The Kitchen Table

Today I had the pleasure of sitting and choppin’ it up with Retired FDNY Lt. Jim “Big Mac” McCluskey. Lt. McCluskey became a Sandhog with Local 147 union, directly upon graduation of High School, in 1972. He worked in many of the water and train tunnels around the city of New York. He was appointed to the FDNY in 1981. He was assigned to Engine 45 out of probie school. Transferred to Ladder 58 in 1983. And onto Rescue 4 in 1992. He was promoted to Lt. in 1995 where he was assigned to Ladder 30. He worked 14 years in the Harlem Zoo until retirement in 2009. 28 total years on the FDNY. Also a Sandhog simultaneously in the years on the FDNY. Lt. McCluskey has been recognized for his service numerous times over his career with a number of unit citations and medals.  Thanks again to The Angel of Harlem, for visiting The Kitchen Table. For Full video experience log onto Youtube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I had the honor of choppin’ it up with Retired DEPUTY CHIEF PAUL WALSH of the NEW BRITAIN, CT Fire Department. Chief Walsh has over 37 years of Fire Service. He started in the Newington CT Volunteer FD in 1979.Got hired professionally on the New Britain CT FD in 1985. And assigned to Engine 5. Was promoted to LT. in 2000 and assigned to Engine 7. Promoted to Capt. In 2008 and assigned to Engine 2. Promoted to Deputy Chief in 2014 and subsequently retired in 2022. He also volunteered with the Kensington FD with his sons MATT and TYLER. In fact The Walsh family has a storied history in the Fire service amassing a total of well over 350 combined years, and counting, of Fire service. Truly an amazing family! Chief Walsh has numerous unit citation and a rescue award for his bravery while serving in NBFD. He also is an extremely talented artist and has painted hundreds of firefighter portraits and scenes. Links to Paul Walsh prints below. He also designed the CT State Fallen Firefighter Memorial. Link below. Thank you Chief for sitting down with me and thank you for your service! For full video experience go to YouTube@TheKitchenTable59 Links:https://www.paulwalshprints.com/index.htmlhttps://ragtopfire.com/pages/helmet-restoration-learn-morehttps://www.ctffm.nethttps://www.instagram.com/nbfd_car3?igsh=eWx3YTZ5Z3c0Nmk2

Today I had the honor of sitting with the founder and CEO of RELIANT FITNESS, BRAD DUNN. Brad started his online Fitness/Buisness/Mentorship and Life program, while he was a CALFIRE Fireman, in Southern California. Brad worked in CALFIRE, at Station 15 and 30, among others. He fought numerous Wildfires, structure fires and ran Medical calls. After turning his life around by finding sobriety, He started his online coaching business, RELIANT FITNESS. His background in health and fitness was a great base to get his business off the ground. In just a few short years Brad has built RELIANT FITNESS, into a power house company, where he has over 700,000 followers on instagram, and has hundreds of clients at any given time.  Brad has helped hundreds, if not thousands of clients, turn their lives around, by getting in shape, getting sober, building their businesses and overall become better human beings.  His relatability, knowledge and transparency, make him one of the best and most sought after coaches out there today. If you are someone on the fence about getting on a program, I highly suggest looking into RELIANT FITNESS. Thank You Brad for taking the time out and chopping it up with me on The Kitchen Table!You can find BRAD DUNN and RELIANT FITNESS on instagram@reliant.fitnessFor full video experience go to YouTube@thekitchentable59

O Captain my Captain! Today I sat down with FDNY Retired Captain Patrick Cleary E-59.  Captain Cleary joined the FDNY 4/91 and assigned to E266 out of Proby School. He transferred to E53 4/93 and crossed the floor to L43 6/96. He was promoted to LT 3/02 and assigned to E219 in Brooklyn. Promoted to Capt. 6/04 and assigned to E59, The Harlem Zoo in the 16th Battalion. Captain Cleary retired 12/13/14. He also was on the FDNY Hockey team and played for 7 years. He also help organize and run the FDNY King of the Ice tournament between Firehouses.  Captain Cleary has a wealth of experience and knowledge and he was kind enough share his stories and insights while he served on the FDNY. He shares his 9/11 story,  which is not an easy thing to do for many firemen who had that experience. So I am grateful for that. Captain Cleary was highly respected in the Harlem Zoo, the 16th battalion and the FDNY. I know first hand because he was my captain.  Thanks again Captain.  For full video Experience log onto YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I had the honor of talking with Retired FDNY Battalion Commander, of the 9th Battalion in Midtown Manhattan. Chief Charlie Williams.  Chief Williams experience is second to none. He started his career in 1973  in L110 and worked 35 years. Working in some of the great companies along the way. Rescue 2 and Squad 41 to name a couple.  He’s been Through the War Years of a gritty NYC, was laid off by the FDNY for a year and a half, worked the blackouts and 9/11, Chief Williams has seen it all. He has worked alongside some of the greats of the FDNY. Patty Brown and Ray Downey to name a few. His name should be spoken in the same breath as those legends. I felt his story needed to get on record, to pass along to a new generation of firefighters. All firemen can learn from his experience and stories.  I hope you enjoy the interview. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Channel. hope you enjoy the interview. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Channel.  A list of Chief Williams career is to follow.     Appointment to FDNY 11/73L110-1974L28 -1978Rescue 2-1982     Promoted to LT. 1987L-30-1988Squad 41-1990L-156-1991L-166-1992    Promoted to Capt. 1993E-283-1993    Promoted to BC 1999Battalion 9 1999-2008.     Goldenkranz Medal 1979 L-28     McElligot Medal 1987 R-2

