The FireDawg Podcast

In this episode, Matt connects with Nathan Hutslar and Erik Montes, both Silver Flag Instructors for the United States Air Force. Silver Flag is intended to prepare Air Force Civil Engineers and other support functions to operate in contingency environments. Nate and Erik share their experiences teaching firefighter contingency operations […]

In this episode, Matt and Ben connect with CMSgt Daryl Hogan who shares his Air Force experiences. He has served as a Firefighter, First Sergeant, and now Command Chief for the 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg AFB, CA. In this energetic and inspiring discussion, he explains how each position has shaped […]

How to listen 🎧 Apple Spotify Zencastr In Episode 24, Matt talks with Chris Bauchle and Travis Bender who are both Air Force Reserve and Indianapolis Firefighters. They developed and teach the AFRC Firefighter Rescue and Survival Course held at Dobbins ARB, GA and now at Grissom ARB, IN. They […]

In Episode 23, the AF FES Operations & Fire Vehicle Program Manager Fred Terryn talks with Matt and Ben about the many programs he is involved with for AF FES. He provides insight into how apparatus acquisitions are made, discusses the status of the EMS program, gives an update on […]

In Episode 22, Jeremy McLendon joins Ben to discuss his role as a member of the 45th Space Wing in supporting Space X and NASA space missions. Jeremy is a member of the Human Space Flight Rescue team and works closely with others in the DoD to develop and practice […]

In Episode 21, Beale AFB Fire Chief Kevin Smith joins Matt and Ben to discuss his philosophies on servant leadership, opportunity equality and perceptions in the department, and about Beale AFB’s response to a tragic U-2 crash.

In Episode 20, Louis F. Garland Fire Academy Instructors Cody Simpson and Jefferey Van Rees share some of the changes the academy has seen in recent years, what life is like as an instructor and how they’re adapting during the pandemic.

In Episode 19, we speak with 2019 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year winner Justin Starks. He shares how he was able achieve success in the Air Force by seizing opportunity and having great teammates. He also talks about his educational pursuits, what drove him to author two books and […]

In Episode 18, we speak with Whit Dodson from Shaw AFB Fire Department about the detailed process they went through to analyze the effectiveness of their hose and nozzles, culminating with a total refresh of their structural firefighting setup.