Firehouse
Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews talks with Firehouse authors and speakers and members of the fire service about firefighter training and tactics, leadership, trends and traditions.
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Episodes
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Peter Matthews talks with Battalion Chief Demond Simmons about his article, "Smart Training and Firefighting." Simmons explains the basis for the article and concept, which explains the roles of "smart" and "aggressive" in educating firefighters. Also, a discussion on the role of company officers in encouraging their firefighters to work smarter on the fireground.
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Peter Matthews talks with Nashville Fire Department Director/Chief William Swann about the Christmas Day explosion. Chief Swann shares how previous incidents and trainings with local, state and federal agencies allowed for a unified command to be established and operate smoothly after the bombing that damaged over 40 buildings. The two discuss the lessons Nashville Fire has learned from the Christmas Day explosion and the deadly March 2020 tornado and how important training and preparation are for all first responders.
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Peter Matthews talks with longtime Firehouse contributor and speaker Lt. Mike Daley about his December magazine article on training and operating at night. Daley, who is a longtime fire instructor, explains the challenges firefighters encounter at night on the fireground or emergency scene and the need for training in after sunset. Get tips and tricks for training and operating safely and effectively and how to use the tools on your rig to help you see the real scene.
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Peter Matthews talks with Battalion Chief Chad Costa about working the front lines of 2020's devastating wildfires. Costa, from the City of Petaluma, CA, Fire Department, worked the the August Complex Fire - California's largest wildfire for several weeks. Costa explains decision-making at wildland incidents and the importance of communications in incident action plans. He also shares what happened when 2017's fires threatened his wife and children as he worked another incident.
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Peter Matthews talks with Lt. Jonathan Baxter, the recipient of the 2019 Firehouse Thomas Carr Community Service Award. Baxter, who serves as the public information officer/homeland security operations for the San Francisco Fire Department, was nominated for his extraordinary outreach efforts on everything from fire prevention to surf safety. Baxter shares the incredible outreach the department has had during his time overseeing the efforts and how his law enforcement background has led to additional safety programs.
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Monday Dec 28, 2020
Peter Matthews talks with firefighters Jason Beck and Jon Metz about the harrowing incident that led them to be named the recipients of the 2019 Firehouse Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor. The two McCall, ID, firefighters arrived first to find a large debris field and a 20-foot wall of flames following a propane explosion that heavily entrapped a young girl. Hear how the two were able to rescue the girl and what role training played in the miraculous rescue.
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Peter Matthews talks with East Contra Costa, CA, Fire Protection District Fire Chief Brian Helmick about the recent policy limited interior fire attacks at structure fires. Helmick called the policy the toughest decision in his 20-plus year career, stating the district's funding model, which has not changed since the 1970s, only allows for three engines to over 250 square miles and creates long response times. Find out what led to the decision and how Helmick is working to improve the district's budget and future plans.
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Peter Matthews talks with DC Fire and EMS Department Public Information Officer Vito Maggiolo about his duties in Washington, D.C., where the media is always checking in. Maggiolo took the PIO position after retiring from a career at CNN where he covered everything from war and politics to natural disasters and local fire stories. In Washington, the media is always contacting him for seemingly routine incidents that can turn into worldwide news. Find out how Maggiolo, who grew up in New York City during the FDNY's "War Years," carried his love of the fire service into a career covering one of the largest departments in the country. Follow DC Fire and EMS Department on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Peter Matthews talks with Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel about the response involving protests and riots following George Floyd's death. Fruetel explains what firefighters encountered as dozens of fires burned throughout the city, including tactics, situational awareness working with the National Guard and law enforcement and he shares tips for fire departments who may also encounter similar incidents.
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Peter Matthews talks with Fort Worth, TX, firefighter Frank Becerra, who was struck by a hit-and-run driver while working at a crash scene. Becerra, who was told he would not return to work, shares what he went through during his year-long recovery, a story about a second struck-by close call and thoughts on roadway safety.