The Firehouse Logbook Podcast
A retrospective look at the culture, traditions, legacies, and legends of the fire service. Where we came from, how we got here, and the people who led the way.
FHL Episode 87: The Paul Mauger Afterparty
There were more stories than this to tell, but these are the only ones that can be let out into the wild.
Enjoy this short one with a word of caution - there are some graphic descriptions of real life incidents in here.
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Music: "Tired traveler on the way to go home", Andrew Codeman...
FHL Episode 86: "Don't let the chain of command be a shackle" with Derrick Sawyer
Derrick Sawyer got out of the Air Force never wanting to see a fire truck again, but the path showed itself. From Firefighter to Fire Commissioner in the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Contact Derrick for speaking opportunities at DSOne@verizon dot net.
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Music: "Tired traveler on the way to go home", Andrew Codeman via Freemusicarchive...
FHL Episode 85: "The Legend of the Mauger Pole" with Paul Mauger and Mark Berry
Paul Mauger started out as a volunteer firefighter and volunteered to be a fire dispatcher, and ultimately became the Fire Chief of Chesterfield Fire and EMS. He overcame some diversity in that journey, but I am glad to have worked for him in a couple of different positions - even when I almost wore an orange helmet.
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<...FHL Episode 84: "It's bad if you wish someone would bomb your own neighborhood" with Ozzie Mirkhah
"Ozzie" Azarang Mirkhah came to the US as a college student and has worked on protecting firefighters with fire protection systems for years with the Las Vegas Fire Department.
Now, he's honoring the memory of a firefighter from his homeland, Hamid Mahdavi - killed in the line of duty in Iran.
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Episode 83: "You're gonna be live on CSPAN" with Mike Williams
Mike Williams will be retiring January 1, but not from serving his community. He will continue his volunteer service at his local FD and service to his family at home.
Mike's stories of working alongside the DEA, bumping into a congressman then testifying on "The Hill", and responding to hurricanes could have gone on for hours more.
Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com
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Music: "Tired traveler on the way...
Episode 82: "This job is what you make it" with Jerry Pruden Part 2
This is the second part of the conversation with retired Captain Jerry Pruden. His career spanned 44 plus years and he's not done yet. His ongoing work withe Burn Foundation, Burn Camps, and The Chesterfield Professional Firefighters Foundation continues to show how his selfless service is an inspiration to everyone he's ever worked with.
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Episode 81: "It was my fire station, my shift . . ." With Captain Jerry Pruden
This is part one of a great conversation with 44+ year veteran of the Chesterfield Fire and EMS Department.
Subscribe to make sure you get part 2 next week.
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FHL Episode 80: "The FDNY 23 Truck Rule" With Joel Kanasky and Bill Niemann
Joel Kanasky was a volunteer firefighter in New York and went on to be a US Marine and firefighter in Virginia before returning to the Big Apple and serving on FDNY Rescue 1.
Now living in Bon Aire in the Caribbean, he stays connected to the fire service through Training Days, a nonprofit organization focusing on supporting the entire fire service family. Check them out at www.trainingdays.org.
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FHL Episode 79: "Flavored coffee has ruined the American fire service" with the Berry Brothers
Mark and Eddie Berry are both retired Battalion Chief/Paramedics from Chesterfield, VA Fire and EMS who started out as fire station brats, farmers, and volunteer firefighters.
With a combined 70+ years of fire service experience, we could have talked for another few hours.
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Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com
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FHL Episode 78: "It was an adventure we got paid for" with Ben Gary and Al Thompson
Al Thompson and Ben Gary are two of the original EMS Med-Flight Paramedics that started the program in 1984. The are also the longest serving medics with more than 55 combined years, let's just say they have a few stories to tell.
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FHL Episode 77: Partnerships that Work - EMS Med-Flight I with Bob Eanes and David Tollett
More than 40 years ago, a two state agencies approached a local fire chief about partnering to provide helicopter based EMS service to Central Virginia. They joined forces with a medical teaching hospital and what emerged is a long standing multi-purpose EMS Provider that has set a standard for cooperation.
