The Forward Firefighter

Dan Retzlaff
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Education
  • Updated Monthly

Hello and welcome to The Forward Firefighter Podcast. Here, you can listen to discussions with volunteer firefighters in Wisconsin and across the nation - hear their stories, learn about the communities they serve, and what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter. The Forward Firefighter, working together to save lives and protect property in our communities. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the individuals on this podcast do not represent the official policy, or position of any employers and organizations the speaker and participants are associated with.

  1. Aug 6

    45 - JD DuCharme: Fireground Speed, Trust, and Firehouse Culture

    Operational speed on the fireground does not start when the tones drop. It is built long before the alarm sounds. This episode explores the direct link between a department's internal culture and its operational performance. JD breaks down strategies for eliminating critical delays from turnout to fire suppression, showing how small crew efficiency and rapid, concurrent task execution depend entirely on mutual trust and clear communication. We pull back the curtain on how that level of fireground trust is earned. JD details the blueprint for a resilient, family oriented department culture. This includes structured mentorship, transparent communication, incorporating families into department life, and empowering newer members through acting officer programs. You will learn how scenario based training and accountability eliminate hesitation on scene, allowing firefighters to execute their roles instinctively when seconds matter most. JD DuCharme is a 13 year student of the fire service. He shares life's moments with five children and his wife, Danielle, and currently resides in Oconomowoc, WI. JD graduated Summa Cum Laude from UW Whitewater in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology, and served as a Special Agent for the US Government from 2007 to 2013 before entering the Fire Service. JD started as a volunteer firefighter in rural WI before becoming a career firefighter. JD was promoted in 2023 after 10 years in the fire service, and is currently a career Fire Lieutenant on Truck Company 53 at Western Lakes Fire District. He is currently a Lead of the Western Lakes Dive Team, and assists with training and development at the department. He previously served with the City of Beaver Dam and City of Oshkosh Fire Departments.

    45 - JD DuCharme: Fireground Speed, Trust, and Firehouse Culture

  2. Jul 2

    44 - Wisconsin Firefighter of the Year: Teamwork and Humility

    In this episode, Dan sits down with Chief Ron Wegner of the Jefferson, Wisconsin Fire Department. Chief Wegner is the latest recipient of the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association Firefighter of the Year award. Chief Wegner pulls back the curtain on what it takes to lead a combination department that serves 53 square miles, including the protection of heavy industries. But behind the state of the art equipment and the department's deeply preserved historical artifacts lies a 16 year leadership journey forged by legacy, humility, and near misses. Tune in as Chief Wegner candidly shares the moments that fundamentally reshaped his perspective on the fireground, from surviving a terrifying methane flash fire inside a 200 foot industrial grain silo to a close call on a residential fire. It is a powerful conversation about respect for the timeline, checking complacency at the door, and why leadership in the volunteer service is always a team effort.

    44 - Wisconsin Firefighter of the Year: Teamwork and Humility

  3. Jun 4

    43 - Remembering Your "Why" with Chief David Rhodes

    Remembering Your "Why": Mastering the Basics, the Crucial Role of the Company Officer, and Building a High Performance Culture with Chief David Rhodes When your department faces budget cuts, station politics, or staffing shortages, how do you keep your crew focused and ready? In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, Dan sits down with Chief David Rhodes. Chief Rhodes is a former Atlanta Fire Battalion Chief, the Chief Elder of the Georgia Smoke Diver Program, and the Editor-in-Chief of Fire Engineering Magazine. In this conversation, he gets straight to the heart of what drives firehouse excellence: Remembering Your "Why." Dan and Chief Rhodes break down why it is vital to master the basics and maintain high standards. They discuss the critical role of the company officer, who acts as the glue holding the unit together. You will learn how frontline leaders can protect their crews from department politics, solve problems creatively when resources are low, and build a high-performance culture through tough, shared training. Whether you are a new recruit or a veteran officer, this episode offers a clear blueprint for leadership on and off the fireground.

    43 - Remembering Your "Why" with Chief David Rhodes

  4. May 7

    42 - Beyond the Pump Panel with Eric Johnson

    Beyond the Pump Panel: Mastering the Role of the Motor Pump Operator In this episode, Dan chats with Chief Eric Johnson, a 40 year veteran of the Wisconsin fire service and founder of First Due Fire Training, to dissect the often overlooked complexities of the motor pump operator. Moving far beyond "pulling levers," Eric explains why the engineer is the most critical link in fireground safety and rescue effectiveness. The conversation covers the technical "street science" of firefighting, from the dangers of hose kinks and the myths of inherited pump charts to the vital importance of flow testing your equipment. Whether you are a career or volunteer operator, Eric’s practical fireground focused training philosophy offers a masterclass in ensuring that when the nozzle opens, the water and the pressure are exactly where they need to be. Eric has been in the fire service since 1984, starting with the Oconomowoc Fire Department.  He worked for the Green Bay Metro Fire Department from 1993 to 2019, retiring as station captain and paramedic.  He was also the Assistant Chief of Training for the De Pere Fire & Rescue from 2018-2021. Eric is the owner of First Due Fire Training, LLC, a training and consulting company. He also is a contributing author for the Wisconsin Fire Journal Magazine since 2012. In addition to having many fire certifications, Eric has an Associate Degree in Fire Science Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management, and has a Master’s Degree in Leadership with an emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership.

