EmergencyFD Storyline
41 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago -EmergencyFD Storyline's focus is to tell the stories of those in the fire service and to highlight what matters to our first responders. Whether you are a first responder or a person interested in the world of firefighting, emergency medical services, or first responders, EmergencyFD Storyline's goal is to educate, inform, and inspire you with the work of our modern day heroes. Hear the stories from fire service leaders to the rank-n-file. EmergencyFD creator Tom Mann talks with real people sharing real world stories and perspectives on the job.
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Episodes
Active Shooter.... The Fire Line
September 27, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 46.7 MBAn active shooter situation. What do you do? The objective is to save lives. Obviously, it law enforcement plays a key role but treating mass casualties requires fire departments and emergency medical services to be on the scene. An immediate, coordinated response saves lives when you are on the firing line. It can happen anywhere and it did. On September 21, 2021, the place was Collierville, Tennessee, often known for being one of many suburbs surrounding the City of Memphis. Thi...
Turning Lemons Into Lemonade
August 04, 2023 16:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBHave you heard the saying “turning lemons into lemonade?" "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a positive "can-do" attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. Lemons suggest sourness or difficulty in life; "making lemonade" means taking those difficulties & turning them into something positive or desirable. When I think of first responders in general, "turning lemons into lemonade" just seems to be in their DNA. There are ...
Living A Legacy From Rookie To Leader
July 01, 2023 05:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBI, first, began my passion of telling stories of those in the fire service as a young man. A big portion of my experience came from riding with, living with, and working with the men and women of the Memphis Fire Department. There was a particular group of young men and women who began work in the late 1980s/early 1990s who experienced the birth of a new era of firefighting. From that group, many new and effective leaders were born who serve our communities today. It has been an honor to k...
The Firefighter Next Door
August 09, 2022 20:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBThe Firefighter Next Door As a kid, I wanted to be a firefighter. I think a lot of people dream of being a firefighter. But only the few have the chance and only the few can be firefighters. In my neighborhood growing up, there lived "the firefighter". He was that hero I admired. He was a big man, a strong man, a passionate man, a man of conviction, a man of service.... He was a firefighter... and one of the first paramedics. For years, he also, served as a pastor and fire Chaplin. H...
The Storyline Story
May 14, 2022 19:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBTHE STORYLINE STORY: You know his voice but do you know the man? Why would a man with years of experience in radio and television take an interest in the world of firefighting and emergency services? What is this thing called EmergencyFD and the reason for this podcast.... EmergencyFD Storyline? The tables turn.... the interviewer host Tom Mann becomes the interviewee. Danni Synot interviews Tom Mann about the story of EmergencyFD and this podcast. Danni Synot is the Founder and C...
Bad Ax Ladies
April 23, 2022 02:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MB"BAD AX LADIES": Two second generation firefighters mentoring young women to join the fire service. They are called the Bad Ax Ladies from the Carbondale Fire Department in Carbondale, Illinois. Two firefighters who took the initiative to start a program to encourage and mentor young women who may be considering a career in firefighting. But that is not the whole story. My guests know firefighting…Its' been passed down from their dads…. You might say “The Family Business”. Firefight...
Words From The Wise
March 01, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 46.5 MB"WORDS FROM THE WISE": The voice of a firefighter with decades of experience. Chief John Reagan began his career in the fire service at a time when most firefighters were called leather lungs or smoke eaters. He worked at a time of great change for the fire service. Despite advances in fire tech, SOPs, apparatus, etc., the job remains the same. It takes a special person to run into danger while others are running out. Chief John Reagan is one of those individuals . Now retired, Chief ...
2nd Gen Firefighter
December 21, 2021 01:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBFirefighting is a calling…. a commitment to serve others. It is also a commitment to serve one another within the fire family. Despite its’ traditions, firefighting is also a commitment to a lifetime of learning, training, and working hard so you can be on top of your game when duty calls. My guest is Bobby Williams a second generation firefighter. The first time I met him…. I said to myself…”now, that is a firefighter”. He looked the part! He talked the talk and walked the walk. Whe...