Today I sat with Retired FDNY Captain Steve Elliott. Capt. Elliott has 33 plus years on the FDNY, starting out at L-30, The Harlem Zoo, in 1991. He was promoted to Lt. in 2003 and was assigned to L-4, The Pride of Midtown. He was then promoted to Captain in 2008 and was assigned to L-23, Vinegar Hill, where he served as the longest tenured Captain, at 14 years. Capt. Elliott has numerous unit citations and 2 medals including the Hugh Bonner medal and the Elsasser Medal. Capt. Elliott was also involved in a Life Saving Rope Rescue. Along with all that Fire Department experience, Capt. Elliott also served as a United States Marine, and was deployed to the Persian Gulf to assist in liberating Kuwait, in Operation Desert Storm. He also assisted in incidents in Somalia and humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh. Capt. Elliott’s experiences are second to none, I learned a lot from him in this interview and got to know him better as a person. It was truly an honor to listen to his story. Thank you and I hope everyone enjoys the interview. For Full Video Experience log on to YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I sat with a true legend of the FDNY. Retired FIREMAN out of L-30 The Harlem Zoo, KEITH “Nic” NICOLIELLO. I had the pleasure of working with Nic for 17 years while I was assigned to 59 Engine. Nic’s experience and work ethic are second to none. His tough demeanor on junior guys, is to train them and keep up the traditions of the job and to be the best Fireman they can be. From his street, drills to the fire floor,  he commanded respect whenever he was around. If he was talking, you were listening. Nic started in the Belleville NJFD Aux, at the age of 17. He was hired by the North Bergen FD in 1977, where he was assigned to E-4, until 1980. He was hired by the FDNY in 1980, and assigned to E-3 out of Proby school. He transferred to E-59, The Harlem Zoo, in 1981, where he worked until 1983, he then transferred across the floor to L-30, and worked there up until his retirement in 2020. Nic truly is one of a kind, to know him and learn from him was a pleasure. When I was a welder in the navy, I was once told by a 1st class petty officer, that you only meet a couple of people in a lifetime, who are that good at their craft. Keith is one of those guys. I hope you guys enjoy this interview. I know I did!For full video experience log onto YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I had the honor of talking with Retired LT. Of the FDNY Steve Gillespie. Steve is retired out of E43 and also was a Fireman for 13 years in Squad 41, out of the South Bronx and Harlem. He was assigned to E63 out of probie school. Steve retired in 2015 and became a Captain in the North Charleston, South Carolina, Fire Department. He is now a Current Battalion Chief , in the Goose Creek Fire Department, in South Carolina. Steve was also a volunteer Fireman and Police Officer in Ridgefield New Jersey for over 7 years, before he got on the FDNY in 1994.  Steve has been through some very difficult, Fireman Line of duty death fires. Aside from 9/11, Steve worked the Black Sunday fire on 1/23/2005, ( Meyran, Bellew, Dibernardo). (Scalfani was lost in a separate Brooklyn fire on the same day). The Walton Ave 99 cent store fire, in the Bronx, on 8/27/2006.( Carpluk and Reilly). And finally the Deutsche Bank Fire on 8/18/2007. (Beddia and Graffignino).       Steve is very outspoken about his mental health and dealing with these incidents. Since moving to South Carolina, he has become a peer counselor in the low country firefighter support team, that was established after the Devastating Super Sofa Store fire in Charleston, where they lost 9 members in a collapse. 6/17/2007.  Steve has become an advocate for mental health services in the first responder community and conducts lectures on the subject and provides information, for any first responder,  to get the help they need. Steve has and is willing to travel to provide support and lectures in your area. All his contact information will be provided below.           Thank you Steve for what you do and thank you for choppin’ it up me on The Kitchen Table!   If you are someone in need of counseling. There are numerous resources available to you.  Take the first step and reach out to someone, even if it’s just to talk.  Get help!For full video experience log onto YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I talked with my good friend from the Harlem Zoo. Career Fireman Collin Hanlon. Collin started his career being a volunteer/live in bunker for his hometown, the city of Dunkirk NY, from 1996-2003.He joined the US NAVY and was a flight deck crewman on the USS John C Stennis, from 1997-2001.He joined the FDNY and was assigned to E-59, The Harlem Zoo, in 2004 and later on transferred across the floor to L-30, in 2016. He retired from the FDNY in June of 2021 and moved to the city of Whitehouse Tennessee. Where, he eventually was hired by the 21 man, paid department, of the Whitehouse TNFD. Collin is also part time, live burn instructor, at the Fire Department Training Network FDTN. He also is on the peer support team, where he is available to firemen in need of mental health support. Collin is also a senior instructor for Tomahawk Strategic Solutions since 2014. A company owned and operated by tier one operators training first responders in the event of active shooters and many other incident response scenarios.  And is a Fire Safety Specialist at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort in Nashville TNFor full video experience log on to YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I had the honor to chat with, 31 plus year, Retired Captain of the City of Peoria, IL Fire Department. Tim Allen. Capt. Allen joined the PFD in 1988. He was promoted to Engineer in 1996.Then to Hazardous Materials Coordinator in 1997. Then to Captain in 2002 and was assigned to Truck 4 at station 4 until retirement. He was responsible for organizing, developing and coordinating training for the Hazmat Incident Team, consisting of teaching firefighter courses, Hazmat awareness, operations, tech rescues, clandestine drug lab and many  other courses. His Hazmat experience helped him start his own business, training companies in Hazmat. Hazmat911.  Capt. Allen has fought many fires throughout his career in the PFD and he has used that experience to train other firefighters. PFD is an aggressive Fire Department and Capt Allen was known to carry on that reputation as an aggressive firefighter. Upon retirement Capt. Allen has Authored a series of Science Fiction Novels. Apocalypse Orphan and Prisoners of the Game, just to name two. (Links Below) He got this passion for writing after he was forced to change a fire report. His second report was something out of one of these novels. When his superiors ordered him to alter the report, He refused, earning him a one day suspension. Capt. Allen is a gentleman and overall good man. His experience and work ethic are second to none and it was a pleasure hearing his story. Thank you, Capt. Allen, for chopping it up at the Kitchen Table.  🤙🏻For full video experience log on to YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I had the pleasure of chopping it up with Ben Wallick. Ben joined the Navy in 2001 and was in boot camp during 9/11. He went through BUDS SEAL Training class 242. Upon completion of BUDS, he was assigned to SEAL TEAM 2, where he earned the nickname, Vanilla Gorilla. He served as Lead Breacher and Team Leader. Ben served 3 combat tours in Iraq while on Team 2. He detached from Team 2 in 2009 where he spent his last year on active duty at, Naval Special Warfare Training Detachment assault cell, teaching all East Coast Seal Teams, CQC tactics. Ben was active for 10 years and after leaving active duty spent 2 years in the SEAL Reserve unit for 2 years, SEAL TEAM 18. Since leaving the SEAL Teams, Ben was an active PEORIA ILLINOIS FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC for close to 10 years, where he worked in various Engine companies in the city of Peoria. While in the fire academy, Ben set the record for the combat challenge, beating his own brothers time. Ben has also worked various overseas contract agencies. He was a GRS agent in high risk details, providing personal security for CIA field agents in combat environments in the Middle East. He worked overseas as an APASS operator, aboard container vessels, in international waters, in high threat areas conducting anti piracy operations. He started his security company, VANILLA GORILLA SECURITY, a few years ago, and trains local ILLINOIS SWAT Teams CQC. He also trains civilians in firearms and house clearance scenarios. Ben is a gentleman and all around good dude and great family man.Everything he does has been to provide for his family, to keep them happy, healthy and safe. And he has done an excellent job doing just that!It was great to catch up with BEN, We had a lot of laughs during the interview and I think you will too. I recommend the corkscrew story. You will not be disappointed. We could have shared stories for hours, so maybe another time. Thank you BEN for choppin’ it up on The Kitchen Table and thank you for your service! 🫡For full video experience log onto YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I sat with LT. Jay Walsh. Retired FDNY E-59. He also was assigned to 75 Engine and 33 Truck , in the Bronx NY. Lt. Walsh has over 40 years of Fire Service. He has also served in the Newington CT. FD. And the New Britain CT. FD. He currently teaches at the CT fire academy. Lt Walsh opens up about his long line of family in the fire service, 9/11 and his times on 3 different Fire Departments. He also shares a story of a rescue made during a string of arson fires in Nee Britain in 1991. His wealth of knowledge and experience are second to none and anyone interested in fire service should give it a listen.  Thank you Jay for the interview. And for your dedication to serving the public for over 40 years.  For full video experience log onto YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I sat with FDNY L-30 FF BRIAN QUINN. FF Quinn made a very rare high rise roof rope rescue of a woman on the 15th floor, of a high rise building in HARLEM NY. For his heroic and extremely dangerous act, FF QUINN received the 2nd highest medal on the FDNY. The Walter Scott Medal. Listen as he discusses the events of that day.  For full video experience log onto Youtube@TheKitchenTable59

