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Podcast by IAFF 1784
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The podcast for and about firefighters, "Code 3" covers topics of interest to those in the fire service, in about 20 minutes. We take one subject, one guest, and get it done. We don't waste your time.
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In this podcast we interviewed Reno Levesque about what it’s like do be a firefighter and what there job is. We asked many questions such as, is it stressful, how long have you been working as a firefighter and many more.
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Welcome to Leaving The Job: The Premier Financial Podcast for Firefighters, hosted by Scott Osborn, a seasoned retirement coach at Patriot Wealth Planners and an esteemed 18-year Army veteran. This show responds to the unique challenges and opportunities that firefighters face in retirement planning. Each episode offers strategic advice, shares inspiring stories, and provides guidance to help you achieve a confident and secure retirement. Join us as we explore the path to a fulfilling retire ...
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One of the first tools you were taught about when you started this job is the basic ground ladder. Once you learned how to throw one, it was no big deal, right? The longer the ladder, the more firefighters get to carry it. Except… What if there’s not enough people on the fireground to do that? You might be surprised to find that the 24-foot extensi…
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One of the least exciting jobs for a firefighter is the dreaded Community Risk Reduction assignment. In an urban environment, CRR may mean doing a meeting with the people you serve. Or maybe you’re changing smoke alarm batteries. Either of those—not exciting, but not so much work, either. But if your department covers urban and rural areas, where y…
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(This episode is a rebroadcast of a June, 2018 edition of Code 3) On June 30, 2018, the fifth anniversary of the LODD of 19 members of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew at Yarnell Hill, a memorial ceremony was held in Prescott, Arizona, their home base. The brief ceremony commemorated their loss and celebrated their lives. This is the e…
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Incident commanders, here are some questions for you: How much thought do you put into where you set up your command post? Is it usually on the alpha side of a structure? Why is that? Routine? Street access? What about distractions? For example, noise. That can not only give you a headache but also make you miss an urgent radio call, right? My gues…
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This week’s show is related to last week’s. If you haven’t heard episode 344 with Jennifer Stanislaw, go ahead and listen to it—it dovetails nicely with this one. On this episode, we’re talking about the importance of setting standards for probie training. Years ago, that training consisted of handing the probie a mop as often as a ladder. It was d…
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Firefighters around the country are looking at the possibility of a new OSHA ruling very carefully. I’m talking about the two-in/two-out rule, contained in NFPA 1500. There’s a new report written by five prominent members of the fire service that says two-in/two-out doesn’t make firefighters any safer. Instead, the time wasted waiting for a RIC cre…
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From Day One in the fire service, the lecture is the standard teaching method. Sometimes, it seems like fire departments must keep Microsoft in business, what with all the PowerPoint software they must be ordering. And you know the instruction -- notice I didn’t say “learning” – keeps going like this until you retire. Want to be a Battalion Chief? …
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To pay off the house or not to pay off the house before retirement... that is the question we're focusing on in today's episode. We'll discuss the mathematical and emotional aspects of this decision, considering current interest rates and market conditions. Additionally, we'll explore the pros and cons of downsizing, managing rental properties, and…
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Every firefighter who rides an engine has a favorite tool: The Halligan Bar. As nearly all young firefighters learn, it was invented in 1948 by an FDNY Deputy Chief named Hugh Halligan. Not long after that, he created the Halligan Hook. Sometimes it’s called a New York Roof Hook. This six-foot bar is a favorite of truckies who need to open up roofs…
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If you're from the South, you might be familiar with the saying, "Hangin' in there like a hair in a biscuit." While this phrase might make you chuckle (or grimace) it perfectly sets the stage for a discussion on investment behavior and financial decision-making. Stay tuned as Scott talks about the importance of sticking to a plan and covers the "se…
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If you were among those fortunate enough to be in the audience at the opening of FDIC 2024, you heard something special. I’d say it was a call to arms… a call to take revolutionary action. Chief David Rhodes spoke for about a half-hour, laying out a case for change in the fire service. His main argument: that the fire service has become too risk-av…
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Fire departments around the U.S. are approaching a tipping point. At the same time career departments are seeing a drop in applicants, they’re also losing existing firefighters. This is a problem. Once upon a time, not so long ago, it was tough to get a job in the fire department. But now, fewer people line up for those spots. Maybe it’s generation…
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Tax planning might not be the first thing on your mind now that April 15 has come and gone, but according to Scott, it should be a year-round endeavor- especially for firefighters. Learn how to approach tax planning with a strategic mindset, ensuring you're not caught off guard when retirement comes knocking. Scott talks about diversifying your tax…
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In today's episode, we're going to talk about Deferred Retirement Option Planning (also known as DROP). Scott is here to break down the fundamentals, discussing how it works and its potential advantages for firefighters. He'll also discuss some of the mistakes he sees individuals make when navigating DROP and key considerations to keep in mind. Con…
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There’s a constant battle between firefighters who believe that safety on the fireground precludes aggressive tactics. The opposite is also true. What’s the compromise between the two? It seems as if firefighters don’t believe that it’s possible to be both aggressive and safe. It is, of course, and my guest today is here to offer some suggestions a…
