The Original Firefighter Podcast

Original Firefighter
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

The Original Firefighter Podcast is the place where we get to come together and discuss through humor and real conversation the true daily life of a firefighter both on and off the job.

  1. Jun 20

    The Fathers Day Fire and the Charleston 9

    Episode 75:Most firefighter incidents that claim lives often hide their danger behind what seems like routine calls. But what if the seemingly ordinary... turns deadly?On this episode, we revisit two devastating June fires—the FDNY’s infamous Father’s Day fire in 2001 and the Charleston warehouse fire of 2007—that took the lives of dedicated heroes. Their stories highlight critical lessons about hidden hazards, basement dangers, and the perilous unpredictability of commercial buildings. You'll discover how these tragedies exposed systematic blind spots and changed fireground tactics forever.We break down the fire behaviors that led to the loss of three FDNY firefighters and nine Charleston heroes, unraveling the chain of overlooked risks that proved fatal. Dive into the details of how hazardous materials, building modifications, and structural elements like concealed spaces and open trusses can turn routine fires into disasters in seconds. You'll learn what firefighters now do differently to spot the unseen threats before it’s too late.Plus, this episode explores the broader impact of these events, emphasizing the importance of pre-incident planning and risk assessment—lessons that save lives today. We also shift gears to reflect on recent tragedies in military aviation, skydiving accidents, and even the historic milestone of Elon Musk becoming Earth’s first trillionaire—showing how bold risks shape our future in unexpected ways.Why does understanding these lessons matter? Because complacency is the enemy. Ignoring the warning signs can cost lives, but recognizing the hazards unlocks the opportunity to prevent them. Whether you're a firefighter, a first responder, or simply someone committed to safety—this episode offers vital insights to protect yourself and those around you.And we honor the brave firefighters who paid the ultimate price—whose sacrifice reminds us why continuous learning and respect for danger are essential. To anyone who values courage, preparedness, and the relentless pursuit of safety—the stories and lessons in this episode are essential listening.Remember: these tragedies are warnings—not just stories. They compel us to innovate, adapt, and never take routine lightly. Tune in now to learn how to turn tragedy into victory through knowledge and vigilance.Special shout-out to Kevin Shea—an FDNY legend whose heroic rescue in 1991 inspires us all.This episode is perfect for firefighters, emergency responders, safety professionals, and anyone dedicated to understanding the hidden dangers of fire and rescue. Hit play and empower yourself with the lessons that can save lives.#firefighter #firedepartment #originalfirefighter #podcast #fathersdayfire #charleston9

    25 min

  2. Jun 10

    Billing for Lift Assists

    Episode 74:Most fire departments are stretched thin, responding to an alarming surge of non-emergency calls — and now, some are about to start charging for them. Why is this happening, and what does it mean for the future of emergency services? If you've ever wondered how budget constraints, staffing shortages, and community reliance shape response protocols, this episode is your behind-the-scenes look at a seismic shift in firefighting strategy. Join Montana Will as he unpacks the mounting crisis facing fire departments across the country: from the skyrocketing volume of non-emergency lift assists and false alarms to the growing movement to bill residents for non-urgent calls. You'll discover how staffing levels are failing to keep pace with rising demand, and why some departments see charging as the only way forward. Will breaks down the implications of a fractured system, where stretched resources threaten to compromise emergency response times, and communities are left vulnerable. He shares eye-opening stats, like 1,800 lift assist calls daily nationwide, and reveals how cities are trying to curb unnecessary responses through billing — and the unintended risks behind that approach.The conversation also touches on how staffing shortages and system inefficiencies threaten to embed a culture of underfunding, under-responding, and over utilization, creating a broken system that no longer serves the public’s best interest.#originalfirefighter #firedepartment #firefighter #firefighterpodcast #fire #ems #fireservice

