
Advertise on podcast: GRABS Podcast
Rating
4.8from
This podcast has
128 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Brothers in Battle MediaExplicit
No
Date created
2019/08/29
Latest episode
2026/10/13
Average duration
27 min.
Release period
14 days
Description
GRABS Podcast: Grant Schwalbe, Justin McWilliams, Nick Ledin, Jeffrey Bryant and others bring you the stories of the victim rescues being made all over the country.
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Grabs 194 - Bremerton (WA) Fire Department
2026/10/13
11/21/25 at 0909 Bremerton Fire Dept had a residential structure fire in east Bremerton. When toned dropped many units were at a Coats for Kids event located at an East Bremerton elementary school. E-3, M-1, M-3, and BN-1 went en-route from the school which was located about 1 mile from the fire. M-1 arrived first and prepped for fire attack. E-3 then arrived and initiated command and assigned M-1 fire attack. The engineer was dialed and had the line pulled to Delta side entry door. As M-1 was waiting for line to charge the neighbor told them that they believed a young man and his dog were still in there. M-1 relayed to E-3 officer prior to going interior. Structure was a small 1 story home with fire self vented out alpha side bay window. M-1 entered from delta side entrance and hit the main body of the fire in the living room. After getting fire darkened down they advanced their hose to rear hallway and performed a search of the bedrooms off that hallway. The final room they searched they found a victim and his dog on the floor. They performed a feet first dirty drag and relayed traffic to command. They dragged victim out to driveway and were met by M-3 who took over care. Victim was found to be rigor w/soot stained face. M-1 re-entered finishing the primary search coordinating with E-41 who was assigned primary search. M-1 then picked hoseline back up and finished extinguishing of fire.
Below are the numbers:
Some initial numbers from the TIME E-3 ARRIVAL/INITIATED COMMAND:
M-1 assigned FA 30 secs
E45 Assigned Water supply assigned
1 min 46 Sec
M1 made entry/water on fire
2 Min 5 Sec
E3 Established Command
2 min 22 sec
E41 assigned Primary Search
2 min 52 sec
BN1 Assumed Command 4 min 32 sec
M1 Coming out with Victim
4 min 47 sec
M1 Primary Search Complete 1 Dog found
6 min 58 sec
[email protected]
GRABS 193 - Carson City (NV) Fire Department (8.23.24)
2026/09/29
- 2 victims rescues
- Both survived
- 1st due engine with a 1 min ETA
- Known victims with known location
- Search ahead of the hoseline (rescue mode)
[email protected]
GRABS 192- Chatham County (GA) Fire Department (4.12.26)
2026/09/15
Name: John Farrell Captain Truck 307
Department: Chatham County Fire Department Date: 4 12 2026
Building type: 3 story multi-family residual, lightweight wood-frame. Smoke and flames coming from the alpha side stair well extended to the Charlie side of the structure division 2 and 3.
Reports of 5 victims 2 kids 3 adults
Time of arrival: 4:02 4:04 Assisted and walked down the 24ft ladder
PD video of kid drops:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fr%2F1CQjFKZHjJ%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cbbfef9b1174a4e19ebb108deab992643%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639136871441996172%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BbrFWrhu4ImAXObZDppF7oRPBHEc4XtiXsj22vELc4M%3D&reserved=0
FD video of 3 ladder rescues:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fv%2F1CkbNTapPb%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cbbfef9b1174a4e19ebb108deab992643%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639136871442197993%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=J0jhAEcpsT4IiSBqYPW9Jn9o42jdcbaZsK9bxrG9xQE%3D&reserved=0
3 takeaways:
Nobody cares if it’s your first fire, be ready to preform. Physically and mentally
Training matters we train to run on the fireground its about them not us SPEED with a PURPOSE
We get to do this job be really good at it
[email protected]
GRABS 191 - Rutherford County (TN) Fire and Rescue (4.4.26)
2026/09/01
Philip Nichols/Captain
Rutherford County Fire and Rescue
April 4, 2026 1800 hrs
Single story single family dwelling (1200 sq ft ranch)
4 minutes from on scene to victim removed
260-275
Never let go of a conscious victim
Never put your tool down
Smoke drunk is a real thing, never trust a conscious victim.
Don’t get complacent. A small fire with a decent amount of smoke make me think it would be an easy job and cause me to make some poor decisions.
