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On the Fireground Fitness podcast we host firefighters and allied professionals and discuss the life lessons learned on and off the fireground. How we become more effective and successful in high stress and difficult situations, life in a nut shell? Sitting down at ”the kitchen table” and talking it out!
Episodes
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
When you walk into a room and see Heather Marques for the first time one is immediately struck by the energy radiating off this talented fire service leader. She exudes a selfless confidence which is truly warranted and immediately qualified when she speaks. As you will hear in episode 99 Marques has a great knowledge, passion and commitment concerning the business of firefighting and is working hard to help the next generation of Firefighters. Marques’ began traveling the world right out of high school, taught herself Spanish, wrote a history book for her agency, has a family and completed her Master’s Degree in the Navel Post Graduate School. We discuss all this and so much more. Please enjoy!
A little more about our guest….
Chief Heather Marques, M.A. is a Division Chief of Medical Services for an all-risk fire department in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. Her agency’s district covers over 500 square miles and runs about 48,000 calls for service a year, providing fire suppression, ALS emergency medical services, fire prevention, and public education. She oversees all medical operations, training and certification, special events and the tactical medicine teams. Heather is trained as a Nationally Registered Paramedic, a hazmat specialist, a confined space rescue technician, water rescue specialist, and teaches at the fire academy. She also teaches paramedic level courses and is a certified instructor and lead skills evaluator and Certified Chief Officer with the California State Fire Marshal. Heather holds an associate degree in photography, an associate degree in paramedicine, and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of California at Berkeley. Heather is a graduate of and Class Speaker for the Los Angeles Fire Department Leadership Academy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Security Studies from the Center for Department of Homeland Security at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Her thesis is titled Working Fire: Recruitment and Retention of Women Firefighters. She is the author of a history book, Alameda County Fire Department, (Arcadia Press, 2015) and published in the Harvard Public Health Review: Establishment of Human Trafficking Reporting Protocols, Mandatory Specialized Training, and the Development of a Human Trafficking Liaison Officer (HTL0.) She has developed a statewide training module to address human trafficking education for the California fire service. Heather is committed to First Responder Health and Wellness and cancer prevention. She is Vice-President of the Alameda County Fire Chiefs EMS Section, Treasurer of the Nor-Cal Cal Chiefs EMS Section, and a member of the IAFC (International Association of Fire Chiefs) and WFS (Women in the Fire Service.) She serves as Chair of the California State Fire Association (CSFA) Strategic Planning Committee. Heather speaks regularly including presentations at the National Fire Academy as well as Fresno Training Symposium, CSFA’s CTEX, Fire Shows West, the AZ Command Symposium, and the HIDTA Narcotics Task Force.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: yosoylavikinga
FB: Heather marques
LinkedIn: Heather Marques
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
With just under 20 year on the job Tammy Cifra has reached the breakover point where she has now spent more than half of her life on the job. Many would argue that she has given her due, but not Cifra, she is full steam ahead, now serving in her “dream job” as the lead Recruit Training Officer for the Glendale Public Safety Regional Training Center. She joins us on episode 98 as she recovered between academy classes, we talked about her career, her love for travel and so much more, please enjoy!
A little more about our guest…
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Tammy Cifra is a Captain for the City of Glendale Fire Department in Arizona. She started on the job in 2004 with her dream department and hasn’t looked back. She is a nationally registered paramedic, hazardous material technician as well as a technical rescue technician. She is Fire Instructor 1 &2 certified and has taught Zero Impact Period at Arizona State Fire School for the past 3 years. She is part of a local cadre consisting of members of different fire departments from across the valley that focus on techniques and skills related to proper line selection, hose deployment, forcible entry, and water application. She served as a Recruit Training Officer at the academy for 3 classes and is now currently the Lead Recruit Training Officer for the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: bemyherorun
FB: Tammy Cifra
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Jan 21, 2024
Sunday Jan 21, 2024
Years of fast paced adventures, motor, road and mountain bike racing, rock climbing, and the everyday stress of climbing in and out of fire trucks and running calls takes a toll. Sometimes this is an obvious injury, a crashed bike leading to a broken ankle, a fused spine, or any number of orthopedic maladies that trouble Firefighters. Just as often, though, we can sustain injuries that go unseen, the result of managing innumerable emergencies and carrying unresolved grief, leaving trauma and scars that are hidden from the naked eye. These insidious injuries can be as devastating, or worse, to one’s health and career.
