The Forward Firefighter

Dan Retzlaff
  • 4.4(7개의 평가)
  • 교육
  • 매월 업데이트

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

    4월 2일

    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.

    57분
  2. 40 - Navigating the Frontlines of HAZMAT with Beth McCormick

    3월 5일

    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.

    53분
  3. 39 - Your EV Fire Playbook: Tactics, Tools, and Lithium-Ion Safety with Paul Shoemaker

    2월 5일

    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.

    1시간 3분
  4. 38 - Challenging Fireground Assumptions with Captain Nick Ledin.

    1월 1일

    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.

    49분
  5. 37 - Volunteer Firefighting: It's a Family Affair

    2025. 12. 04.

    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.

    55분
  6. 36 - The Best of Us. Filmmaker Ben Cook and Chief Matt Boulding on the documentary featuring the Cornell Volunteer Fire Department

    2025. 11. 06.

    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.

    49분
  7. 35 - Masking Up With Your Gloves On: Beyond the Minimum with Captain Mike Bernard from Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue Department in Wisconsin

    2025. 10. 02.

    35 - Masking Up With Your Gloves On: Beyond the Minimum with Captain Mike Bernard from Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue Department in Wisconsin

    In this episode on The Forward Firefighter Podcast, Dan sits down with Captain/Training Officer Mike Bernard (Arbor Vitae Fire & Rescue) an Instructor with Midwest Fire Tactics and Training, and author in The Book of Search. Mike dives deep into the necessity of training above the minimum standard, sharing the unique operational challenges of running an all-volunteer department in a high-tourism area of Wisconsin. We explore his passion for mastering the fundamentals, including the practical benefits and instructional techniques behind the high-value skill of 'Masking Up with Gloves'. Mike also discusses what it takes to build a strong volunteer culture that drives retention, and how anyone in your department can strategically advocate for positive change. If you're looking to elevate your department's training or personal skill set, this episode is a must-listen.

    1시간 2분
  8. 34 - Firefighter Syndrome: Dr. Chris Frueh on Understanding the Cost and Finding the Solutions

    2025. 09. 04.

    34 - Firefighter Syndrome: Dr. Chris Frueh on Understanding the Cost and Finding the Solutions

    In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I sit down with Dr. Chris Frueh, a clinical psychologist, professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, and leading expert on the health of military veterans and first responders. Dr. Frueh introduces the concept of Firefighter Syndrome, a framework that explains the cumulative physical and psychological toll of the job, whether you serve as a career firefighter or a volunteer. We talk about how Firefighter Syndrome differs from PTSD, why challenges like anxiety, low energy, or just not feeling like yourself are often misunderstood, and how that impacts both firefighters and their families. At the same time, Dr. Frueh offers a hopeful perspective by sharing proven strategies to protect health and resilience. This is a conversation about facing the realities of the job with honesty, while also focusing on solutions that help firefighters stay strong, healthy, and ready for the long haul. Whether you are on the front lines or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you practical tools and a renewed sense of hope.

    52분
모두 보기(42개)

예고편

4.4
최고 5점
7개의 평가

소개

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.

정보

  • 제작진
    Dan Retzlaff
  • 방송 연도
    2023년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    42
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © Dan Retzlaff
  • 웹사이트 보기
    The Forward Firefighter

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