The Cool Fireman Podcast is back with Episode 89, and this one’s all about safety, accountability, and keeping your crew out of harm’s way. 🚒🔥

In this episode, Brian, Matt, Freddy, Doug, and Unkie tackle a wide range of topics, including:

• Brian’s question: Are we more distracted in the apparatus than ever before? How does technology help—or hinder—our safety on the road?
• Freddy’s story: A high-pressure response to a school fire highlights the challenges of understaffing and multitasking for officer-in-charge.
• Doug’s mustache wisdom: It’s not just about the ‘stache—Doug shares thoughts on MDT placement, pre-planning, and training rookies on situational awareness.
• Unkie’s safety checklist: The importance of securing equipment, closing compartments, and wearing seatbelts to prevent injuries in case of accidents.
• Matt’s PSA: The importance of "driving with due regard" and the consequences of reckless driving in an emergency.

🛑 Call to Action:
What is your department doing to prioritize safety in the apparatus? Share your tips, tools, or experiences in the comments. Let’s continue the conversation and learn from each other.

🎙️ As always, special thanks to our sponsors:

• Unkie’s Seasoning – Add some spice to your firehouse meals.

http://www.unkiesseasoning.com

• The Burn Box – Gear, patches, and collectibles for firefighters.

http://www.theburnbox.com

🔥 Listen now and join us as we break down what it takes to stay safe, effective, and ready for anything in the fire service.

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#FirefighterLife #Firefighting #Bravehearts #FirstResponders #FireDepartment #FirefighterFitness #podcast #firefighter #podcasts #podcasting #firefighters #applepodcasts #spotifypodcast #firewife #homelife #RescueOps #FireSafety #HeroicFirefighters #Smokejumpers #ParamedicLife #EmergencyResponse #Firehouse #WildlandFirefighter #FireTraining #HazardousMaterials #FirefighterGear #FireTruck #EngineCompany #LadderCompany #FireChief

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian, Matt, Unkie, and Freddy dive into all things New Year! It’s January 3rd, and we’re reflecting on 2025 with one big idea: choosing a single word to guide us through the year. 💡

From accountability to resilience, we’re picking the words that will define our actions, goals, and mindset for the year ahead. Now, we want to hear from YOU!

🔥 Call to Action: Drop a comment with the ONE WORD you’re committing to in 2025! Let’s inspire each other to live with purpose.

- Javan Settles- Ontario FD by way of FDNY and Long Beach FD

- https://secure.givelively.org/donate/ontario-professional-firefighters-foundation/javan-settles?utm_campaign=share_button&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=campaign_page#_=_

- LT. Robert Talbott - Chesterfield County Fire and EMS, Virginia

- https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FWWW.CPFFCF.ORG%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR05vasU1UL2_js51p1W3se-KBaKkFNPOpeB_GluKxnD0_MxkCoaklFoXkg_aem_8mKE-rlNpF8QlG7_9TylgQ&h=AT279PYo2q0DtHSbA0SImZlUHMr67dOIYTA6dwAyilcH3k63co4QUo2CsPbGFQ7uobq1GNp4AWZ1-WPB7KC3gwwWKk96W0ye3g8Iksk4rqQqEy-FgnVOPEvtgnWoX3X7Bjmi9N-v3-YvBwLtUHbfnKM&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2AbggMEXwHUtBmV_oarSAu5arDgp6oAydkqdF3OPWElTSmEB8W9NXH1qicBemiO4RjDlhn4toz76RaR_CpUa1QxBb5yZY-1fQBqWA44ogwlFa6BO75-hPc04QZFawGDJzwWF5DT8fTSV9XVzSgM5F_FKDQ1MuzCq2XC_MrU1TPd8r3ga0kxN3MHPk6q50p

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#NewYear2025 #OneWordChallenge #FirefighterGoals #CoolFiremanPodcast 🚒✨

In this special episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian is on location at SAFRE talking about the brand-new Civic Federal Credit Union branch in Wilmington, North Carolina, joined by Chris Temple from Civic. Brian and Chris dive deep into financial freedom tailored for firefighters, covering everything from personal financial stability to supporting small businesses and fostering community through credit union initiatives. Discover how credit unions like Civic are reshaping financial services to benefit firefighters and their families.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Civic’s Unique Approach: How Civic Federal Credit Union supports firefighters with programs like their fire truck debit card that has raised over $4.9 million for the NC State Firefighters Association.
• Financial Freedom Basics: Practical steps for firefighters to achieve financial stability, including savings plans, debt reduction, and leveraging credit union benefits.
• Small Business Support: Insight into how Civic helps firefighter-owned small businesses thrive with tailored services and discounted rates.
• Community Impact: The philanthropic role of credit unions and how they prioritize giving back to local communities and first responders.
• Why Credit Unions Matter: The advantages of credit unions over traditional banks, from personalized service to member ownership.

