In this episode, Chief of Safety Michael Meyers and Deputy Chief James Canty discuss low-intake high-exhaust (LIHE) events that firefighters may encounter on the fireground. They discuss their inherent dangers and strategies to control, prevent and operate safely within them. Captain John Ceriello hosts.…

Cardiac arrest calls can be one of the most intense call-types emergency medical services members respond to. Often times they are emotionally heightened and require hyper-focus when performing skills and administering medications. FDNY paramedics Jonathan Morel and Maggie Studsrud discuss, with host Captain Randy Li, their two successful cardiac a…

In this CMC Podcast our school instructors Craig McClure, John McKently, LeRoy Harbach, and Jason Ilowite hold a roundtable a discussion about the books, aside from technical manuals, that have been influential to them in their lives and careers. Books mentioned: "The Mission, The Men, and Me" By Pete Blaber"Up the Organization" by Robert Townsend"…

The New York City subway system is the oldest, longest and most utilized public transportation system in the nation, with 472 stations in operation and more than 2 billion riders in 2023. With these massive numbers come numerous responses for the FDNY throughout the system. Most incidents are minor in nature and handled without removing power to th…

We are marking the FDNY Pro Podcast’s 100th episode, which debuted in April of 2016, by visiting with the guest and host from that inaugural episode. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry and Captain Randy Li welcome back Dr. Dario Gonzalez, FDNY Office of Medical Affairs, and retired Chief of Staff Elizabeth Cascio. Our FDNY Pro Podcast Producer Kristin Eng…

In this CMC Podcast CMC Instructors Wayne Chapman, John McKently, Doug McElmury, and Kelly Byrne hold a roundtable discussion about NFPA General Use vs Technical Use ratings. They explore how the ratings are defined, if there is a requirement to use one over the other, and possible use cases.Overheard this episode: “As long as you are buying good s…

Wind conditions can override the effects of some or all of the other variables that define traditional fire behavior, which can make for challenging conditions for firefighters. In this episode, we discuss fighting wind impacted fires on non-fireproof and low-rise structures with Deputy Chief George Healy. Captain John Ceriello hosts.…

We're kicking off 2024 by sitting down with FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh to discuss a wide range of topics facing the Department including the ongoing lithium-ion battery crisis and how the FDNY is helping combat it on a national, state and local level, the upcoming strategic plan and more. Battalion Chief Brian Mulry hosts.…

We revisit conversations from our latest season of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host, FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. As we reflect on the stories and lessons of 2023, our eighth season of the podcast, we want to thank all the members who contributed with their professionalism, skill and experience. We remain committed to offering resources to our …

A trench is considered a temporary excavation where both the length of the floor and the depth of the trench exceeds the width of the floor. Construction and underground utility service and repair are a few of the reasons trenches are dug. The large amount of underground infrastructure and construction happening in New York City increases the likel…

Manhattan FDNY companies were dispatched to a high-rise building under construction with reports of a crane on fire. The construction crane was positioned about five stories above the 45-story building when the engine caught fire. Upon arrival, the crane’s boom, which had 16 tons of concrete attached fell, striking another high-rise building before…

An FDNY Chaplain since 1996, Monsignor John Delendick has comforted, advised, and ministered to the Department’s members and families for nearly three decades. On September 11, 2001, he responded to the terrorist attacks and served as a pathfinder to safety, first aid and ambulances, while providing counsel to the desperate who were losing hope. Du…

Members of Ladder Company 108 carried out multiple rescues amongst challenging conditions and heavy clutter at a Brooklyn fire. In this episode, Lieutenant Chris Walter and Firefighters Roger Buck and Joseph Andres discuss the 2022 operation with host Battalion Chief Brian Mulry. For their heroic actions, the company received a unit citation, and t…

Two people plummeted five stories down an elevator shaft at the Bronx Terminal Market. Lieutenant Shlomo Winkler, then a Rescue Paramedic, and Paramedic Watkins, together with numerous on-scene units, worked to treat and free the patient trapped beneath the elevator car in a December 2022 operation. Winkler and Watkins discuss their processes, chal…

Some of the most difficult fires FDNY members face are wind impacted fires. It's been more than two decades since the Department began studying the impact of wind in high rise building fires which ultimately led to current protocols, procedures, and equipment developed to help fight these fires and are now part of FDNY standard operating procedures…

During the midst of the COVID pandemic outbreak in New York City, Tracy Harris began having severe abdominal pain that prompted her to call 9-1-1 for help. Just prior to EMS arrival, she realized that she was in full active labor (23 weeks pregnant at the time) and her pre-term baby girl had just unexpectedly delivered while she laid on the floor. …

FDNY units saved multiple residents from a three-alarm fire in a Manhattan high-rise. The explosive fire, which was ignited by an e-bike’s lithium-ion battery, blocked the first arriving units’ entry into the fire apartment. Multiple firefighters were lowered simultaneously to rescue residents trapped at the window, overcoming obstacles that challe…

