The IAFF Podcast: Recent Episodes
International Association of Fire Fighters
News and notes from the International Association of Fire Fighters, representing over 320,000 professional fire fighters and EMS personnel across the United States and Canada. Hosted by Mark Treglio and Doug Stern.
This segment shares the perspectives of several IAFF behavioral health partners to explore compassion fatigue, burnout, and self-care among fire service personnel on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic.
Guest speaker: Dr. Suzy Gulliver from the Warriors Research Institute
This segment shares the perspectives of several IAFF behavioral health partners to explore compassion fatigue, burnout, and self-care among fire service personnel on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic.
Guest speaker: Lt. Drew Kane, a member of the Uniformed Fire Fighters Association of New York Local 854
This segment shares the perspectives of several IAFF behavioral health partners to explore compassion fatigue, burnout, and self-care among fire service personnel on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic.
Guest speaker: Indianapolis, IN Local 416 Battalion Chief Doug Abernathy.
This segment shares the perspectives of several IAFF behavioral health partners to explore compassion fatigue, burnout, and self-care among fire service personnel on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic.
Guest speaker: Garland, TX Local 1293 President Bill Crews.
Fire service personnel not only respond to the opioid epidemic on a daily basis, but they are part of the solution. This segment focuses on the experience of two IAFF affiliates that have taken an innovative approach to fighting the opioid crisis in their communities. Guest speakers include Brian Nee from Boston, MA Local 718, and Rob Weeks, president of Vancouver, BC Local 18.
This segment features two emergency medical services (EMS) subject matter experts who explore best practices in managing exposure risks for fire service personnel who respond to opioid incidents in the community. Captain Alan Van Heck is a 20-year veteran of the Bloomfield Township Fire Department and a member of Bloomfield, MI Local 3045. Toby Frost is a captain in the Lafayette Fire Department and a member of Lafayette Local 472. Both are instructors for federal resources and subject matter experts on the topic of synthetic opioids in the field of fire and EMS.
This segment features two emergency medical services (EMS) subject matter experts who explore situational awareness for fire service personnel who respond to opioid incidents in the community. Captain Alan Van Heck is a 20-year veteran of the Bloomfield Township Fire Department and a member of Bloomfield, MI Local 3045. Toby Frost is a captain in the Lafayette Fire Department and a member of Lafayette, IN Local 472.
Opioid addiction and other forms of substance use impact all members of society, including fire service personnel. This segment focuses specifically on how fire departments can support and respond to members coping with substance use problems using best practice standards in occupational health, as well as lessons learned from one IAFF affiliate.
This segment explores best practices for fire fighters interested in managing pain while minimizing or discontinuing the use of opioids. Dr. Alan Gonzalez-Cota, a pain management expert and medical consultant for the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, shares his perspective and lessons learned in treating fire fighters with pain management challenges as a result of occupational injury, overuse, and trauma.
This segment focuses exclusively on special treatment considerations for fire service personnel facing their own battle with opioid addiction, including medication alternatives, best practices in substance abuse treatment, and the unique role of peer support in a fire fighter’s recovery journey. Guest speakers include two treatment specialists who work exclusively with fire fighters in substance abuse treatment settings: Dr. Abby Morris, Medical Director of IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, and Lt. Drew Kane, a fire fighter and credentialed alcohol and drug abuse counselor with the FDNY Counseling Service Unit.
This segment is for fire service personnel and civilians to understand how opioid addiction is treated and the life-long recovery process. Learn more about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as a best practice in treating opioid use disorder, as well as the use of FDA-approved medications, evidence-based behavioral treatments, and the essential role of community-based support services.
This segment is for fire service personnel and civilians to get a deeper understanding of opioid addiction. Learn more about the short-term and long-term effects of this complex biological disease, as well as the physical, social, and emotional changes in someone using or abusing opioids. Understand the medical definition of opioid use disorder and the difference between opioid dependence and opioid addiction.
Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN)’s Chief Operations Officer Joe Schumacher and the American Cancer Society (ACS) Senior Director of Field Corporate Strategy and Operations Kim Bruna highlight the cancer resources available for fire fighters through their partnerships with the IAFF. They highlight online resources, hotlines, and support services both organizations offer, and how those who are diagnosed with cancer or know someone who is diagnosed can access those resources.