The Kitchen Table chops it up with Retired FDNY Captain and now full time content creator, Brian Lena. Captain Lena spent time in 97 Engine and 30 Truck as a fireman and 90 Engine as a Lt. He retired out of Division 8 as a Captain. In retirement, Captain Lena became a full time content creator and started the YouTube channel, Searching For Tone. He started Searching For Tone, to help beginner guitar enthusiasts learn about buying guitars, pedals and other equipment. He does unboxing and goes over each item and gives it an honest review. Go on over to the Searching for Tone channel and hit the subscribe button for great guitar information. This is Part 1&2For full video experience log onto YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I had the pleasure of sitting down with veteran FDNY Firefighter from  Hazmat E-44. JASON POWELL. Jason was also assigned to E-69 and L-28, The HARLEM HILTON in the 16th Battalion. FF Powell is also a published Author of several short stories and most recently the novel NO MAN’S GHOST. A story about a probationary fireman assigned to a busy Harlem co. Where he adjusts to being the new guy,  balancing the firehouse and his personal life.  Until one day they are forced to fight a multiple alarm apartment fire and they are forced to  realize the dangers of the job and the brotherhood that comes along with after tragic events.  In Part 1,  we talk  Jason’s early life and fire dept.  In Part 2, we talk more about his passion for writing and the release of NO MAN’S GHOST.   For full video experience log onto YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today I sat with FDNY Squad 41 Firefighter Matt Nolan. Matt is a veteran Firefighter previously assigned to Engine 84 and then Ladder 34, where Harlem meets the Heights. Matt along with 2 members of Ladder 28, performed a daring roof rope rescue, at an apartment fire in Harlem NY. Along with Fr M. Kotzo and Pr. Fr. Lopez. Both from L-28. They saved 3 individuals hanging from a 6 story window. Never in the history of the FDNY has there been 3 roof rope rescues at 1 fire. Job well done Men. Take a listen while we chop it up at the kitchen table. Disclaimer. Apologies for my audio. Matt’s is fine mine sucks. The wireless mic didn’t connect and I didn’t realize it until the editing process. Oh well it is what it is. For full video experience log onto YouTube@TheKitchenTable59

