Better Every Shift

Former Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano reflects on the arduous role of redesigning FDNY post-9/11

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with former FDNY Chief of Department and Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano about 9/11 and what it was like to face the arduous task of redesigning and rebuilding the department in the wake of such a massive loss. Cassano shares his personal 9/11 story, and details the recruitment efforts, new measures to reduce LODD numbers, and the support systems that helped the department in the aftermath. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

‘We shall never forget‘: Reflections and questions 20 years later

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor reflects on the upcoming 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He considers what we have learned as a fire service, and poses critical questions for leaders: How has your department changed in the past 20 years? How much more could you do? Are you doing everything in your power to take care of your members and the community you are sworn to protect? We honor the 343 firefighter families who again grieve this September 11. We will never forget. -- This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

NIFC‘s Jessica Gardetto addresses the wildfire threats unfolding across the country

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Jessica Gardetto, the public affairs chief for the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), which supports many different kinds of emergency responses but primarily wildland firefighting. Gardetto outlines the mission of the Center, how NIFC can help fire departments, and addresses the significant wildfire threats currently unfolding around the country. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

Division Chief Martha Ellis unpacks fireground communications and FirstNet

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Division Chief Martha Ellis, executive director for the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association. Chief Ellis unpacks all things fireground communications, interoperability and FirstNet. She details the mission of the PSBTA and how FirstNet is currently serving the fire service. Contact Ellis here. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

Chief Bashoor tackles a new epidemic: ‘D-Drivers‘ putting first responders at risk

We are facing a new epidemic: 'D-Drivers' – drunk, drugged, drowsy, disrespectful, disgruntled, drag-racing, discourteous, distracted and just plain dangerous. “When are we going to realize that it is people who are killing other people, not the cars, not the trucks," Bashoor argues, calling for an escalation of focus on struck-by incidents. Learn more at www.respondersafety.com. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

Captain Andrea Hall discusses servant leadership plus her presidential inauguration story

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Captain Andrea Hall about fire service leadership, specifically servant leadership, and how leaders can help their members thrive. Captain Hall offers guidance for bringing out the member in crewmembers and the critical role of supervision. She also discusses what it's been like to break barriers as a woman in the fire service, and she shares insights into her role at the presidential inauguration. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

Chris Cebollero unpacks ET3, treatment-in-place, reimbursement and more

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chris Cebollero about some of the hottest topics in fire-based EMS, including ET3 and treatment-in-place, plus how agencies can get reimbursed even when patients are not transported to the hospital. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

‘Be nice‘: Chief Bashoor applies Chief Brunacini‘s mantra to interactions within the industry

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor considers the differences that exist among personnel in the fire and emergency services, some of which create debates and distraction among the ranks: volunteer vs. career, fire vs. EMS, and similar us vs. them divisions. Chief Bashoor extends Chief Alan Brunacini's mantra "Be nice" beyond our interactions with the public to include our interactions with our colleagues. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by MSA. At MSA, your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at msafire.com/globe.

Dr. Sara Jahnke details the effects of ‘Long-COVID‘ on first responders

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Sara Jahnke defines "Long-COVID," outlines the symptoms and addresses a powerful article by a firefighter currently suffering the effects after his COVID diagnosis. This edition of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by MSA. At MSA your health and safety drive us to develop highly advanced safety equipment to protect you on the job. MSA’s Globe gear is performance and protection in perfect balance. It’s designed to meet the challenges you face every day to help keep you safe and healthy during your career and beyond. Get the full story at MSAfire.com/Globe.

Chad Costa considers why some firefighters are still suffering from ‘Dirty Helmet Syndrome‘

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast by FireRescue1, Battalion Chief Chad Costa and Fire Chief Marc Bashoor tackle the concept of "Dirty Helmet Syndrome," the idea that some firefighters continue to glamorize dirty gear and unsafe actions, despite knowing the risks. The two discuss the role of culture, generational differences and training, plus what fire officers can do to get their crews to focus more on health- and safety-focused goals. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.