[email protected]
Grabs 190 Ft Myers, FL (10/2004)
2026/08/18
Grabs 190 Ft Myers, FL (10/2004)
Grant speaks with John Lovato (BC, then FF) 2 Story Multi-FamilyMultiple Units Arrive at the Same TimeFirst Vice Located by another crew on couch (deceased) 4-6 FF's went upstairs, child located in closet in laundry basket quickly. Viz @ kneesQuick one person removalDiscussion about how unorganized this felt (as a new FF) Under 3 minutes arrival to removal
[email protected]
GRABS 189 - Normal (IL) Fire Department (11.2.25)
2026/08/04
Matt Hill- Lieutenant 17 yearsNate Riordan- Firefighter 11 yearsNormal Fire Department- Normal, ILAssigned to E10 the night of the incident (2nd arriving)11/2/2025 approx. 1:45amSingle-wide mobile home- Early 1980s modelApproximate Times:Made entry approx. 3 minutes after arrival on sceneAround 35 seconds to breach the exterior wallLocated Victim approximately. 3 minutes after entryRemoved victim approx. 3 minutes after locating himI think he was at the hospital about 9ish minutes later12yo child- Approx. 100lbsRemoved by hand- passed him offTakeaways:When there is reported entrapment, get off the rig in the rescue mindset. Any chance the victim had would not have existed if another 30 seconds went by.The 360* survey is critical. Three sides of that building were f****d and I actually radioed that a rescue was not possible after seeing three. The 4th side changed my mind and made me realize there was a chance to get in and search.Kids hide- Be thorough. Search like you’re looking for your own child.Coordination is key- We got the grab, but this was a full unit effort. We were in the room, but multiple people outside made it possible. Including:Bat Chief- Trusted his people to work.Nozzle FF on E13- Got the line in place at the window to control the room before it flashed.Water supply- Two Engineers were FAST establishing itLt. Martin/Engineer Gerrietts- Passed out the victim and they got him to EMS QuickALS Providers- Two of our FF/Medics doffed their gear and went into Medic mode, two others joined them and they provided excellent care in a timely manner.
[email protected]
GRABS 188 - Paulding County (GA) Fire and Rescue (3/29/26)
2026/07/21
Lieutenant Caleb Caldwell.Paulding County Fire & Rescue. Paulding County Georgia. March 29th, 2026.Single story, wood-frame residence on a crawlspace.6 minutes, 12 seconds from on-scene to victim removal.Approx. weight is 250-275lbs.Drag from bed to a make-shift table, out a window on a ladder.
Takeaways:
Positive:
Allowing homeowner to show potential victim location.
Having a culture of targeted search even as first due engine.
Using ladder from the residence to execute search and removal.
Having a driver fighting fire from the exterior while officer and backstep are searching for known victim location.
Negative:
Line should have been deployed directly to point of VES for better/quicker protection.
[email protected]
GRABS 187 - Lexington County Fire Service (3/7/26)
2026/07/07
Colin Cotter (Firefighter) & Reilly Kilbride (Firefighter)
Lexington County Fire Service
3/7/2026
Two story single family wood frame
Arrival to removal = 4min
Dirty drag from ankles (each FF had one ankle) then extremity carry down the stairs
Take aways
- all units on scene did their jobs effectively to put our crew in a position to make the rescue
- outside training was a big factor in making this rescue go smoothly. We both attened a large amount of outside training both together and separately. We both felt very prepared to be in the position to make an effective rescue.
- Doing training regularly with our crew built a good team chemistry that paid off during this rescue.
[email protected]
GRABS 186 Rock Island, IL (12/1/25)
2026/06/23
Sitting down with Chaon Hanson and Jacob Kelly of the Rock Island, IL Fire Department. They're talking about a rescue they had on December 1st, 2025.
This was in a 1.5 story wood frame that from all sides "appeared vacant".
The victim was found within the first 6' of a point of egress.
Victim weight was 120-150 pounds.
Key takeaways -
- Fire Based EMS with Jump Companies
- How much the data reflects the fireground
[email protected]
GRABS 185 St.. Paul FD (1/3/26)
2026/06/09
Firefighter John SchowengerdtSt. Paul (MN) Fire Department1.3.26Modified Multi-Family DwellingAbout 15 minutes from arrival on scene until victim removedVictim weighed about 175#Removal was a 2-person dirty drag3-4 takeaway:Don't be complacentExpect victims even in small firesAutomatic Fire Alarms - If a building calls the FD stating it's on fire...assume the building is rightPractice moving victims up stairs
[email protected]
GRABS 184 - Danville Fire Department, Illinois (December 25th, 2025)
2026/05/26
Danville Fire Department
12/25/2025
1.5 story wood frame with small living space upstairs on alpha side
About a minute or less
approximately 200
Ladder removal from roof of covered porch
Don’t get complacentBe ready to change tactics on the flyPractice the basics! (Deploying Lines, Masking up, and Throwing ladders)Devin Heinrichs - Firefighter (Acting up as LT for day of the fire)
Nathan Michael - Firefighter (Driver)
GHage Lange - Firefighter
[email protected]
Grabs 183 Orlando, FL (11/4/2025)
2026/05/12
Grabs 183 Orlando, FL (11/4/25)
LT Bassel Ibrahim Orlando Fire, FL From one Ems call to another, they see smoke Front to back duplex, fire and smoke showing, bars on all windows, chained gate and people waiving. Told people are trapped when they arrived, while trying to get their gear on. Trouble getting on radio to request the rest of the alarm. Someone trapped behind security gate on A side. Popped door, made the grab.On scene to removal was under 1:00. (Vict went from conscious to unconscious)
[email protected]
Grabs 182 Cape Girardeau Fire Department, MO (12/20/25)
2026/04/28
Grabs 182 Cape Girardeau Fire Department, MO (12/20/25)
Andrew Juden Fire CaptainCape Girardeau Fire Department10:30 P report of 2 houses on fireSingle Family Dwelling-Rescue Mode 90% involvement-Report of Victim VES-Located conscious victim immediately. (One man in) Moderate smoke and heat, door starting to fail at top. 2nd man in to help get pt “unstuck” Pt with dog. Ammo started to cook off, they covered pt until it was passed. Hose line moved into room from window, because window started to light off. 2 firefighter lift out a 1st floor window-200 LBS, passed the victim out and finished the search. 5-6 minutesTake the water can with you. "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth"Training Makes the Difference-In high-stress situations, you don’t have time to think through every decision you rely on training and repetition. This rescue was a direct result of preparation and muscle memory, not improvisation.Teamwork Saves Lives-Successful rescues are never the result of one person. Clear communication, trust, and everyone doing their job played a critical role in the outcome. Decision Making Under Extreme Pressure-Conditions change rapidly, the unexpected happens, and decisions must be made with incomplete information. This incident reinforced the importance of staying calm, trusting your assessment, training, experience, and committing to a decision quickly.Time Is the Biggest Enemy-Fire growth and smoke conditions escalate faster than most people realize. This rescue highlighted how every second counts and how quickly survivable conditions can disappear.