Captain David Tollett was the Virginia State Police Aviation Unit Commander, and along with State EMS Director Susan McHenry, they approached Chesterfield County Fire Chief Robert Eanes in early 1984 and the rest is literally history.
Subscribe for more episodes of "The Med-Flight Chronicles" coming out soon. <...
Episode 76: "Don't pee in the chief's Wheaties" and other wisdom with Bill Niemann
Bill Niemann retired from Prince William, VA Fire Department with so stories so interesting, he had to write them down in a book titled, "Heavy Fire Showing". Officially a novel, the stories here are excellent examples of the comradery and shenanigans that made firehouse life and the family of the fire service so unique.
You can find his book on Amazon.
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Episode 75: "One Bad Day" with Guy Santelli
Guy Santelli is a retire Chief Officer from the City of Kenosha, WI Fire Department and a long time friend I've worked with on Community Risk Reduction and code geek stuff for many years.
In this episode, Henry and I were lucky enough to be doing a balloon event in Wisconsin and Guy and his son came along to help, and I brough the microphone to capture some of Guy's history and stories.
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Episode 74: "I felt a rumble . . . " With Keith Bryant
Thirty years ago, Keith Bryant was a firefighter in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma when the Alfred P. Murrah building was blown up. Today, he serves as the State Fire Marshal in Oklahoma but not before service as the US Fire Administrator.
Comments or suggestions? Contact us at:
Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com
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Website - www.firehouselogbook.captivate.fm
Music: "Tired traveler on the way to go home", Andrew Codeman via Freemusicarchive.com
Episode 73: "Never say never, just say yes" With Tonya Hoover
Tonya Hoover started her fire service career as a cadet firefighter in Shippensburg, PA and rose to serve as the Deputy Administrator for the US Fire Administration. She was a local and state fire marshal along the way and believes in staying connected to the people who are doing the job day in and day out.
After an eight month stint of being retired, she's gotten the spark for service once again.
Comments or suggestions? Contact us at:
Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com
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Episode 72: The Next Gen Volume II with Hailey and Brianna
We did a series of "next generation" episodes a few years ago and it's a good time to revisit the state of the future of the fire service. And if these two ladies are any indication, the profession is in great hands.
Their paths to the fire service are different, but their passion and love for the job is identical. I can't wait to see where they will go next.
Comments or suggestions? Contact us at:
Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com
Twitter - @FDLogbook
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...
Episode 71: Hot Air Balloonatics with Henry Rosenbaum
Henry and I have been involved in hot air ballooning for quite a while now, and it has literally shaped what we are doing today, including starting a new business venture, Old Dominion Air-Ventures. Check us out a www.olddominionair-ventures.com.
This episode tells the stories behind two of the balloons we fly - the American Football and Tiny the Fire Dog.
Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com
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...
Episode 70: Kaitlyn Batten 18 Months Later
Kailyn Batten joined me for a conversation 18 months ago just days before she started Recruit School 67 with Chesterfield County. Today, fully qualified and off probation she joined me again to talk about her six month recruit academy and her first year on the job.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Questions or comments, email firehouselogbookpodcast@gmail.com
Episode 69: 2025 Reboot and Tribute to Robert Talbott
It's been a while, but now with a new Podcast Studio and a new year, here we go!
It was great catching back up and getting John Crosby and Henry Rosenbaum back behind the microphones, but ended the day with some sad news.
It was a bit surreal given some of the topics we touched on in this episode.
Donate to support the Talbott Family by visiting the Chesterfield Professional Firefighters Charitable Foundation at www.cpffcf.org and writing "Robert Talbott" in the special instructions box. 100% of the money will go to help...
Episode 68 A Lot of Firsts with Roland Stokes
After serving in the US Airforce and working two jobs in near his hometown of Petersburg, VA, Roland Stokes didn't want to make the move further south with his company so he took the test to become a Chesterfield Firefighter. He was the first African American to become a career firefighter and one of the first career members to be assigned to a truck company.
Today Roland is trying to document more of the department's history with the Legacy Logbook Project.
Get in touch with Roland at RStokes48@gmail.com
Comments or suggestions...
Episode 67: Coffee at the Firehouse - BONUS Gary Honold Episode
A Bonus episode, the conversation after the conversation with Gary Honold from episode 66 last week.
