PODCAST: Lee Ireland - The Future Fire Service

While taking another advanced management class in Emmittsburg, with Mr. Lee Ireland, I was able to get some interview time with him.  Lee has been involved in the Fire Service, Emergency Management, Local Government and an enlightened prolific Author/Teacher.

I have had the profound opportunity to hear him before and the experience is always edifying.  The course I took with him last was the Train-the-Trainer for the National Fire Academy Course, "Shaping the Future".  I can't wait to deliver it!

Lee Ireland has a great method of delivering instruction, while empowering his students.

Listen in, as Lee and I discuss current and future trends in the Fire and Emergency Services realm.

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TEEX Lecture: Company and Command Officer - Chis Naum

TEEX Leadership Symposium 2013

Company and Command Officer

 

 

Christopher Naum - Presenting

 

Great lecture delivered, as always from Chris Naum.

John Alston Fire Recruit Keynote Address Kean University 2013

Decision Making and the Planning Process -- Joe Castro/ Jim Chinn

 

I've had the great opportunity to hear Joe Castro and be taught in the classroom by Jim Chinn. 

 

They are great presenters and well versed in the importance of Command and Control issues; Primarily in the realm of critical decision making and the planning process.

 

You will want to get out a pad and pen to take notes.  Be sure you have time follow along with this critical information.

 

Enjoy this lecture from the TEEX Leadership Symposium series. 

FOTRUST PODCAST: Dr. Denis Onieal

Dr. Denis Onieal, Superintendent National Fire Academy

 While attending the 2013 New Jersey Weekend, at the National Fire Academy, I was able to sit down for an informative chat with the Superintendent.  Dr. Denis Onieal and I go way back.  Twenty-eight years to be exact.  He has been a friend and mentor, for equally as long. Back in the mid to late 80's, Dr Onieal and I worked on several projects for the Jersey City Fie Department, the State of New Jersey and the Federal Government. 

He has always taken a practical and insightful approach, to every project or issue.  His interpersonal skills are, what I think, the essence of his character; he cares about people.

Listen to our brief talk concerning Fire Officers and the future of the Fire Service, in general.

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FOTRUST PODCAST: Chief Eddie Burns

Fire Chief Eddie Burns (Ret'd) Dallas F.D.

I had an information packed and candid conversation with Chief Eddie Burns, retired of the Dallas Fire Department, Dallas, TX.  I have had the great fortune to team up with Eddie Burns inside and outside of the classroom.  Here he shares keen insight into the successful steps and preparation one must take to be productive and effective as an Executive Fire Officer.

He talks about the importance of Competence, Trust and Loyalty.  Listen and let us know what you think.

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FOTRUST PODCAST: Stephanie Denis Gatineau Province Canada

Lt. Stepahnie Denis, Gatineau Province Canada

While Larry Conley and I took a pause to grab some grub, we met two cool firefighters from Canada @FDIC. LT Stephanie (pronounced "STEF-ON) Denis, of Gatineau Province Canada. He and his co-worker Patrick traveled to FDIC to train and meet other firefighters from near and far. We had a great conversation about the fire service and he agreed to share some of it our readers and listeners here. There may be some minor differences in our organizations, but listen clearly to the many similarities. Almost everyone of our interviewees have been able to point one, if not more, person(s) who influenced them. That makes me know that we, who have been in the service for some time, have to be careful about those who are watching us and being influenced by us. Not just by what we say, but more importantly, by what we do and how we carry ourselves. I want to thank LT Denis, for taking the time out to share.

Click below to hear our short chat.

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FDIC 2013 - Here We Go Again

Had a great and informative time this week at FDIC 2013.  As always, a record crowd.  As always, a great place for firefighters and fire instructors to exchange ideas, learn and grow.

The session opened with a stellar ceremony and great words of encouragement and inspiration.  As with most important ceremonies and events the pipes and drum corps sound the clarion call to action and remembrance.  The corps is made up of Pipers and Drummers from all over the nation.

I found a great opportunity to chat with Sparky in his fire engine.  He gave a lesson on how to become "The Man:.  LOL  This great piece of Public Fire Safety Education equipment still draws a crowd and when the operator s a character themselves...well, you just have to watch.

The week has gone so fast we're going to post pictures (worth a thousand words) to catch you up.   Sat down to interview some great fire officers and instructors that we are posting for your listening pleasure and edification.  Be sure to check back periodically for them.

