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What if the future of the volunteer fire service depends on reaching people in places we've never thought to look? Kevin Billingsley, better known as "KBill," is doing exactly that. As the founder of Social FD, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Kevin is using technology, social media, livestreaming, and community engagement to promote the fire service, connect families, and help volunteer fire departments tell their stories. In this episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast, Jeremy Donch sits down with Kevin to explore the mission behind SocialFD.org. From providing free websites and hosting for volunteer fire departments to offering ready-to-use social media content, fire prevention messaging, and community engagement tools, Social FD is helping departments build stronger relationships with the people they serve. For smaller and rural departments with limited budgets and resources, these tools can make a tremendous difference in raising awareness, generating support, and introducing the next generation to the fire service. But Kevin's mission goes far beyond building websites. Through family-friendly livestreams on Twitch, interactive games, giveaways, and his popular Pack Lounge, KBill is creating a positive community where firefighters, families, and kids can come together. He also hosts a Saturday evening radio show on The Thin Line Rock Station, sharing music, fire service stories, history, and conversations that celebrate the job. Through Whatnot, Kevin introduces Legacy Fire Cards and other firefighter trading cards to collectors both inside and outside the fire service, using live pack openings and sales to help fund Social FD's nonprofit mission. The conversation also explores the importance of positivity, mentorship, tradition, and finding new ways to connect with younger generations. Kevin believes that if we want people to discover the fire service, we need to meet them where they are today. Whether through a website, a social media post, a livestream, a trading card, or a simple conversation, every interaction is an opportunity to build community and strengthen the future of the fire service. Connect with Kevin Billingsley and Social FD:Website: https://socialfd.org — Free website resources, social media content, and community engagement tools for volunteer fire departments. Twitch: Find Social FD and KBill for family-friendly interactive livestreams, games, giveaways, and the Pack Lounge. The Thin Line Rock Station: https://thethinline rockstation.com — KBill's Saturday radio show, 5–7 PM Central / 6–8 PM Eastern.Whatnot: Find Social FD for live trading card openings, auctions, and Legacy Fire Cards.Facebook: Search Social FD and join the Social FD Community Group to connect with firefighters, first responders, and their families. At its heart, this episode is about recognizing that the fire service has an incredible story to tell. Kevin Billingsley is finding new, creative ways to tell it, and in doing so, he's helping ensure the next generation has an opportunity to discover everything this job has to offer.

National Fire Radio | Episode 482 Frank Sutphin and Tom Lott Some friendships are built in the firehouse and last a lifetime. This episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast is a perfect example. Frank Sutphin and Tom Lott join Jeremy Donch in the studio for a conversation filled with decades of fire service experience, unforgettable stories, plenty of laughs, and a genuine love for the job. Longtime friends Frank and Tom reflect on their early days in the fire service, the firefighters who shaped their careers, and the traditions that made the firehouse more than just a place to respond to calls. From old-school firefighting and hard-earned lessons to the brotherhood that continues long after the fire is out, this conversation captures what makes the fire service so special. But this episode goes beyond reminiscing. The guys discuss the importance of maintaining high standards, mentoring the next generation, building strong firehouse cultures, and understanding why fewer young people are following in their footsteps. They challenge firefighters to consider how their own attitudes and actions influence the future of the volunteer fire service. After Tom has to head out, Jeremy and Frank continue the conversation, diving deeper into training, leadership, firefighter safety, and the responsibility experienced firefighters have to pass along what they've learned. Frank shares more stories from his remarkable journey and reminds us that no matter how many years you've been on the job, there's always something more to learn. At its heart, this episode is about friendship, tradition, family, and the incredible relationships that come from a lifetime of service. The firehouse gives us more than a place to belong. It gives us people, memories, and lessons that stay with us forever.