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In today's episode, we're focusing on one of the most pressing concerns facing retiring firefighters: healthcare planning. We'll explore the intricacies of healthcare decision-making post-retirement and share how comprehensive planning can help you navigate this transition with confidence. Join us as we discuss insurance coverage, common healthcare…
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What’s potentially harder to locate victims in than a hoarder house? A stuffed-full self-storage locker. But that’s exactly what can happen. And even if the victim’s not inside at the time of the fire, their activities may have caused it. Those storage spaces are frequently climate-controlled, and they’re cheap…maybe $100 a month for a small one. T…
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We're tackling the world of investment planning in this week's episode. From prioritizing saving and investing to managing risk and navigating investment fees, Scott provides invaluable insights tailored to the unique needs of firefighters. Tune in as he shares practical strategies and expert insights on what it looks like to build a resilient reti…
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Are you ready for this? There’s a whole class of hazardous chemicals that can damage your hearing, and they’re by-products of your average structure fire. Yes, that’s right: When you burn home furnishings, you don’t just get carcinogens. You get “ototoxic” chemicals. Now, the PPE you wear routinely for firefighting protects against this. But—just l…
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It's been said that if you don't have an income plan, you don't have a retirement plan. In this episode, we chat about the key components that need to be accounted for in a robust income plan for firefighters. Join us as we discuss topics like Social Security maximization, inflation, managing income and expenses, planning for a surviving spouse, an…
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A recent study done at North Carolina State University took a look at PFAS chemicals used in turnout gear and came to some interesting conclusions. PFS layers are what give current turnout coats and pants their oil and water repellency. They're also a known carcinogen, so donning PPE made with PFAS is dangerous even before you step onto your engine…
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One of the best ways to learn anything is by experience. A better way, though, is to learn from others’ experiences. That’s why we’re talking with today’s guest—to get some insight from someone who learned the hard way. Captain Jeremiah King has been with the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority for more than 20 years. But the story of this r…
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Are you nearing “retirement age”? If so, let’s explore that pivotal question you’ll soon face: Should you retire or continue working? We’ll unravel the intricacies of this decision, addressing both financial and emotional aspects, and help you find out if you’re truly ready to retire. Contact Scott: 419-482-8051 www.RetireFirefighter.com Book a 15-…
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Anyone who has ever fought a wildland fire knows situational awareness is critical to safety and effectiveness on the fireground. But visibility, a key part of that awareness, is often limited by thick smoke in the wildland fire environment. Call it the fog of war, if you like. No matter what you call it, it’s tough to fight a fire when you can’t s…
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Have you ever heard of the "financial redzone?" This is the critical period that spans from the last 10 years before retirement and the first 5 to 10 years after. In this episode, Scott and Marc will cover why having a comprehensive plan during these years is so important and explore some common mistakes people make while in the financial redzone. …
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Are you a firefighter nearing retirement and seeking guidance? Tune into Leaving The Job: The Premier Financial Podcast for Firefighters. Join Scott Osborn, a seasoned retirement coach and Army veteran, as he delves into the unique challenges and opportunities firefighters face in retirement planning. In our inaugural episode, get to know Scott, hi…
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The National Fire Protection Association seems like a pretty important organization. For example, Its reports are routinely used by fire departments to justify staffing requests. But not everyone is satisfied with how the NFPA operates. Some members of the fire service believe the standards for equipment service life are too inflexible. And there’s…
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If you’ve ever known a firefighter who committed suicide, you know how it can change your life. It may have come as a complete surprise to you. Or maybe you had been worried about the firefighter’s state of mind. There’s been a lot said and written about what we can do for ourselves to prevent suicide. But today, we’re going to talk about a program…
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Friday, June 30, 2023, is the 10th anniversary of the deaths of 19 wildland firefighters in Arizona. They were hotshots, the kind of people who really do fight fire with fire. Led by a consummate professional, the team made a move that no one expected and no one can explain. That move caused the deaths of the entire crew except for a lookout, who w…
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It’s getting hotter outside, and that traditionally signals the start of wildland fire season in the U.S. Nowadays, of course, there’s no real “season” when wildland fires burn. The season can be all year long in some parts of the country. We won’t argue about the reasons why—suffice it to say, wildland fires are growing bigger and more frequent th…
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How fit are you? If you’re newer to the fire service, say two or three years in, you’re probably still in reasonably good shape. After all, you had to meet minimum standards at the fire academy. But unless you’ve kept up with the physical fitness regimen, you may be getting a little soft around the middle. Or losing endurance. My guest today says i…
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On this episode, we’re talking with Phil Jose, the expert on reading smoke. As you may know—and as Phil likes to remind us—smoke is fuel. In most cases, it’s just waiting for the right conditions to ignite. We’ll discuss how to keep that from happening. Also on the agenda is a little talk about the relative merits of vertical ventilation. When do y…
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We’ve talked several times on this show about PTSD and its effects on firefighters. It’s a serious problem, one that affects nearly 40 percent of first responders. On this edition of Code 3, we’re going to talk about a documentary available on YouTube that brings the problem home in a very impactful way. It's titled, “The Call We Carry: Confronting…