BRB...

FOTRUST PODCAST: BC John Mittendorf Los Angeles

A Great Fire Officer - BC John Mittendorf

With all of the great opportunities @FDIC to share and grow, you cannot help but get edified in the presence of a John Mittendorf.  I have know John for quite some time.  I have followed his career and work ethic for many years.  Many will value his lectures, articles and new book on Truck Company Operations. 

He is legendary for his description and detail of all truck company operations on the fireground. His publications and lectures are as entertaining as they are informative.  He is a frequent presenter at FDIC and across the nation.

But few may remember that he wrote a book on, "Facing the Oral Interview".  Pages I still peruse from time to time.  They have ageless wisdom inextricably attached to them.

 

I caught up with Chief Mittendorf, recently.  I asked him a few questions about Fire Officers and the Fire Service.  Click on the link below and take a listen to our chat.

 

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FDIC Attendees Pause For West, Tx FF's

With all of the activities and training occurring this week, at @FDIC 2013, we were fortunate that the staff of the conference made available a live feed from the memorial service honoring the 10 Firefighters killed in the tragedy of the West, Texas Fire and Explosion.

 

Those being remembered and honored include

• Morris Bridges, West Fire Department
• Cody Dragoo, West Fire Department
• Joseph Pustejousky, West Fire Department
• Douglas Snokhous, West Fire Department
• Robert Snokhous, West Fire Department
• Cyrus Reed, Abbott Fire Department/West EMS
• Jerry Chapman, Abbott Fire Department/West EMS
• Kevin Sanders, Bruceville Eddy Fire Department/EMS
• Kenny Harris, Dallas Fire-Rescue
• Perry Calvin, Merknel Fire Department/West EMS
• Jimmy Matus, honorary firefighter, West Fire Department
• William Uptmor Jr., honorary firefighter, West Fire Department

The fire and emergency service as a whole mourns the loss of 10 of our own and two honorary firefighters and honors their service and sacrifice in West, Texas. "We remember with deep sadness and gratitude our colleagues who died in service to the community of West, Texas, and extend our sincere condolences to their loved ones," said Chief Hank Clemmensen, IAFC president and chairman of the board. "It's with heavy hearts that we say goodbye, but it's in their honor that we put on our helmets each day."

  

                          

Our thoughts and prayers, from Fire Officer Trust, go out to the families, members and friends of those who lost their lives.  More information can be found on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation site: 

Where Did the Time Go???

Dear Friends

Where did the year go?  I blinked, had a Christmas cookie and the next thing you know it's April!

In all seriousness and not to whine, A Vision and as an extension, myself has been incredibly busy.  You might have heard about our weather experience...you know Sandy?  Lost my home office and basement, computer, network and microwave.  Sheesh....we're still working on getting out from under the mess, but as in everything, some good did come out of it.  I was assigned as the Evacuation/Mass Shelter Branch Director for Jersey City; managing 9 shelters.  We were able to develop a few new directives in Mass Shelter that we will be sharing with the rest of the country in Emergency Preparedness. Our validation came when Federal Agencies, Assets and Resources stated that they wanted to copy a few items from my playbook.  Great job done by all and a tremendous effort by, Fire, EMS and Police.  (why can't we work that way with the day to day ops),  --- Did I say that?

Many Thanx to all who helped.  The full story has to be told and I will post when I get a vacation.  Special Thank You goes out to our Military Personnel, at the Jersey City Armory; led by Chief Armorer Charles Parsons and my new Bro. Capt. Rene Roa.  (fotos to follow)

I recently joined the prestigious Instructor Cadre of the International Association of Fire Fighters (www.iaff.org) Master Instructor Corps.  I am honored and humbled; I hope to share and learn with the best (students and instructors).  This position  gives me the opportunity to share information and knowledge with even more folks in the upcoming years. 

Are you going to be at FDIC2013(www.fdic.com)?  If so, please let me know and let's get together, trade a few war stories,  and just learn from each other.  My best lessons are those I've picked up from  colleagues and friends.  I'm giving a class on "Highrise Fire Safety Management: A Look from Both Sides Now".  It will be Friday, April 26, 2013, in Rooms 134-135, @ 8:30hrs and will last for 90 minutes.  Pop by and say hello

Also to the Victims and Responders in Boston and elsewhere.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Stay safe !

John