Resources Mentioned:

• Civic Federal Credit Union: CivicFCU.org
• Find a Credit Union Near You: CreditUnionsNearMe.com
• NC State Firefighters Association: ncsfa.com

Action Items:

1. Check out your local credit union and compare rates for auto loans, home refinancing, or small business support.
2. Start building a 90-day savings plan to pave your way toward financial freedom.
3. Explore how your credit union gives back to the community and find ways to get involved.

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In this festive episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Doug, and Freddy bring the holiday cheer straight to your firehouse kitchen table! 🚒✨

From the Nature Boy Doug's iconic "Wooo!" to airing grievances Festivus-style, we dive into everything from holiday traditions in the fire service to those naughty and nice moments of the year. Freddy keeps it real with some classic firehouse pet peeves, while Brian shares the heartwarming story of a chief bringing cookies on Christmas Day. 🍪

Plus, we celebrate the season with shoutouts to our listeners and hear what makes this time of year special in firehouses across the country. And as always, there’s a little chaos, plenty of laughs, and some unforgettable one-liners.

🎅 Call to Action: Share your firehouse or family holiday traditions in the comments or email us at thecoolfireman@gmail.com!

Grab your cocoa, tune in, and join us as we wrap up the year with holiday cheer and camaraderie. Woooo!

#CoolFiremanPodcast #ChristmasSpecial #NatureBoyDoug #FestivusInTheFirehouse #FirehouseTraditions #HolidayEpisode 🎄🚒

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Freddy, and Doug break down how each of their departments handles EMS deployment. From the number of medics required to the unique protocols and strategies, they highlight the differences that make each system work—and the challenges that come with them. 💡

Whether you’re running single medic responses or full EMS teams, this episode offers insights and comparisons that show there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in the fire service.

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#CoolFiremanPodcast #Episode85 #EMSDeployment #FireService #FirefighterLife #EmergencyResponse

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian, Matt, Doug, and Adam tackle one of the biggest challenges in the fire service: change. From policy updates to new procedures, change is inevitable—but how we handle it makes all the difference. 💪

The crew dives into strategies for adapting to change, addressing resistance, and—most importantly—communicating it effectively within your team. Whether you're navigating new leadership, evolving tactics, or cultural shifts, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help firehouses embrace change and stay strong.

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#CoolFiremanPodcast #Episode85 #FireServiceChange #LeadershipInAction #CommunicationMatters #FirefighterLife

In this special episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian sits down with Russell Davis from West Broad Apparel to discuss the importance of supporting firefighter-owned businesses. Together, they dive into how these businesses help maintain traditions in the fire station while fostering a strong sense of community and brotherhood.

From custom designs to honoring the values of the fire service, this episode highlights the passion and dedication behind West Broad Apparel and why supporting your fellow firefighters matters. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

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Email: thecoolfireman@gmail.com

TheCoolFireman.com for merchandise and more

Instagram: @thecoolfireman

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#CoolFiremanPodcast #SpecialEpisode #WestBroadApparel #FirefighterOwnedBusiness #FireServiceTraditions #FirefighterCommunity

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Freddy, and Doug dive into one of the most important spaces in the firehouse—the kitchen table. From the topics that bond our crews to the occasional tough conversations, we explore what makes this space so special.

Plus, we tackle the question: Should chiefs sit down and break bread with the crew? Spoiler alert: our answer is a resounding YES! Tune in to hear why these moments matter and how they strengthen the firehouse family.

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Email: thecoolfireman@gmail.com

TheCoolFireman.com for merchandise and more

Instagram: @thecoolfireman

Tiktok: @thecoolfireman

YouTube: @thecoolfireman

#CoolFiremanPodcast #Episode83 #KitchenTableTalks #FirehouseFamily #FirefighterLife #FireServiceTraditions