5-alarm Task Force!

Episode 9-18 – Chief-Emeritus/Retired Charles Werner- New Technology for First RespondersChief-Emeritus/Retired Charles Werner has served 44 years in the fire service, 37 years with the Charlottesville Fire Dept., the last ten as the Charlottesville Fire Department. Additionally, he is also the current Executive Director of Droneresponders.org with just under 12,000 members from across the world. In our interview, Chief Werner explains recent technology that we either have now or will in the near future. A number of these will be, not only for the Fire Services, but our Brothers & Sisters of Law Enforcement and EMS!Chief Werner has also served as Acting Deputy State Coordinator and Senior Adviser with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, where he helped to facilitate VDEM’s UAS (sic. Drone), as well helping  the Albermarle County Sheriff's Office SAR team. So, if you’re a “techy,” “geek,” etc., this podcast is one you will not want to miss!                                                      

In most fire departments and some EMS agencies have to file a bunch of paperwork to report the fires/rescues, additional info i.e. number of patients, levels of damages and so much more. Well, there’s a new “day” coming, starting on January 2, 2026!Our podcast welcomes Troy Lachinski of Image Trend, a company integral to the change of Fire/EMS recording within the new system, NERIS, National Emergency Response Information System. More than just a system upgrade, NERIS will fundamentally change how change how departments report, analyze and act on critical data.Joining us on this episode of 5-Alarm Task Force, is Troy Lachinski. As one of the key personnel who is assisting departments (and you, our viewers and listeners) as to how recording we have been using for decades, But it was often “go” or “no-go.” If the data wasn’t entered as soon as the crews return from the call, folks were exhausted and let it slide to the morning and sometimes, it never did get down. Watch and listen to our guest, Troy Lachinski,

Episode 9-16 – Miranda Spivack and Dianne Cotter – “Backroom Deals in Our Backyards”As we pass through life, we encounter many people. This one works in a tall building; another delivers office supplies and a third washes all the windows. Most see this as “blue-collar” job, but do we really know what’s going on.Our guests today are Miranda Spivack, a former reporter and she worked for the “Washington Post,” for 20 years. She has been a Fulbright Scholar. Her work has appeared in the “New York Times,” “USA Today,” and “Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting” and the McClatchy newspapers. And Miranda’s “guest,” is a frequent guest on 5-Alarm Task Force. Ms. Diane Cotter who, when her husband was diagnosed with cancer, Diane wanted to know both, how could this happen and how can we fight this. Both of our guests have “climbed” the very tall wall. And as it came to be, Miranda was following Diane’s life and her determination and how she fought the system, not just for her family, but for every firefig

Episode 9-15 – Assistant Chief Jacob JohnsonWe are proud to have Asst. Chief Jacob Johnson from the Pearland Fire Department in Pearland TX. Jacob first joined us on “5-Alarm task Force,” when he was a Captain. And it was easy to see how dedicated he was, and still is, of course, to being the best firefighter and officer that he could be. In this episode, we discuss the “how and why” of, not only his success, but that of the department. With their seventh station already on the way, they also have plans for Station 8 and Station 9. We discuss the remarkable success of the Pearland Fire Department and how successful their recruiting efforts are. Beyond recruiting, their retention level is particularly good. As Jacob tells it, one of the most important criteria is treating their residents as well as their members as “family.”Sit back and enjoy the videocast or the audio podcast and see what you can learn from Asst. Chief Jacob Johnson.Watch the interview on YouTube at https://youtu.be/v49vDfNNv20 and the audio

What are some of today's most pressing issues in the Fire Service? We look at a couple in this episode: Training in Today's Fire Service, as well as Retention and Recruitment. Joining us to cover these topics is Assistant Chief Joe Manning of the Largo FL Fire & Rescue Department. With nearly 30 years in the Fire Service, he has seen it all in training programs, as well as a departments working strenuously with retention and recruitment. In this interview, he explains what he has seen and what he and the Largo Fire & Rescue Department over the years. We believe you will be extremely interested in our discussion, and you will probably hear some of his ideas that you can bring back to your department, as there are many departments across the country facing these and other similar difficulties, while remaining vigilant for the calls that need to be cared for.