And, come try Jiu Jitsu on November 17 at 6:00pm. Aegis Jiu Jitsu is hosting a public safety only free trial session. Visit www.aegisjj.com and contact them for the details and to save your space on the mat.
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast
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Episode 66: Putting life in perspective with Gary Honold
Gary Honold spent more than 23 years as a firefighter in Montana and 20 as a career firefighter and captain in the City of Missoula. His experience in working the fire service, along with 27 years volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and his on health challenges have provided him a unique perspective on life and how to live.
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast
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Episode 65: "Don't ever let it be NOT part of what you do" with Jeff Hudson, Part 2
In part 2 of my conversation with Jeff Hudson (make sure to listen to episode 64), Jeff talks about how he became fire chief and the challenges of being the chief in a department where he was a firefighter as well as the lessons learned from a line of duty death.
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast
Comments or suggestions? Contact us at:
Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com
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Episode 64: "It's your Obligation" with Jeff Hudson, Part 1
An early morning fire at a neighbor's home started Jeff Hudson on the path to become a volunteer firefighter, career firefighter, fire marshal, and fire chief before joining the National Fire Protection Association as a Regional Sprinkler Specialist advocating for residential sprinkler protection in new homes.
This is part one of his journey that took him to the position of Fire Marshal. Make sure to catch part 2 - Episode 65 - coming out next week.
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Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com
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Episode 63: "That call planted the seeds . . . " With Rick Bucher - Scottsdale, AZ
Rick Bucher is a 27 year veteran of the Scottsdale, AZ/Rural Metro Fire Department who had to retire following his experiences with Post Traumatic Stress and a suicide attempt. Now an writer, advocate, and storyteller, he has published a book on his experiences, "Flame and Fortune - How the Fire Service (almost) Killed Me" and travels to speaking engagements to eliminate the stigmas associated with stepping forward and asking for help.
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast
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Episode 62: "Chief, the Secret Service is here to see you" With Greg Cade
Greg Cade was a member of Recruit School 1 in Prince Georges County, MD. He went on to become the Fire Chief in Hampton, VA; Fire Chief in Virginia Beach, VA; the US Fire Administrator under President George W. Bush, and to positions with the National Fire Protection Association.
Greg's experiences in those positions spans more than 50 years.
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast
Comments or suggestions? Contact us at:
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Episode 61: "If I didn't have a dime . . . " with Harry Baird
Harry Baird went from small town garage band drummer, to CPA student, then he discovered an EMT book. From that point on, his fate was sealed to become the BLS Program Manager for Chesterfield Fire and EMS. He went on to teach literally thousands of students both basic EMT and ongoing CEU classes.
Along the way, he became best of friends with Mike Goff (listen to Episode 40 for Mike's full story). Today, Harry is working to keep Mike's memory alive with the Mike Goff Memorial Scholarship Fund. Listen all the way to the end of this episode...
Episode 60: "It's all in the family" with Weet and Caleb Baldwin
The fire service and families are both filled with traditions. Sometimes they are one in the same.
Weet Baldwin - a frequent co-host - joins me in this episode with his son Caleb. At the the age of 10, Caleb was training to fly helicopters and to be a firefighter thanks to his family connection to aviation and the fire service.
Now, after attending the Virginia Military Institute, he's living the dream and has the best of both worlds with Army Aviation and Chesterfield Fire and EMS.
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com...
Episode 59: "I'm just excited to start doing this job" with Ben Rutledge
It seems to have all started at 3 years old when a young New Zealander asked his parents for a fire helmet. After traveling nearly around the world, working in the service industry, turning wrenches on race cars, and doing machine work, Ben will be starting his fire service career with the Henrico County Division of Fire later this month.
In this episode we learn how he made his way from New Zealand to Virginia and his desire and the process to become a firefighter.
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast
Comments...
Episode 58: Truly the "Next Generation" with Kaitlyn Batten
Kaitlyn Batten is one of the absolute newest of recruit firefighters in Chesterfield County. With an official hire date of June 26, she is starting off on her fire service career. In this episode, we explore what started her down this path and her experiences going through the application and testing process.
