Firefighter Kingdom: Recent Episodes
Vince Trujillo, Robert Sanchez
Welcome to FireFighter Kingdom! The podcast and Youtube channel for FireFighters, their Family, and the local community. Stay tuned and subscribe!
Let's get the planes out! Our guest this week is Beryl Shears, the owner of Wester Pilot Service. A company that helps fight wildfires from the air. This guest is a one of a kind and his background is proves it from: Marines, Fire Fighter, Pilot, and company owner.
You will get a first hand look into the world of Aerial Firefighting and its an interview chock full of interesting side notes. His company currently has contracts with different states including New Mexico. Stay tuned!
In this podcast:
- What fire department do you work for?
- What rank are you?
- How many years do you have in the fire service?
- How did you climb the ladder of leadership in the IAFF?
- Tell me about your best accomplishments?
- Tell me about your run for Governor in Wisconsin?
- Tell me about Act 10 in Wisconsin?
- Tell me how you stood in solidarity with union brothers and sisters in Wisconsin?
- Tell me about your run for GP of the IAFF?
- Tell me about your fresh start plan first 30 days in office?
- What do you think about diversity in the Fire service and the IAFF?
- Tell me how you would make the IAFF more transparent?
- What would your goals and objectives be as GP of the IAFF?
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Checkout our new coffee and support a Firefighter Foundation: https://firefighterkingdom.com/product/first-responder-blend-whole-bean-and-ground-coffee/
Thanks and see you soon!
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Mahlon Mitchell became a firefighter at age 19. He rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant at Station #1 in Wisconsin’s capital city of Madison, where he still serves and lives today with his wife, April, and two kids, Sie’anna and Karson.
Mahlon is now running for General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters in 2020.
Seeing the power of a union, Mahlon became active in the IAFF early in his career. After having served on the board of Local 311 for years, he was elected President in 2011 of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin and Local 311 in 2014.
The year he took over as President of PFFW, the most anti-union governor in modern U.S. history passed Act 10, stripping unions of their collective bargaining rights. Even when his members were exempt from the bill, Mahlon answered the call.
He stood in solidarity with his brothers and sisters in labor, led marches and rallies at the capital – and fought back. He brought Wisconsin firefighters together in solidarity with the rest of the labor movement because he understands that we are stronger when we are united.
In this podcast:
- What fire department do you work for?
- What rank are you?
- How many years do you have in the fire service?
- How did you climb the ladder of leadership in the IAFF?
- Tell me about your best accomplishments?
- Tell me about your run for Governor in Wisconsin?
- Tell me about Act 10 in Wisconsin?
- Tell me how you stood in solidarity with union brothers and sisters in Wisconsin?
- Tell me about your run for GP of the IAFF?
- Tell me about your fresh start plan first 30 days in office?
- What do you think about diversity in the Fire service and the IAFF?
- Tell me how you would make the IAFF more transparent?
- What would your goals and objectives be as GP of the IAFF?
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Thanks and see you soon!
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Visit FireFighter Kingdom Website
Lee Phillips is a fitness professional, firefighter, athlete and model based in London, UK.
After joining the fire service Lee began competing in firefighter fitness competitions. He has traveled all over the World representing the British National Team at the World Firefighter Games, Firefighter Combat Challenge and Toughest Firefighter Alive competitions. He has held the title of London’s Fittest Firefighter for a record six years and is the current title holder. In August 2017 Lee competed in the World Police and Firefighter Games in Los Angeles amongst ten thousand athletes. He won gold in the Ultimate Firefighter and CrossFit competitions making him double World Champion.
Lee has also been involved with raising money for a number of firefighter and other charities in the UK and the US like William Wood Watches www.williamwoodwatches.com which uses old British fire service helmets and hoses to make some of their watches. Must see!
In September 2011 he and two friends purchased an old British fire engine and shipped it to New York for the ten-year anniversary of 9/11. They then drove the fire engine across the States to Los Angeles raising money along the way before donating the engine to a small town in Nicaragua where it was put back into service to protect the local community.
While working in London Lee was spotted by television presenter and producer Andi Peters and joined Andi Peters Models where he has since become a successful fashion and fitness model. He has appeared in a number of leading publications including Italian Vogue, Fantastic Man and GQ and has worked with some of the world’s top photographers including Bruce Weber, Alasdair McLellan and David Venni. In doing so he has represented global brands such as Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada.
Thanks for listening and please subscribe to keep up with our Episodes!
