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Podcasts
Voices from the Fire Service Experts in the Commonwealth
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The Virginia Department of Fire Programs Podcast covers topics that are relevant to the fire service today in Virginia and in some cases, across our nation. New episodes are released every Tuesday.
Leadership and Collaboration in Virginia's Fire Service (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, Chief Jamey Brads and facilitator Sandra Parker are joined by Chief Edward Loy Senter Jr., Fire and EMS Chief of Chesterfield County and President of the Central Virginia Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Senter shares highlights from his four-decade fire service journey, reflecting on his early days as a junior volunteer, his rise through leadership in Norfolk, and his current role guiding one of Virginia's largest departments. Whether you're new to...
Empowering Firefighters: Insights from Wise County Regional Fire School (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast. In this episode, we turn our focus to the Wise Regional Fire School in Southwest Virginia examining the challenges of delivering high-quality education in geographically isolated areas, the importance of train-the-trainer programs, and how partnerships across regions strengthen the entire fire service. You'll hear the perspectives of instructors and students alike on the impact of these programs—not just on their own departments, but on fire service readiness thro...
Elevator Rescue and Tech Training at Wise Regional Fire School (opens in a new window)
Welcome to a special episode of the VDFP Podcast, recorded live from the Wise Regional Fire School! This week, facilitator Sandra Parker is joined by VDFP Deputy Chief of Training and Operations, Michael Parris, who shares his experience and pride in bringing top-notch fire service training to southwest Virginia. Together, they discuss the growth and impact of the regional school, highlighting how it unites firefighters from across the Commonwealth. Our featured guest, Chief Jack McGovern of ...
How GIS Technology Is Transforming Virginia's Fire Service (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Podcast! In this episode, host Chief Jamey Brads and facilitator Sandra Parker are joined by Chief Mike Cox from Esri, a leader in GIS technology. Together, they explore how innovative mapping and geospatial tools are revolutionizing emergency response, community risk reduction, and resource management across Virginia's Fire Service. From tracking resources in real time to harnessing the next wave of technology like AI and robotics, this epi...
Importance of Health Screenings in the Fire Service (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, host Chief Jamey Brads and facilitator Sandra Parker spotlight the life-saving importance of health screenings in the fire service. Special guest Mike Musser, a veteran VDFP adjunct instructor, shares his powerful personal story of how a VDFP 1582 physical uncovered hidden health risks—and quite possibly saved his life. You'll hear firsthand how the program, which partners with LifeScan, is making a difference for firefighters and instructors acro...
How VDFP Shapes Training and Accreditation for Virginia's Fire Service (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, Host Chief Jamey Brads and Facilitator Sandra Parker are joined once again by Chief Marc Brade to pull back the curtain on how Virginia's fire service keeps its training relevant and accredited. Together, they unpack the vital role subject matter expert (SME) work groups play in curriculum development, adapting to national standards, and driving new programs like Chief 101 and thermal imaging camera training. You'll learn how these behind-the-sc...
Community Risk Reduction in Virginia's Fire Service (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Podcast! In this episode, Chief Jamey Brads and Sandra Parker sit down with Chief Ken Brown, a legend in Virginia fire service, to talk all things Community Risk Reduction (CRR). Chief Brown shares why CRR is much more than fire prevention, reveals the five key strategies behind it, and highlights VDFP's latest initiatives—like smoke alarm programs, education outreach, and bringing community partners together. Plus, get the scoop on NERIS, t...
Early Detection Saves Lives: Firefighter Wellness and Prevention (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Podcast! In this episode, host Chief Jamey Brads sits down with Chief Todd LeDuc—nationally recognized fire service leader and CEO of LifeScan Wellness—to explore the evolving world of first responder health and wellness. Chief LeDuc shares eye-opening insights on why early detection, advanced screenings, and mental health support are vital for today's firefighters. You'll hear about the challenges facing departments small and large, common ...
Transforming Firefighter Training in Virginia: Inside VDFP's Train the Trainer Program (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs podcast! In this episode, Sandra Parker and Chief Jamey Brads dive into the agency's "Train the Trainer" initiative—a direct response to feedback from fire service professionals across Virginia. Joining them is Chief Marc Brade, who breaks down how VDFP is making instructor development more accessible, consistent, and effective for departments of all sizes. Tune in to hear real-world stories about the power of mentoring, the importance of re...
Tips for NFA Enrollment and Update on State Weekend 2025 (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast, your source for the latest in Virginia's fire service. In this episode, Chief Jamey Brads and facilitator Sandra Parker are joined by Charlotte Green, a key leader in coordinating NFA programs. Together, they break down the new streamlined process for NFA enrollment, share updates on the rescheduled 2025 State Weekend, and offer tips to make the most of your training opportunities. Whether you're career, volunteer, or simply fire service curious, you'll find valua...
