Third Due First In

• Ep 17 – The State of Pennsylvania’s Volunteer Fire Service with Commissioner Thomas Cook

  In this episode, Keith and Geno sit down with Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook to discuss the current state of the volunteer fire service. They cover training challenges, statewide recruitment and retention efforts, funding updates, and how the Commonwealth is addressing the growing need for staffing support across departments. Commissioner Cook also shares insights from his decades of service—from his early years as a firefighter to leading the state’s fire programs.Plus, stick around for this week’s fire service news stories, updates from around the region, and a look ahead at what’s next for the volunteer fire community.Follow Third Due First In on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok: @3rddue1stin📧 Contact: [email protected]

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• Ep 16 – Chief Mark Grimm: Building a Strong Combination Department

  This week we’re joined by North Strabane Fire Chief Mark Grimm, who shares his experience leading the transformation of an all-volunteer fire company into one of Western Pennsylvania’s most respected combination departments. Chief Grimm discusses staffing, leadership, culture, and the importance of firefighter health and fitness in today’s fire service.Plus, we cover regional fire news and updates from across the area.

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• Ep 15 – Healing Through Horses & Fighting the Hidden Dangers

  In Episode 15 of Third Due First In, we sit down with Amber from Bella Terra Stables to talk about their therapy horse program and how equine-assisted healing is helping first responders, veterans, and families find balance and peace through the power of horses.Then we’re joined once again by Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don “DB” Brucker, who continues our important discussion on firefighter cancer prevention and dives into the growing threat of lithium battery fires in today’s fire service.We also hit the latest fire service news, plus updates on our FireCam giveaways and upcoming “Stranger Calls” Halloween episode.🎙️ Sponsored by FireCam — because the job is tough enough without your gear letting you down.

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• Ep 14 – Therapy Dogs & Firefighter PTSI with Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brucker

  in Episode 14 of Third Due First In, we start with Mariah Murphy, who shares the story of her therapy dog Buddy and how programs like hers bring comfort to people during their most difficult times.Then we sit down with Allegheny County Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brucker for an in-depth discussion on PTSI in the fire service. We cover the challenges first responders face, the importance of mental health resources, and the role of the National Firefighter Cancer Registry in protecting firefighter health.🚒 Real stories. Real conversations. From the fireground to firefighter wellness — we bring it all to the table.

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• Ep 13 – Firehouse Law: Paid Crews, Stipends, and the Future of Staffing

  In Episode 13 of Third Due First In, Keith and Geno sit down with Attorney Kim Houser—Assistant Chief in Greensburg, PA, rescue specialist with PA-HART and Region 13 Strike Team, Pro-Board Fire Officer I-IV, and senior partner at Mears, Smith, Houser & Boyle, P.C. Kim brings his extensive experience representing over 200 fire departments to unpack the legal side of firehouse operations.We dive into the growing trend of volunteer departments hiring shift crews, stipend programs. Kim also shares his perspective on what legislation or policies might need to evolve to match the realities of today’s fire service.As always, the crew covers the latest fire service news, sponsored by FireCam, and Geno closes things out with his final thoughts.

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