Firefighter Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#354 Most Influential Women in Fire 2024 with Colette Black Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

My guest today is Colette Black, Director of People Services and Assistant Chief Executive at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. A Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Colette holds postgraduate qualifications in executive coaching and strengths-based coaching and is a nationally accredited mediator. With a strong interest in occupational psychology, she has recently conducted research on psychological safety and positive action within UK Fire and Rescue Services. Nationally, she plays an active role with the NFCC, leading on the culture dashboard and people policies, and was recognized as one of the 'Most Influential Women in Fire' in December 2024.

Our conversation explores key themes such as organizational strategy, positive action, and challenges within fire and rescue services. Colette shares insights from her research on misogyny, bullying, and harassment, emphasizing the need for a psychologically safe work environment. We discuss the importance of balancing positivity and accountability in leadership, as well as the role of coaching and situational leadership in developing new leaders. Colette highlights the significance of role models, belonging, and behaviours in fostering diversity and inclusion, alongside the challenges of measuring success and the potential pitfalls of quotas. The discussion also touches on supporting women in the fire service, the role of fitness in recruitment, professional standards training, and the importance of collaboration in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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#353 Essential Training Ideas, Drills, Recruitment Insights & Firefighter Development with Adam from DrillBook Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Today, we’re diving into the world of drills, firefighter training, knowledge management, and the evolution of learning tools with my good friend Adam Bizley – creater of Drillbook, an app designed to collate sector knowledge, simplify training, streamline drills, and ensure that critical knowledge doesn’t get lost as experienced firefighters retire.

You can connect with Adam at adam@tffpc.com

You can Download the Drill book mobile app for FREE by clicking below
Drill Book - App on Apple Store
Drill Book - App on Google Playstore

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#352 From Ashes to Iron: A journey of Grit, Perseverance & Strength with Zac Blackledge Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

On the podcast today I have my good friend and returning guest Zac Blackledge. Zach is a dad, husband, UK firefighter, an incredible athlete and all round nice bloke. This podcast was recorded back in November of 2024 as we rounded up and connected the dots from the past few years including some of his lowest points after suffering a stroke, fearing he would lose his job and uncertain what the future look like onto his incredible recovery, his comeback and now is incredibly impressive physical and professional development that's taken him far beyond where he was prior to this life changing chapter.
you can connect with Zac HERE
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#351 Faith Religion & Firefighters for Christ with Simon Hewitt Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

My guest today on is Simon Hewitt, a retired firefighter who dedicated over 31 years to serving others in the fire service. Beyond his extensive career, Simon has become a beacon of faith and hope, serving as a chaplain and leader with Firefighters For Christ International.
Learn more about it HERE
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#350 The 5 Tool Firefighter with Nicholas J Higgins Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Nicholas J. Higgins is a firefighter and district training officer New Jersey. New Jersey State Level 2 Fire Instructor, a National Fallen Firefighters Foundation state advocate, and a member of the Board of Directors for the 5-Alarm Task Force, also the founder and a contributor of The Firehouse Tribune website. teaching “Critical Thinking and Fireground Decision Making” and “Critical Thinking and The Fireground Officer” at various fire departments throughout the country, at Firehouse Expo, and other fire conferences nationwide. host of “The 5-Tool Firefighter Podcast”, a podcast designed to help build firefighters to their highest potential on and off the fire ground and the co-host of “Station Talk” with Chief Tom Marchiano where they discuss topics that affect the fire service.

He is the author of “The 5-Tool Firefighter,” 100 pages a book that helps firefighters perform at their highest level and its companion book, “The 5-Tool Firefighter Tactical Workbook”
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#349 Blazing Trails, Breaking Records and the value of Fierce, Female Role Models in Fitness & Firefighting with Helena Brown Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

In todays episode I’m speaking with my good friend, firefighter challenge multiple gold medallist and returning guest Helena Brown.
You can connect with Helena HERE
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#348 Fire Aid Nepal with John Aitchison Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode it’s an honour to be joined by my good friend John Aitchison, a dedicated, driven & passionate firefighter and humanitarian, as we explore his long & extraordinary journey with the people of Nepal. From the devastation of the 2015 earthquakes where he deployed as part of UK international search & rescue to the creation of life-saving initiatives like Fire Aid Nepal, John has been a driving force in transforming disaster response and fire services in the Himalayan region.

