FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Bill Jenaway addresses the epidemic of roadway response struck-by incidents as well as a new nationwide database that allows first responders to voluntarily report such incidents at ReportStruckBy.com.
Dr. Jenaway is the project manager of the Federal Highway Administrationi-Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association’s (CVVFA) Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) Traffic Incident Management Struck-by Reporting Project and an active member of the ESRI team. Jenaway spent over 40 years in the insurance industry, first managing national risk control specialist operations for two major insurance carriers, followed by his role at VFIS, managing its education, training and consulting services. With 50 years of Pennsylvania fire and EMS experience, Jenaway has served as chief in two communities and currently is assistant chief of safety in Upper Merion Fire & EMS in suburban Philadelphia. In addition, Jenaway is has served as the president of the Board of Directors of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), has experience as an adjunct professor of Risk Analysis and Public Safety at three universities, authors the monthly Safety 101 Series in Pennsylvania Fireman magazine, and is in his third year as a local elected official.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.
Sunday Mar 27, 2022
’It’s those low-frequency events that tend to get us in trouble’
Sunday Mar 27, 2022
Sunday Mar 27, 2022
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor outlines the importance of MCI training, underscoring that it's vital to training for low-frequency events, like MCIs, that have the potential for high-risk consequences. He also suggests a monthly and quarterly schedule for how often to train on MCI events.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Robert Weisbaum, EMS & Fire Chief for the Crested Butte Fire Protection District in Colorado, tackles a unique challenge facing the firefighters and its broader impact on the fire service as a whole. Specifically, Weisbaum and Chief Bashoor discuss the affordable housing crisis that affects so many across the country, including firefighters. Weisbaum explains the approach his department has taken to securing affordable housing for firefighters, and how this approach helps with broader recruitment and retention efforts.
[Read next: Why I proposed my title be ‘EMS & fire chief’]
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
Walmart distribution fire raises questions about fire protection systems
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor explores fire protection systems in residential areas as well as larger facilities, like the Walmart distribution center. Are fire protection systems ever a waste of money?
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, FDNY Captain John Haseney tackles an important question: What is stopping fire departments from implementing occupational cancer-focused best practices?
Captain Haseney has been with the FDNY since 2005, currently serving as the captain for Engine 38. He is a founding member of the department’s Contamination Reduction Workgroup.
Haseney got his master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he wrote a thesis titled, “Overcoming Implementation Barriers Within the Fire Service to Reduce Firefighter Cancer Rates.” The thesis identifies seven barriers that are preventing fire departments from implementing occupational cancer-focused best practices. Read the full thesis here.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.
Before we tackle each, can you share a bit about why you wanted to study this topic?
How did you tackle this topic? What was your methodology of study?
Let’s go through these implementation barriers one by one, and if you can provide a possible solution to each or a takeaway for fire departments, that would be great:
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Otto Drozd, the executive secretary of the NFPA/IAFC Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. Having served as fire chief at four metro fire departments, Drozd speaks to the unique challenges of leading large fire service agencies, the variations from state to state, and how fire chiefs can make a difference at each department, even if through varying approaches. He details the work of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and what it's been like stepping into his new role as executive secretary.
Drozd also tackles the importance of community outreach and community risk reduction (CRR) efforts, even amid the ongoing global pandemic. He speaks to issues of ISO ratings; accreditation, both on a personal and professional level; and active shooter events, including his involvement in NFPA 3000.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell shares her experience as the newest U.S. fire administrator, a position she began in October 2021 following her time with the International Public Safety Data Institute.
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell addresses several topics:
- Two major fatality incidents in the past several weeks;
- How past experience prepared her for the role as U.S. fire administrator;
- What to expect for the mission and vision of the USFA during her tenure;
- The role of data in the USFA and the broader fire service;
- The new USFA podcast; and
- What fire departments can continue to do to lessen the impact of COVID-19.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder details his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. He shares what the experience has been like for him and his family, and how he worked with a team of doctors and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network to get the best guidance about how to proceed with his treatment options.
Chief Goldfeder also shares a new initiative, 40PlusFire, a resource center where firefighters can learn about prostate cancer. The website is geared toward male firefighters over the age of 40 who are seeking information about prostate cancer prevention, risks and solutions.
Saturday Jan 22, 2022
Don Abbott shares insights from Project Mayday research
Saturday Jan 22, 2022
Saturday Jan 22, 2022
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Don Abbott, founder of Project Mayday, a comprehensive study of mayday responses, incidents and prevention. Abbott explains the project's origins and how firefighters can share their mayday stories. Abbott also details some of the key findings from the Project Mayday data, including looks at staffing levels, the 16 most common phrases heard on the radio prior to a mayday call, and recommendations for training for mayday incidents.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by L3Harris Technologies. When the heat is on, you go all in, and L3Harris will be right there with you! The XL Extreme 400P radio is tailor-made to meet the most rigorous fire standards. Learn more at L3Harris.com/fire.
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
The grass isn’t always greener at another fire department
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor addresses critical staffing issues facing the fire service – the musical chairs of firefighters moving departments, searching for "greener pastures," or just throwing in the towel on the fire service altogether. Chief Bashoor reminds us that we have been here before, facing spiking call volumes for challenging call types with constantly changing guidance. He also underscores that firefighters are chaos and crisis managers by nature, and we must continue to push forward, not only for our communities but also to support our fellow firefighters who are struggling through this challenging time.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by L3Harris Technologies. When the heat is on, you go all in, and L3Harris will be right there with you! The XL Extreme 400P radio is tailor-made to meet the most rigorous fire standards. Learn more at L3Harris.com.