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Detective Aaron Velarde from the Bernalillo County Sheriff Department (BCSD) is our guest today. BCSD has a long history with the Bernalillo County Fire Department (BCFD) and our host Robert Sanchez.
They discuss the long inter-agency relationship and how law enforcement and the fire service interact on a regular basis from emergency response and crime response to department cooperation.
Topics Covered:
- Detective Velarde's background and family in fire service
- Background in law enforcement
- Robert Sanchez & Aaron Velarde history
- Law enforcement environment in 2020
- Community interaction and issues
- Personnel issues in law enforcement
- Community segment and questions
- FireFighter Kingdom upcoming coffee for first responders
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Thanks and see you soon!
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Chad Miller is a District Chief for TFD and Chief Operations Officer for Oklahoma Smoke Diver Association. Bryan Lloyd is a District Chief for TFD and Chief Elder for the Oklahoma Smoke Diver Association. The association is a volunteer organization.
Their Mission: To prevent death and injury by training firefighters to be adaptable and to develop critical decision making skills in high stress environments.
This training is open to firefighters around the country. Learn more here:
[http://www.oklahomasmokediver.com/]
The Oklahoma Smoke Diver course is a six-day, 60 hour program designed for the experienced firefighter who desires realistic training in self-survival, firefighter rescue, advanced search & rescue, thermal imaging, emergency procedures, teamwork, discipline, team leadership, situational awareness and decision making as well as how to function within the elements of the Incident Command System.
Topics Covered:
- Background and career in the Fire service?
- What led you 2 into become Smoke Divers?
- When did the program start and where did it come from?
- How many States have Smoke Diver programs?
- How should you prepare for the Smoke Diver program?
- Why is becoming a Smoke Diver a Prestigious Honor?
- What does the program consist of in curriculum, training, difficulty?
- What’s the purpose of the water training in the program?
- For firefighters that are listening how can they apply for your program?
- Lots of other interesting aspects of fire service and the program.
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Thanks and see you soon!
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In just our 12th Episode we are honored to have the IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger on our show!
Harold A. Schaitberger, the 9th General President in the IAFF’s more than 100-year history, was first elected in 2000. He is also a vice president of the AFL–CIO, serving on the Executive Committee, and has served on the AFL–CIO Executive Council since 2000.
Robert Sanchez interviews him about his first days as a professional fire fighter in Fairfax County, Virginia. He quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant, organized and served as president of Fairfax County Local 2068 and was elected president of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters – all before he had seven years on the job.
Also, General President Schaitberger discusses the IAFF endorsement of Joe Biden for President and why he believes Joe is the best person for the job and a long time friend of the union.
So much great information from a true legend in the fire service and union history. You don't want to miss!
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Thanks and subscribe!
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Lt. George Asi talks about his background and history in the fire service and how he came to being involved with the custom firetruck ordering process.
Bernalillo County Fire Department is in the process of building a new $1M+ ladder truck and we talk about how the ordering process works from start to finish.
Stay tuned! You don't want to miss this informative interview with a great guest!
Topics Covered:
- History of George in the fire service
- Instructor at the fire academy
- Local volunteer firefighter
- Involved with vehicle replacements
- Fire Grant Process
- Pierce Apparatus Department
- Siddons Martin Emergency Group
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Appleton Wisconsin plant
- Firetruck manufacturing process
- Delivery, usage, and warranty on firetrucks
- Budget & pricing
- Open cabs vs. closed cabs
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Thanks and subscribe!
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Charlie Spain helps us understand how complex Hawaii Fire Department has it and the unique set of circumstances and calls they respond to.
Hawaii is the only (that we know) state in the USA that is actively fighting active volcano fires and rescue operations. This episode has great insight into what its like to be in Hawaii and working all the angles of rescue and operations.
You can learn more about helping the Hawaii Professional FireFighters Association here: [https://www.hawaiifirefightersfoundation.org/)
Stay tuned! You don't want to miss the great interview with an awesome guest!
Topics Covered:
- Charlie Spain background and growing up on Oahu
- How local fire departments work
- Types of rescues on the islands
- Active volcano on Kilauea and earthquakes
- Active lava flow on Kalapana subdivision
- Dangers of lava in fire service and how close you can get
- PPE for lava and toxic gases
- COVID-19 and effects in Hawaii and Fire Service
- Tourist dangers and recommendations
- Most interesting rescue
- Most dangerous rescue
- Stay safe in paradise!
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Mahalo!