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This week, we’re going to make some people angry. We’re talking structure fires, risk, and SLICE-RS. If you’re a probie, that’s an acronym for Size-up, Locate the fire, Isolate the flow path, Cool from a safe distance, Extinguish, Rescue and Salvage at any time in the process. Today’s guest says that, by following those steps in that order, you’ll …
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Today’s subject may make you uncomfortable. If it does, that’s not a bad thing—so stick with me. You could save your own career. I am talking about harassment in the fire service, both sexual harassment and other types. Now, look, you know and I know that it goes on. And you know and I know that there have been so-called “sensitivity training” semi…
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The fire service is often called a brotherhood…or a sisterhood, these days. But how strong is that bond, really? One of the best places to see the strength of the brotherhood in action is when tragedy occurs. A mayday call on the fireground results in heroic efforts…and, if those efforts should fail…then the observances for a line-of-duty-death are…
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There’s a lot of talk in the fire service about the culture. It’s important, which you already know. It’s even celebrated in many cities. But one thing that’s more dependent on the culture of your department than you might think is recruiting. This is especially important if you need to recruit volunteers. Luckily, it’s possible to build the cultur…
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How to Build Your Fire Department's Social Media Program with Scott Freitag and Kathy Goodman
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Large-city fire departments with multiple PIOs have been showcasing their activities on social media for some time. If you have enough people, it’s no problem. But what if you want to try to engage the community without those resources? Social media can be a direct link with the customers your department serves, so it’s a no-brainer that you’d like…
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Just about every area served by fire departments includes a large warehouse or two. If you drive by it, I am sure you wonder how well your department would deal with a fire inside it. But in the last few years, truly massive warehouses have started to appear. These monsters aren’t measured in square feet, they're measured in acres of land covered. …
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Earlier this month, about 400 members of the fire service-from more than 20 states—got together for the Phoenix Firefighters Symposium. They were gathered to hear about Mrs. Smith. Back in 1996, Chief Brunacini—Bruno, to his friends—came up with the idea of Mrs. Smith. She represents why the fire service exists—she’s the first priority for firefigh…
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If you do enough training evolutions, you will inevitably come up against a trick scenario. You know, the ones where the instructors design something totally implausible into the scenario. They usually fool the firefighters doing the training…and then that allows the instructor to say something that seems wise. Like, “expect the unexpected.” Someti…
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As a firefighter, you have probably developed some strong opinions on at least a few topics. Some people call them “the hill you’re willing to die on.” But no matter what you call them, you need to pick your battles when it comes to spouting off about these points of view. My guest today wrote an article about his experiences fighting the smooth bo…
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We’re getting close to the end of another year, and this one, like the last few, seems to have been pretty difficult in a lot of ways. Things are looking a little murky as we try to see the future of the fire service. Of course, firefighters in general can be just a bit pessimistic. But is it justified? That’s why I’ve asked today’s guest to give u…
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Do you detect a lack of willingness among your firefighters to take risks? Have company officers –or your department policy—made “2-in-2-out” a hard-and-fast rule? Are they lacking passion for the job? Today’s guest has been noticing that trend, and he’s concerned. Now, let’s be clear: no one is advocating that firefighters freelance or even take u…
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If you’ve been listening to this show for a while, you’ve probably noticed that I talk a lot about realistic training. It’s because there are fewer actual structure fires these days for younger firefighters to see first-hand. That means they need to learn both skills and understanding in training. And to absorb the concepts well enough that it does…
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Today’s episode is going to be a little different. It’s a look back at a major learning event in a firefighter’s career. But, as you’ll hear, the lessons taught weren’t necessarily clear. And years later, the firefighter involved is still trying to sort out all of what she should take from the experience. It's not cut-and-dried by any means. But it…
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No matter how large—or small—your fire department may be, it has one house that’s just not as busy as the others. Sometimes, that house is really slow. And it may feel like you’re missing all the action if you’re assigned to it. If you’re new to the fire service career, you may wonder if you’ll ever go on a structure fire run. If you’re an officer,…
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On this show, we’re going to explore some of the unique experiences of a firefighter who is in the minority on two fronts: She’s a woman and she’s Black. Jennifer Osborne is a 16-year veteran of the Clark County, Nevada, Fire Department. They cover an area in and around Las Vegas. She first became a paramedic in Colorado in 1999 before heading to t…
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If you’re about to promote to company officer, this show is for you. Most firefighters want to move up and take charge of the crew. It’s natural to assume you could do it better, right? And there’s the pay bump. But once you pass the test and are selected, you may find it’s a whole different ballgame than you thought. Especially these days, there i…
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I started out today’s interview intending to talk about the conflict between fire officers and lower-ranked—but certified--paramedics. It wasn’t long before I got caught up in a discussion about the “state of the Union” of Fire vs. EMS. It’s a hot button issue, for sure. My guest on this edition of Code 3, Wes Ward, says there’s a “ridiculous gap” …
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