The Real ResQ Podcast

• Never Forget: Craig Dunbar, USCG Rescue Swimmer #125

  In this episode of the Real ResQ Podcast, Jason Quinn and guests, Steve Ober, Joe Beyer, George Cavallo, Joe Burns and Olaf Leavelle come together to remember their fellow Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #125, Craig Dunbar. Through heartfelt stories and shared memories, they celebrate Dunbar’s unwavering determination, competitive nature, and the deep bonds formed during their time in training and service. From their first encounters with him to the challenges of Rescue Swimmer school, they reflect on the moments that defined his character and the lasting impact he had on those around him.The conversation is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a deep sense of camaraderie as they recall the experiences that brought them together. Whether it was training side by side, pushing each other to be better, or simply sharing lighthearted moments, they highlight the friendships and brotherhood forged through their careers.This episode is a tribute to a remarkable teammate and friend, celebrating his legacy and the connections that endure long after the mission ends. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ:, Axnes, Switlik, Ready Swimmer and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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• Episode 220: Dan Leary, Life Flight Pilot and Chris Pfingsten, Life Flight Paramedic

  In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes back Dan Leary and introduces Chris Pfingsten, as they share an incredible rescue story—one they were both involved in without even realizing it.Leary and Pfingsten first crossed paths during a critical mission when a patient fell approximately 20 feet into a ravine and creek bed. At the time, the two were working for separate agencies. Pfingsten, responding with a local agency, was one of the first on scene. Recognizing the difficulty of the extraction, he called for additional support—the U.S. Coast Guard. Unbeknownst to him, Leary, who was flying with the Coast Guard at the time, was the pilot on duty.Together, they recount the rescue from their unique perspectives, detailing their roles from the moment the call came in to the successful extraction of the patient.What makes this story even more remarkable? They now work for the same company—yet neither had realized the other was involved in that very rescue. Reliving the mission together, they connect the dots, leading to this episode. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch, ReadyBAR, and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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• Episode 219: Matt High USCG Rescue Swimmer #431

  In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Matt High, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #431. High shares his journey into the Coast Guard, from his initial training to his first rescue mission. A rescue of a few guys stuck on a spit of land in the middle of a river.  He dives into career-defining moments, being an instructor at Rescue Swimmer A-School to additional unforgettable rescues. They discuss the evolution of the rescue swimmer program, the impact of manpower shortages, and the camaraderie that comes with the job. High also shares humorous anecdotes and the invaluable lessons he’s learned—both in the water and as an instructor—emphasizing the importance of mentorship and passing down knowledge. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: PAG, Ready Swimmer, and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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• Episode 218: Jeff “Spanky” Peterson US Air Force Pilot

  In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Jeff “Spanky” Peterson, a pilot with the United States Air Force.Spanky was one of the pilots who played a critical role in the daring rescue of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell after Operation Red Wings took a devastating turn. This rescue was immortalized in Luttrell's book “Lone Survivor,” and brought to the big screen in the film of the same name.We dive into the details of the rescue mission to save Luttrell, the challenges faced during the operation, and the emotional toll it took on the crew. Spanky recounts the events leading up to the mission, the search for survivors, and the eventual rescue, providing a gripping insight into military operations and the bravery of those involved. After hearing this incredible story, Spanky reflects on his extensive experience in helicopter rescue operations, discussing advancements in equipment, other various rescue missions, and the challenges faced during these operations. He reflects on specific incidents, including rescuing stranded hikers, responding to firefighters struck by lightning, and more. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Ready Swimmer and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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• Episode 217: Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Henry 1 Helicopter

  In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with the crew of “Henry 1,” the busy Bell 407 from Sonoma County Sheriff’s OfficeHelicopter Unit. The crew includes Chris Haas, Nigel Cooper, Larry Matelli, and Jamal Cook.Recorded live on location in Sonoma County, California, right outside their hangar and in front of their Bell 407, the team shares insights into their unique role  with the county’s all-purpose helicopter. Henry 1 handles everything from law enforcement and firefighting to medevac support and search-and-rescue, covering a diverse and challenging region that includes wine country, rugged hills, rocky coastal cliffs, and cold waters.The crew reflects on some of their most memorable rescue calls. Haas recalls his very first day with Henry 1, responding to a plane crash, followed immediately by a mountain bike accident. Cooper shares his experience rescuing individuals whose vessel overturned off the Sonoma coast. Matelli talks about a cliff jumper recovery, while Cook recounts a water rescue involving an overturned kayak.The team also dives into some of their most notable rescues that gained public attention, including:A dramatic cliff rescue that made national headlines, featured by NBC News and the Today Show.Three separate mountain bike accidents in different locations within a single 24-hour period, covered by The Press Democrat.A boat crash on the rocks with a deceased person onboard, reported by KRON4.A rescue featured in Road and Track magazine, where a car had plunged off Highway 1.A series of five rescues on the Russian River in California, highlighted on Patch.com.There’s much more to the story of Sonoma County Sheriff’s Henry 1. You can learn more about their operations in the Spring 2025 Mega Issue of Vertical Valor. For additional insight into their law enforcement and public safety missions, check out Jon Gray’s interview with the team on The Hangar Z Podcast, Part 1 and Part 2. There is a short YouTube video on Sonoma County on the Vertical YouTube channel. And to see their rescue operations in action, watch the documentary where Jason Quinn joins them for two days of training.Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Bell, Switlik and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com.

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