    43 min

  3. Jun 9

    Preparing the Fire Company Officer

    Episode 73: Most fire departments learn the hard way that quick decisions and precise communication during a major incident can save lives — or cost them. In this episode, retired Deputy Chief Will Peterson and Arizona Fire Science Director Robert Borker dive deep into a catastrophic church fire that resulted in multiple firefighter injuries and a harrowing Mayday. They reveal crucial lessons on managing complex incidents, emphasizing the importance of 360-degree scene awareness, strategic command transfer, and harnessing technology like thermal imagers to see what the eyes can’t. Whether you're a new company officer or a seasoned veteran, you'll discover how to set yourself up for success in high-pressure moments: from crafting rapid, accurate initial size-up reports to recognizing signs of impending flashovers and structural failure. This episode unpacks real-world examples, including the dangers of underestimating fire growth in large or hidden structures, and discusses how to effectively coordinate with your team under the chaos. We break down essential tactics such as the value of doing thorough 360 sweeps, managing task saturation during rescues, and the critical role of timely radio updates to command. You'll learn why sometimes the best move is to delay interior operations until conditions are confirmed safe — and how to balance aggressive firefighting with firefighter safety. Plus, insights into incident command models like NIMS and Blue Card systems are woven throughout, giving you practical tools tailored to any department’s approach. Forewarned is forearmed: ignoring these lessons risks firefighter injury or worse. This episode is perfect for fire officers, training officers, and fire service leaders committed to developing their incident management skills in real-world scenarios. Don't just respond — respond smarter, safer, and more confidently.Join us to hear stories from the frontline, learn from past mistakes, and elevate your scene command game before the next emergency calls. Guest: Robert Borker is the Fire Science Director at Yavapai College, with over 35 years of experience in fire service leadership, specializing in fire ground operations and strategy. #firefighter #originalfirefighter #yavapicollege #firescience #fireeducation #firedpartment

    1h 11m

  4. Apr 15

    Honoring 911 Dispatchers

    Episode 72: Most dispatchers work silently behind the scenes, but their impact is everything. During National Dispatcher Week, discover why these frontline heroes are the true lifelines of emergency response — and why they deserve our recognition now more than ever.In this impactful episode, Will Pederson breaks down the critical role of 911 dispatchers and telecommunicators, revealing just how monumental their responsibilities really are. From managing 240 million calls annually — including 7 to 8 every second — to coordinating life-saving responses during mass shootings, fires, and violent incidents, their work is often invisible but always essential. Take a look into the modern 911 system’s evolution, where 80% of calls come through wireless devices, and explore how cutting-edge technology like reverse 911 and triangulation are changing the game.You'll discover the staggering stats that highlight the scale of their job: the constant influx of calls, the emotional toll of hearing human suffering firsthand, and the high turnover that threatens to weaken emergency services nationwide. We break down why dispatchers are arguably first responders in their own right — the first to hear cries for help and the last to see the outcome, carrying weight that often goes unrecognized. Get insights from real incidents where dispatchers’ quick thinking and calm under pressure saved lives amid chaos, and understand the critical need to elevate their role through better pay, support, and acknowledgment.In a world where technology can send astronauts to the moon but still struggles with basic radio communication, the importance of accurate, swift information exchange in emergencies has never been more vital. This episode is perfect for first responders, emergency responders, policy makers, or anyone who needs to understand the complex, vital work happening behind the scenes during every call for help. By recognizing the unseen heroes—our dispatchers—you gain a new appreciation for the backbone of emergency services and the enduring need to support and elevate them.Join us in saying thank you to the silent heroes who keep us safe — because without them, our response systems simply wouldn’t function. Whether you’re a dispatcher, responder, or citizen, this episode highlights an often-overlooked line of defense that truly makes all the difference.#dispatchers #dispatcherappreciationweek #911 #911dispatcher #firefighter #firefighterpodcast #firedepartment #firstresponders #originalfirefighter

    20 min

  5. Mar 28

    Tragedy at LaGuardia

    Episode 71:Is the US aviation system dangerously close to a breakdown?After yet another tragedy at LaGuardia, insights from experienced firefighters and aviation experts reveal a troubling pattern of systemic failures—one imminent enough to threaten safety across the skies. If you fly regularly, or care about the future of safe air travel, this episode is critical listening.In this episode, we examine the series of incidents over the past 15 months that point to alarming vulnerabilities in America's aviation system—from mid-air collisions and runway incursions to maintenance failures and understaffed control towers. We peel back the layers behind the headlines, revealing how short staffing, outdated technology, and systemic complacency are compromising safety—potentially at a breaking point.This isn't just about one crash; it's a wake-up call for anyone who values safe travel. The stakes are high and ignored warning signs could lead to catastrophic consequences, but with awareness and advocacy, change remains possible.#originalfirefighter #podcast #firedepartment #firefighter #aviation #firesafety #firetruck #fireengine #collision #firehouse #firefighter

