🚒 FIREHOUSE TALK WITHOUT HR! 🔥

What happens when you get three firefighters together, throw out some controversial questions, and tell them to leave the HR department out of it?

You get Episode 184 of The Cool Fireman Podcast!

Support Robert:

https://www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/abraham

This week, Matt, Brian, and Adam (America's Favorite Unkie) are playing TRUE OR FALSE, and absolutely NOTHING is off the table!

From the firefighter who complains about EVERYTHING but never offers a solution, to the guy who thinks he runs the entire firehouse, we're tackling the conversations that happen around firehouse kitchen tables across the country.

But things get a little more serious when the guys start debating leadership, experience, and promotions.

Can promoting your best firefighter actually cost you your best firefighter?

Should firefighters be allowed to evaluate their captains and chief officers? And does being great at the job automatically mean you'll make a great leader?

Matt shares his experiences as a captain and explains why the responsibility of making decisions is completely different from sitting in the back of the engine telling everyone else what they should be doing.

Brian brings the chief officer's perspective, discussing accountability, professional development, and the importance of 360-degree evaluations.

And Adam explains how talented firefighters can get buried in administrative responsibilities after promoting, leaving them with less time to train and develop their crews.

The guys also tackle fireground awareness, understanding WHY we do things instead of simply HOW, the value of real-world experience, and why firefighters should always be looking to improve.

Of course, there's plenty of laughing, a little arguing, some technical difficulties, and just enough inappropriate firehouse humor to remind everyone why we call this show The Cool Fireman Podcast!

We also have some exciting Patreon updates, upcoming prize box giveaways, and a Snail Mail question from Madison about what to wear to her first firefighter interview.

We take a moment to send love and support to firefighter-paramedic Bob Abram and his family, along with those affected by a tragic incident involving Canadian military personnel in Alberta.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!

Should your crew get to evaluate your leadership? Does every firehouse have that ONE GUY who thinks he's in charge? And is promoting your best firefighter always the right decision?

We want to hear YOUR opinions!

A huge thank-you to our Patreon supporters and everyone who continues to listen, comment, and help grow this community!

🎙️ Join the conversation and support the show at thecoolfireman.com.

Stay Cool! 🚒

Support the show

Ever wonder what it's like working for FDNY's Special Operations Command while running a firefighter-owned business with thousands of subscribers?

On Episode 183 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, and Adam welcome back one of our biggest supporters, longtime sponsor, and good friend Thomas, the founder of Burn Box and FD Collector's Club!

Thomas joins us for a conversation about his life as a firefighter assigned to FDNY Squad 1, the incredible growth of Burn Box, and the challenges of building a business while still working full-time in the firehouse.

What started as an idea to introduce firefighters to other firefighter-owned companies has grown into something Thomas never imagined. From packing boxes in his living room to managing thousands of subscribers, he shares how Burn Box came to life, what makes a great subscription box, and why keeping his customers happy will always be his top priority.

We also get an inside look at FDNY Squad 1, where Thomas explains what makes Squad Companies unique, the training and experience required to earn a spot, and why he still says, "I can't believe I'm getting paid to do this!"

The conversation takes us into the world of FD Collector's Club, where Thomas helps firehouses raise money while delivering high-quality challenge coins, patches, and the history behind each featured department.

And of course, we talk about FDIC, firefighter-owned businesses, the importance of community, and what might be next for Burn Box, including some pretty ambitious ideas involving training and a possible firehouse headquarters!

Plus, we've got a Patreon Prize Box drawing, a surprise giveaway courtesy of Thomas, some listener feedback in Snail Mail, and plenty of laughs along the way!

A huge THANK YOU to Thomas and Burn Box for supporting The Cool Fireman Podcast and being part of our family!

Have you subscribed to Burn Box or FD Collector's Club? What's been your favorite item?

Let us know!

Join our Patreon community, suggest future episode topics, and support the show at thecoolfireman.com.

Real Conversations. Real Firefighters. Real Firehouse Fun. 🚒

Support the show

Learning From Loss: A Firefighter's Legacy & Lessons From a LODD | Episode 182

What happens when a line-of-duty death hits close to home? And more importantly, how do we make sure the lessons learned aren't forgotten?

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian, Doug, and Adam welcome special guest Mikey Hillman, a 19-year fire service veteran, to share the story of his close friend and fellow firefighter, Bryce, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

This isn't just another discussion about firefighter safety. It's a deeply personal conversation about brotherhood, loss, leadership, aggressive firefighting, and the responsibility we have to learn from those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mikey takes us through his friendship with Bryce, their time working together, and the devastating fire that changed his life. He explains how an overlooked basement fire became a deadly situation and how that incident has influenced fireground operations, training, and decision-making within his department.

One of the biggest lessons Mikey shares is something he calls "THROTTLE CONTROL."

As firefighters, we're trained to be aggressive, move quickly, and get the job done. But knowing when to slow down, evaluate conditions, and make informed decisions can be just as important as knowing when to push forward.

The guys also discuss the importance of completing a proper 360, identifying basement involvement, keeping radio communications clear, trusting your crew, and developing the next generation of firefighters.

But beyond the tactical lessons, this episode is about remembering the person behind the badge.

Mikey shares what made Bryce such an incredible firefighter, friend, and family man, and how his legacy continues through the work they're doing to educate firefighters and improve the fire service.

This episode has some laughs, some difficult moments, and an important reminder that every line-of-duty death represents more than a statistic. It's a person, a family, a crew, and an opportunity for all of us to learn.

Take the lessons. Share the knowledge. Honor the fallen.

A huge thank-you to Mikey Hillman for being vulnerable, sharing Bryce's story, and helping us continue the conversation about firefighter safety and training.

Check out Mikey's business, Coverings LLC, and the work they're doing to honor Bryce's legacy.

As always, support The Cool Fireman Podcast by joining our Patreon community, sharing the episode, and keeping the conversation going.

Stay safe, take care of your crews, and never stop learning. 🚒

Support the show