Whether you’re a veteran firefighter or a rookie, the likelihood that you’ve seen or even read FIREHOUSE® Magazine, is high. It has been a staple in most firehouses and with thousands more visiting the website, attending conferences and more. Its current Editor-in-Chief is Peter Mathews. Peter is the Director of Conferences and FIREHOUSE® Magazine. He has worked at FIREHOUSE® since 1999, serving in various roles on both the Magazine and FIREHOUSE®.com staffs He completed an internship with the Rochester NY Fire Department and has served with fire departments Glenwood Landing. Rush NY and Laurel MD.Peter is an avid photographer of the fire service and frequently rides along with the fire departments in Dallas and Ft. Worth TX. Today, Peter and I will discuss the 25th anniversary of the Worcester MA Cold Storage Fire and his look at the recent new conference, Fire Fusion.                                     ********************Please remember that we need your help especially during this Holiday Season; to rais

Since 2015/2016, we have an elevated consciousness regarding cancer in the fire service. With slow, but sure processes, we learned the AFFF, and our gear are “dosed” with PFAS. That it about to change. My guests on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” are Kevin Yeazell and his son Kevin Ryan Yeazell of a company Fireground Supply. Several seasons ago, we met (via podcast) Quincy Emmons, from Canada. His company created a product, Fire Rein. It is a liquid composed of all-natural product, without any PFAS/PFOS. My guests reached out to Quincy’s company for details and saw how valuable this could be for the fire service. Additionally, Fireground Supply created another firefighting tool, called Eco-Gel. It sticks to almost any product like wood, plastics, and more. What is important to know is that Eco-Gel is made of all natural products, contains no PFAS/PFOS and actually sticks to the surface and will not allow a re-light of what was burning. Kevin Ryan Yeazell is also an expert on firefighting gear. He is de

How many times have we heard about a friend or relative made his/her annual visit to their doctor. She runs a batch of tests, only to tell you that there is a problem. When the patient is asked, “Why didn’t you come in sooner?” The sad answer is, “I didn’t think it was anything to bother you with.” Sadly, this often results in a serious condition that might have been mitigated with early discovery.Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force,” is an ardent supporter of our podcast and always teaches us important and valuable info to promote healthy habits for the fire service and, more important, early detection!Over the years, even when still serving as the Executive Assistant Chief of the Broward County Sheriff – Fire/Rescue Division. Even long before he was involved with Lifescan Wellness, he brought them into that very department to evaluate the health of the firefighters, officers, etc. And with every appearance on the podcast, Todd has shared some of the wonderful stories of firefighters, police off

If you are a “student of fire service,” you should know the name of our guest very well! Capt. Daley has over 35 years of experience in the fire service. He is currently a Captain with the town of Monroe, NJ. Capt. Daley is also the president of the Kill the Flashover organization, a 501(c)(3) charitable company that strives to teach to others about how we can indeed, learn the tactics to look for and prevent a flashover from overtaking your team(s). He is a staff instructor in two county fire academies and is an Adjunct Professor at two County colleges, developing and delivering FESHE approved curriculum in Fire Behavior and Building Construction.In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind the formation of “Kill the Flashover,” some of their ideas and goals, as well as tips to help us avoid the danger of a flashover occurring. Capt. Daley also relates some of what he taught on a recent trip to Colorado, as well as an explanation of the different water application devices that should be used in the appropr