Jason Burns (Fall River, MA Local 1314) and IAFF Chief Science Advisor Derek Urwin (Los Angeles County, CA Local 1014) discuss per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – a class of toxic chemicals fire fighters are exposed to. They highlight the concerns for fire fighters and the impact on departments.
Sam Eaton (Palm Beach County, FL Local 2928 [retired]) and Chris Bator (Metro-Broward, FL Local 3080) from the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative discuss how cancer in the fire service has impacted their departments and how this led to the creation of Firefighters Attacking the Cancer Epidemic “FACE” Teams.
Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN)’s Russ Osgood and DetecTogether’s Heather Maykel discuss how fire fighters can be their own advocate and how they can detect cancer earlier by utilizing the DetecTogether program. Russ and Heather explain some of the educational components of the training and tools to advocate for additional screenings.
Dr. Sara Janke and Bryan Frieders (FCSN) discuss issues female fire fighters face, behavioral health, stress, and relevant research that demonstrates the need for culture changes in the fire service to reduce occupational cancer.
Dan King, a cancer survivor and FCSN mentor, joins us to discuss his diagnosis and treatment and how his experiences and lessons learned led him to become an FCSN mentor.
Dr. Jeff Burgess and IAFF Director Derek Urwin discuss the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study, diving into the purpose of the study and what they see as the next steps.
The IAFF Financial Corporation COO Kurt Becker and Director of Insurance Sara McMullin discuss what the IAFF Financial Corporation is, how it benefits members, and what services are available, including the new cancer supplemental insurance options.
Chrystal Woodcock and Captain Shawn Griffin discuss losing a husband and best friend to occupational cancer, including the impact losing a loved one has on a family and department support during a cancer diagnosis.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
In the early 1900’s in the coal fields of southern West Virginia, miners faced desperate circumstances. Below ground they withstood some of the worst working conditions in America. Above ground they dealt with brutal mine guards and a mine guard system that controlled the politics and economy of the region. Very few people know of the struggle that took place in these mountains, in this place, and the rights that miners fought for between 1900 and 1921.
Mark and Doug sit down with Lou Martin, Secretary of the Board for the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, and Dave Coker, IAFF Strategic Organizer and Greensboro NC Local 947 president, to tell the story of what these miners went through, how it correlates to today's labor movement and a special fundraiser Dave is hosting to get the word out about this not so well known time in American history.
Visit the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum Website
Dave's Fundraiser
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
North Carolina is a tough environment for labor unions. Collective bargaining is banned in the state constitution. Charlotte Local 660 President Tom Brewer sits down with Mark and Doug to discuss the issues the local is up against, how he navigates this environment while still providing value for his members and the importance of staying positive through it all.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
In 1978, fire fighters in Memphis were one of several groups of fire fighters across the country to go on strike in protest of the way they were being treated by their cities. IAFF 14th District Vice President Danny Todd and Memphis Fire Fighters Local 1784 President Thomas Malone tell the story of the conditions leading up to the strike, the obstacles they faced on the job and how fire fighters in Memphis reached their boiling points and walked off the job twice in the summer of 1978.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
Dr. Aisha Rivera from Johns Hopkins University and Racquel Segall from the IAFF’s Health and Safety Department discuss the science around cancer in the fire service, research projects the IAFF is involved with, prevention best practices and how the IAFF can assist departments with cancer questions.
Visit the IAFF Cancer Awareness Month Page
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
In this episode, Mark and Doug talk with Garland, TX Local 1293 President Bill Crews and Fire Chief Mark Lee about the benefits of having a positive labor/management relationship in place to strengthen cancer prevention efforts and take care of members when they are diagnosed.
Visit the IAFF Cancer Awareness Month Page
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
Mark and Doug are joined by Bryan Frieders, president of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), to discuss the organization's rise and structure, its mission to keep fire fighters safe, its alliance with the IAFF, and the resources it provides in support of fire fighters who have received that dreaded cancer diagnosis. Bryan also explains efforts being taken by the FCSN to reduce cancer exposures in the fire service.