Kaitlyn isn't the only Batten in Chesterfield Fire and EMS. Her dad is a Captain in the department who has been there since before she was born.
This will be part 1 of her story. Look forward to hearing from her again after she completes...
Episode 57: Chief Raymond Lloyd - A Charleston FD Family Tradition
Before joining Folly Beach SC Fire Department, Chief Lloyd was part of a family tradition with the Charleston, SC Fire Department that has gone on for five generations. In this episode Keith Brower and I talk with Chief Lloyd about his family history, relieving his own uncle on his last day in the fire station, and one of the worst fires in history that shaped how many departments are organized and respond today.
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast
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Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com
<...Episode 56: Retirees Episode Pre-Show and Afterparty
Episode 55 had some great stories from the 211 years of collective wisdom from CFEMS Retirees. But the stories didn't start or stop there. The record button was pushed and stayed on long after the official end of Episode 55.
After some pretty heavy editing, some of those stories can be heard here. Enjoy -
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Episode 55: 211 Years of Wisdom, and Stories - The CFEMS Retirees
I had the honor of sitting down with eight Chesterfield Fire and EMS legends to share some wisdom, history, and humor in this episode from Plant City, Florida. Some live there, some come for the "winter" weather, but all have collected lessons learned (and some humorous stories) along the way that need to be shared.
Enjoy this first episode of 2023
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Episode 54: Surround yourself with bright lights, with Chief Rick Butcher
A young kid from Ohio moves to the tourist town of Tarpon Springs Florida, joins a church band, goes to a volunteer fire department meeting and the rest is history!
Rick Butcher joined the Tarpon Springs Fire Department as an 18 year old volunteer and rose to the rank of Fire Chief serving the community for 38 years. He continues his service to the job through the R.E.T.R.E.A.D.S. and as a responder for NASCAR.
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Episode 53: "This will help round out your career", with Melvin Stone
Melvin Stone's 40 year career in the fire service ended with his retirement from the position of Assistant Director of the Florida State Fire Marshals Office. His career began in Tampa, Florida to simply provide for his family after loosing a job, but quickly became a passion with a history of being the first African American to hold many of the positions in which he served.
And his service continues today as a R.E.T.R.E.A.D.
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Episode 52: Kitchen Worker, Fire Chief, State FM, and Cancer Survivor - Julius Halas
Julius Halas is a 48 year veteran of the fire service, starting out as a firefighter in Sarasota, FL and working his way up to Fire Chief, then consolidating his way out of a job - one of the most humble, team focused, and mission driven people I have ever had the chance to meet.
Ultimately rising the to the position of Director of the State Fire Marshals Office, Julius retired in the same city where it all began when I met with him last week at the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association as he passed the...
Episode 51: "What is the shortest school on this base?" With Chief Jim Nilo
Specialization in the fire service isn't anything new, but Crash Fire Rescue, or Aircraft Rescue Firefighting is a specialty all in its own. In this episode, I spoke with Jim Nilo who was instrumental in developing and improving AFFF training in Virginia, all because he washed out of one Marine Corps training program and wanted "the shortest school" on that base.
Jim ultimately became the fire chief at the Richmond International Airport and continues to train airport firefighters all over the world.
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Episode 50: Memories of September 11, 2001
On this special episode, I compiled a few of the past year's guests memories and reflections on the attacks of September 11, 2001. When I started asking that question, I had no idea I would come across some amazing and still emotional stories of our experiences.
May we never have to go through that again.
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<...Episode 49: "I got marched to military jail" with Mac McFarlane
Archibald "Mac" McFarlane started his fire service career before he was legally able to, but has gone on to accomplish some great things and continues to do so today.
See all of Mac's work here https://www.facebook.com/belizeheroes.org
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast
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Music: "Tired traveler...
Episode 48: "Dude, that was like a movie!" with Brian Rothell
Brian Rothell or "Skeletor" as he was known in the department, is a retired Chesterfield Firefighter who probably has more life saves off duty than he did when he was on duty. He also worked as a contract firefighter in Iraq and Afghanistan and he's an avid outdoorsman who enjoys kite surfing and stand up paddle boarding on the river.
Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast
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