Justin Sherwood, who became fire chief in Bemidji, MN, nearly five years ago, reflects on the journey and shares what he learned at both personal and professional levels. Sherwood didn’t plan to follow his father’s footsteps into the fire service and pursued a degree in education, but that changed following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

In 15 years, Sherwood climbed the ranks and was named fire chief, starting a journey focused on serving the community and his members, while also navigating life. During the podcast, he reflects on the small moments that made big impacts on his life and helped shore up the foundation for the bigger challenges he would face. As the ranks of the fire service continue to see turnover, Sherwood shares advice for the next group of fire service leaders, from a serious personal struggle to daily fire service scenarios.

Related links:

• Justin Sherwood biography and article on Firehouse.com
• Every Face Has a Name, Every Name Has a Face
• Am I Out of the Game or in a Different One?

John Lewis and Robert Moran have been teaching basement fire tactics and strategies for nearly two decades, after a series of close call incidents they were involved with. The two, known as Jersey Guys Fire Service Training, discuss tactics, construction and command for below-grade residential fires on this episode.

From the use of the ELBOW acronym for basement fire size-up, to hoseline placement, ventilation tactics and search operations, Lewis and Moran dig into key strategies that can be used to prevent close calls, or worse, during residential basement fires.

Related links:

• John Lewis’ biography and article on Firehouse.com
• Robert Moran’s biography and article on Firehouse.com
• Jersey Guys Fire Service Training on Facebook

Capt. Sean Eagen joins Peter Matthews to talk about firefighting operations in vacant structures, because many vacant buildings can still be occupied, posing a serious life hazard. Eagen, a 28-year veteran of the Buffalo, NY, Fire Department, shares his experiences and takes listeners through his size-up approach.

From cues and clues on suspected vacant homes, Eagen talks about how firefighters should plan to conduct searches, including the use of a VES-like method to limit the number of firefighters on the interior, plus other fireground tactical decision-making ideas.

As cold weather in many parts of the country has homeless people seeking protection from the weather, Eagen says now is the time to review your vacant structure policies and talk with crews at the kitchen table.

Related links:

• Sean Eagen’s biography and article on Firehouse.com
• Truck Tactics: Vacant Properties: Search or Go Defensive?

Peter Matthews is joined by former U.S. Marine Daniel Byrne; T.J. Cullison, who served in the U.S. Army; and A.J. Kehl, who just retired from a career in the U.S. Air Force. They discuss the similarities and differences between serving in the fire service and military and what carried over from their time serving in the U.S. military to the firehouse and what Veterans Day means to them.

They offer insight into the various military benefits, from the journeyman program, education and promotional points to other services for veterans, plus a look at mental health, and share the one military lesson that they continue to use today.

Related Links:

• Daniel Byrne’s Firehouse.com bio pages and content
• A.J. Kehl’s Firehouse.com bio page and content
• My Rich Uncle: An Informal Guide to Maximizing Your Enlistment

Michael Daley joins Peter Matthews to discuss firefighter training today with a look at training challenges expected over the next five years, including new responses such as electric vehicles, and the abilities and skills news firefighters bring to the job.

Daley, a proponent of well-trained and educated firefighters, says firefighters should train to a level or professionalism – whether volunteer or career – to be able to handle whatever they encounter. He discusses what training officers need to do to incorporate historical events into training, how to build a training calendar and how to ensure that members do not lose the drive to train.

Related links:

• Training Doesn't Have Time for Rain Delays
• Company-Level Training Ideas for all Firefighters
• Michael Daley’s bio and article on Firehouse.com
• Fire Service Performance Concepts

Peter Matthews talks with Chief Kristopher Blume about the realities of leading fire departments today, as they evolve quicker than ever and what is driving people away from the fire service in historic numbers.

Blume highlights key parts of his recently published book, Carry the Fire: The Crucible of Leadership in the Fire Service and the two discuss the background of his recent Firehouse.com article, “Beyond the Smoke: What Is Driving People Away from the Fire Service?” and what three key factors are causing serious issues int fire department ranks.

Related links:

• Carry the Fire: The Crucible of Leadership in the Fire Service
• Beyond the Smoke: What Is Driving People Away from the Fire Service?
• Kristopher Blume’s bio and article on Firehouse.com

Peter Matthews is joined by Eileen Bellew, widow of FDNY Lt. John Bellew, and his daughter, Katreana, to discuss their paths through PTSD since John lost his life during the 2005 Black Sunday fire in the Bronx.

Eileen shares her journey, which began Jan. 23, 2005, when she learned that John was seriously injured after jumping from an apartment building. From being escorted to the hospital, the fire service funeral, memorial services raising four children, Eileen shares what fire departments need to know to assist the survivors.

Katreana, who was only two on Black Sunday, talks about memories of her dad, attending services and how she developed vicarious anxiety as she grew up. Her journey sparked her desire to share the story of Black Sunday and the subsequent trial in the movie Black Sunday: Trial by Fire.

Related links:

• Trial by Fire: JohnBellew.com
• The Firehouse Yak: Jeff Cool – Remembering FDNY’s Tragic Black Sunday

Peter Matthews talks with Bill Niemann, who spent nearly two decades in the Prince William County, VA, Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Bureau. During that time, Niemann and his team relaunched the department’s arson investigation unit and logged many headline-making arson arrests.

Niemann provides insight into his 17-year assignment in the fire marshal’s bureau and the relaunch of their fire investigation unit, which they mostly built from scratch because there were no investigation standards or policies at the time. From attending the police academy to creating their own processes, Niemann and his small crew handled hundreds of arson fires annually.

He reflects on some close calls and big blazes during his time as a line firefighter and some of the most memorable and impactful fire investigations and making high-profile arrests and how a serial arson case led him to the end of his career.

Related links:

• Heavy Fire Showing

• Heavy Fire Showing Audio Book