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Cpt. Adam VanGerpen is a Fire Captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and also currently 2nd Vice President with United Firefighters of Los Angeles (UFLAC), Local 112.
Adam has been a firefighter with LAFD for 20 years and has served many roles both with fire service and with the UFLAC, and was even a firefighter in the Marine Corp.
This podcast interview was a great insight into what has been going on in with the LA Fire Service during these unprecedented times where they are responding to calls during COVID-19, large fires that burned several firefighters, and having riots going on all at the same time.
You can learn more about the UFLCAC Fire Foundation here: https://www.uflac.org/charitable
Cpt. VanGerpen give us his extensive background and goes into what its like to serve during the last several months and all the different ways that the LAFD responds, serves, and helps keep Los Angeles safer.
Stay tuned! You don't want to miss the great interview with an awesome guest!
Topics Covered:
- Cpt. VanGerpen background and history
- From Marines to Burbank Airport to LAFD
- Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center
- LA Fire resources and covering 500 square miles
- Emergency Management Department
- COVID testing and EMS
- Firefighter infections from COVID and LA rates rising
- Fire Station 9 and Fire Explosion Injuries
- Investigation into the explosion and butane honey oil
- UFLAC Fire Foundation and Burn Fund
- https://www.uflac.org/charitable
- Update on burned firefighters
- Community interaction with riots and calls
- Frankie Lima makes cameo appearance
- Interesting rescue operations and some fun notes
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Thanks and see you soon!
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Cpt. Ramon Martinez is a veteran fire arson investigator with the Fire Investigations Division (FID). And is a 17 year veteran in fire service. Martinez' career started as a firefighter from the Albuquerque Fire Department (AFD). We go over his background and how he got started as a fire investigator and transitioning from firefighter. Also, we discuss the basics of fire investigation, what to look for, how it works, and the law enforcement aspect.
Captain Martinez had to go through both Firefighter Academy (AFD Academy) and Police Academy (APD Academy) to become a member of the Fire Investigations Division.
This is a great interview with lots of interesting information on a department that the public doesn't get to hear about from the inside. Stay tuned!
Topics Covered:
- Cpt. Martinez background and history
- From newbie to driver to interest in fire investigation
- Difference between Fire Academy and Police Academy
- Why you can have both certifications in NM
- Use of dogs in fire investigation
- Process of fire investigation
- Public can help stop fires safely
- Boundaries for fire investigation & prosecution (Bosque)
- Legislation to change zoning for Bosque fire investigation
- Public questions from Vince Trujillo
- How to determine if a crime was committed or malicious
- Beginning to end description of a fire call to investigation to criminal arrest
- Please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or wherever you heard this.
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Thanks and see you soon!
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Episode NotesWelcome to Episode 7 of FireFighter Kingdom
Our Guest:
Lt. David Lujan of the Bernalillo County Helicopter Rescue. David is going on 14 years in the fire service and is also a Public Information Office for the Bernalillo County Fire Department (BCFD).
Topics Covered:
- What situations need rescue when outdoors
- When to use an SOS beacon
- Assess your help or need situation quickly
- Be prepared for your hike or outdoors trip
- Do you have to pay for a helicopter rescue
- Private vs public medical response
- 70 year old viral rescue video from news
- Air Zermatt and Netflix video "The Horn"
- Thank you to: Sheriff Manuel Gonzales, Undersheriff Larry Koren, Fire Chief Greg Perez, Depty. Chief of Operations Larry Rose, Dpty. Chief of Administration Zach Lardy
- Alpine Helicopter EMS
Please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or wherever you heard this.
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Thanks and see you soon!
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Welcome to Episode 6 of FireFighter Kingdom
Our Guest:
Lt. David Lujan of the Bernalillo County Helicopter Rescue. David is going on 14 years in the fire service and is also a Public Information Office for the Bernalillo County Fire Department (BCFD).
Topics Covered:
- Role in recent Valencia county fir
- Metro Air Support Unit (MASU) and role
- Training and selection for Helicopter Rescue
- UNM School of Medicine Reach & Treat Team
- International Diploma in Mountain Medicine
- Jason Williams
- Rescue operations around the state
- Number of helicopter calls 2019 and 2020
- Care package drops vs lifts or rescues
- Proper preparation for outdoors & wilderness to avoid rescues
- 22 Push Up Challenge - Veteran Suicide Awareness Campaign
- Lora Cunningham PSA Award
Please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or wherever you heard this.
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below.
