Ep 17 – The State of Pennsylvania’s Volunteer Fire Service with Commissioner Thomas Cook

Ep 20 of Third Due First In features Robert B Ulrich, author and veteran firefighter.

In this episode we talk with Robert about his new book, his passion for sharing stories from the fire service, and why every firefighter’s path matters. He walks us through the value of passing down lessons, the importance of finding your own story, and what inspired him to write about the history and experiences that shape our job. Join us for a relaxed conversation about tradition, mentorship, and the moments that stay with you in the fire service. https://www.amazon.com/40-Year-Deployment-Responders-Journey/dp/B0DNNBT196

Ep 19: Clairton Works Explosion & The 1999 K-Mart Fire

Keith and Geno open with the recent explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Works that claimed two lives and injured several others. Guest Rob Lisiecki from Clairton Works Emergency Services shares what it was like on scene and explains how their emergency department operates inside one of the region’s largest industrial sites. Then the crew looks back at the 1999 K-Mart Fire in Pleasant Hills—a day none of them will forget. Chief Dan Haeck, Captain Scott Kunz, and Geno Esken were on the first-in engine, while Keith Hennon responded on the first truck. Together they walk through how the fire unfolded, the command decisions, and what they learned from one of the South Hills’ biggest commercial incidents. Real stories. Real firefighters. Real lessons.

Ep 18 – Chief Scott Garing: Fire Department Mergers and Moving Forward

In Episode 18, Chief Scott Garing joins the show to talk about the merger between the Harmony and Zelienople Fire Departments and what it takes to bring two volunteer companies together under one name. We also discuss leadership, department culture, and how collaboration can strengthen the fire service as a whole. Listen now and stay connected with the Third Due First In Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio.

Ep 17 – The State of Pennsylvania’s Volunteer Fire Service with Commissioner Thomas Cook

In this episode, Keith and Geno sit down with Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook to discuss the current state of the volunteer fire service. They cover training challenges, statewide recruitment and retention efforts, funding updates, and how the Commonwealth is addressing the growing need for staffing support across departments. Commissioner Cook also shares insights from his decades of service—from his early years as a firefighter to leading the state’s fire programs. Plus, stick around for this week’s fire service news stories, updates from around the region, and a look ahead at what’s next for the volunteer fire community. Follow Third Due First In on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok: @3rddue1stin 📧 Contact: 3rddue1stin@gmail.com

Ep 16 – Chief Mark Grimm: Building a Strong Combination Department

This week we’re joined by North Strabane Fire Chief Mark Grimm, who shares his experience leading the transformation of an all-volunteer fire company into one of Western Pennsylvania’s most respected combination departments. Chief Grimm discusses staffing, leadership, culture, and the importance of firefighter health and fitness in today’s fire service. Plus, we cover regional fire news and updates from across the area.