For nearly two decades, Lope Ribodal has been the quiet force behind Phoenix Fire’s frontline defense against occupational cancer. As a Fire Equipment Service Worker (FESW) since 2006, Lope has dedicated his career to inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining the gear that keeps firefighters safe.

In this episode, we dive into the crucial—but often overlooked—role Lope plays in protecting the lives of his brothers and sisters on the fireground. From handling contaminated PPE to managing high-powered “extractors” that remove carcinogens from bunker gear, his work is part of a broader mission to reduce firefighter cancer risk.

Married with five kids and a granddaughter, Lope’s story is about service, family, and showing up every single day to make sure others come home safe.

From Arctic operations to the heat of the Middle East, Matthew Mitchell’s journey is one of leadership under pressure. As an 0331 Machine Gunner with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines (2014–2018), he rose rapidly through the ranks—meritoriously promoted three times in 16 months to E-5, and serving as everything from Team Leader to Platoon Commander.

Twice deployed, he led the tactical employment of medium machine guns in extreme environments, earning Marine of the Quarter, NCO of the Quarter, and NCO of the Year along the way.

Since 2019, he’s continued his mission of service with the Phoenix Fire Department.

Hosted by Patrick Gramm of Firefighter48 and guest host Josh Landspurg.

From combat zones to firehouse life, Josh is a powerful story of service and transformation. A former USAF TACP/JTAC, he deployed to Afghanistan with the 173rd and Iraq with the 101st, later earning 2nd place in the All Army Combatives Tournament.

Now a Phoenix firefighter (Class 16-1), he mentors vets through FireVet, trains jiu jitsu (brown belt, 10th Planet), dives toward his Dive Master cert, and is finishing a Master’s in Creative Writing at Harvard Extension—where his military novel will cap his degree.

Hosted by Patrick Gramm and Ben Lindquist of the Firefighter48 Foundation.