Innovative Firefighting: The Volunteer Heroes
October 07, 2021 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBWhen I moved from the big city to a rural community, I suspected that the fire department here had to operate differently. From my first day in the area, I started noticing many differences. I didn’t see any fire hydrants and I knew my residential water came from a pretty small water department. It seemed there was always a brush fire or some type of structure fire off in the distance. Less than a half mile down the road from my home, I saw a fire station…. next to a major interstate. Alm...
THE REALITY OF THE JOB- WHEN YOUR CUP RUNS OVER
August 23, 2021 18:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "THE REALITY OF THE JOB...WHEN YOUR CUP RUNS OVER." WHEN THE JOB GET’S TOO REAL... WHEN YOU CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE... WHEN YOU CANT ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE... WHEN YOU CANT TURN IT OFF... POST TRAUMATIC STRESS. EVERYONE EXPERIENCES IT TO SOME DEGREE ON THE JOB BUT POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER OR PTSD IS ANOTHER THING. THIS INTERVIEW’S PURPOSE IS TO HELP START THE CONVERSATION. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. IF YOU NEED HELP, SEEK OUT PR...
THE MAKING OF A FIREFIGHTER
July 30, 2021 15:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "THE MAKING OF A FIREFIGHTER." "WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER? HOW DO YOU START? . THIS INTERVIEW IS ABOUT AS CLOSE TO HOME AS IT GETS. I'VE WATCHED A KID PLAYING AT BEING A FIREFIGHTER GROW INTO A MAN AND GO ON TO BECOME ONE OF THE BEST OF THE BEST…. AND THE JOURNEY WAS NOT EASY. I SAT DOWN IN MY STUDIO TO GET HIS STORY. HE’S BEEN ON THE JOB SINCE HE WAS 18 AND NOW HE IS IN HIS THIRD DECADE OF LIFE. SOME CALL HIM "JR.,...
FIRE OPS 101: SHARING THE JOB
June 01, 2021 22:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "FIRE OPS 101: SHARING THE JOB." Check out the video overview of the Fire OPS 101 story recorded in Carbondale, Illinois. Click this link: https://youtu.be/b8jRvpOr7Ss "SINCE I FIRST STARTED THIS PODCAST, I HAVE WANTED TO SHARE THIS STORY-THE STORY OF HOW A LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT TEAMED UP WITH THEIR FIRE UNION AND MADE AN IMPACT ON LOCAL AREA GOVERNMENT LEADERS AND THE MEDIA. HONESTLY, I WAS IMPRESSED BECAUSE I WAS THERE. AT THE TIME I W...
Standing Tall When You Take A Fall
April 13, 2021 14:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "Standing Tall When You Take A Fall." Bobby Qualls began his career with the Memphis Fire Department in 1986. Bobby rose though the ranks as a member of the 14's and 7's Engine house to become a lieutenant in on Rescue 2 and 3 in Special Operations. Two of Bobby's gifts is his humor and practical approach to problem solving in the fire service. Tom Mann sits down with Bobby Qualls as he shares his memories, humor, and years of experience ...
The Cost Of Being A Firefighter
February 05, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "THE COST OF BEING A FIREFIGHTER." His name is Jim Cunningham. He's been called a "firefighter's firefighter." The new guys call him one of the legends. Now retired, Jim shares his experience as a lieutenant of one of the busiest fire companies in the United States, Memphis' Engine 7. In the 1990s Engine 7 became the catalyst for major changes in the Memphis Fire Department when two of its members paid the ultimate price in giving their li...
Surviving The Unthinkable-Part Two
December 08, 2020 15:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "SURVIVING THE UNTHINKABLE." Hear the story of one firefighter's second by second account of an active shooter situation. He survived but the firefighter next to him and the firefighter behind him did not. Don't miss this inspiring story of his survival and learning to live with memories of the unthinkable. This EmergencyFD Storyline audio podcast is part two of a two part series. "I see him fall. I hear glass popping. It was seconds later ...
