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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.
Holiday Break Announcement (opens in a new window)
Special announcement from the VDFP Podcast: We'll be taking a short holiday break so everyone can enjoy time with family and friends. But don't worry—we'll be back on January 7th with an exciting Year in Review episode. Join Chief Jamey Brads and me then as we recap 2024 and preview what's ahead in 2025. Whether you're new to the firefighting community or a seasoned pro, there will be something for everyone. Enjoy the holidays, and we'll see you in the new year! Subscribe for new weekly episo...
VDFP and working with the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast, your go-to for fire service insights in Virginia and beyond. In today's episode, we welcome Deputy Chief of Operations for Virginia Beach Fire Department and current President of the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, Chief Vance Cooper, to share experiences from the Structural Collapse School in Virginia. The discussion covers the importance of hands-on training, leadership, and the power of collaboration between local, state, and federal fire service organization...
EV Training - Insights from Committee Members (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In today's episode, EV Training - Insights from Committee Members! We explore essential training and strategies for managing fires involving electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. Chief Jamey Brads from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs leads the discussion with experts Chief Rick Grassel and Captain Lawrence Lippincott. They dive into the challenges of thermal runaway, micromobility hazards, and the legislative measures ensuring Virginia's fire servi...
EV Training - Conversation with Committee Director (opens in a new window)
Welcome back to the VDFP Podcast! In today's episode, we explore the critical topic of electric and hybrid vehicles with a focus on firefighter safety and public awareness. Our guest is Chief Jasen Dodson from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, who has extensive experience in fire safety and leads the Emerging Technology Workgroup. Host Chief Jamey Brads and Chief Dodson discuss Virginia's groundbreaking legislative mandate requiring EV training for all firefighters. They also cover the challeng...
Wise Regional Fire School - Specialized Training (opens in a new window)
Welcome back to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Podcast. In today's episode, we're spotlighting specialized training from the Wise Regional Fire School. Chief Jamey Brads discusses the significance of regional schools and their role in offering immediate, applicable training. We'll hear from Andy Soccodato and Taylor Goodman of Water Thieves about innovative water supply techniques and from 2023 Instructor of the Year, Mike Musser, on the new Basic Aerial Operations course. Tune in t...
Wise Regional Fire School (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast, your go-to source for insights, stories, and expert advice about the fire service in Virginia. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the remarkable growth and impact of the Wise Regional Fire School. Hosted by Chief Jamey Brads, we'll be joined by a distinguished panel including Chief Michael Parris, Mayor Teresa Adkins, Fire Chief Jack Mullins, and several other VDFP experts. You'll hear firsthand from Chief Michael Parris about the school's impressive expan...
What is Structural Collapse Specialist School all about? (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, titled "What is Structural Collapse Specialist School all about?", we explore the world of specialized training at the Virginia Beach Fire Training Center. Host Chief Jamey Brads and facilitator Sandra Parker are joined by Jon Rigolo, a retired firefighter with a 40-year service history, to discuss the intensive 80-hour program that has been shaping urban search and rescue experts for 25 years. Discover the school's history, the impact of influent...
VDFP Response to Hurricane Helene (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! In today's episode, "VDFP Response to Hurricane Helene", we delve into Virginia's recent emergency responses. Hosted by Chief Jamey Brads and facilitated by Sandra Parker, we're joined by seasoned experts Chief Chad Riddleberger and Captain Jon Rigolo. We'll discuss the implementation of the division group concept, successful collaborations with NGOs, and the integration of state and federal teams. Key topics include the deployment of state teams, the importance o...
BONUS - Dir. Creasy on Importance of Legislative Support (opens in a new window)
Welcome to a special bonus episode of the VDFP Podcast! I'm Sandra Parker, your guide for today's compelling discussion on the indispensable role of legislative support in Virginia's fire service. Join us as our host, Jamey Brads, Chief of Training and Operations for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, delves into an enlightening conversation with VDFP Director Brad Creasy. Discover how Director Creasy's grassroots approach, alongside strong backing from the governor and the secretary, ...
Discussion with Director Brad Creasy (opens in a new window)
Welcome to another episode of the VDFP Podcast! Today, we have an engaging discussion with Director Brad Creasy, who was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin and brings over 26 years of fire and emergency service experience to the Department. Guided by our facilitator, Sandra Parker, and hosted by Chief Jamey Brads, we dive deep into various topics including the critical role of the Department of Fire Programs in training Virginia's firefighters, exciting new initiatives like online testing, ...
VDFP Podcast: Overview with Chief Jamey Brads (opens in a new window)
Welcome back to the VDFP Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the exciting rebranding and restructuring of our podcast, aimed at bringing you closer to Virginia's fire service. Join Sandra Parker as she introduces our host, Chief Jamey Brads, who shares his extensive experience in the fire service, including his role as Branch Chief for Training and Operations at the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Together, they discuss the importance of communication, the agency's mission, and what...
Technical Rescue Program and Curriculum Updates (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs podcast! In this first episode, VDFP Training and Operations Branch Chief Jamey Brads is joined by Special Operations Division Chief Chad Riddleberger to discuss the technical rescue program and curriculum updates for the re-accreditation of our 1006 programs. All of you technical rescue practitioners across the Commonwealth will be interested in all of these changes. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:06] Today's topic: Technical Rescue Progra...
VDFP Podcast Show Promo (opens in a new window)
Welcome to the VDFP Podcast! Sponsored by the Training and Operations Branch of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, the VDFP Podcast will cover topics that are relevant to the fire service today across our nation and in some cases, specific to Virginia. Branch Chief Jamey Brads will be the host for this conversational podcast with a focus on providing information beneficial to a fire service career. Questions, Comments or Ideas for Podcast Topics? Send an email to: pio@vdfp.virginia.gov...