Like many kids in countries around the world, many want to be firefighters. And many of us fulfill that childhood dream. Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” is Lt. Michael Stachowicz of he Edinburgh Fire Service in Scotland. Prior to joining the Edinburgh Fire Service, he was a firefighter with the Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Services in England.As you view the video and/or listen to the audio podcast, you will see that Michael is a “Student of the Science of Fire.” He lectures at local and regional conferences in the UK and Europe. Subjects? Fire Behavior, High-Rise Firefighting and Technical Rescue, which is one of his specialties. In 2023 and 2024, Michael presented at the IFIW – International Fire Instructors Workshop. Michael has as the heart of a warrior, however, he also cares deeply about other fire departments and their personnel. Thus, he has also dedicated himself to assist wherever he can through charitable and humanitarian work in countries like Moldova and Ukraine, as well as d

Often, where we are dispatched to a building that we know has automatic water flow in the event of the fire, we tend to expect that the water is flowing as designed and that all we will be left with is mopping up. Our guest on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” is an engineer who designs water-flow systems, from the FDC outside to the sprinklers inside the facility.On this episode, E.J. stresses the issue that it is incumbent upon us, whether we serve a career, volunteer, part-pay, or paid-on-call, that we know our districts and what is being built in these districts. We should never assume anything, because there is often a chance that the building under construction three months ago will be the same three months later.Watch our video interview or listen to the audio podcast. Either way, you will learn about what you could face when you arrive at the building and that may be too late.                                          ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we

Chief Justin Bailey is a 25+ year “student of the Fire Service. He is the Fire Chief with the Oliver Springs (TN) Fire Dept. and a Captain/Medic with the Knoxville (TN) Fire Department, where he has been serving since 2007 and currently assigned to Engine 1. His career began in 1999 as a Junior Firefighter/Explorer with the Oliver Springs Fire Dept. He is a part-time fire instructor with the State of Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy, delivering classroom and hands-on instruction in various topics on-campus, at regional fire conferences, and at various local fire departments throughout Tennessee.He has instructed nationally on the topics of volunteer training program development, professional development and rural fireground management, having presented at both FDIC and Firehouse Expo. Chief Bailey has an Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science from Roane State Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University.                            

Capt. Kory Pearn has over twenty years in the Canadian Fire Service. However, looking at the trades to provide more than photos and fire story articles, he did not find what he was searching for. Kory started thinking that firefighters need more than “hotshot” pics. He wanted to read a trade that would focus on firefighters’ health and wellness. And when he was unable to find a trade like that, he created one of his own, “CRACKYL” Magazine.Kory is the publisher, Editor-in-Chief and CEO of CRACKYL Media, Inc. He is an industry author and keynote speaker, who acts as an enthusiastic mental health advocate, spreading awareness of what it takes to not only survive, but thrive in the dynamic job of firefighting. In this episode, Kory and I discuss two key topics for today’s firefighters, whether in the USA, Canada or almost anywhere else there are firefighters. First, is “Looking at Life’s Challenges,” and “Learning to Learn.”All too often, we tend to set specific limits on ourselves, i.e., family, finances, perha

Chief Dave Robertson has more than 25 years in the Fire Service in five different departments in Canada, from bust urban systems to wildland, and to rural/semi-rural areas. He has instructed with his fire departments, in fire academies, paramedic schools and private fire institutions.Chief Robertson is fueled by a sincere passion to make the fire service better, which today includes talking to his classes about his own struggles with PTSI or PTSD. He hopes that by being open to recruits right at the front end of their careers and explaining to them the very real threat, that each recruit will be able to have a long and joyful job.                                          ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp

Chief (ret) Marc Bashoor has been one of best chiefs in the business. He was the Chief of Prince George's County Fire Department, a mix of career, volunteer and combo stations. He currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the trade, Fire-Rescue 1. His many years in the fire service have seen changes, some for the good and some...not. Nevertheless, he promotes the key concept of firefighters be fit, of both mind and body. He doesn't pull his punches, but what he says and teaches is always aimed to help every firefighter to be a better firefighter! Watch, Listen and Learn! Then, answer the key question: "Could you rescue YOU!"                                         ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org a

