Episodes

  • NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-035 w/ Donna Buscio

    NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-035 w/ Donna Buscio
    Oct 25 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run#: 24-036
    Date: Oct. 24, 2024
    Guest: Donna Buscio

    Donna Buscio, wife of the late Jersey City Fire Captain Dominick Buscio, is the founder of A Gift from Captain Buscio, a program dedicated to providing free medical screenings to first responders. Donna met Dominick in 1979 and they married in 1982. Together, they raised three children: Dominick, Dana, and Lou.

    In 1984, Donna began her career as a Business Manager for a medical practice, and by 1992, she was serving as an assistant to the Vice President of two hospitals. Following Dominick’s passing in 2000 from a heart condition related to his firefighting career, Donna founded A Gift from Captain Buscio in December 2001 in his honor, helping to protect the health of first responders.

    That same year, she returned to school, earning two bachelor’s degrees in Business and Education. In 2003, she became a teacher, continuing to balance her professional career with her dedication to improving the well-being of those who serve their communities.

    Donna Buscio
    DBuscio@aol.com

    https://cardiopulmonarydiagnostic.com/captain-buscio/
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    1 hr
  • NJ Fire Guys Run #: 24-034 w/ Chief John H_ Lightbody

    NJ Fire Guys Run #: 24-034 w/ Chief John H_ Lightbody
    Oct 22 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run #: 24-034
    Date: Oct. 17, 2024
    Guest: Chief John H. Lightbody

    Fire Chief John H. Lightbody began his firefighting career in 1978 as part of the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company’s Junior Firefighter program in Toms River Township, New Jersey. After graduating from Toms River High School South in 1980, he was appointed a career firefighter at the Naval Air Engineering Center in Lakehurst, NJ. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Chief of the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company in 1996-1997. Later, he served as District Fire Chief for Toms River Township Fire District #1, overseeing four stations, more than 200 firefighters, and 20 fire officers. John played a crucial role in leading the district’s response during Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the Toms River area in 2012.

    In addition to his fire service career, John was appointed as a Detective in the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in 1988, where he joined the Arson Unit and later became the Sergeant of Detectives, succeeding Sgt. H.L. Wilson. He is the architect of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office “Arson Task Force” and has conducted over 3,000 fire origin and cause investigations throughout his career. Retiring from government service in 2004, he transitioned to the private sector, working for fire investigation firms before launching his own company, “Find the Cause Investigations, LLC,” in 2022. John is a Certified Fire Investigator through the IAAI, a Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator through the NAFI and dually Certified Fire Investigation Instructor. Chief Lightbody is also a court certified expert witness in fire origin and cause investigations, as well as fire suppression strategies and tactics.
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    1 hr and 50 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-033 w/ Capt. Bryan Emenecker

    NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-033 w/ Capt. Bryan Emenecker
    Oct 5 2024

    NJ Fire Guys
    Run#: 24-033
    Date Oct. 5, 2024
    Guest: Captain Bryan Emenecker


    Captain Bryan Emenecker a 27 year veteran of the fire service and a retired Captain from the City of Camden FD, as well as a former member of NJTF1 (retired) .
    ⠀
    Bryan started his career in the Cherry Hill Fire Dept and after 3 years was appointed to the City of Camden FD. Upon graduation of Probie school he was assigned to 2 Truck on 3rd PLT. Then transferred to Rescue 1 3rd PLT. Promoted in 2008 to Captain, Bryan was assigned to the training office and then to Squad Co 7 for 3 years. He finished his career out back in L-2 / R1 when retiring in 2020.
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    Captain Emenecker has spoken at many conferences across the country and is an instructor for the South Jersey based training company Safety & Survival Training LLC.
    ⠀
    He is currently enjoying the “Retired life” with his family in East TN.

    #NJFireGuys #TheOutsideVent #NJFire #CamdenFire #NJ #FirePodcast #Fireman #Firefighting #Rescue1 #Jobtown #Podcast #GardenState #PorkRoll
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    2 hrs and 5 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run #: 24-032 w/ Chief Mike Wolfschmidt

    NJ Fire Guys Run #: 24-032 w/ Chief Mike Wolfschmidt
    Sep 27 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run #: 24-032
    Date: Sept. 26, 2024
    Guest: Chief Mike Wolfschmidt

    Fire Chief Michael Wolfschmidt leads the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department with a commitment to excellence and service to the community. He has dedicated himself to the fire service for many years, demonstrating leadership both in Surf City and beyond. Currently serving as the Deputy District Fire Warden of Section B-5 for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Chief Wolfschmidt plays a critical role in protecting the state's vast forested areas from the dangers of wildfires. His deep understanding of fire dynamics and incident management makes him a trusted figure in his region, where his expertise helps ensure the safety of both natural resources and residents.

    In addition to his volunteer service, Chief Wolfschmidt has worked as a full-time career firefighter with Westampton Township since 2012, where his extensive field experience enhances the department's ability to respond to a wide array of emergencies. Beyond his operational roles, he is also the owner and lead instructor of Wolfschmidt Fire Training, an organization that delivers high-level fire education and training programs. His commitment to advancing the skills and knowledge of fellow firefighters ensures the next generation of fire service professionals are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the job.

    https://www.wolfschmidtfiretraining.com/
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    2 hrs and 3 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-031 w/ Chief Lou Venezia

    NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-031 w/ Chief Lou Venezia
    Sep 20 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run #: 24-031
    Date: Sept. 19, 2024
    Guest: Chief Lou Venezia ⠀