Two trailblazing women of the FDNY, Battalion Chief Rochelle “Rocky” Jones (Retired) and Battalion Chief Michele Fitzsimmons discuss their successful careers with the Department. Chief Fitzsimmons joined the Department in 2001, and currently is the highest-ranking woman firefighter in the FDNY. Chief Jones entered the Department back in 1982, with …

Kristina Moon's husband, Firefighter William P. Moon II, or Billy as everyone called him, suffered a fatal injury while preparing for a training drill at his Brooklyn firehouse in December of 2022. Days later when it became clear that the 21-veteran of the Department would not survive his injuries, Billy’s family carried out his wishes to donate hi…

This week we are joined by Fred Salazar. Fred started his journey into the fire services at a young age when he attended a fire academy through a junior college, followed by paramedic school. Fred's first position out of school was with a fire team working for a petrochemical plant in Southern California where he served as a full time industrial Fi…

History was made as New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment, and swore in, Laura Kavanagh as Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department. Commissioner Kavanagh is the 34th commissioner to lead the Department—and the first woman. In her role, she oversees the nation’s largest fire department, including the agency’s 17 thousand…

We revisit conversations from our latest season of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host, FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. In our 2022 seventh season, pride and professionalism remains ever-present in FDNY training and operations, and is reflected in the stories and lessons shared here on our podcast. We thank all the members who contributed this season…

In this CMC Instructor podcast, we are joined by LeRoy Harbach. LeRoy started in the fire service in 1981 where he worked his way up to Battalion Chief of the Caledonia, Wisconsin Fire Department. LeRoy left his Battalion Chief position to join the Waukesha Fire Department as an entry level Fire Fighter to take on new challenges and open himself up…

This week we are joined by CMC School Instructor Craig McClure. Craig got his start in rope rescue volunteering for a Search and Rescue team in Bend, OR. Eventually after many years of volunteering and teaching in the rope rescue field Craig started his own training company called The Crackerjack Group, which he ran for nearly 10 years. After selli…

The heavy demand on electrical usage in high rise buildings warrants the need for high voltage equipment. That is why it's so important to understand the dangers of this equipment and how units can safely operate at fires involving transformer vault rooms. In this episode, FDNY Battalion Chief Anthony Pascocello returns to the podcast to provide li…

Join us weekly to get to know our CMC instructors. This week we are joined by Matthew Scharper. Matthew got his start in high school, volunteering for the Search and Rescue team in Mariposa County, CA. After search and rescue, Matthew joined the Mariposa Sheriffs department where he worked as a "Gun Toter" and Search and Rescue Coordinator for over…

2022 marks the 25thanniversary of the untimely death of FDNY EMT Tracy Allen Lee who was the first EMT to contract HIV on duty in the city—and in the country. Allen Lee dedicated her life to caring for others but spent the years leading up to her death fighting for the benefits for an illness obtained while in the line of duty. It wasn’t until a ye…

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/Join us weekly to get to know our CMC instructors. This week we are joined by Kelly Byrne. Kelly Started his fire service career as a Highschool cadet volunteer in 1992. After Highschool Kelly served in the United States Army as an Airborne Infantryman with the 82nd Airborne. Upon completio…

Join us weekly to know our CMC School instructors. This week we are joined by Justin Klopfenstein. Justin started his fire career early in life. Watching his dad work in the Fire Services, Justin was inspired to start volunteering with Cal Fire in Highschool in 1992. Justin worked as an EMT from 1999 to 2001 when he got hired as a firefighter. He s…

Join us weekly to get to know our CMC School instructors. This week we are joined by John McKently. John began working in the rescue industry in 1974, became an instructor with CMC in 1995, and retired as the CMC School Director in 2020. John worked for 47 years on the Montrose Search and Rescue team in Los Angeles County, CA. In this interview, we…

As the attacks on the World Trade Center were carried out, most people viewed the collapses from the outside in. However, on September 11, 2001, then-Captain John "Jay" Jonas and five of his firefighters from Ladder Co. 6 were descending Stairwell B with injured civilian, Josephine Harris, when the North Tower violently collapsed around them. The c…

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/Join us weekly as we get to know our CMC School instructors. This week we are joined by Derrick Walker. Derrick has a background in the industrial world working in power plants as a certified structural welder and welding inspector. Derrick has been teaching Rope Rescue Tech I / II classes …

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/Join us weekly as we get to know our CMC School instructors. This week we are joined by David Harper. David started his career by taking an EMT class in Highschool and worked his way up from working for a private ambulance company to Fire Bataillon Chief. David has worked with FEMA and mana…

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/Join us weekly as we get to know our CMC instructors. This week we are joined by Dan Claridge. Dan has been working in Fire Services since 2001 and has been an instructor for the CMC School since 2014. Currently an Engineer Paramedic, City Of Glendale Fire Department (CA), Dan teaches subje…

