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Hosted by Dan Retzlaff · 🇺🇸 US · EN · 46 episodes
Established thought leaders with verified media credentials.
Hello and welcome to The Forward Firefighter Podcast. Here, you can listen to discussions with volunteer firefighters in Wisconsin and across the nation - hear their stories, learn about the communities they serve, and what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter. The Forward Firefighter, working together to save lives and protect property in our communities.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the individuals on this podcast do not represent the official policy, or position of any employers and organizations the speaker and participants are associated with.
Dan Retzlaff hosts The Forward Firefighter, a education show with 46 episodes published.
Operational speed on the fireground does not start when the tones drop. It is built long before the alarm sounds. This episode explores the direct link between a department's internal culture and its operational performa
In this episode, Dan sits down with Chief Ron Wegner of the Jefferson, Wisconsin Fire Department. Chief Wegner is the latest recipient of the Wisconsin State Firefighters Association Firefighter of the Year award. Chief
Remembering Your "Why": Mastering the Basics, the Crucial Role of the Company Officer, and Building a High Performance Culture with Chief David Rhodes When your department faces budget cuts, station politics, or staffing
Beyond the Pump Panel: Mastering the Role of the Motor Pump Operator In this episode, Dan chats with Chief Eric Johnson, a 40 year veteran of the Wisconsin fire service and founder of First Due Fire Training, to dissect
In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I sit down with Adam Vapnar, a 19-year-old who is rapidly bridging the gap between being a high school cadet and a high-caliber fire service professional. Adam shares his journ
What happens when 6,000 gallons of gasoline vanish into a river, or a common garage spill leads to a house demolition? This week, Dan sits down with Beth McCormick, President of WAMR and co-owner of Valley Environmental
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the modern fireground with Paul Shoemaker, founder of the Next Level Training Network, to build your EV Fire Playbook. As electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries become permane
I am kicking off 2026 with Captain Nick Ledin from the Eau Claire Wisconsin Fire Department. I'm talking with him about his fire service journey, ECFD operations, and some massive takeaways from the Firefighter Rescue Su
Dan is joined by two fantastic guests, Jordan and Leah Crave! Both are dedicated firefighters on the Columbus Wisconsin Fire Department. Now two years into their journey, they dive into the real challenges and rewards of
Join Dan for a conversation with the creative force behind the documentary "The Best of Us," Emmy award-winning editor Ben Cook, and the man at the center of the film, Chief Matt Boulding of the Cornell, WI Fire Departme
In this episode on The Forward Firefighter Podcast, Dan sits down with Captain/Training Officer Mike Bernard (Arbor Vitae Fire & Rescue) an Instructor with Midwest Fire Tactics and Training, and author in The Book of Sea
In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I sit down with Dr. Chris Frueh, a clinical psychologist, professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, and leading expert on the health of military veterans and first respon
In this powerful episode of The Forward Firefighter, I welcome Jeff Rothmeier—career firefighter, decorated combat veteran, and author of Mastering the Craft. With two decades of experience spanning urban search and resc
In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I talk with April Hammond, Assistant Chief of the Cottage Grove Fire Department and DSPS Integrated Section Chief. April shares an inside look at Cottage Grove’s training cultu
In this episode of The Forward Firefighter, I sit down with Chief Chris Dallas of the Valders Fire Department in Wisconsin. Chief Dallas shares insights into his department’s approach and walks us through the mindset, pr
In this episode, we delve into the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) with three distinguished guests: Tim Haas, Fire Services Coordinator for Wisconsin Emergency Management; Josh Ripp, Chief at Stoughton, WI Fire Depar
In this episode, I welcome back Marc Hill to talk about his second book, Read Before You Lead. Learn from Marc as we discuss his experience becoming a new fire chief for a volunteer fire department. Listen to episode 10
In this episode, I talk with Brooke Hushagen, a Forestry Technician at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Ranger Station in Poynette, Wisconsin. Brooke shares her expertise on the various services the DN
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Benjamen K. “Ben” Lauren, Captain at the Forsyth Township Fire Department in Upper Michigan. Ben was a respected firefighter who tragically lost his life in the line of duty at
Nathan Olson is the Captain of Training for the Columbus Wisconsin Fire Department. A department member for just over 10 years, Captain Olson provides strong leadership skills gained through his military experience. Capt
David Rhodes
Editor-in-Chief · Fire Engineering Magazine
1 appearance on this show
Eric Johnson
professor in the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences Department of Family & Community Medicine · Fox River Water Reclamation District
1 appearance on this show
Nick Ledin
firefighter paramedic · Eau Claire Wisconsin Fire Department
1 appearance on this show
Ben Cook
Head of Global Customer Service Strategic Transformation · Recreate Australia
1 appearance on this show
Dr. Chris Frueh
clinical psychologist, professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo
1 appearance on this show
Nathan Schneider
professor of media studies and director of the Media Economies Design Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder · Chilton Wisconsin Fire Department
1 appearance on this show
Beth McCormick
WAMR
1 appearance on this show
Paul Shoemaker
Next Level Training Network
1 appearance on this show
Jordan Crave
Columbus Wisconsin Fire Department
1 appearance on this show
Matt Boulding
Cornell Volunteer Fire Department
1 appearance on this show
Mike Bernard
Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue Department
1 appearance on this show
April Hammond
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
1 appearance on this show
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The Forward Firefighter is hosted by Dan Retzlaff. The show is categorised under education and has published 46 episodes.
The Forward Firefighter has published 46 episodes.
The Forward Firefighter regularly covers education. It sits in the education category.
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Episodes of The Forward Firefighter average 55 minutes. a focused format where a clear narrative arc and tight preparation matter most.
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