Visit the IAFF Cancer Awareness Month Page
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
For the first week in the Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month podcast series, Doug and Mark are joined by Dr. Kenny Fent and Dr. Miriam Siegel from NIOSH to discuss the National Firefighter Registry (NFR). Listen along to better understand what the NFR is, the legislative efforts behind getting the registry created, why it was created, who can join the registry and how the registry can be used to better understand occupational cancer in the fire service.
Visit the IAFF Cancer Awareness Month Page
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
In September of 2020, massive wildfires raced through Oregon and left many communities in ruins. Oregon State Fire Fighters Council President Karl Koenig and members of his leadership team join the show to discuss the severity of the fires, the State Council and IAFF response to support our members, and the psychological and economic impact these fires will have on Oregon in the years to come.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
Tensions in Atlanta have been running high since the George Floyd incident gripped our nation several months ago. During this time, Atlanta Fire Fighters have faced many challenges. From rocks thrown at fire engines to ballistic gear being issued to members, the fire fighters that protect this great city did a tremendous job of responding to the situation at hand.
Atlanta fire fighters Paul Gerdis and Andrew Anderson join the IAFF Podcast to discuss the situation in their city, how its fire fighters continued to respond amid the challenges they faced and how despite their differences, they all came together to keep their city safe.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
The International Association of Fire Fighters and the Muscular Dystrophy Association enjoy a partnership that has lasted for 66 years. Over this time, the IAFF has raised over $670 million for MDA.
IAFF/MDA National Coordinator Roger Lopez joins the IAFF Podcast to discuss the relationship, all of the services the IAFF provides beyond filling the boot and the new virtual fill the boot drive being held online because of COVID-19.
To participate in the IAFF virtual Fill the Boot campaign, visit www.mda.org/ftb.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
Jim Ridley, IAFF Assistant to the General President for Education and Human Relations, and Robert Sanchez, President of the New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters Association, engage in a frank discussion about racism they have encountered coming up in the fire service, the steps leaders can take to make their locals and departments more inclusive to all, and the IAFF programs they can use to make it happen.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
Our latest episode features Rick Swan, a 33 year veteran of CAL FIRE who now serves as the IAFF Director of Health and Safety Services. In his duties, Rick oversees the implementation of the IAFF's new Wildland fire training program and advocates for better safety initiatives for fire fighters working in the wildland urban interface.
Rick talks about his time at CAL FIRE, the size and complexity of wildfires, and the 2020 wildfire season.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue Captain and IAFF Local 1664 member Larry Lofland joins the show to discuss his vicious battle with COVID-19, what he actually remembers from it, and how it affected his family. Also joining the show is Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters IAFF Local 1664 President Jeff Buddle to discuss the union's role in assisting Captain Lofland in his time of need.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
A powerful discussion about the May 16th explosion in a downtown Los Angeles pot shop that injured 12 LAFD/Local 112 members. Captain Scott Barkley and Fire Apparatus Operator Ian Soriano walk through us through the incident, the injuries they sustained and their road to eventual recovery.
IAFF 10th District Vice President Frank Lima and UFLAC Local 112 President Freddy Escobar also speak on their response as IAFF leaders to support their injured members and families in their time of need.
To assist the families of the 12 injured fire fighters, please visit www.uflac.org/charitable.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) plays a crucial role in hurricane forecasting. NHC Hurricane Specialist Andy Latto joins the IAFF Podcast to discuss the great things being done in storm forecasting and what listeners can do to be better prepared as a hurricane approaches.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
In their latest episode, Doug and Mark talk with members of the IAFF's Health and Safety Division about their behavioral health initiatives during COVID-19.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
Mark and Doug discuss what the IAFF has done to communicate to its membership during COVID-19, what IAFF locals should be doing to strengthen their internal communications, and tips for how to message your role to local media.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
IAFF Financial Corp Chief Financial Officer Carrie Tucker sits down with Mark and Doug to discuss the recent stock market volatility, how it is affecting retirement accounts and what fire fighters should be doing during this unprecedented time.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
Mark and Doug discuss the resources available on the state and federal level as COVID-19 spreads. Guests include Elizabeth Del Re, IAFF Assistant to the General President for Grants & HazMat Training and Dave Lang, IAFF Assistant to the General President for Policy & Governmental Affairs.
Sponsored by the IAFF Financial Corporation | www.iaff-fc.com
The IAFF debuts its podcast with the first episode in a four part series on the COVID-19 virus.