    Fire Chief Lou Venezia has proudly served the Bloomfield Fire Department since his appointment in 1999, advancing through the ranks over two decades of dedicated service. He was promoted to Fire Captain in 2009, Deputy Chief in 2014, and ultimately Fire Chief in 2018. Under his leadership, the department, which comprises 78 career members and about 10 volunteers, provides fire and emergency services to the 53,000 residents of Bloomfield, a 5-square-mile township. With four strategically located fire stations, Chief Venezia ensures his team maintains the highest standards of service and safety. He is also a Certified Public Manager through Rutgers University and holds numerous certifications, including Fire Officer 2, IMS Level 3, Fire Instructor 2, and Blue Card Hazard Zone Command. ⠀

    In addition to his fire service duties, Chief Venezia plays a significant role in community and civic organizations. He serves as the Treasurer and Manager of the Bloomfield Fire and Police Credit Union, which manages $10 million in assets. He is also a supervisor for the Township of Bloomfield’s Building and Zoning Departments. His commitment to community welfare extends to his roles on the Essex County Planning Board, the Executive Committee of the 200 Club of Essex, and the Community Advisory Board at Carewell Health Medical Center. His leadership contributes to the department's success as a Center for Public Safety Excellence Accredited agency, highlighting his commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement.
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-030 w/ Chief John Hayowyk

    NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-030 w/ Chief John Hayowyk
    Sep 6 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run #: 24-030
    Date: Sept. 5, 2024
    Guest: Chief John Hayowyk Jr. ⠀

    John Hayowyk Jr. has been in the fire service for 31 years. He recently retired as a Battalion Chief for the City of Passaic FD in New Jersey. He started his career in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter for the Roxbury Twp Fire Dept. ⠀

    John holds certifications as a Fire Instructor, Inspector, & Fire Official. He is also a fire investigator. Recently, John has joined the Sparta Twp Fire Dept. to continue to serve the community where he lives. ⠀

    He has been a fire service instructor since 1997 and has taught at the Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy since 2002. Chief Hayowyk is also the Owner of Beyond The Basics Fire Training. John is humbled to have had articles published in Fire Engineering & Firehouse Magazines. He teaches at multiple conferences both locally & nationally. ⠀

    John is NJ’s Lead Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and an Adjunct Professor of Fire Science at the Sussex County Community College. ⠀

    John is married to Amy and has 5 children. Learning the work and home life balance is a challenge, one that changes from day to day and tests us to bring our best to both jobs.

    Beyond The Basics Fire Training: BTBFireTraining.com
    National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: www.FireHero.org
    Camp HAL (Healing After Loss): FamilyPrograms@firehero.org
    Comfort Zone Camp for Grieving: www.comfortzonecamp.com
    NFFF Beach Bash: hhtps://one.bidpal.net/wildwood24/welcome
    NJ State Fire Chiefs Association: www.NJChiefs.com
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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-029 w/ Chief Andrew Avantagiato

    NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-029 w/ Chief Andrew Avantagiato
    Aug 30 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run #: 24-029
    Date: August 29, 2024
    Guest: Chief Andrew Avantagiato

    Fire Chief Andrew Avantagiato began his career in emergency services as a Cadet in the Spotswood First Aid Squad in 2000. The following year he became a junior firefighter with the Spotswood Fire Department in 2001. He quickly developed a passion for public safety and went on to work as an EMT at the Medical Center in Jersey City, later serving Monroe Township EMS.

    In 2008, Vinny joined the Department of Defense, beginning his career with Fort Monmouth Fire & Emergency Services in New Jersey. He later transferred to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he continued to enhance his skills and leadership capabilities.

    In 2021, Chief Avantagiato left the Department of Defense and was appointed as the Chief of Department for the City of Herington, Kansas. In his current role, he leads the department with a focus on enhancing fire safety, fostering a culture of teamwork, and ensuring the highest standards of service for the community. Chief Avantagiato's extensive experience and commitment to public safety have made him a respected leader in the fire service.

    Andrew also served as a member of the NJ EMS Task Force where he filled several roles until his relocation to Kansas.

    Chief Andrew Avantagiato
    Herington Fire Department
    700 S. Broadway St.
    Herington KS 67449
    Firechief@cityofherington.com
    (785) 258-0336 Cell
    (785) 258-3020 Office
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-028 w/ Chief Peter Griese

    NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-028 w/ Chief Peter Griese
    Aug 23 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run#: 24-028
    Date: August 22, 2024
    Guest: Chief Pete Griese

    Battalion Chief Peter Griese was appointed to the Jersey City Fire Department in 1982. He began his 42-year journey as a firefighter he worked in the Downtown section of the city at Engine Companies 1 and 4. He then moved to the Bergen section in the center of JC at Engine Company 20 for 6 1/2 years. When Engine 20 was disbanded in 1991, Peter was assigned to the newly reinstated Rescue Company 1.

    Promoted to Captain in June 1992, he spent 1 year at Ladder Company 8 then spent several years at Engine Company 15. In 1999 he took over as the Captain of Rescue 1, spending 7+ years there before being promoted to Battalion Chief in April 2006.

    Upon promotion he was assigned to the Training Division for just over a year. Filling in BC spots for several years he attained the assignment as 2nd Battalion Chief Group D in 2011, where he remains today.

    Peter has been a member of the Long Valley Volunteer Fire Company since June 1993 serving as Chief 3 times, and currently holds the rank of Assistant Chief.

    Beginning in 1999 he worked for 20 years as an instructor at the Morris County Fire Academy. Additionally Peter worked for several private fire training companies. He spent several years as a HOT instructor for Firehouse Magazine at the Fire Expo in Baltimore, as well as being involved for 4 years at the Worcester Safety & Survival Seminars in Massachusetts.
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    1 hr and 51 mins