The C.A.N. Report

In this episode of The CAN Report, Mike Goldstein sits down with Captain Todd Edwards, a seasoned professional with over 41 years in the fire service. Their conversation dives deep into the nuances of engine work, the importance of effective training, and the evolving landscape of firefighting tactics.Todd Edwards shares his passion for engine work, recalling how his journey in the fire service began at a young age. He emphasizes the thrill of being the first engine on the scene, where critical decisions must be made swiftly. "Being the first one there, you're making all the decisions. All the pressures on you as the first arriving officer, making that initial stretch..."Todd also underscores the importance of customizing training programs to fit the specific needs of each department. He believes that every fire department, regardless of size or budget, deserves effective training tailored to their unique circumstances. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background02:58 Getting into Engine Work Culture04:01 The Passion for First Arriving Engine Operations05:01 Data and Science in Fireground Tactics06:03 Debate on Fast Water and Transitional Attack06:59 Understanding ULFSRI and Scientific Studies07:56 Teaching Department-Specific Tactics08:56 Blending Data with Hands-On Training09:51 Adapting Training to Department Size and Resources11:01 Realistic Training Environments and Props11:57 The Importance of Real-World Scenario Practice13:06 Techniques for Dragging and Victim Rescue14:01 Body Mechanics and Victim Handling15:01 The Mindset of First Due and Doing Work15:59 Training in Different Environments and Conditions16:57 Innovative and Creative Rescue Techniques18:05 Using Realistic Environments for Training18:57 Common Sense in Fireground Tactics19:55 Drag Techniques and Victim Removal21:10 Incorporating Stress and Elements into Training21:55 Practical Skills vs. Theoretical Knowledge23:05 Webbing and Rescue Equipment23:48 Utilizing Gear and Body Mechanics24:58 The Role of Experience and Adaptability26:04 Training on Different Body Types and Sizes26:58 Realistic Victim and Rescue Scenarios28:09 The Value of Hands-On Practice28:56 The Future of Firefighting Tactics30:00 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationVisit Fire Life Training for more information on what they can do for you:https://www.firelifetrainingassociates.com/Check out First In Fire Conference:https://first-in.com/Visit Great Lakes HOT,Registration is open:https://buildyourculture.org/great-lakes-hot/Registration is open for:https://www.keycityfireconference.org/Registration is open for the Texas Burnout:https://www.thirdalarmcowboys.com/registerMake sure to register for:https://www.bearersoftheoath.org/

In this episode, Mike Norris shares his insights on fireground decision making, leadership, and the importance of maintaining professionalism and humility in the fire service. We explore topics like tactical decision making, victim behavior, stress physiology, and the value of conferences and networking.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mike Norris and his background01:06 Mike Norris's focus on leadership and decision making01:48 Early influences and desire to become a firefighter03:25 Podcast journey and focus on quality content04:56 The importance of meaningful guest selection06:32 The saturation of fire service podcasts and maintaining quality07:13 The responsibility of content creators and guests08:34 The effort behind producing a quality podcast09:34 The value of vetting guests and content11:12 Building connections and the importance of professionalism13:04 The impact of misinformation and the responsibility of content creators14:06 Learning from experts like Gary Klein and the importance of humility16:50 Legacy in the fire service and mentoring the next generation20:27 The motivation behind podcasting and sharing knowledge22:26 Writing for Fire Engineering and Firefighter Nation23:25 The importance of unique content and research in articles25:29 Control tactical aggression and decision making under stress30:00 The significance of accurate radio reports and scene size-up33:36 Managing stress and maintaining calmness during incidents37:37 Upcoming Southwest Fire Conference and training opportunities45:39 The importance of teamwork, trust, and humility in firefighting48:24 Understanding victim psychology and search strategies50:23 Details about the Southwest Fire Conference in El Paso56:35 Preparing for conferences and networking opportunities01:04:05 Encouragement to love the fire service and stay positiveYou can see myself and Mike Norris this January at the Southwest Fire Conference, in El Paso, TXTickets are still available;https://southwestfireconference.com/Check out Firefighter Nation:https://www.firefighternation.com/Get Energized with The Energy Drink:https://theenergydrink.com/

