In this episode of the Fire Life Podcast CT, Matt Cohen and Chris Bombert sit down with Jim Newkirk, a longtime member of the Torringford Volunteer Fire Department, for a conversation spanning nearly five decades in the fire service.

Jim joined Torringford Fire at just 18 years old in 1977 and went on to serve in nearly every position in the department — from secretary and driver to lieutenant, captain, training officer, and chief. He spent 17 years as captain, a position he says was his favorite.

Jim talks about the decision to step away from Torringford when his son was hired as a career firefighter, his time with Torrington Westside, and ultimately returning to Torringford to try to rebuild the department. That effort included years of recruiting, but despite their best efforts, the department ultimately faced a difficult reality: not enough active volunteers to provide the response the community needed.

In 2025, Torringford Volunteer Fire Department was officially closed. Jim shares what it was like to be part of that decision — including being the only dissenting vote when the commissioners voted to shut the department down — and what the decline of volunteer fire departments means for the future of the fire service.

The conversation also covers some of Jim's most memorable fires, including the 1979 Center Church fire and the 2014 Toce Brothers tire warehouse fire, along with stories from nearly 50 years of responding to house fires, barn fires, and other emergencies.

Even after retiring from his career as an engineer, Jim isn't slowing down. He continues teaching at the Litchfield County Regional Fire School and the Connecticut Fire Academy, working with recruit classes, firefighter certification, and CPAT testing.

And, of course, there's plenty of classic firehouse conversation — including Jim's family legacy in the fire service, his son's career as a Torrington firefighter, stories about the firehouse culture, and a special retirement gift involving one very rare bottle of Sam Adams Utopias.

This episode is a look at the history and future of the volunteer fire service, the challenges facing small departments, memorable fireground experiences, and what keeps firefighters involved long after retirement.

In this episode of the Fire Life Podcast CT, Matt Cohen and Chris Palmer sit down with retired New Britain Deputy Chief Paul Walsh, who spent 37 years in the fire service.

For Paul, the fire service isn't just a career — it's a family tradition spanning generations. He shares stories of growing up around firehouses, following his father and grandfather into the fire service, and eventually watching his own children carry that tradition forward.

Paul takes us through his career in New Britain, including some of the city's most challenging fire activity, the arson fires of the 1990s, working three-decker fires, and the lessons learned on the fireground. He also discusses New Britain EMS, the development of the New Britain Fire Academy, and the importance of learning from both good and bad officers throughout a career.

The conversation also takes a more personal turn as Paul talks about his experience responding to the World Trade Center following 9/11, including the story behind a powerful photograph of Paul and his brother walking down a ramp at Ground Zero. He also discusses preserving 9/11 history and his work creating large memorial murals honoring firefighters and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

And there's plenty of classic firehouse storytelling along the way — from childhood adventures with fire equipment to family connections that have kept the Walsh name deeply connected to the Connecticut fire service.

This is a conversation about family, tradition, leadership, the fireground, sacrifice, and what it means to spend a lifetime in the fire service.

Stay tuned for Part 2 with Paul Walsh, where the conversation continues with more of his story, his artwork, and the Walsh family's incredible connection to the fire service.

Deputy Chief Todd Carell of Bristol Fire joins Fire Life Podcast CT to share stories from his career, including Coast Guard firefighting, his experience at Ground Zero after 9/11, memorable fires in Bristol, and his work teaching at the Connecticut Fire Academy.

Todd also discusses firefighter mental health, peer support programs, and why taking care of firefighters after traumatic incidents is critical to a long and successful career.

A powerful conversation about service, resilience, leadership, and the brotherhood of the fire service.

In this episode of the Fire Life Podcast CT, Eric Fischel shares his journey from growing up around the firehouse in Newington, CT to becoming a career firefighter.

We talk cadet programs, mentorship, CPAT prep, and what it really takes to get hired and succeed in the fire service.

👉 Whether you’re trying to get on the job or already in, this one’s for you.

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This episode features a gripping conversation with retired ATF agent Wayne Miller, who spent years investigating arson cases and uncovering the truth behind some of the most complex and dangerous fires. Drawing from his firsthand experience, Wayne shares what it’s really like to work fire scenes, track down suspects, and piece together evidence in high-stakes situations where every detail matters.

In this episode, we sit down with Joe McElroy—head of the Recruit Program at the Connecticut Fire Academy and former Torrington firefighter. Joe shares what it takes to build the next generation of firefighters, the standards and mindset he expects from recruits, and how his time on the job shaped the way he now trains future members of the fire service. A powerful conversation about discipline, leadership, and setting the tone from day one.

In this episode, Todd Hiller joins the podcast for a candid conversation about experience, leadership, and the evolution of the fire service. He shares hard-earned lessons from the job, the importance of mentorship and culture in the firehouse, and what it takes to stay disciplined and effective over a long career. Real stories, real perspective, and insight you can take back to your own department.

In this episode, Jason Wilson joins the show to talk about the realities of the fire service—growth, grit, and the responsibility that comes with the job. From lessons learned on the fireground to the importance of training, leadership, and culture in the firehouse, Jason shares honest insight into what it takes to stay sharp and serve at a high level. A straightforward conversation about the mindset behind the badge.