Send us a Text Message. This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance. We are having some trash talk on this B Shifter Podcast; specifically fires in trash sorting facilities and recycling centers. Get your command worksheet here: https://conta.cc/3Uruz4e Big Box SOG here (past issue of the B Shifter Buckslip): https://conta.cc/46qb…

Send us a Text Message. This episode features Ashley Losch and John Vance. We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0 Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip Shop B Shifter here: https://bshif…

Send us a Text Message. This episode features Chris Stewart, Frank Leeb and John Vance. We are happy to welcome back Frank Leeb to the B Shifter Podcast! Firefighter safety, health, and resilience aren't just buzzwords—they're lifelines to a long career (and post-career). This episode gets into the nitty-gritty of mental health resources, cancer pr…

Send us a Text Message. This episode features Josh Blum and John Vance. This week we review incident audio from a commercial bar and grill in Vancouver, Washington, where we emphasize the importance of Blue Card command, effective use of sprinklers, and strategic ventilation. Hear how methodical incident command procedures underscore the value of t…

Send us a Text Message. Read Terry's article here: https://conta.cc/4bVfldV This episode features Terry Garrison, Nick Brunacini, and John Vance. We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0 Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constant…

Send us a Text Message. What really makes a difference in life safety during fire operations? We discuss the strategies employed by fire departments to prioritize rescue efforts, emphasizing the critical role of fire control. Learn about the hierarchy of search and rescue procedures and why immediate fire attack is vital for both civilian and firef…

Send us a Text Message. Another exmaple of the Blue Card systemworking in this episode of the B Shifter podcast. Join John Vance and Josh Blum as they dissect real incident audio from the Vancouver (WA) Fire Department, demonstrating the seamless integration of strategic decision-making with the eight functions of command. You’ll get an exclusive l…

Send us a Text Message. Join us as John Vance and Josh Blum reviews the intricacies of Cobb County Fire Ground Operations using Blue Card. Special thanks to Cobb County for sharing their invaluable experiences, providing practical insights for Blue Card users and anyone interested in fireground incident management. This episode features Josh Blum a…

Send us a Text Message. This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance. We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0 Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip Shop B Shifter here: h…

Send us a Text Message. We start by talking about Terry's wardrobe malfunction, the latest on the Silverback Leadership program, and what we can expect from Nick and Terry at this year's Hazard Zone Conference. We then segway into the topics of recruitment, retention, and recognition. This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison and John Va…

Send us a Text Message. Discover the transformative impact of leadership on firefighter safety in our latest conversation with retired fire chief Pat Dale. With his wealth of experience, Pat draws a direct line between the commitment of senior staff to firefighter well-being and the resulting decrease in injuries and mental health concerns. As we g…

Send us a Text Message. This week, we will be hosting a Q&A session with the chiefs - Terry Garrison, Nick Brunancini, John Vance, and Greg Timinsky, to answer questions submitted by B Shifter listeners. We understand that dealing with a non-progressive fire chief who denies outside training requests can be challenging, but we have some insights th…

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we unpack the gripping discussions where a decision-making class threw fire officers into the midst of a heated moral quandary: rescue a civilian or a downed firefighter? Over half chose the civilian, igniting a wildfire of contrasting opinions and a deep-dive into the soul of our service. With guests John Vance, …

Send us a Text Message. Step into the heart of firefighting strategy and safety, as we bring you a riveting conversation from FDIC in Indianapolis. Grant Light and Chris Stewart join us to unravel the essential roles of on-deck and rapid intervention teams, likening their poised readiness to a baseball player at bat. This episode features Chris Ste…

Send us a Text Message. It has been a while since we featured incident audio! This week, we take you to two different incidents in Hernando County (FL): a kitchen fire and a residential fire with a defensive shift. You will hear how this department has integrated Blue Card into its operations in a short period of time! This episode features Josh Bl…

Send us a Text Message. When Bruno reimagined the fire service's relationship with those they serve, he sparked a revolution. Join us we unravel the profound shift from seeing community members as mere victims to recognizing them as valued customers. Our passion-fueled conversation traverses beyond the emergency call, shedding light on the everyday…

Send us a Text Message. U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 125,000 residential natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas leaks annually, an increase of about 25 percent compared to 2007. Do you have a plan for how your department will respond and mitigate these incidents? According to the NFPA, every year more than 50,000 fires start as th…

Send us a Text Message. Discover what's new and what's next with the Blue Card Program as Josh Blum and John Vance provide an essential update on the evolution of our training system for incident commanders. Tune in to find out how we've conquered the challenges since the old system's shutdown, from swiftly resurrecting the learning management syst…