Rick Bucher, has been down this road and on Ep.97 we discuss his experience with all of the seen and unseen trauma as well as his mental illness and the suicide attempt that got him on the road to recovery. Rick’s story is hard to hear, but it is important that we listen and work to recognize the signs of mental health issues. If we say “I got your back!” It has to mean that I know what I am looking for and I am not afraid to advocate for your life. Take a listen.
A little more about our guest…
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Rick Bucher had a normal enough childhood, but his life has been extraordinary since. An adventure sports athlete, racer, and instructor, Rick served as a firefighter/paramedic in Scottsdale, Arizona for 27 years. After narrowly surviving a rock-climbing accident, motorcycle wreck and a suicide attempt, he went on to receive treatment for PTSD and is now working to increase awareness of mental health issues in the public safety arena. He also went on to find his biological family after decades of unanswered questions about who he was and where he came from. Eliminating the stigma of stepping forward for help and providing support for those who do is his new passion and he tours the country following opportunities to share his story, speaking to groups and spreading a message of hope, resilience and unity in the face of trauma. His story is a remarkable tale of redemption and a reminder of the power of the human spirit.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: rickbucher603
FB: Rick Bucher
To schedule Rick to speak in your organization reach out to: rickbucher603@gmail.com
Pick up his book:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flame-and-fortune-rick-bucher/1143034715?ean=9798215894200
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Jan 07, 2024
Sunday Jan 07, 2024
"Oscar Mike" is old school Marine Corps parlance that means you are “on the move”, and nothing describes our guest better. Mike O’Neill has worked his way through the ranks of the fire service, working in multiple agencies and developing a vast depth of KSA’s. In Ep. 96 we discuss O’Neill’s journey through the USMC and into the fire service, his new role as a Battalion Chief and so much more! Please enjoy.
A little more about our guest…
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I'm Battalion Chief Mike O’Neill, and I've dedicated my life to serving my community and my country. I've been happily married to my wife Laura for over twenty years, and together, we have been blessed with two wonderful children, Nathan and Kaitlin.
Growing up in Glendale, Arizona, I felt a strong sense of duty to serve, which led me to join the Marine Corps immediately after high school. During my time in the military, I had the privilege of serving as a scout team leader with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, an experience that instilled in me the values of leadership, teamwork, and discipline.
Following my honorable service in the Marines, I transitioned to a career in firefighting, which has been incredibly rewarding. Over the past two decades, I've had the opportunity to work for the Sun City Fire Department and the Glendale Fire Department, holding various positions such as paramedic, engineer, special operations, union trustee, captain, recruit training officer, facilities project manager and now, Battalion Chief.
In addition to my professional endeavors, I've been deeply involved in the community, coaching youth sports and playing a key role in running a high school booster club. These experiences have allowed me to give back to the community that has given me so much, and I take great pride in contributing to the growth and well-being of local youth.
My unwavering dedication to service, both in my professional life and within my community, has allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me. I am committed to leading by example and to continuing to inspire those in my community to strive for a stronger, safer, and more tightly-knit society for all. Semper Fidelis!
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
Our guest can be reached at:
IG: ironcoffin
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Dec 17, 2023
Sunday Dec 17, 2023
When you grow up playing ice hockey on the east coast the city of Tucson might as well be on another planet. However, life has a way of surprising us and in episode 95 Fire Chief Chuck Ryan shares how, after a full career in Virginia, collegiate hockey and serving as a lawyer he landed in Tucson Arizona. We discuss these things as well as the state of the fire service, leadership and so much more. Please enjoy!
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A little more about our guest…
Chief Chuck Ryan was appointed as Tucson’s 28th Fire Chief on September 30, 2019. He previously served for more than 25 years with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department in northern Virginia where he spent the majority of his career in Operations, including a 3-year leadership role as the Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Division. Chuck also served for over a decade as a Task Force Leader and Plans Manager with Fairfax County’s urban search & rescue team, Virginia Task Force 1/USA-1, engaged in domestic and international disaster response and international resilience & capacity-building.