Building Fire Service Passion: Decades of Service and the Virginia State Firefighters Association (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) Podcast! In this episode, host Chief Jamey Brads and facilitator Sandra Parker welcome Larry Gwaltney, Executive Director of the Virginia State Firefighters Association (VSFA) and a true fixture in Virginia's fire service since 1966. If you're looking for inspiration, stories from the front lines, and ways to get more involved in Virginia's fire service, this episode is for you! Subscribe for new weekly episodes every Tuesday and get ...
Insights on Fire Service Leadership, Change, and Community Impact (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, Chief Jamey Brads and Sandra Parker sit down with Chief Keith Johnson, a fourth-generation firefighter whose career has spanned over 40 years from Long Island to leadership roles in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. Chief Johnson shares insights from his extensive experience, including building one of the largest combination fire systems, navigating change, and advocating for resources and safety improvements across Virginia. He also reflects on recei...
Mentorship and Leadership: Empowering the Next Generation of Firefighters (opens in a new window)
In this episode, host Chief Jamey Brads and facilitator Sandra Parker sit down with Deputy Chief Abbey Johnston, Deputy Chief of Operations for Bedford County Fire and Rescue and Vice Chair of the Virginia Fire Services Board. Abbey shares her inspiring story of joining the fire service after 9/11, her rise through the ranks, and her commitment to mentoring others and advocating for Virginia's Fire Service. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, Abbey's insights on leadership, men...
Forestry and Fire Services: Partnerships, Programs, and Prescribed Burns (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, Sandra Parker and Chief Jamey Brads are joined once again by John Miller, Chief of Wildfire and Emergency Response for the Virginia Department of Forestry. With over 35 years in the field, John unpacks vital topics like Virginia's innovative dry hydrant program, rural water supply solutions, funding and grants for fire departments, and how state and federal agencies coordinate on wildfire response. You'll get an inside look at prescribed burns, sp...
Forestry and Fire Services: Partnering to Tackle Wildfires in Virginia (opens in a new window)
In this episode of the VDFP Podcast, facilitator Sandra Parker and host Chief Jamey Brads sit down with John Miller, Chief of Wildfire and Emergency Response at the Virginia Department of Forestry. With over 35 years in the field, John discusses his path through forestry, the realities of managing wildfires across Virginia, and how close partnerships between forestry and local fire services make all the difference. From the logistics of suppressing hundreds of fires a year to the importance o...
Teamwork in Crisis: How VDFP and VDEM Strengthen Virginia's Fire Service (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, host Chief Jamey Brads and facilitator Sandra Parker sit down with Andy John, Deputy State Coordinator for Field Operations at VDEM, to explore the vital role of teamwork within Virginia's fire service. Together, they share powerful stories of collaboration during major incidents like Hurricane Helene and the Richmond water outage, highlighting how partnerships between VDFP and VDEM strengthen Virginia's emergency response. Tune in for practical i...
Collaborative Rescues: How VDFP and State Agencies Save Lives in Virginia (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, "Collaborative Rescues: How VDFP and State Agencies Save Lives in Virginia," Sandra Parker and Chief Jamey Brads sit down with Bryan Saunders, Director of Special Operations at Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). They discuss the vital partnerships between state and local agencies that make large-scale rescue operations possible, from USAR teams and HazMat response to groundbreaking water and air rescue efforts. Bryan shares compel...
Surface and Swift Water Training Insight (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, Chief Jamey Brads and Chief Mark Cumashot, Assistant Chief of Special Operations for Henrico Fire, take us inside the world of Surface and Swift Water Rescue Training in Virginia. Hear how the program has evolved over nearly three decades, what sets it apart from others, and why maintaining high standards matters for responder safety and proficiency. Whether you're involved in Special Ops or just curious about Technical Rescue, you'll find valuabl...
What's ahead for Special Ops in Virginia (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, Chad Riddleberger, Chief of Special Operations at the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, shares updates on the major progress happening in Special Ops—from statewide curriculum overhauls and program reaccreditation to cutting-edge rescue training and expanding specialties like airport firefighting and future marine rescue initiatives. Whether you're new to the fire service or a veteran looking to stay ahead, this episode offers a behind-the-sce...
2025 Memorial Service Preview (opens in a new window)
In this episode of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Podcast, we preview the upcoming Virginia Fallen Firefighters and EMS Memorial Service (Saturday, June 7, 2025; Richmond Raceway Complex). Host Chief Jamey Brads and facilitator Sandra Parker welcome back Will Merritt, the agency's Marketing and Communications Manager, to discuss the event's significance, its history, and the team's efforts to expand outreach and attendance. Carolyn Phipps, a family liaison and advocate for firefight...