Today i sat down with Lt. Ryan Johnston from Engine 289 of the FDNY.  Lt. Johnston started his career in the fire service with the Wantaugh Long Island, Volunteer fire dept. He then got Hired onto the FDNY in 2007 where he served 11 years in 59 Engine. 59 Engine is with 30 Truck in Harlem NY.  Lt. Johnston was promoted in 2018 and was assigned to Engine 289 in Queens NY.  Lt. Johnston opens up about many things including being 3 1/2 years sober. He hit rock bottom and had to make a tough but easy decision to save his marriage and family.  Lt. Johnston also talks about the daring rescues he and the members of Ladder 138 made, at a Queens private dwelling fire, where they help save and evacuate over 30 people. These heroic efforts earned him the FDNY Chief McElligot  Medal and FF Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award. Along with the other members of L138 receiving medals and citations for their heroic efforts and Bravery that day.

Today I had the pleasure of sitting down with the author of BROOKLYN SKINHEAD, Lou Morales.Lou opens up about growing up in the streets of the tough and violent neighborhood in Brooklyn NY, called SUNSET PARK. In the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s, Sunset Park was a violent crime filled neighborhood full of gangs. To survive that he had to adapt to it and with some local Latino friends, he formed the SUNSET SKINS.A Skinhead crew who made their name in Brooklyn and the Lower east side of Manhattan, with their no nonsense attitude. They gained their respect in clubs like CBGB with their propensity for violence. But soon that violence would shut the Sunday shows down and crew, as such with life, drifted apart. In the years after Lou found himself depressed, alone and coping with alcohol. With no where to turn he prayed alone in his apartment and became a follower of Christ. He soon found the Times Square Church and became an overseas missionary spreading the word of God to trouble street kids in outreach programs. He would travel to Columbia, War torn Kosovo and muddy streets of Zambia, where he would raise his family. But in between he was working at 7 World Trade Center on the day of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He would later return to the States and go on to write his memoir, BROOKLYN SKINHEAD, one man’s journey from fear and self hatred to love and faith. Lou is such a good dude and has such an inspiring story I know you will love it. BROOKLYN SKINHEAD can be found on AMAZON. For Full video experience on this podcast log onto YouTube@TheKitchenTable59.