Chuck served in every promoted rank in Fairfax County Fire & Rescue, he was ultimately appointed as an Assistant Fire Chief in Fairfax County in 2016, and he served in that role until accepting the Fire Chief’s position in Tucson.
Chief Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) from Siena College in Loudonville, NY, and a Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law. He is certified as an Executive Fire Officer (EFO) by the National Fire Academy, he is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Commission of Public Safety Excellence, and he is a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers. He is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security - Executive Leadership Program.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
Our guest can be reached at
IG: @chiefchuckryan
LinkedIn: Chuck Ryan
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Dec 03, 2023
Sunday Dec 03, 2023
Buzz Lechowski, episode 94, began his fire service journey near his childhood home in Chicago and the northwest suburbs in 1994, becoming an EMT and starting on his fire science degree. Having split time in Arizona during his teens, it didn’t take long for him to gravitate back west to Sedona. Attending Yavapai College, he started volunteering with the Sedona Fire District and became a career Firefighter/EMT in 1999. Continuing his education, he became a Paramedic in 2000, completed his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, and a Master’s degree in Communication from Arizona State University.
While with Sedona Fire, Buzz has progressed through each rank from Firefighter, to Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, and for nearly four years was the Division Chief of Operations. He is currently the Division Chief of EMS.
He has served on the Honor Guard, pipe band, peer-support team, charity board, L3690 E-Board, and dozens of RBO committees while with SFD.
He has a love for education and teaching, devotes time to several non-profit organizations including the Arizona Burn Foundation, and is passionate about mental health and wellness for himself, his fellow fire service members, and community.
Married for 28 years with five children and now one beautiful granddaughter, he has kept busy away from work growing, chasing, and driving his family for 25 years.
Buzz has a desire to learn, love, and lead others, helping those he encounters thrive in whatever they endeavor.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
Our guest can be reached at
IG: buzzsawfive11
FB: Buzz Lechowski
in: Buzz (Eric) Lechowski
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Running from her childhood trauma by diving from planes, Paige Arnone, is a fascinating person. Her journey led her to the yoga mat where she found physical wellness and a path to mental health as well. In episode 93 we discuss all these things and so much more, enjoy!
A little more about today’s guest:
Paige Arnone Founder, Firstgevity
AZPOST CERTIFIED & E-RYT 500
With years of experience working directly with first responders, Paige Arnone, founder of Firstgevity, knows firsthand the unique challenges these brave individuals face and the toll it can take on their mental and physical health. Her journey with yoga began when she struggled with debilitating anxiety and panic attacks from childhood traumas. Yoga taught her how to take back control of her life, and it has since become her mission to give back to those who have always protected her.
Paige's ultimate goal is to support the development of a new generation of first responders who are physically healthy and mentally strong, able to easily handle challenging conditions. Paige's passion and dedication to helping first responders thrive and creating a stronger and more resilient community for all are at the heart of Firstgevity's mission.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
Email: paige@firstgevity.com
IG: Firstgevity
Facebook: Firstgevity
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
“Slow and low that is the tempo”, the deep rhetorical prose crafted by the Beastie Boys perfectly sums Ep.92’s guest, Greg Morales. A true native Phoenician, Morales grew up on the west side of town right across the street from fire station 24. Into old cars, hard work and brotherhood, G Mo, is old school in all the right ways and leans into the next generation, mentoring and shining a light on the path for would be firefighters. We talk about all these things and so much more, enjoy!
A little more about our guest…
Greg Morales, born and raised in Phoenix Az. Husband, father of three. 27 years employed by the City of Phoenix, 17yrs with the Phoenix Fire Department. 13yrs as a Firefighter, 3yrs as an Engineer, now a Captain, Technical Rescue/ Hazardous Materials technician. Capt. Morales also serves as the current Vice President of the Valley Hispanic Bomberos. A local non profit here in the Valley that is rooted in community involvement and mentorship to the next generation of firefighters.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
Valley Hispanic Bomberos 501c3
Email -vhb@vhbomberos.org
Instagram @vhbomberos
Facebook @valleyhispanicbomberos
YouTube @Valley Hispanic Bomberos
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
In the business of firefighting injury is a real concern and can befall us at any time. Often, injury will change the direction of our lives, stop us from running, make us more cautious when lifting or cause us to focus, strengthening and shoring up areas of weakness. It can alter our path in ways we may never consider, opening doors and changing our path forever.