We’ll discuss his experiences navigating the complexities of operating in remote areas like Lukla and the Everest trail, the cultural and logistical challenges faced while building fire services in underserved communities like the Khumbu Valley through partnerships with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, we’ll discuss the barriers he and his team faced delivering firefighting equipment and training whilst tackling issues like carbon monoxide poisoning and emergency trauma care in high-altitude regions.
To get involved email - john.aitchison@firescotland.gov.uk

Visit their website HERE

Donate to Fire Aid Nepal Project HERE

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
PATROL STORE UK
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#347 Fitness Foundations for 40 years of Firefighting with Alan Smith Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

As we step into a New Year many of us ask ourselves questions around our personal habits, but around 80% of New Year's resolutions fail, with most people giving up on their goals within a few weeks, with only about 25% of people managing to stick to their resolutions after 30 days; the most common resolutions include losing weight, exercising more & eating healthier.

To help us tackle this, I’m joined by my good friend Alan Smith. Alan’s someone who knows a thing or two about commitment—not just because of his incredible 40-year career in the fire service, but also because of his dedication to fitness, wellbeing, and lifelong learning. Alan’s got a wealth of knowledge to share about the mindset it takes to hold yourself accountable, the importance of setting realistic goals, and how to make meaningful progress—not just for January, but for the rest of your career and life.

In this conversation, we’ll discuss topics including fitness as a cornerstone of longevity in demanding careers like firefighting & how investing in your ‘fitness pension’ can set you up for success.
connect with Alan HERE

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Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#346 Research Driven Firefighting Tactics & The Quadrant Model with Professor Ricardo Weewer Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Today on the podcast my guest is Professor Ricardo Weewer. Ricardo is a leading figure in fire service science, having served as a professor at the Netherlands Fire Service Academy since 2011. His career spans decades of leadership and innovation, including serving as a Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Amsterdam. With a PhD in metal sciences from Delft University of Technology, Ricardo has dedicated his life to advancing practical research that improves firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.

In this episode, we dive into a wide variety of topics in fire and rescue operations. Ricardo shares insights on the Quadrant Model, a framework that revolutionizes decision-making by outlining four tactical approaches: defensive exterior, offensive exterior, defensive interior, and offensive interior. We discuss how this model helps firefighters adapt their strategies in real-time based on evolving conditions.

We’ll also explore the importance of ventilation tactics and the challenges of smoke propagation. Ricardo highlights how tactical decisions like using positive pressure fans or assessing flow paths can dramatically influence outcomes in fire scenarios.

Finally, we’ll also touch on fire service culture and leadership. Ricardo explains the value of a term called shared leadership and the need for all leaders to understand the 'DNA' of the fire service before taking on position of leadership, an approach which appears to be adopted far less across fire services here in the UK. His perspective underscores how involving firefighters in decision-making processes and fostering a culture of mutual trust can transform operations.
You can access info on The "Quadrant Model for Fighting Structure Fires" HERE
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
PATROL STORE UK
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

#345 I Can’t Save You, and I don’t want to die trying with Dr Burton A Clark Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

today we have an extraordinary episode featuring none other than Dr. Burton A. Clark. For those of you in the fire service, his name should be synonymous with leadership, education, and pushing the boundaries of fire safety culture.

Dr. Burton A. Clark has an illustrious 50-year career in the fire service. Starting as a firefighter in Washington, D.C., he rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Fire Chief in Laurel, Maryland, and later Operations Chief for DHS/FEMA. He’s held prestigious positions such as Management Science Program Chair at the National Fire Academy and Visiting Scholar at Johns Hopkins University Center for Injury Research and Policy.
Links:
Dr Clarks website
Dr Clarks Linkedin
We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
PATROL STORE UK
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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