Thanks and see you soon!
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Welcome to Episode 5 of FireFighter Kingdom
Our Guest
Dennis Lawson has served as a professional fire fighter for 33 years. Currently a battalion chief in Central Pierce Fire and Rescue just outside the city of Tacoma. A 2nd generation firefighter, whose dad worked for Tacoma Fire Local 31. And brother is down south in Vancouver, Washington.
Dennis is married with a couple of kids and really enjoys the fire service a great deal. Dennis has spent most of his fire service life as part of the Local 726. And started serving on the executive board right after probation, going on 33 years. Has held many different positions concurrently. State Council president, that represents right around 8,500 firefighters in the state of Washington, 127 locals.
Topics Covered
- COVID-19 in February & March 2020
- First COVID death in nursing home
- Early quarantine and isolation
- Kirkland Washington impact
- Fire fighters testing positive
- State and local agencies communication
- Impact to local taxes & fire departments
- Washington DC interaction and NM & WA state governors
- IFF & State communications
- PPE availability and use
- Call volume for emergencies
Spread The Word
Please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or wherever you heard this.
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below:
- iTunes Podcast
- FaceBook Page
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- Visit FireFighter Kingdom Website
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Welcome to FireFighter Kingdom Episode 4!
Our GuestBernadette “Bernie” Bruha is a trauma expert who has been providing therapy for law enforcement officers, first responders, and their family members. She has been with
PSPG, Public Safety Psychology Group, since 2005. She is currently the preventative program coordinator and co-clinical coordinator for the PSPG treatment team.
Bernie is a certified prevention specialist and she has an independent license in New Mexico as a licensed professional clinical counselor, LPCC. She is certified as a professional lecturer by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in topics pertaining to mental health, law enforcement, crisis intervention, and trauma.
Topics Covered* EMDR Therapy * PTSD and PTSI * Stigma “Injury” of PTSD * Symptoms of PTSD * How To Notice In Family Who Are Fire Fighters * Common Treatments * How It Affects Families * Emotional Currency * Training & Evaluation * What Can Families Do * Mental Care for Family Members
Spread The WordPlease subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or wherever you heard this.
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below:
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Welcome to FireFighter Kingdom Episode 3!
Our GuestDr. Troy Rogers is a police and criminal psychologist based in New Mexico. He has a master's degree and a doctorate in clinical forensic psychology from the University of Denver.
Dr. Rogers has been the agency director for Public Safety Psychology Group LLC, PSPG, since 2004 and at the present time he works as a consultant psychologist for over 130 local state and federal law enforcement, fire, and correction agencies
Topics Covered* Basics of PTSD and Public Safety Personnel * The “Backpack” of PTSD Events * How To Identify PTSD * Treatments of PTSD * EMDR Therapy * Alcohol & Drug Issues * The “unseen” Injury * Different People Cope Differently * PTSD Legislation for Fire Fighters in NM * Prevention & Maintenance
Spread The WordPlease subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or wherever you heard this.
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below:
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Welcome to FireFighter Kingdom Episode 2!
Our GuestDr. Chelsea White is an emergency medicine physician in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He's affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including the University of New Mexico and the UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center.
Dr. White has received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and has been in practice over the last 10 years.
Topics Covered* Basics of COVID-19 * EMS and First Responders * Positive COVID in EMS & Firefighters * First Responders & COVID-19 protocol * PPE Gear * Hospital Protocol for COVID patients * CDC Guidance * Blood & testing for disease & viruses * Success & Failures during early COVID-19
Spread The WordPlease subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or wherever you heard this.
Help us grow the Fire Fighter Kingdom Tribe by sharing with others and also visit us on our YouTube channel and other social websites below:
- iTunes Podcast
- FaceBook Page
- YouTube Channel
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Thanks and see you soon!
Welcome to the FireFighter Kingdom Podcast! This is our First Episode and we're excited to get this off the ground. This show is for FireFighters, their Family, and the local Community.
We started this podcast so that the FireFighter tribe can have a platform and a voice for what is on their mind and interaction on a number of topics like: - Hearing FireFighter stories from around the country - Legislation affecting FireFighters - Community events - PTSD issues for FireFighters - PTSD issues for their Family - Fun news and updates from around the FireFighter Kingdom - Interviews with experts, celebrities, and even politicos
We're going to be having fun along the way and not taking anything too seriously - except that which we want to make some waves on.
Subscribe and follow us and we're excited to have you as part of the FireFighter Kingdom!