Make Due: Suburban Fireman Podcast

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!

Season 3 is kicking off with a splash! Sean Eagen of the Buffalo (NY) Fire Department joins the show to discuss the importance of truck work on the fireground, truck tactics, positioning, truck company priorities and maximizing your training in a knowledge packed first episode of the new year! I've even been told it's ok if engine jakes listen in too (hey, he rode an engine for a few years!). So don't dismay if you're not an official "truckie"! Seriously though, give this episode a listen. You won't be disappointed.

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.

Captain Marc Aloan (West Columbia FD) of The Fire Inside and Rust Belt Jakes joins Nick to discuss suburban fireground operations, leadership and culture. The discussion starts out discussing some hot button topics in regard to water supply, nozzle selection, attack packages, search, and traditional truck work for the suburban engine company. Numerous tactical considerations and strategies are discussed in depth. The crew then examines leadership at the company level including what works, what doesn't and some things we can do to enhance our leadership abilities including setting realistic goals, expectations and priorities. Finally, Marc discusses culture as he sees it in the modern fire service and some ways to invest in a positive culture within the walls of your firehouse.

Nick and Sean team up with Nick Ledin and Jeff Bryant of the Fire Nuggets podcast in this EPIC crossover episode! The gang discusses training, search culture, two in/two out, what it takes to run a successful fire training event, engine operations and more.