National Fire Radio | Episode 481 Peter Matthews, Editor in Chief, Firehouse Magazine For 50 years, Firehouse Magazine has been more than just a publication. It has been a window into the American fire service, documenting its history, celebrating its people, sharing lessons learned, and inspiring generations of firefighters along the way. For National Fire Radio host Jeremy Donch, Firehouse Magazine was a major part of growing up around the fire service. Long before the internet, social media, and YouTube, there was the excitement of a new issue arriving each month. Flipping through the pages, studying the photographs, recognizing apparatus from departments across the country, and reading about the firefighters who were doing the job helped fuel a lifelong passion for the fire service. In this special 50th anniversary episode, Jeremy sits down with Peter Matthews, Editor-in-Chief of Firehouse Magazine, for a conversation that goes well beyond the pages of the publication. Peter shares his journey from growing up in a volunteer fire service family on Long Island to photographing fires for the New York Post and eventually becoming one of the individuals responsible for carrying forward the legacy of Firehouse Magazine. Together, they reflect on the contributions of legendary fire service personalities, including Dennis Smith and Harvey Eisner, and the importance of preserving the stories, experiences, and lessons of those who came before us. The conversation explores how the fire service has evolved over five decades, from traditional firefighting operations to today's increasingly complex all-hazards environment. They discuss emerging challenges such as lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicle fires, the growing importance of community risk reduction, and the responsibility of delivering accurate, meaningful information to firefighters. But perhaps the most powerful part of this episode is the discussion about firehouse culture, mentorship, leadership, and engagement. Jeremy and Peter reflect on a time when the kitchen table was the classroom, when firefighters spent hours discussing the last fire, sharing experiences, and passing knowledge from one generation to the next. They challenge today's firefighters to put down their phones, reconnect with one another, take ownership of their organizations, and never lose sight of the mission. Peter also opens up about the tremendous responsibility that comes with telling the fire service's stories. From the lessons learned through line-of-duty deaths to the emotional weight of knowing the people behind those tragedies, he offers a personal look at what it means to preserve the legacy of the fire service while working to make it safer for future generations. As Firehouse Magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary, this episode is both a tribute to an iconic publication and a reminder of why storytelling matters. The platforms may change, the technology may evolve, and the challenges may look different, but the mission remains the same: share knowledge, preserve tradition, honor those who came before us, and leave the fire service better than we found it. Whether you grew up waiting for the next issue of Firehouse Magazine or you're discovering it for the first time, this is a conversation about the people, passion, and purpose that make the fire service so special.

Chapter 136: Position Based Firefighting Meets the Forward Thinking Firefighter In this episode, Mickey breaks down the connection between position based firefighting and forward thinking on the fireground. From the first due truck officer to the roof firefighter and second due truck, understanding building construction, fire extension, and the relationship between exposures and apartment layouts is critical. It’s not simply about getting into position. It’s about understanding your purpose, anticipating the next problem, and staying ahead of the fire.

National Fire Radio Podcast Episode 480 | Micah Rains, Palmetto Fire Training National Fire Radio was on the floor at the 2026 South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo (SAFRE) in Raleigh, North Carolina, partnering with Atlantic Emergency Solutions to showcase the latest fire apparatus, equipment, and innovations while connecting with firefighters and industry leaders. During our time in the Atlantic Emergency Solutions booth, Jeremy Donch sat down with Micah Rains for a passionate conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing today's fire service: recruitment and retention. Why are we so focused on recruiting new firefighters when we're struggling to keep the ones we already have? Jeremy and Micah challenge the traditional approach, emphasizing that recruitment and retention are two very different issues. Before we can attract new members, we need to create firehouses where our current firefighters feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay. Strong leadership, meaningful training, clear expectations, and a sense of pride and ownership are the foundations of a healthy organization. The conversation goes beyond staffing numbers and explores the importance of building a winning culture. It's not always about money or incentives. It's about creating an environment where firefighters want to be, where passion is encouraged rather than discouraged, and where leadership invests in its people. Whether career or volunteer, the organizations that maintain high standards, promote growth, and foster a sense of belonging are the ones that will continue to thrive. Fix your house first. Take care of your people. Build a culture worth being part of, and recruitment will follow. This conversation is a reminder that the future of the fire service depends not only on bringing new people through the doors but on giving those already inside a reason to stay. Special thanks to Atlantic Emergency Solutions for partnering with National Fire Radio at SAFRE 2026 and helping us bring these important conversations to the fire service.

