeners will hear from Vince rega...
Military Veteran and Former Firefighter Dan Casson's AFFF VA Disability Claim Interview
July 12, 2020 12:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBIn this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara talks with military veteran and former firefighter Dan Casson. Dan submitted several claims for VA disability and was finally successful in receiving a 100% rating due to his cancer that his doctors and the VA attributed to his exposure to AFFF and firefighting while in the military. Listeners will hear from Dan how exposure to AFFF and his battle with numerous forms of cancer has affected not just himself, but his famil...
PFAS in Turnout Gear Findings
June 28, 2020 23:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara talks about the recent study conducted by Doctor Graham Peaslee and his colleagues who found firefighter turnout gear contains PFAS and that when subjected to abrasion, sheds particulates containing PFAS that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. The research also found that PFAS was found on the gloves of those testing the samples. As the episode closes, host, Kevin Ferrara talks about how Japanese officials are becoming impatient with the lack o...
AFFF Exposure Documentary
June 22, 2020 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBIn this episode, host Kevin Ferrara is seeking military firefighters who have stories to share with the No Defense documentary filmmakers who are working on a new project highlighting the impact AFFF and PFAs have on individuals. This is an opportunity to share with the world, the significance AFFF has had on end-users who for the longest time, simply wanted answers as to why they or their family members are/were sick. If you are interested in sharing your AFFF story, please email Kevin yo...