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/With this CMC Podcast we are kicking off our Instructor Series. Join us weekly as we get to know our CMC instructors. This week we are joined by Alan Baker. Alan started his career as a firefighter in Newport Beach, CA, in 1992 and has been an instructor for the CMC School since 1995. He is…

Ladder Company 41 arrived first on-scene to fire and smoke pushing out the windows of aseven-story, fireproof multiple dwelling in the Bronx. Lieutenant Patrick Twomey, Firefighter Rob Rivera and Firefighter James Soutar discuss this challenging operation, which involved scaffolding surrounding the buildingandan aggressivelithium-ion battery fire b…

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by 49th Parallel (@49thparallelrescueteam) a Canadian team composed of Firefighters from all across Canada who are involved with Ronin Rescue (@roninrescue). In this episode Doug talks with the 49th Parallel team about why they decided to compete in GRIMP NA 2022, what they learned from othe…

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by Peak Rescue (@peak_rescue) members Micah Rush, Toph Steinhoff, Eric Christensen, and Tye Herron who all placed first in Grimp NA 2022. Peak Rescue is a team from parts of Wyoming and Utah composed of members who work in Fire Servi…

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by Intervention Rescue (@interventionrescue). Intervention Rescue is a UK based technical access and rescue training provider that offerers consulting services for rescue plans and risk assessments. Intervention rescue is comprised o…

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by members of the Rose City Ropers: Adam Salvetti, Sam Dougan, Josef Kuehnast, Tyler Hohl, David Mackovjak . The Rose City Ropers are a team comprised of members from Portland Fire & Rescue in Portland, Oregon. In this CMC podcast Do…

More podcast episodes here: https://www.cmcpro.com/podcast/In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by T'NT Work and Rescue (@tntworknrescue). Coming from Canada with a combined 70 years of experience, T'NT has a diverse background in law enforcement, rope access, and fire rescue. Team captain Wade Going and team members Danny DeHa…

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by the Orange County Fire Rescue Florida team (@ocfirerescue): Ryan Allen (@rope_rescue_guy), Evan Pech, Jeffrey Hansen, and Christopher Ramey. Orange County Fire Rescue Florida was founded in 2015 in response to the ever growing theme park industry. OC Fire Rescue Florida performs rescues o…

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by Xavier Tournay of the Val De Sambre Team from Sambreville, Belgium. They discuss their experience as a small fire department participating in GRIMP and the unique terrain the Battleship IOWA provided throughout the competition. Overheard from this episode:“To compete on the battleship USS…

On July 30, 2021, Rescue Paramedics Hugh Smith and Shewain George were presented with a challenge that would test their many years of training and experience. The rescue medics arrived on scene of a building collapse to find FDNY Special Operations Units operating to rescue two trapped victims. Together with Lieutenant Paul Ardizzone, they worked t…

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by the entire Yes Ma'am team (@yesmaamrescue): Team Captain Lydia Tan (@lydiaai007), Evaluator Kitana Chu, Team Members Saskia Roosen (@saskiaroosen), Alia Koster, Cecilia Gonzales (@womeninrope), and Stephanie Hyatt (@verticalintegrityrescue), and Victim Brid Casey.Yes Ma'am was the first e…

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by members of OCFA 91 from Orange County, CA: Team captain, Aaron Creager and team members Dan Blaul, Chris Johns, Chris Linton, Tommy Olvera, and Sebastion Rodreguez. The team reflects on their lessons learned and the variety of confined space scenarios at GRIMP NA, saying: “It shows the ra…

In this CMC GRIMP North America 2022 recap, we are joined by the entire Magic Valley Paramedics Special Operation Rescue Team from Twin Falls, ID: Team captain, Chad Smith, team evaluator Theron Thomas, and team members Isaac Baker, Gerald Dillman, Adam Enock, Stan Flint, and Brian Stone. They discuss the technical challenges they faced, and were o…

We are excited to announce our podcast mini-series recapping CMC GRIMP North America 2022! We are kicking it off with a short episode introducing the 2022 teams and the 6 challenging scenarios they faced aboard the Battleship IOWA. Each week, we will release new episodes with team interviews, round table discussions, and key takeaways from event ev…

At the FDNY, the roof position can be both physically and mentally demanding. The assignments are largely autonomous, but can drastically improve operating conditions for other members and survivability for civilians, while failure can result in punishing--if not devastating--consequences for all. In this episode of the FDNY Pro Podcast, Battalion …

Each year, during the month of May, we honor EMTs, paramedics and the entire EMS workforce for their dedication, service and sacrifice. The theme for National EMS Week this year is “Rising to the Challenge,” and our guest in this episode certainly did just that. EMT Menhaz Bhuiyan, of Emergency Medical Dispatch, discusses joining the Department ami…