Chapter 135 | View From the Top Floor Podcast In this episode, Mickey breaks down a balloon frame dwelling with fire showing from the attic and smoke in the basement. Do you reposition the first line or continue to the attic and stretch a second? This episode examines positioning, communication, staffing, and adapting to changing conditions. There may be no perfect answer, but every decision affects the fireground. Recognize the details, communicate, and decide. Indecision is still a decision.

Episode 479 | Meet Little Firefighter Quinn Every once in a while, I get to sit down with someone who reminds me exactly why I fell in love with the fire service in the first place. This conversation with Little Firefighter Quinn and his parents was one of those times. Quinn is only 12 years old, but his passion for the fire service is undeniable. What started with a kid who loved fire trucks and a converted golf cart called “Little Liberty” has grown into something much bigger. Today, Quinn and his family are using social media to educate people, promote the fire service, and most importantly, get the next generation excited about serving their communities. What I appreciate most about Quinn is the authenticity behind everything he does. There is no agenda here. He simply loves the fire service. That excitement has become infectious, and kids are paying attention. During our conversation, his family shared that they regularly hear from young people who say Quinn has inspired them to become firefighters. They even met a 16 year old who told them he became a junior firefighter because he had been watching Quinn's videos. Think about the impact of that for a minute. A 12 year old kid sharing something he loves is already helping bring the next generation through the doors of their local firehouses. We also talk about the family behind Little Firefighter Quinn. His dad, Travis, has been a volunteer firefighter for nearly three decades, and watching his son fall in love with the same job has helped reignite his own passion for the fire service. Mom manages much of what happens behind the scenes, protecting Quinn from the negative side of social media, coordinating opportunities, editing content, and making sure this remains something the entire family can enjoy together. What you see online really is a family effort, and throughout this conversation you can hear how much closer this journey has brought them. Quinn isn't just interested in fire trucks either. He wants to understand how things work. He is learning electrical work, wiring his own projects, building and modifying Little Liberty, working on their next miniature fire apparatus, learning about fire service history, visiting departments and manufacturers, and taking every opportunity he gets to experience another part of the job. His goal is bigger than simply becoming a firefighter someday. He wants other kids to understand that there are countless ways to become part of this world and contribute to it. That's really what this episode is about. The next generation is out there. We just have to give them something worth getting excited about. Quinn is proof of what can happen when we introduce kids to the fire service early, let them ask questions, teach them our history, give them experiences, and allow their curiosity to grow. We spend a lot of time talking about recruitment and the future of the fire service. Maybe sometimes we need to stop talking about it and start showing young people just how good this job really is. Quinn closed this episode by taking over the National Fire Radio sign off himself: take the conversation back to the station, because when you're talking about the job, you're making the job better. At 12 years old, I'd say he's already doing his part.

Loyal to a Fault | Jake Ryks, Hazard Class Podcast | Episode 478 In this episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast, I sit down with Jake Ryks, host of the Hazard Class Podcast, for a conversation about what it really means to go all in on the fire service. Jake shares his journey from working part time in the fire service and private sector to the St. Paul Fire Department, hazmat instruction, special operations, and eventually podcasting. Throughout his story, one thing becomes very clear. Jake loves this job, believes deeply in what we do, and describes himself as being “loyal to a fault.” That idea became a big part of our conversation. How can you be loyal to a fault to something that we often say will never love you back? Jake's answer really stuck with me. He understands that he will always love the fire service more than it will love him. Someday all of us will be replaced, and that's okay. What matters is what we do with the time we have and whether we leave this job better than we found it. We talk about leadership, mentorship, and the responsibility of those who care deeply about the job to help others find their way. Not everyone knows where to look or how to get better. Sometimes they simply need someone willing to invest in them. We also spend a lot of time talking about training and competency. Jake offers a perspective that I think every firefighter should consider. Our job isn't simply to go on calls. Our job is to be prepared when the call comes. Jake shares the story of a fire where his ticket was drawn and years of training and preparation allowed him to rescue three children. That one moment made every book, class, conference, drill, and hour spent working on the craft worth it. Whether you're running 200 calls a year or working in one of the busiest companies in the country, eventually your number may get called. The question is whether you'll be ready when it happens. The conversation also gets very personal. Jake opens up about his own struggles, reaching a point where he needed help, and what he learned about vulnerability, transparency, and allowing people into your life. We talk about how easy it is in the fire service to carry things quietly and convince ourselves that we can handle everything on our own. Jake learned that opening up and asking for help didn't make him less of a firefighter. It helped him become a better husband, father, firefighter, instructor, and friend. This conversation is really about the give and take of the fire service. This job can demand a tremendous amount from us, but it can also give us purpose, relationships, opportunity, belonging, and experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else. Maybe the question shouldn't always be, “What is the fire service giving me?” Maybe we should spend a little more time asking, “What am I giving back to it?”