Surviving The Unthinkable-Part One
November 26, 2020 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "SURVIVING THE UNTHINKABLE." Hear the story of one firefighter's second by second account of an active shooter situation. He survived but the firefighter next to him and the firefighter behind him did not. Don't miss this inspiring story of his survival and learning to live with memories of the unthinkable. This EmergencyFD Storyline audio podcast is part one of a two part series. "I see him fall. I hear glass popping. It was seconds later ...
The MEDIA: Friend or Foe?
October 06, 2020 13:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "MEDIA-Friend or Foe?" The media/mass communications is changing by the minute. Smart phones and social media make every event live. Every cell phone and every citizen can broadcast an emergency event or feed a live stream to a local/national broadcaster. Local tv news is highly competitive and competes to be first on the scene and live. First responders are stage center at almost every event. Crafting your message is part of the job for the ...
The MEDIA: Friend or Foe?
October 06, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "MEDIA-Friend or Foe?" The media/mass communications is changing by the minute. Smart phones and social media make every event live. Every cell phone and every citizen can broadcast an emergency event or feed a live stream to a local/national broadcaster. Local tv news is highly competitive and competes to be first on the scene and live. First responders are stage center at almost every event. Crafting your message is part of the job for the ...
The MEDIA: Friend or Foe? -EFD Storyline 20-09
October 06, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "MEDIA-Friend or Foe?" The media/mass communications is changing by the minute. Smart phones and social media make every event live. Every cell phone and every citizen can broadcast an emergency event or feed a live stream to a local/national broadcaster. Local tv news is highly competitive and competes to be first on the scene and live. First responders are stage center at almost every event. Crafting your message is part of the job for the ...
LEADERSHIP: Line of Duty Deaths
September 18, 2020 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "LEADERSHIP: Line of Duty Deaths." The episode focuses on the years and experiences of former Memphis Fire Director Charles E. Smith as he confronts the challenges facing a grieving fire department after the tragic death of two firefighters. Don't miss part two of a two part series with former Memphis Fire Director Charles E. Smith as we discuss his memories and lessons learned from the tragic Memphis 750 Adams fire also know as Regis Towers ...
LEADERSHIP Line of Duty Deaths- EFD Storyline 20-08
September 18, 2020 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "LEADERSHIP: Line of Duty Deaths." The episode focuses on the years and experiences of former Memphis Fire Director Charles E. Smith as he confronts the challenges facing a grieving fire department after the tragic death of two firefighters. Don't miss part two of a two part series with former Memphis Fire Director Charles E. Smith as we discuss his memories and lessons learned from the tragic Memphis 750 Adams fire also know as Regis Towers ...
LEADERSHIP: Outside the Box- EFD Storyline 20-07
September 04, 2020 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "LEADERSHIP Outside the Box." This episode is focuses on the years and experiences of former Memphis Fire Director Charles E. Smith. Charles E. Smith served as the leader of the Memphis Fire Department from 1992 to 1997 during a great DECADE OF CHANGE for the fire service in Memphis and across the country. During Director Smith's tenure, many forward moving changes took place to the Memphis Fire Department that continue to this day. Executi...
LEADERSHIP: Outside the Box
September 04, 2020 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "LEADERSHIP Outside the Box." This episode is focuses on the years and experiences of former Memphis Fire Director Charles E. Smith. Charles E. Smith served as the leader of the Memphis Fire Department from 1992 to 1997 during a great DECADE OF CHANGE for the fire service in Memphis and across the country. During Director Smith's tenure, many forward moving changes took place to the Memphis Fire Department that continue to this day. Executi...
LEADERSHIP Outside the Box- EFD Storyline 20-07
September 04, 2020 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "LEADERSHIP Outside the Box." This episode is focuses on the years and experiences of former Memphis Fire Director Charles E. Smith. Charles E. Smith served as the leader of the Memphis Fire Department from 1992 to 1997 during a great DECADE OF CHANGE for the fire service in Memphis and across the country. During Director Smith's tenure, many forward moving changes took place to the Memphis Fire Department that continue to this day. Executi...