This is part of the story we discuss in Episode 91 in my sit-down with Deputy Chief Kane Nixon Ed.D.. In our chat Nixon shares his journey in the fire service, how an unexpected injury, and a cheeky physician, turned him toward education. We discuss this and so much more, please enjoy!
A little more about our guest…
Dr. Kane Nixon Ed. D., M.Ed., NRP, TLO
Dr. Kane Nixon is a thought leader who helps public and private industry leaders improve their work cultures by building resilience in their employees. Kane travels around Arizona and the United States, speaking about ethics, leadership, and wellness. Kane is the Deputy Chief of Logistics & Planning for the Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, where he oversees Support Services, Planning, Technical Services, and Emergency Management. Kane has been in the fire service since 2001. Kane is a Nationally Registered Paramedic, Health and Safety Officer, Threat Liaison Officer, and served in multiple officer roles with IAFF Local 3573. Kane has extensive experience in not-for-profit management, serving as the founder and President of the North County Firefighters’ Charities for five years and the Arizona State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. Kane holds three Associates Degrees, a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management and Public Administration, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, both from Northern Arizona University. In 2021, Kane defended his Dissertation titled Arizona Chief Fire Officers’ Opinions Regarding Firefighter Behavioral Health Problems: Causes and Help Approaches, conferring a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership. Kane continues his mission to progress the fire service forward with his passion for firefighter wellness through research, writing, and speaking on the topics of firefighter fitness, cancer, and behavioral health.
Kane is the Chairman of the Scholars Group Panel for the Science Alliance. The Scholars Group provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and contributions to the body of literature with the aim of investigating and promoting evidence-informed first responder research. Kane is Adjunct Faculty and the Director of Firefighter Fitness and Conditioning at Glendale Community College, holding several certifications, including Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and Corrective Exercise Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Kane has a passion for serving others and does so as an Arizona State Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Everyone Goes Home Program, District Representative for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, and regularly volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Bank. Kane is happily married to his wife of eleven years and has two beautiful daughters, ages 10 and 16.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
Email: kane@kanenixon.com
IG: drchiefnixon
FB: Kane Nixon
in: Dr. Kane Nixon Ed.D.
WWW.kanenixon.com
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Apr 02, 2023
Sunday Apr 02, 2023
I truly love hearing about other people’s journeys as it provides such valuable insight. It provides important perspective as we all struggle with something and realizing that you are not alone, it all becomes just a little more tolerable.
I really appreciate today’s guest, Fire Chief Carlos Aviles, who honestly and vulnerably shared his story. We discussed the growth he gained through adversity, Aviles’ time in the Army reserve, his pathway into the fire service and finally into the office of Fire Chief.
Aviles wife once told him that “broken crayons still color”. This is advice that we all need to hear from time to time. Please enjoy this episode!
A little more about our guest…
Chief Carlos Aviles is a 22-year Army Veteran with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and an 18-year career firefighter. In 2004 after an initial 16-month deployment to Iraq, he pursued a career in the fire service and in 2005 was hired by the St. Augustine Fire Department. He is still an active reservist with the US Army Reserve as a Senior Advisor to the 418th MP Detachment.
In 2016, he was appointed Fire Chief for the City of St. Augustine where he still serves today, Chief Aviles also serves as the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator.
He is on the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Board of Directors, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Board of Directors, and currently chairs the state of Florida’s Firefighter Standards and Employment Council as well as the Florida Fire and Emergency Incident Information System Technical Advisory Panel.
Links from today’s episode
https://www.matteroffact.tv/florida-community-face-life-and-death-with-fewer-firefighters/
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
Email: caviles@citystaug.com
IG: the_904_chief
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com