This week we have Capt. Ronnie Lagana. Capt. Lagana spent over 30 years in the fire service, first as a volunteer in one of the Nation's busiest Department's, and then as a paramedic and officer throughout his time in service. He discusses the fire service in the 1980's, command and leadership, as well as his role as a Safety Officer managing a Mayday and Line of Duty Death in 2018.
In 1982, Bob Wiseman had 4 years of volunteer firefighting experience, but had only been out in the field for 3 weeks after graduating the academy. He recounts the story of his and his partner's Mayday on the second floor of a townhouse, before we even called it "Mayday." Communications, operations, mindset of go/no-go situations, technology, the burn unit, healing, lessons learned and so much more as we unravel the story that he continues to share to make others better prepared.
In this episode, we have my dear friend, Jamey Dunlavey. Jamey has spent over two decades as a firefighter paramedic on the bordering outskirts of the Nation's capital. We’ll be discussing some of that, but the core tenant of today’s episode will be spent on grief. Jamey has been kind enough to share some of his life’s story, and through it, we learn what it takes to say, “I need help,” resiliency, mindset, relationships, self-care and growth, retirement, and next stages in life; and we do it through the lens of one of the kindest men I know. Anyone who crosses paths with Jamey knows that he leaves you with a full heart. Thank you, Jamie, much love to you and yours.
So fortunate to have this gentleman on the podcast. What a scholar. We don't leave any stones unturned. We dive into the struggles we face in the fire service, mental health, resiliency, divinity, and so much more.
This call changed many lives, especially mine. It had a tremendous impact on so many and continues on today. I had the opportunity to sit with Battalion Chief John Bean, an absolute wealth of knowledge. He was Battalion 2 and command of side Charlie the night of the July 23rd, 2018, LODD of Lt. Nathan Flynn. Listen in as we unpack the call and work together to review it from both sides, that of the interior RIT team and he as exterior command. Caution - there will be tough portions of this podcast discussed and there will be mayday audio. Leadership lessons discussed throughout. HCDFRS ISRB Report: Internal Safety Review Board Final Report | Howard County (howardcountymd.gov)
Service, Wellness, Charity Be a durable, resilient human. Be Forged & Unbroken. https://www.patreon.com/user?u=89578184
On this episode, we sit down with one of my longtime friends, Roger Steger. He is a longtime servant and educator in the fire service, spending much of his time in some of the busiest fire companies in the entire Nation. Making his way through the ranks from firefighter to Chief of Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, and in his current role as the senior acting man on Baltimore City's Engine 8, he has quite the resume. We discuss why the small things matter, culture within socio-economically depressed service areas, and so much more.
Dave "Otter" Olson was one of my mentors in the fire service. His drive is unparalleled, his passion for knowledge is insatiable. He's been through a ton of stuff from his start in the early '90s. Listen in as we discuss his early days and how he has managed rescues, MAYDAYs, training, leadership, family, and resiliency.
Ever heard of biohacking? No pun intended, it was like drinking through a fire hose with all of the knowledge bombs these two were dropping. I was left with so many more questions, but in all the best ways. Lauren Sombataro and Renee Belz, of the Biohacker Babes, are an absolute wealth of experience, and they have dedicated their lives to optimize the health and wellness for themselves and others. Listen in on ways to optimize your wellness routines; let's move from feeling "just ok" or "good," to amazing. They share tips on how to combat the big three: sleep disruption, cancer risk, and cardiac disease in the fire service.
https://youtu.be/w-sM-t1KI_Y"Don't Go Gentle Into That Good Night"Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.By Welsh poet Dylan Thomas in 1947. Narrated by Michael Sheen. Many thanks to my dear friend, Matt, who introduced me to this poem.