Send us a Text Message. Today commemorates the 23rd anniversary of the Southwest Supermarket Fire in Phoenix AZ. While this incident resulted in the death of Firefighter Brett Tarver, 13 total Maydays, and deep scars for many working in the Phoenix Fire Department, it also resulted in transformative changes to the American fire service. Through unp…

Send us a Text Message. Our latest podcast episode pulls back the curtain on the crucial role of the senior advisor in incident command, focusing on their support to the Incident Commander (IC) and their ability to seamlessly liaise with external agencies and how the senior advisor ensure the IC's attention remains undivided on the crisis while the…

Send us a Text Message. Embrace the spirit of Silverback Leadership as we reunite with seasoned pros John Vance, Terry Garrison, and Nick Brunacini, honoring the late Chief Brunacini's legacy. As we dissect his profound wisdom, you'll be welcomed into a heartfelt dialogue on the Kindness Conspiracy, revealing how it's reshaped the culture of firefi…

Send us a Text Message. Discover a new dimension to firefighting tactics as Josh Blum and Chris Stewart join us for a robust conversation on the Blue Card Decision Making workshop's game-changing impact on hazard zone management. We zero in on how this program is revolutionizing strategy and decision-making from the chief officer to the firefighter…

Send us a Text Message. When life seems to cruise along, that's often a signal as the perfect moment to shake things up. Our latest episode shares these personal revolutions about when it is time to move on and also serves as a guide for spotting the often-subtle cues for change in personal and professional spheres. Bringing in stories from the fir…

Send us a Text Message. This episode peels back the layers of safe fireground operations while utilizing the imbedded safety officer. We talk about how this approach transforms the safety landscape, providing immediate support and enhancing accountability where it's needed most. This episode features Nick Brunacini, Josh Blum and John Vance. We wan…

Send us a Text Message. This episode feature incident audio from Bernalillo County (NM), Harrison (OH) & Las Vegas (NV). We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0 Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs9…

Send us a Text Message. We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0 Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com Register for the 2024 Hazard Zone…

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how to build a values-driven professional development program in a fire department? Ponder no more, as we venture into the heart of this topic, highlighting the importance of creating a holistic training approach that values members for their entire persona, not just their ranks. You'll hear Jeffrey's perspecti…

Send us a Text Message. Ever felt that the rumor mill beats the actual communication speed in your organization? Are you tired of lengthy, unproductive meetings? John Vance, Nick Brunacini, and Terry Garrison, tackle the intricacies of effective communication strategies within fire departments. We unwrap our experiences in streamlining administrati…

Send us a Text Message. We define what IC "task saturation" is and Blue Card News including a recap of 2023 and more important, what is coming up for 2024! This episode features Josh Blum and John Vance. Sign up for the free Decision Making Webinar on December 6, 2023 here: https://streamyard.com/watch/wvmht9qGt4bp The link to the latest NIOSH Repo…

Send us a Text Message. Today, we bring you an engaging conversation with Fire Chief Greg Timinsky from Star/ Middleton, Idaho. (Greg is also a Blue Card Lead Instructor). He shares his journey of uniting two fire departments, a task that took over two years, but resulted in a more efficient and effective service for his community. Now, they're all…

Send us a Text Message. We dive into the recent renovations to the Blue Card system, unpack the enhancements to the learning management system and the ARFF module, and provide a glimpse into our collaboration with the National Fire Sprinkler Association. We also reveal our plans for new CE modules and share the positive feedback garnered from the S…

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how the values and behaviors of individuals can reflect an entire organization? Or how the actions of our upbringing can follow us into our professional and personal lives? Join us, as we navigate these intriguing questions and much more in a captivating discussion centered around leadership dynamics, especiall…

Send us a Text Message. This is a live recording of the last session at the 2023 Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference in Sharonville, Ohio. This episode summarizes some of the emerging topics discussed at this year's Hazard Zone Conference. This episode features Josh Blum, Nick Brunacini, Dan Madrzykowski, Frank Leeb, Chris Stewart, Jeffery King, and J…

Send us a Text Message. We review audio from Las Vegas Fire/Rescue with a fire in a vacant building that's known to house the homeless. Crews are challenge with holes in the floor and other structural hazards during the 2nd alarm incident. We'll walk you through their response, from the arrival of the BC on scene first to task assignments and the e…