It is no secret that being a firefighter, career, volunteer, WUI, Paid-on-Call, etc., can take a physical and emotional toll on us. Often a rookie/probie takes a “lot of heat,” and that is before his/her have even rolled out of the station. Now, add everything else we must do outside the fire service, and we might be shouldering physical issues like weight, unbalanced diets, etc. Our Guest on this podcast can provide pointers to you.Capt. Aaron “ZAM” Zamzow has been in the fire service for over twenty years. He is the owner for Fire-Rescue-Fitness, a company that creates workout programs and fitness articles that focus on getting Fire Rescue Athletes, “Fit for Duty.” He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Wellness, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Trainer and an IAFF/IAFC Peer Fitness Trainer. He has also worked in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has experience working with the general population, as well as athlet

Jeff Dill was an active firefighter and officer with the Palatine Rural Fire Prevention District. But in 2010, he founded the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) which is an IRS-Certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit.Jeff travels the U.S. and Canada. Holding workshops to teach firefighters and EMS personnel about behavioral health awareness and suicide prevention. FBHA was the only known organization that collects and confirms data on firefighter and EMS suicides across the U.S. In addition, FBHA holds classes for counselors/Chaplains, family members and preparing for retirement.Jeff holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Argosy University in Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor.FBHA also is the Behavioral Health Administrators for the Las Vegas Fire Dept.                                          ********************Please remember that we need your help to raise the funds we use to financially help a Brother/Sister and or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated

Those of us who have served or those who continue to serve as a First Responder, as a firefighter, law enforcement and EMS know that beneath the “glory” feeling as we respond, it often comes with a darker side. And, whether we admit it or not, the horrors and trauma we see, we tend, we transport, etc. take an emotional toll on us, whether we wish to admit that or not. When we were little kids and we loved ice cream, too much ice cream, no matter the flavor with take a toll with at least, your stomach! Now, change the result of eating too much ice cream as a kid to what we see everyday on the job. What? Do you think your hands and mind are oblivious to the trauma we see? Not sure if that is you? Try standing in front of a mirror and looking at that person reflected to you. Here is the “wicked” truth. That person knows every single detail of your life! You cannot hide your feelings, thoughts, etc. from the mirror image. So, cut the crap that you think you can control. Because if you do not admit it, it will tak

So many podcasts about the fire service cover tactics, gear, tools and many more, focusing on what we do when we respond to a call. However, before you even catch your first response, there is one key aspect of what we do that is often “lost” on the excitement and adrenaline coursing through both new and well-established firefighters. What is that? It’s the word we often use outside of the firehouse, but for some reason, it often doesn’t make it into the firehouse. And that word is “HUMANITY!My guest on this podcast is Capt. Ron Givens. We first met at the 2017 Great Florida Fire School. We spoke here and there, and I stepped into a couple of his classes, both in a classroom and outside in the training area. And one thing that stuck with me was how Ron spoke to his students. There was no yelling or name-calling. He kept a cordial approach with every question asked and demonstrated slowly to teach appropriately. In this podcast, Ron and I discuss the absolute need for HUMANITY back into the firehouse. For over

Our guest, Jack Sullivan is the Director of Training for the Responder Safety Institute and has been with us several times over the years. On this occasion Jack addresses the tragically high number of “Struck by,” incidents, where a firefighter, law enforcement officer, ambulance team, recovery (tow) operator, Road Ranger and even innocent good-Samaritans are injured or killed, most due to inattentive drivers, from people on bikes to large tractor trailers. We, who are First Responders much work to educate our members to always maintain, “Situational Awareness” and our heads on a “swivel” in our efforts to bring more safety to our jobs.Jack also explains to us the heavy need for more TIM (Traffic Incident Management) Teams around the country. These teams review past response incidences and how they could have been handled and feed that info to the responder agencies. They also conduct training with various First Responder agencies to help their members learn how to be safer and how to include those findings w