COVID On The Frontlines
August 10, 2020 19:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "COVID On The Frontlines." This episode is a Storyline EXTRA and focuses on the COVID-19 experiences of Memphis Firefighter Thomas Mann Jr.. He acquired COVID-19 on the job but not from a treating a patient. Executive Producer, Tom Mann, talks with his son (the firefighter/Advanced EMT) as he describes what it is like to have COVID-19. Executive Producer Tom Mann continues the discussion with Memphis Fire Division Chief of Safety and Wellne...
COVID On The Frontlines- EFD Storyline 20-06
August 10, 2020 19:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "COVID On The Frontlines." This episode is a Storyline EXTRA and focuses on the COVID-19 experiences of Memphis Firefighter Thomas Mann Jr.. He acquired COVID-19 on the job but not from a treating a patient. Executive Producer, Tom Mann, talks with his son (the firefighter/Advanced EMT) as he describes what it is like to have COVID-19. Executive Producer Tom Mann continues the discussion with Memphis Fire Division Chief of Safety and Wellne...
THE MEMORIES THAT DON'T GO AWAY
July 21, 2020 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "The Memories That Don't Go Away." This episode focuses on the memories and experiences of Memphis Fire Inspector, Todd Conklin. Executive Producer, Tom Mann, talks with Todd Conklin as he shares his experiences and memories as a rookie firefighter fighting one horrific tragic motor vehicle fire. This podcast deals with the issue of post traumatic stress from incidences encountered by first responders. Storylines guests include: Todd Conk...
THE MEMORIES THAT DON'T GO AWAY- EFD Storyline 20-05
July 21, 2020 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is called "The Memories That Don't Go Away." This episode focuses on the memories and experiences of Memphis Fire Inspector, Todd Conklin. Executive Producer, Tom Mann, talks with Todd Conklin as he shares his experiences and memories as a rookie firefighter fighting one horrific tragic motor vehicle fire. This podcast deals with the issue of post traumatic stress from incidences encountered by first responders. Storylines guests include: Todd Conk...
EmergencyFD Storyline 20-04
June 05, 2020 02:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is "Being A First". Our Storyline is the first woman to hold the position of Director for the City of Memphis. Executive Producer Tom Mann talks with Memphis Fire Director Gina Sweat and discusses her career in the fire service. This is part two of two episodes featuring Gina Sweat. This episode features two promo segments of upcoming interviews with former Memphis Fire Director Charlie Smith and Memphis Fire Inspector Todd Conklin. Storylines guests...
BEING A FIRST part 2- EFD Storyline 20-04
June 05, 2020 02:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is "Being A First". Our Storyline is the first woman to hold the position of Director for the City of Memphis. Executive Producer Tom Mann talks with Memphis Fire Director Gina Sweat and discusses her career in the fire service. This is part two of two episodes featuring Gina Sweat. This episode features two promo segments of upcoming interviews with former Memphis Fire Director Charlie Smith and Memphis Fire Inspector Todd Conklin. Storylines guests...
BEING A FIRST part 2
June 05, 2020 02:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is "Being A First". Our Storyline is the first woman to hold the position of Director for the City of Memphis. Executive Producer Tom Mann talks with Memphis Fire Director Gina Sweat and discusses her career in the fire service. This is part two of two episodes featuring Gina Sweat. This episode features two promo segments of upcoming interviews with former Memphis Fire Director Charlie Smith and Memphis Fire Inspector Todd Conklin. Storylines guests...
BEING A FIRST part 1
May 17, 2020 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is "Being A First". Our Storyline is the first woman to hold the position of Director for the City of Memphis. Executive Producer Tom Mann talks with Memphis Fire Director Gina Sweat and discusses her career in the fire service. This is part one of two episodes featuring Gina Sweat. Storylines guests include: Director Gina Sweat- Director of the Fire Services for the City of Memphis, Tennessee Gina's Story on video told by Tom Mann: https://y...
EmergencyFD Storyline 20-03
May 17, 2020 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is "Being A First". Our Storyline is the first woman to hold the position of Director for the City of Memphis. Executive Producer Tom Mann talks with Memphis Fire Director Gina Sweat and discusses her career in the fire service. This is part one of two episodes featuring Gina Sweat. Storylines guests include: Director Gina Sweat- Director of the Fire Services for the City of Memphis, Tennessee Gina's Story on video told by Tom Mann: https://y...
