Make Due: Suburban Fireman Podcast

Join Nick and Sean with our friend and guest, Dep. Chief (ret.) Steve Prziborowski of the Santa Clara (CA) County Fire Department. The crew unpacks some practical tools in this banger of an episode talking all things leadership! From new members to company officers to chief officers of all ranks, this episode hits on the needed traits, skills and the challenges faced at each respective level. Steve drops some insight into what it takes to be an effective leader and how to navigate the organizational waters successfully.

Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Fire Chief (ret.) and owner of First Line Fire Service Training LLC, Dennis Reilly! The chief gives us some great insight in regard to the standards we hold. This is a deep dive examining personal, cultural, professional, and organizational standards and expectations. The conversation also reviews physical fitness in the fire service, training with a purpose and being a change agent in your corner of the fire service. With nearly 5 decades of experience in every rank from firefighter to fire chief, you don't want to miss this amazing conversation with one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable firemen you'll ever meet. Chief Reilly is doing great things to continue moving the needle forward and for that we are grateful to spend a couple hours learning from one of the best!

Sean and Nick welcome Steve Kimker of the Richmond Heights (MO) FD and the founder and owner of Rescue Redefined training cadre to the show to discuss stabilization, extrication, new vehicle construction, tactics, training and the emergence of electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery technology and their impact on the fire service. This episode is jam-packed with incredible information, tactical considerations and techniques that work! Grab a drink (or two) and get ready to get your learn on!

Buckle your seat belt and hold on tight! While this may be the longest episode ever recorded on the Make Due podcast (it happens!), make no mistake, this episode is a gloves-off, no bullshit, high octane episode from start to finish! Dru Goings (founder of Smoothbore Nation, co-founder of Rust Belt Jakes and Training Officer with the SEHNWU Joint Fire District in west central Ohio) shares his thoughts on fireground tactics, engine work, apparatus set up and culture as it pertains to the volunteer and rural fire service. Dru also discusses integration, utilization and training with our law enforcement brothers and sisters from his unique perspective as an active police officer. Disclaimer: This episode features some very real, candid conversations that may offend some :-) If you're not overly sensitive you should be just fine.

In this episode, Mike Dugan (FDNY ret.) joins the show to discuss the importance of training and solid truck work. The crew examines tactics especially in limited staffing scenarios. We also dive into firehouse culture and tips for new officers. Finally, we give a tip of the hat to our cherished traditions and the best damn job in the world. Grab your beverage of choice and dive on in!