In this episode, Brendan McDonough shares his powerful story of survival, grief, and recovery after the Yarnell Hill Fire claimed the lives of 19 of his brothers. He discusses the impact of trauma, the journey to sobriety, and how faith and community played a vital role in healing. Brendan McDonough shares his inspiring journey of overcoming tragedy, addiction, and finding purpose in the fire service. Brendan reminds all of us the power of resilience, the importance of mental health, and the power of faith and community.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Brendan McDonough's background00:26 Introduction to Brendan McDonough's Journey02:56 The Yarnell Hill Fire: What happened and its significance03:10 The Impact of Personal Loss and the Fire Service07:12 The Making of 'Only the Brave' and Honoring Heroes09:58 Brendan's early life, firefighting career, and the 2013 fire12:14 The Role of Faith and Community Support16:01 Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Sobriety20:04 The fire's progression and Brendan’s role as a lookout20:18 Returning to Firefighting and Leadership24:00 The Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care27:58 Lessons in Humility and Service30:06 The fire's rapid change and the deployment of fire shelters31:56 Future Goals and Continuing the Mission36:00 Final Thoughts and Words of Inspiration40:12 The tragedy unfolds: loss of 19 firefighters50:01 Brendan’s immediate reactions and survivor’s guilt59:48 The aftermath: grief, community support, and personal struggles01:10:03 Brendan’s journey to sobriety and faith01:20:04 The role of therapy and counseling in healing01:29:53 Reflections on the media, movie, and legacy01:40:12 Lessons learned and messages of hope and resilienceYou can find Brendan McDonough Book on Amazon:https://a.co/d/001wXxUpPartnered with Firefighter Nation:https://www.firefighternation.com/podcasts/Energized by The Energy Drink:https://theenergydrink.com/Thank you to Industrial Protection Services for sponsoring this episode:https://www.ipp-ips.com/

In this Episode, I had an opportunity to learn more about Jason Yerkovich, a battalion chief with nearly two decades in the fire service, as he talks through the path that took him from art director to firefighter, and how that journey shaped his view of leadership, family, and service. It centers on the idea that the job only works when you stay human, stay teachable, and bring the best of the firehouse home with you.We discuss the cultural side of the fire service, including bad leadership, training, accountability, and why self-awareness matters just as much as technical skill. Jason also shares the personal experiences behind his book, Carrying the Fire, and why therapy, vulnerability, and servant leadership are part of building better firefighters and better people.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:46 Jason's Journey from Art Director to Fire Service04:31 Leadership, Fatherhood, and Building Camaraderie07:58 Balancing Family Life with a Demanding Career11:47 The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability15:12 Overcoming Challenges and Developing Leadership Skills19:52 The Role of Social Media in Modern Leadership25:10 Handling Difficult Conversations and Performance Issues29:49 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Continuous Growth34:56 Building a Culture of Respect and Accountability40:07 Advice for Emerging Leaders in Emergency Services45:03 Closing Remarks and ResourcesCheck out Jason Yerkovich book available on AMAZON:https://a.co/d/0hI5ECVLVisit The Energy DrinkUse code-Nozzle Tov for 20% oof!https://theenergydrink.com/Visit Engine House DesignsCheck out my Nozzle Tov hats!https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/products/nozzle-tov-hat?_pos=1&_psq=nozzle&_psid=035ac7eba&_ss=eVisit R1P Fuels! Get some energy with no crash!https://r1pfuel.com/Check out Dinges Fire CompanySee what they can do for you!!https://www.dingesfire.com/

In this episode, Jason Sautel shares his inspiring journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a firefighter and a man of faith. He discusses the impact of trauma, the importance of faith, and how to find hope and healing through faith and community.Jason Sautel shares his inspiring journey from firefighter to evangelist, emphasizing the importance of mental, spiritual, and physical resilience. He discusses his book, the impact of sharing personal stories, and how faith and community support can help overcome life's challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:29 Introduction to Jason Sautel's journey and mission02:03 Growing Up in California and Early Influences02:42 The impact of sharing personal stories and writing the book04:03 Childhood Trauma and Lack of Love07:05 Getting Into Firefighting by Grace of God07:24 The role of faith in overcoming adversity12:04 Building resilience through mental, spiritual, and physical health13:03 The Downward Spiral and Mental Health Struggles17:48 The importance of community, leadership, and leading by example22:30 Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing authenticity23:54 Finding Faith and Hope in Christianity27:05 The ripple effect of the book and helping others29:00 Near-Death Experience and Spiritual Awakening32:19 The significance of early resilience training in firefighting36:04 Writing Books and Spreading Hope36:57 Jason's message to those struggling and the power of hope37:56 The Power of Faith and Seeking Help42:09 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Jasonhttps://theenergydrink.com/https://www.ipp-ips.com/