    39 min

  6. Mar 21

    Choosing the Right Partner

    Episode 70: Most firefighters live their personal lives in the fast lane, rushing from call to call, rarely pausing to ask the tough questions about their relationships. But what if the way we choose and maintain those relationships is actually more like picking the perfect car — something that needs careful research, honest maintenance, and a clear vision of the long-term destination? In this episode, firefighter and relationship analyst Will Peterson teams up with Arizona Bob — a seasoned fire service veteran and relationship sage — to explore the surprising parallels between fire fighting and choosing a life partner. Discover the simple but powerful "car analogy" that reveals why so many long-term relationships break down, and how firefighters often overlook the signs until it's too late. We break down the five critical "check engine lights" to watch for in your relationship — from hidden red flags to subtle passive-aggressive behaviors. You’ll hear why investing time in honest conversations early on could prevent costly breakdowns later, and how to approach relationship "maintenance" like a routine service that keeps your partnership reliable, trustworthy, and fulfilling for the long haul. We get real about the high divorce rates in the fire community, uncover the common "red flags" that signal trouble, and offer practical advice for making better choices — for your partner and your own peace of mind. Whether you're single, dating, or long-term married, this episode is packed with insightful frameworks, relatable stories, and tools to help you avoid the costly mistake of settling for a relationship that isn’t built to last. Perfect for firefighters, emergency responders, and anyone looking to upgrade their relationship game with honesty, intentionality, and a bit of automotive wisdom.If you’re ready to hit the brakes and start your relationship “inspection,” this episode is your radar for avoiding costly breakdowns and steering toward a partnership that will go the distance. Make sure your relationship is not just flash and flair — but a well-maintained vehicle ready for life’s long road. Tune in for a candid, compelling conversation about love, resilience, and the analogy that could change how you view your most important relationships. #originalfirefighter #podcast #firedepartment #firefighter #firefighting #firehouse

    39 min

  7. Mar 7

    Firehouse Cooking

    Episode 69: Cook & Ladder Co. Products: Cookbook: https://a.co/d/04PRRzuX Spices: https://shop.app/m/k1b06yvdet?dynamicFilterVAvailability=%7B%22available%22%3Atrue%7D&inStock=true&sortBy=MOST_SALES Most firefighters agree: the firehouse is a family, and food is its secret glue. But behind the doors of this brotherhood lies a surprisingly rich culture of eating, storytelling, and tradition. In this episode, retired firefighter and culinary author Mike Riley pulls back the curtain on life behind the firehouse kitchen table, revealing how cooking—and the camaraderie around it—becomes a vital thread that holds everything together.Mike shares hilarious and heartfelt stories from decades on the job—from wild calls to culinary experiments gone wrong—and explains how meals built more than just appetites; they built community. Get exclusive insights into the creative process behind Mike’s bestselling firehouse cookbook and his line of signature spices designed to bring some "firehouse flavor" to your own kitchen. Guest Mike Riley is a retired firefighter with nearly 26 years of service in Rockford. Known for his culinary skills, he’s authored the "Cooking Ladder Company Number One" firehouse cookbook, blending firefighter anecdotes with practical recipes and his own line of seasoning blends. His stories highlight the profound bond, resilience, and humor that define life in the fire service. Dive into a conversation that celebrates brotherhood, humor, and the timeless tradition of cooking together—because when it comes to firefighting, the secret weapon is always the family around the table. #originalfirefighter #firedepartment #firefighter #cooking #firefighterfun #podcast #firehouse #firefighting

    1h 5m

  8. Feb 28

    LA Fire Chief Lawsuit and The Station Nightclub Fire

    Episode 68: Most firefighters and safety advocates overlook how human behavior, human error, and code enforcement can prevent disasters — even when tragedy strikes. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the critical lessons from the 23-year anniversary of the Station Nightclub fire, a tragedy that shaped fire safety regulations nationwide. You’ll discover how unchecked overcrowding, renovation flaws, and complacency escalated a nightclub fire into a devastating event killing 100 people and injuring dozens. This episode breaks down the urgent importance of strict occupancy controls, proper egress design, and proactive code enforcement—lessons that remain painfully relevant today. Plus, learn how fire prevention efforts and community engagement can save lives in mass emergencies—even decades after the fire. We analyze the lasting impact of the Station Nightclub fire, highlighting how a single preventable mistake can turn into a national tragedy. We explore how modern fire safety standards evolved thanks to lessons learned, and how today's firefighters and community leaders can apply these lessons to prevent similar disasters in their communities. Perfect for first responders, fire prevention officers, building managers, and anyone committed to saving lives through proactive safety measures. If you care about fire safety, human behavior in emergencies, and the enduring importance of prevention, this episode is essential listening. Join us to honor the lessons of the past and ensure we never forget: prevention saves lives. That’s why understanding these disasters—past and present—is critical to protecting our communities today and tomorrow. #originalfirefighter #firefighting #fireprevention #firedepartment #firefighter #podcast #lafd #stationnightclub

    18 min
See All (75)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The Original Firefighter Podcast is the place where we get to come together and discuss through humor and real conversation the true daily life of a firefighter both on and off the job.

Information

You Might Also Like