BEING A FIRST part -EFD Storyline 20-03
May 17, 2020 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is "Being A First". Our Storyline is the first woman to hold the position of Director for the City of Memphis. Executive Producer Tom Mann talks with Memphis Fire Director Gina Sweat and discusses her career in the fire service. This is part one of two episodes featuring Gina Sweat. Storylines guests include: Director Gina Sweat- Director of the Fire Services for the City of Memphis, Tennessee Gina's Story on video told by Tom Mann: https://y...
BEING A FIRST part 1
May 17, 2020 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline is "Being A First". Our Storyline is the first woman to hold the position of Director for the City of Memphis. Executive Producer Tom Mann talks with Memphis Fire Director Gina Sweat and discusses her career in the fire service. This is part one of two episodes featuring Gina Sweat. Storylines guests include: Director Gina Sweat- Director of the Fire Services for the City of Memphis, Tennessee Gina's Story on video told by Tom Mann: https://yo...
EmergencyFD Storyline 20-02
May 02, 2020 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline continues to discuss the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis for the fire service and includes a classic firefighter's story from his experiences. Storylines guests include: Gary Ludwig- President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Chief at Champaign Fire Department, Champaign, Illinois Jim Cunningham- Retired Lieutenant Engine 7, Memphis Fire Department, Memphis, Tennessee (1994 classic recording by Tom Mann)
EXTRA-COVID 19 CHALLENGE
May 02, 2020 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline continues to discuss the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis for the fire service and includes a classic firefighter's story from his experiences. Storylines guests include: Gary Ludwig- President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Chief at Champaign Fire Department, Champaign, Illinois Jim Cunningham- Retired Lieutenant Engine 7, Memphis Fire Department, Memphis, Tennessee (1994 classic recording by Tom Mann) If you need he...
EXTRA-COVID 19 CHALLENGE-EFD Storyline 20-02
May 02, 2020 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline continues to discuss the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis for the fire service and includes a classic firefighter's story from his experiences. Storylines guests include: Gary Ludwig- President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Chief at Champaign Fire Department, Champaign, Illinois Jim Cunningham- Retired Lieutenant Engine 7, Memphis Fire Department, Memphis, Tennessee (1994 classic recording by Tom Mann) Support the sh...
COVID 19 CHALLENGE FOR 911 & THE FIRE SERVICE- EFD Storyline 20-01
April 23, 2020 23:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline highlights the challenges of the COVID 19 crisis for the 911 system and fire services. Storylines guests include: Raymond Choizza- Executive Director of the Shelby County, Tennessee. Emergency Communications District David Moore- Senior Station Officer for Country Fire Authority in Victoria, Australia Bobby Wiliams- Firefighter/Engineer/Training Officer for Metropolis, Illinois and Field Staff Instructor for Illinois Fire Service Instit...
EmergencyFD Storyline 20-01
April 23, 2020 23:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline highlights the challenges of the COVID 19 crisis for the 911 system and fire services. Storylines guests include: Raymond Choizza- Executive Director of the Shelby County, Tennessee. Emergency Communications District David Moore- Senior Station Officer for Country Fire Authority in Victoria, Australia Bobby Wiliams- Firefighter/Engineer/Training Officer for Metropolis, Illinois and Field Staff Instructor for Illinois Fire Service Instit...
COVID 19 CHALLENGE FOR 911 & THE FIRE SERVICE
April 23, 2020 23:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBThis edition of EmergencyFD Storyline highlights the challenges of the COVID 19 crisis for the 911 system and fire services. Storylines guests include: Raymond Choizza- Executive Director of the Shelby County, Tennessee. Emergency Communications District David Moore- Senior Station Officer for Country Fire Authority in Victoria, Australia Bobby Wiliams- Firefighter/Engineer/Training Officer for Metropolis, Illinois and Field Staff Instructor for Illinois Fire Service Instit...