Send us a Text Message. Ready to navigate air management in firefighting? How do you ensure compliance with NFPA 1404? We are here to take a deeper dive into NFPA 1404 and SOG's to help your department achieve compliance. We look at operations of different fire departments, drawing vital lessons from each, and leaving you with practical tips for yo…

Send us a Text Message. This episode features the wise insights of Battalion Chief Steve Lester of the Cobb County Fire Department. Steve brilliantly decodes the role of competence, confidence, and control in successful fireground operations, emphasizing the indispensable role of practice and experience. Hear about how the Blue Card system has been…

Send us a Text Message. We are recored live from the floor of FRI in Kansas City, Missouri! We tackle the importance of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) aimed at refining fire service operations. By tailoring these SOGs to fit your organization's needs, you can streamline your workflow and boost effectiveness. To help us navigate this topic, we…

Send us a Text Message. Are you eager to learn from experts in the field, like Chief Gary Fleischer from the Worcester Fire Department and Shane Ray from the National Fire Sprinkler Association? If yes, then you're gonna love this episode! We'll be talking all about the upcoming Blue Card Hazard Zone Conference in Cincinnati and the invaluable less…

Send us a Text Message. Ever wonder why the fire department has such high turnover rates? Or why the young guns seem more loyal to the job than the city they serve? Join us as we torch through these questions, exploring the intricacies of job contentment, application deficiencies, and the scarcity of good applicants. We'll crack open one listener's…

Send us a Text Message. Our popular segment "Ask The Fire Chief" has a new companion, "Ask The Ops Chief"! We tackle issues that you sent us that Josh Blum (our resident Ops Chief) takes the lead on. If we use your question, you get an "OG IC" t-shirt. We then finish this episode with a "Timeless Tactical Truth". This episode features Josh Blum, Ni…

Send us a Text Message. On this episode we take your questions and have a little fun (we can't be all business all the time because that is not good for our mental well being)! Ever wondered how first responders maintain mental wellness and peak performance in high-pressure situations? Join us as we share our personal experiences with meditation, y…

Send us a Text Message. What does it take to protect big box facilities from devastating fires? Join us as we sit down with Shane Ray, President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association and a long-time fire chief, who shares his expertise on big box fire protection strategies and the unique challenges that come with safeguarding various types of …

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how to effectively engage adult learners in the fire service? Join us as we chat with Jeffery King, who oversees the curriculum for the Blue Card Program, and dive deep into the world of adult learning. Together, we explore Dale's cone of learning, examine how Blue Card complements adult learning, and discuss c…

Send us a Text Message. Somehow we misplaced this episode, but hallelujah- we found it! That means three more B Shifter's get a t-shirt! We asked for questions for the chiefs and we received some good ones! This episode we discuss the paramilitary structure of fire departments, officers who push back on good radio communications and avoiding burnou…

Send us a Text Message. Our popular segment "Ask The Fire Chief" has a new companion, "Ask The Ops Chief"! We tackle issues that you sent us that Josh Blum (our resident Ops Chief) takes the lead on. If we use your question, you get an "OG IC" t-shirt. We then finish this episode with a "Timeless Tactical Truth". This episode features Josh Blum, Ni…

Send us a Text Message. This is another round of Ask The Chiefs! We asked for questions for the chiefs and we received some good ones! Every question we use will get a Bruno OG IC T-Shirt. This time around we discussed dealing with those who get their jobs back through arbitration and keeping the passion for our jobs in leadership. This episode fea…

Send us a Text Message. We listen and decontruct radio traffic from two different fires in Las Vegas. Listen to how they deal with some of the fireground challenges using a standard command and communications routine. We then finish this episode with a "Timeless Tactical Truth". This episode features Josh Blum, Nick Brunacini, and John Vance. Sign …

Send us a Text Message. On this B Shifter we first listen to some "cool command" from Las Vegas Fire/Rescue, then we delve into an article written by Alan Brunacini on "Cool Command" and command presence. You can find that article here. We then finish this episode with a "Timeless Tactical Truth". This episode features Josh Blum, Nick Brunacini, an…

Send us a Text Message. Part 1 of 2 We asked for questions for the chiefs and we received some good ones! Every question we use will get a Bruno OG IC T-Shirt. This episode features Terry Garrison, Nick Brunacini and John Vance. We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here. Shop B Shifte…

Send us a Text Message. We cover various topics on this one; fire station bathrooms, our favorite bosses, electric fire apparatus and some fire house traditions explained. We take a lighter approach on this B Shifter. We turned on the mics and let the conversation take us to where it was going to take us! We hope that you enjoy it.... This episode …