Chapter 134. View From the Top Floor Podcast with Mickey Farrell In this episode, Mickey talks about the Mile High Fire Conference in Aurora, Colorado, the love of the job, being around like minded people, and the grind that comes with being on the road. He also gets into a fireground topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: the critical steps of evacuating a fire building and what actually needs to happen when the order of “Everybody Out!” is given.

In this episode, Mickey gives you another Street Talk, this time from Manhattan’s Upper East Side. He clears up a few things that have been on his mind before getting into the art of the forward thinking truck company and second due truck work in residential fireproof buildings. He recaps the role of the second due truck and closes out with a brief look at how a forward thinking truck company approaches the fireground.

National Fire Radio | Episode 477 Chief Joe Speranza of the Hawthorne, New Jersey Fire Department joins Jeremy for a wide-ranging conversation about the realities facing today’s volunteer fire service. From increasing training requirements and the value of our members’ time to staffing, retention, leadership and the growing demands being placed on local departments, this episode takes an honest look at where we are and where we may be headed. Chief Speranza shares what Hawthorne is doing to adapt, including cross-training and building stronger working relationships with neighboring departments. We discuss regional cooperation, mutual support, leadership on the fireground, developing younger members and removing ego from the equation. We also get into some of the larger challenges facing New Jersey departments, including PFAS foam, rising equipment costs, firefighter incentives, housing affordability and the need for better communication between the people making policy and the firefighters actually doing the job. But this conversation isn't just about the problems. It's about the opportunity in front of us. Joe continues to believe deeply in the volunteer fire service, his people and the communities we serve. The answer starts with looking within, rebuilding pride and passion in our firehouses, taking care of our members and remembering why we fell in love with the job in the first place. There is still tremendous talent and commitment in the fire service. The question Chief Speranza leaves us with is simple: What are we waiting for?

In this episode, Mickey sits down with Jeremy to discuss the overcomplication of the American fire service. They talk about how data-driven tactics can keep us from seeing the bigger picture on the fireground, how we’re losing the art of the job, and why humility is essential to the forward progression of leadership and education in today’s fire service.

In this chapter, Mickey talks about September 11th, what “Never Forget” actually means to those who live with it every day, and why it can be difficult to watch the day become a slogan for people who never truly understood what was lost. The conversation also turns to firehouse memorials and why they matter. They are more than plaques, pictures, and names on a wall. They are a connection to the brothers who came before us, including men we may have never met but whose sacrifice, reputation, and history are now tied to the companies we serve in. Whether you’re working overtime, detailed to another house, or simply passing through, take a minute. Read the names. Look at the pictures. Understand who stood there before you. September 11th is not a day on the calendar. It’s a way of life.

In this episode, Mickey breaks down the art of stretching a line—the long-lost heart of firefighting. Understanding where you fit in, knowing your responsibility, and how timing, positioning, and attention to detail all come together for professional firefighting.

In this episode, Mickey breaks down transmitting a Mayday while your low-air alarm is sounding. Whether it’s a vibra-alert, bell, or whistle, those alarms can quickly drive your stress level up. The key is maintaining composure, controlling your cadence, and speaking clearly over the alarm so your Mayday is heard, understood, and acted on.