
Getting Mukes'd with Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Howell and Firefighter Sam Stein
06/06/24 • 40 min
In this conversation, our hosts interview two firefighters as they come off probation, Ryan Howell and Sam Stein. Sam shares his background in firefighting, including working for various departments in Illinois and Wyoming before joining the Ventura City Fire Department, as well as his volunteer work in Ukraine. Ryan talks about his time with Cal Fire in Riverside and his decision to join the Ventura City Fire Department to be closer to home. Both firefighters discuss the challenges they faced in their previous departments and the reasons why they chose to make a lateral move. They talk about the intense training under Captain Eric Mukes experienced during their probationary period.
Hosts: Firefighter Paramedic Jon Ellis and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guests: Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Howell and Firefighter Sam Stein of the Ventura City Fire Department
Link: Project Joint Guardian
Link: Dr. Zemlock webinar
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.
In this conversation, our hosts interview two firefighters as they come off probation, Ryan Howell and Sam Stein. Sam shares his background in firefighting, including working for various departments in Illinois and Wyoming before joining the Ventura City Fire Department, as well as his volunteer work in Ukraine. Ryan talks about his time with Cal Fire in Riverside and his decision to join the Ventura City Fire Department to be closer to home. Both firefighters discuss the challenges they faced in their previous departments and the reasons why they chose to make a lateral move. They talk about the intense training under Captain Eric Mukes experienced during their probationary period.
Hosts: Firefighter Paramedic Jon Ellis and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guests: Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Howell and Firefighter Sam Stein of the Ventura City Fire Department
Link: Project Joint Guardian
Link: Dr. Zemlock webinar
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.
Previous Episode

Courage and Resilience with Heather Ellis, Ventura City EMS Administrator Part 2
Part 2 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence. Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer support. Heather shares her personal journey of being in a relationship with a firefighter who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Heather discusses the challenges of leading her family through grief and the importance of rebuilding and finding resilience. She offers advice for those in similar situations, emphasizing the need to recognize warning signs and prioritize self-care. Heather also discusses the improvements needed in mental health support within the fire service.
If you or someone you care about is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by texting “START” to 88788.
If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: EMS Adminstrator Heather Ellis of the Ventura Fire Department
Link: Our Webinar Series
Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.
Next Episode

Snakes and Stabbings with Firefighter Paramedics Connor Ryan-Fenwick and Ryan Vaughn
In this conversation, the hosts interview two more firefighter paramedics as they come off probation, Ryan Vaughn and Connor Ryan-Fenwick. Ryan talks about his journey from being stabbed as a teenager to joining the Navy and eventually becoming a firefighter. Connor discusses his decision to pursue a career in the fire service and his experience working at Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District before joining Ventura City. The conversation highlights the importance of community and the different paths that lead individuals to the fire service. In this conversation, the firefighters discuss their experiences working in different fire departments. They compare the training programs, hiring practices, and call volumes of Rancho Cucamonga, Ventura, and Cal Fire. They also touch on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and resilience in the face of challenges.
Hosts: Firefighter Paramedic Jon Ellis and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guests: Firefighter Paramedic Connor Ryan-Fenwick and Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Vaughn of the Ventura City Fire Department
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.
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