James O'Neal Mayday

Fire Dispatcher of Excellence Ginger Ward

Ginger has been a dispatcher for just shy of 29 years and just recently retired.  She spent most of those years as a fire dispatcher.  She was one of the best we have ever had.  She was a professional in all senses of the position and made our job easier on the working end.  If you needed it, she usually already had it on the way.  She worked through storms, some heartbreaking calls, and some of the most challenging we ever had.  And her knowing the members on the scene increased the emotional toll.  It's like the saying "you don't know what you have until it's gone."  She will be greatly missed.  This podcast discusses dispatch in general, such as the training, some newer technologies, and most important Ginger's career.  Give it a listen. Music by: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/we-made-it [https://track.pstmrk.it/3s/uppbeat.io%2Ft%2Fmonument-music%2Fwe-made-it/vZub/Su-EAQ/AQ/24c0a6e3-ef5a-495a-87fb-64fa1835aa50/4/KZr7s7Fh0r] License code: YZ3KJGDSNIFVFK8A Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512660/fan_mail/new]

Fire to Retire

Everyone knows its coming but we seldom take the time to prepare.  Retired firefighters leave everyday and struggle to transition to normal life after the fire service.  Retired District Chief Jon Steiner and Retired Training Officer James Harrison discuss a program they and a few other members have developed to help with the transition.  These two members were staples of our department, each in their own way, but meant a lot to most of the job.  They become vulnerable and discuss their own experiences after retirement and have chosen to help others when the time comes.    If you are close to the end of your career, this is a great episode to listen to.  If your department has something similar, we would love to hear about it, and if not, we would love to assist in the endeavor.   Please email talesfromthesmoke@outlook.com or comment on our Facebook or Instagram page.  We would appreciate all the feedback.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512660/fan_mail/new]

District Chief Eddie Bell Barnard School Mayday Incident

District Chief Eddie Bell describes one of his most difficult and mentally challenging fires.  This is the same fire we heard Captain Meyer's discuss tactical ownership on an earlier podcast. Chief Bell tells the story from the Incident Commander perspective with great detail.  Chief Bell was in the fire service almost 35 years and a District Chief for 18 years.  He commanded many difficult and challenging fires and was one of the most competent incident commanders our department has ever had.  He was known for his intelligence, calm demeaner,  and rational thinking in high stress environments.  This is his story and a time he had to remain in control as his members were in a horrible situation.   Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512660/fan_mail/new]

James O'Neal Mayday

James O'Neal is a 27 year seasoned veteran firefighter.  On New Years Eve, 2011 he had a mayday at a "routine" structure fire.  James has made thousands of fires and only been at stations that get a lot of fire volume his whole career.  He was seasoned before this incident.  He tells his story and also shares the personal side that depicts the brotherhood/sisterhood we are a part of.  A lot of lessons can be learned such as companies not being complacent, checking your gear, and being prepared.  That is what saved James, aka Big O's, life.   Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512660/fan_mail/new]

Tactical Ownership

Captain Chad Meyer describes tactical ownership through one of the worst near misses in our departments history where he was challenged with being the Rapid Intervention crew for the incident.  Through an honest conversational story and being open about the lessons learned, he describes the reality of owning your assignment.  This is such a relatable position that I believe we are all guilty of.  It is still emotional for Captain Meyer to discuss.   Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512660/fan_mail/new]