Third Due First In

3rdDue1stIn

The fire service is changing fast — we’re here to talk about it. Third Due First In is the podcast where frontline firefighters, chiefs, and public safety leaders break down the calls, the culture, and the challenges that come with keeping our communities safe. Expect stories, strong opinions, and the kind of straight talk you’d hear around the firehouse bay table.

  1. NOV 6

    Ep 19: Clairton Works Explosion & The 1999 K-Mart Fire

    Keith and Geno open with the recent explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Works that claimed two lives and injured several others. Guest Rob Lisiecki from Clairton Works Emergency Services shares what it was like on scene and explains how their emergency department operates inside one of the region’s largest industrial sites. Then the crew looks back at the 1999 K-Mart Fire in Pleasant Hills—a day none of them will forget. Chief Dan Haeck, Captain Scott Kunz, and Geno Esken were on the first-in engine, while Keith Hennon responded on the first truck. Together they walk through how the fire unfolded, the command decisions, and what they learned from one of the South Hills’ biggest commercial incidents. Real stories. Real firefighters. Real lessons.

    1h 27m

  2. OCT 30

    Ep 18 – Chief Scott Garing: Fire Department Mergers and Moving Forward

    In Episode 18, Chief Scott Garing joins the show to talk about the merger between the Harmony and Zelienople Fire Departments and what it takes to bring two volunteer companies together under one name. We also discuss leadership, department culture, and how collaboration can strengthen the fire service as a whole. Listen now and stay connected with the Third Due First In Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio.

    59 min

  3. OCT 23

    Ep 17 – The State of Pennsylvania’s Volunteer Fire Service with Commissioner Thomas Cook

    In this episode, Keith and Geno sit down with Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook to discuss the current state of the volunteer fire service. They cover training challenges, statewide recruitment and retention efforts, funding updates, and how the Commonwealth is addressing the growing need for staffing support across departments. Commissioner Cook also shares insights from his decades of service—from his early years as a firefighter to leading the state’s fire programs. Plus, stick around for this week’s fire service news stories, updates from around the region, and a look ahead at what’s next for the volunteer fire community. Follow Third Due First In on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok: @3rddue1stin📧 Contact: 3rddue1stin@gmail.com

    1h 14m

  4. OCT 16

    Ep 16 – Chief Mark Grimm: Building a Strong Combination Department

    This week we’re joined by North Strabane Fire Chief Mark Grimm, who shares his experience leading the transformation of an all-volunteer fire company into one of Western Pennsylvania’s most respected combination departments. Chief Grimm discusses staffing, leadership, culture, and the importance of firefighter health and fitness in today’s fire service. Plus, we cover regional fire news and updates from across the area.

    48 min

  5. OCT 10

    Ep 15 – Healing Through Horses & Fighting the Hidden Dangers

    In Episode 15 of Third Due First In, we sit down with Amber from Bella Terra Stables to talk about their therapy horse program and how equine-assisted healing is helping first responders, veterans, and families find balance and peace through the power of horses. Then we’re joined once again by Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don “DB” Brucker, who continues our important discussion on firefighter cancer prevention and dives into the growing threat of lithium battery fires in today’s fire service. We also hit the latest fire service news, plus updates on our FireCam giveaways and upcoming “Stranger Calls” Halloween episode. 🎙️ Sponsored by FireCam — because the job is tough enough without your gear letting you down.

    1h 19m

  6. OCT 2

    Ep 14 – Therapy Dogs & Firefighter PTSI with Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brucker

    in Episode 14 of Third Due First In, we start with Mariah Murphy, who shares the story of her therapy dog Buddy and how programs like hers bring comfort to people during their most difficult times. Then we sit down with Allegheny County Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brucker for an in-depth discussion on PTSI in the fire service. We cover the challenges first responders face, the importance of mental health resources, and the role of the National Firefighter Cancer Registry in protecting firefighter health. 🚒 Real stories. Real conversations. From the fireground to firefighter wellness — we bring it all to the table.

    1h 20m

  7. SEP 25

    Ep 13 – Firehouse Law: Paid Crews, Stipends, and the Future of Staffing

    In Episode 13 of Third Due First In, Keith and Geno sit down with Attorney Kim Houser—Assistant Chief in Greensburg, PA, rescue specialist with PA-HART and Region 13 Strike Team, Pro-Board Fire Officer I-IV, and senior partner at Mears, Smith, Houser & Boyle, P.C. Kim brings his extensive experience representing over 200 fire departments to unpack the legal side of firehouse operations. We dive into the growing trend of volunteer departments hiring shift crews, stipend programs. Kim also shares his perspective on what legislation or policies might need to evolve to match the realities of today’s fire service. As always, the crew covers the latest fire service news, sponsored by FireCam, and Geno closes things out with his final thoughts.

    1h 10m

  8. SEP 18

    Ep 12 – Trench Rescue Success with Chief Robert Whiten Jr., Captain Matt Prentice & Captain/Paramedic Kerry McCorkle Jr.

    In this episode of Third Due First In, Keith is joined by co-host Dan Haeck as they welcome Charleroi Fire Chief Robert Whiten Jr., Captain Matt Prentice, and Captain/Paramedic Kerry McCorkle Jr. to discuss a recent successful trench rescue. The crew walks us through the challenges, tactics, and teamwork that made the operation a success. Plus, Keith and Dan cover recent fire news, honor the sacrifices of firefighters across the country, and share important info on the National Firefighter Cancer Registry. 👉 Subscribe and follow for future episodes, and connect with us on YouTube, X, Instagram, and more for extra content. #FireService #Podcast #ThirdDueFirstIn #TrenchRescue

    39 min
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About

The fire service is changing fast — we’re here to talk about it. Third Due First In is the podcast where frontline firefighters, chiefs, and public safety leaders break down the calls, the culture, and the challenges that come with keeping our communities safe. Expect stories, strong opinions, and the kind of straight talk you’d hear around the firehouse bay table.

Information

  • Creator
    3rdDue1stIn
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 3rdDue1stIn
  • Show Website
    Third Due First In

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