[email protected]
Grabs 181 Owensboro Fire Department, KY (12/1/25)
2026/04/14
Grabs 181 Owensboro Fire Department, KY (12/1/25)
Josh Knies - Firefighter (K-Niece) Brad Hamilton - FirefighterDate of grab: 12/1/2025Type of building: Type V 2 story garden apartment Possible victim inside with limited mobility (radio traffic) 700 SQ FTLimited VisibilityApprox time from arrival to removal: 6 minutes from first arriving apparatus.Weight of the victim: 150 lbsMethod of removal: dirty drag.Takeaways: Speed of making entry. Everyone knowing their job. Victim survivability with close proximity to the fire.Clearing a path to drag the victim.EMS waiting for the victim.Getting a second ambulance. https://www.wevv.com/news/kentucky/owensboro-firefighters-rescue-person-from-apartment-fire/article_3bd85af1-7c42-4df6-b93c-3f1de96223e4.html
[email protected]
Grabs 180 Grand Prairie, TX (11/20/25)
2026/03/31
Grabs 180 Grand Prairie, TX (11/20/25)
Stephen Hromcik-BC, Brady Tedrow-LT, Nolan Wade-FFTalk a little IC perspective. Battalion Chief was first on and attempted the rescue before the engine arrived. Type of building -Single family residence, single story, approx 1300-1500 sq ft, brick veneer-wood frameApprox time from arrival to removal-1st on fire engine to removal- 2 minutes Weight of the victim (approximately)-140lbsMethod of removal -Directed VEIS - Two rescuer wrist drag at floor level to exterior door. Approximately 8 feet.
LT/FF Takeaways:
Early upgrade to second alarm and response of additional units for a known/possible rescue with multiple victims led to a positive outcomeWhether or not to mask up on fires with known victims.BC takeaways:
Upgrading to second alarm early, request additional ambulances for victims and personnel on scene. Command post location, using TIC on exterior 360, gearing up if first on scene of a reported
[email protected]
Podcast reviews
Read GRABS Podcast podcast reviews
ilikemusic 2026/09/27
Essential
Every single firefighter in the United States and beyond should have notifications turned on and not miss a single episode of this podcast.
Toast89 2026/05/09
Great pod & to the point
Great pod. A lot to learn from these episodes. Thanks for this.
TruckLtB 2024/02/21
This is a must listen to podcast for firefighters
Great content. Perfect for driving to work and working out . Always great take aways for training and crew discussions. A must listen to for any leve...
john halsey 2021/07/25
Awesome podcast
Great on the morning drive to work. Great reminder to expect the unexpected and always work hard for them because it matters!
Wifi Trak 2020/12/27
Great job!
I’ve learned a lot from the stories. Thanks for getting great information out to help us make a difference. Keep up the great work!
BIBmissionfirst 2020/11/09
Love it. Keep it up!
So great listening to these podcasts and learning from so many people and their experiences! Thank you for putting these together!
JharandCarolyn 2020/08/11
Perfect
Great job putting out solid content again! (As usual) this is among the best content for The Job On the interwebs. Thanks for all you guys do!
Trobinson77 2020/06/07
Awesome Podcast
These guys are great! Solid work doing their part of getting the word out on an aggressive search culture.
Eric Reygers 2019/09/24
Solid brothers doing solid brother things.
The work that these gentleman do for the fire service is unlike no other. An exceptional podcast and a good companion while fishing. Keep up the solid...
incognito82 2019/09/03
Love the count by count situation report
Listening to episode 2. I only see in the movie what is happening when the house goes on fire. Really great podcast.
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