The Forward Firefighter

Dan Retzlaff

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. 43 - Remembering Your "Why" with Chief David Rhodes

    3d ago

    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.

    55 min
  2. 42 - Beyond the Pump Panel with Eric Johnson

    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.

    57 min
  3. 41 - From High School Cadet to FIre Science Student: Bridging the Gap Between Technical Education and Real World Experience.

    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.

    57 min
  4. 40 - Navigating the Frontlines of HAZMAT with Beth McCormick

    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.

    53 min
  5. 39 - Your EV Fire Playbook: Tactics, Tools, and Lithium-Ion Safety with Paul Shoemaker

    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.

    1h 3m
  6. 38 - Challenging Fireground Assumptions with Captain Nick Ledin.

    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.

    49 min
  7. 37 - Volunteer Firefighting: It's a Family Affair

    12/04/2025

    37 - Volunteer Firefighting: It's a Family Affair

    Dan is joined by two fantastic guests, Jordan and Leah Crave! Both are dedicated firefighters on the Columbus Wisconsin Fire Department. Now two years into their journey, they dive into the real challenges and rewards of service. Married for sixteen years and parents to four kids, Jordan and Leah discuss how they manage the intense demands of the fire department alongside their respective careers and busy family life. Tune in to hear about the commitment it takes, the balance they strive for, and the unique experience of serving their community together as a firefighting couple.

    55 min
  8. 36 - The Best of Us. Filmmaker Ben Cook and Chief Matt Boulding on the documentary featuring the Cornell Volunteer Fire Department

    11/06/2025

    36 - The Best of Us. Filmmaker Ben Cook and Chief Matt Boulding on the documentary featuring the Cornell Volunteer Fire Department

    Join Dan for a conversation with the creative force behind the documentary "The Best of Us," Emmy award-winning editor Ben Cook, and the man at the center of the film, Chief Matt Boulding of the Cornell, WI Fire Department. Ben, a Cornell native, shares the precise reason he felt the need to turn his lens on the all volunteer fire department that serves his hometown, capturing their sacrifices, challenges, and resilience. Chief Boulding provides a unique, behind the scenes perspective on what it's like to have your department filmed. He also opens up about the demands of balancing family life, running multiple businesses, and leading the department, while giving us an overview of the Cornell Fire Department's operations.

    49 min
See All (44)

Trailer

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

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
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dan Retzlaff
  • Show Website
    The Forward Firefighter

You Might Also Like