The Fire Life-A Podcast by Adams County Fire Rescue

A very brave conversation with Retired ACFR Captain Russ Homer on going to the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery during his time with us at Adams County Fire Rescue. For anyone that is thinking they may have an alcohol or substance abuse problem, or knows someone that may, this is an invaluable listen. It is an honest conversation about an issue some First Responders struggle with.

Wildland fires have caused incredible damage nationwide this year. Unfortunately, we have also had our share of damage in Colorado. The Alexander Mountain Fire burned almost 10,000 acres near Loveland as 28 homes and 21 other structures were also destroyed. Our crew from Brush Truck 11 was part of the efforts to contain the fire. Hear from Lt. Rob Haberer and Firefighter Matt Mason about their experience and why being a wildland firefighter is so important to them.

We sit down with ACFR Training Chief Bret Williamson, who is retiring this summer after 33 years in the fire service. What lessons he learned along the way, and lessons learned from the younger generation. Plus, how do you keep up with all of the training trends in the fire service, and should you keep up with all of those trends?

It was a call the crew from Engine 12 have never experienced. A 155-pound St. Bernard, Mumford, had fallen through the ice and was struggling to stay above water. To the rescue came Captain Jason Seitz, Firefighter Dustin Wuestner and Engineer Mike Angelo. Hear how the rescue went down, and, spoiler alert, the happy ending. The guys also share a few other happy stories they've experienced dedicating their lives to the fire service.

Interviewing at a fire department can be a nerve-wracking experience if you aren't prepared. Hear tips and advice on the most effective ways to interview from ACFR Deputy Chief Troy Patterson and Fire Medic Dwight Killpack, who has a business designed to prepare people for the big interview. We take you behind the curtain to learn what to do, and most importantly, what not to do in the interview!

Like many agencies, ACFR sent some of our firefighters to Boulder County to help fight the Marshall fires. Hear first hand from our firefighters about what it was like to experience the worst fire in Colorado history, and the challenges they faced. From family members being evacuated, to fighting fire in 100 plus miles per hour, our firefighters experienced a situation like none other.

We sit down with Chief of Investigations Jerry Means as he explains his journey to ACFR. From being a Captain in the Fire Service, to a 20 year stint at the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, to a certified K-9 handler, Chief Means has done it all. He shares his stories from along the way, and the challenges and rewards of his current job at Adams County Fire Rescue.

Although many people in our society struggle with various addictions, some studies show that an alarming number, 40%, of all First Responders struggle with substance misuse. In this podcast, we talk to Revital Colorado's Jordan Long, who is a former firefighter now focused on supporting the mental health of our Frontline. We also talk to FireMedic Rob Haberer who has successfully overcome addiction and now shares his journey with others.

Firefighter and Wildland team member Brandon Donner joins the show as we get a behind the scenes look at what it was like to fight the East Troublesome Fire. Plus, an insight into a Fire Union, and what's it like to be an identical twin???

Statistically, firefighters are at a much higher risk of getting cancer than the general population. ACFR engineer Jimmy Martinez opens up about his battle with prostate cancer, and his advice to all firefighters. Firefighter Katie Bender also joins the podcast as we talk to her about juggling the job, being the mother of toddler twins, and running a business. We are exhausted just hearing about it.

Fire Medic Dwight Killpack co hosts the podcast as we talk about some tips on how to get hired in the fire service. We sit down with Lt. Dave Carpenter about being a cadre in the 2020 North Area Fire Academy, and the goals he has for the recruits. And finally, have you ever heard a podcast that gets interrupted by an actual call? Now you will...

In episode number two of The Firelife, Engineer Doug Owens explains how he handles an engine that weighs 30 tons, thru rain, snow, and everything in between. We also interview Training Captain Eric Davis who describes all of the various training firefighters undergo to be prepared for any situation.