    42 - Beyond the Pump Panel with Eric Johnson

  5. Apr 2

    41 - From High School Cadet to FIre Science Student: Bridging the Gap Between Technical Education and Real World Experience.

    In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I sit down with Adam Vapnar, a 19-year-old who is rapidly bridging the gap between being a high school cadet and a high-caliber fire service professional. Adam shares his journey from four years of rural cadet service in Northern Wisconsin to the rigorous Fire Protection Technician Program at Fox Valley Tech. We dive deep into the "student-firefighter" lifestyle, exploring how Adam balances the academic demands of fire science with the real-world operational realities of serving in a volunteer department. It is a masterclass for any young recruit looking to turn a passion into a career while still sitting in a classroom. Beyond the textbooks and certifications, Adam explains why true growth happens in the "extra credit" of the fire service. From launching the Backseat Wisdom podcast to learn from industry giants, to surviving a grueling storage facility fire that redefined his view on functional fitness, Adam’s story is about the relentless pursuit of the "victim-first" mindset. We discuss why the next generation of the fire service must be willing to go above and beyond the minimum requirements to truly move the mission forward.

    41 - From High School Cadet to FIre Science Student: Bridging the Gap Between Technical Education and Real World Experience.

  6. Mar 5

    40 - Navigating the Frontlines of HAZMAT with Beth McCormick

    What happens when 6,000 gallons of gasoline vanish into a river, or a common garage spill leads to a house demolition? This week, Dan sits down with Beth McCormick, President of WAMR and co-owner of Valley Environmental Response. Beth shares her experiences responding to HAZMAT cleanup operations. We dive deep into the legalities of spill ownership, the "stick test" for identifying bio-sheens, and why a wax toilet ring might be the most important tool in your kit.

    40 - Navigating the Frontlines of HAZMAT with Beth McCormick

  7. Feb 5

    39 - Your EV Fire Playbook: Tactics, Tools, and Lithium-Ion Safety with Paul Shoemaker

    In this episode, we’re diving deep into the modern fireground with Paul Shoemaker, founder of the Next Level Training Network, to build your EV Fire Playbook. As electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries become permanent fixtures on our roadways, the old tactics no longer apply. Paul breaks down the science, the safety, and the "street-smart" strategies every department needs to stay ahead of the game. Paul Shoemaker is an 18-year veteran of the fire service and a Lieutenant in Colorado with over 13 years of experience as a Tech Rescue and Haz-Mat Technician. As a recognized subject matter expert in lithium-ion battery hazards, Paul serves on advisory committees for UL, FSRI, NFPA, and SAE International, working to bridge the gap between automotive manufacturers and the fire service. Through his company, Next Level Training Network, Paul travels the country delivering masterclasses on EV extrication and lithium-ion fire tactics. His mission is to provide firefighters with a "combat playbook" for the modern fireground, ensuring they are equipped to handle everything from micro-mobility fires to large-scale Energy Storage Systems.

    39 - Your EV Fire Playbook: Tactics, Tools, and Lithium-Ion Safety with Paul Shoemaker

  8. Jan 1

    38 - Challenging Fireground Assumptions with Captain Nick Ledin.

    I am kicking off 2026 with Captain Nick Ledin from the Eau Claire Wisconsin Fire Department. I'm talking with him about his fire service journey, ECFD operations, and some massive takeaways from the Firefighter Rescue Survey, including data on victim survival rates that might just change how you look at the fireground. Nick Ledin is a Captain with Eau Claire (WI) Fire Department, currently assigned to Truck 8. Ledin has been a student of the job for 18 years and is a contributor to ‘Firefighter Rescue Survey’, was the former president of the Northland FOOLS, and is a board member of FireNuggets. He’s a technical committee member for NFPA 1700, was a former technical panel member for UL FSRI’s PPA/PPV Study, and is a co-host of the FireNuggets Podcast and GRABS Podcast. Nick is also lucky enough to be a small part of UL FSRI’s Public Education Advisory Committee. He can also grow a pretty legit ‘stache.

    38 - Challenging Fireground Assumptions with Captain Nick Ledin.
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About

Hello and welcome to The Forward Firefighter Podcast. Here, you can listen to discussions with volunteer firefighters in Wisconsin and across the nation - hear their stories, learn about the communities they serve, and what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter. The Forward Firefighter, working together to save lives and protect property in our communities. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the individuals on this podcast do not represent the official policy, or position of any employers and organizations the speaker and participants are associated with.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Retzlaff
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dan Retzlaff
  • Show Website
    The Forward Firefighter

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