Episodes

  • 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
    Show more Show less
    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
    Show more Show less
    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.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 51 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run #: 24-027 w/ Chief Constance Zappella

    NJ Fire Guys Run #: 24-027 w/ Chief Constance Zappella
    Aug 16 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run#: 24-027
    Date: August 15, 2024
    Guest: Chief Constance Zappella

    Chief Constance Zappella began her fire service career when she was appointed to the Jersey City Fire Department in 2003, becoming the departments first female Firefighter. Upon graduation from the Proby School, Connie was assigned Engine 9 where she spent her first 5 years prior to transferring to Squad 4.

    After 8 years as a Firefighter in the 4th Battalion, Zappella promoted to Captain in 2011 and became part of the Command Staff of Engine Co. 17. Connie stayed at 17 Engine until 2017 when she again promoted to Battalion Chief. As Battalion Chief, Zappella’s first assignment was the Training Division, where she became a Level 2 Fire Instructor and oversaw several recruit classes. During this time Chief Zappella also decided to join one those classes and became an EMT.

    Chief Zappella was instrumental in creating the departments Field Training Officer Program, with the assistance of Lou Pepe and Chief Tony Della Rosa, which helps bring the Training Division up to compliance and increases the agency’s ISO rating. Chief Zappella filled the FTO position until assuming Command of the 2nd Battalion on Group A.

    In November of 2022 Chief Zappella promoted again to Deputy Chief and was again assigned to the Departments Division of Training. Since becoming the Chief of Training, Zappella has made it a priority to ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations and mandates, such as, IMS and Firefighter 2 standards.

    Beyond being the first career female Deputy Fire Chief in the Garden State, Zappella is also a loving and attentive mother to Erica (spelled like Merica) and a Licensed and practicing NJ Real Estate agent. Constance also holds degrees in Economics and Sociology and is NJ licensed Fire Official.

    #NJFireGuys #TheOutsideVent #FirePodcast #GardenState #Firefighting #Fireman #FireTraining #FireChat #NJ
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 20 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-026 w/ Capt. Bob Disbrow

    NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-026 w/ Capt. Bob Disbrow
    Aug 9 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run#: 24-026
    Date: Aug. 8, 2024
    Guest: Capt. Bob Disbrow

    Captain Bob Disbrow IAAI-CFI has been involved with the Fire Service for 35 years including career, Volunteer and Federal Departments.

    Bob was appointed to the City of Bayonne Fire Department in 1999. He currently holds the rank of Fire Captain and is assigned to newly formed Squad 5. He has previously served on numerous companies throughout the city included time on Rescue Co 1 as Firefighter and Captain.

    Bob is also an active volunteer firefighter with the Laurelton Fire Company, Brick NJ.

    Dis is also a Fire & Explosion Investigator, dually certified through the International Association of Arson Investigators and the National Association of Fire Investigators. Bob is a Life Member of the NJ Chapter of IAAI and has previously served on the their Board of Directors.

    He has extensive experience in Fire Investigations, Rescue Company Operations and Special Operations.

    Bob is District Warden for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Fire Science program at Middlesex College for the past several years.

    Bob is also a Co- Founder and Owner of Superior Fire & Emergency Response Training LLC.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 42 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-025 w/ Capt. Paul Tweedly

    NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-025 w/ Capt. Paul Tweedly
    Aug 2 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run #: 24-025
    Date: August 1, 2024
    Guest: Captain Paul Tweedly

    Captain Paul Tweedly was appointed to the Trenton Fire Department in October of 1982. As a Proby, his first assignment was at Engine Co. 8. Paul was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1995 and spent most of the remainder of his career at Engine Co.3 on South Broad Street.
    ⠀
    Paul retired after 26 years of service in 2009 and established Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs in April of that year. Located at 2230 Princeton Pike in Lawrence, Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs is family-owned and operated in the heart of Mercer County.

    Capt Paul’s is “Dedicated to the men and women associated with emergency services, the military and their families and for all those who volunteer to help others”.
    ⠀
    The Maltese cross in the center of the building is a reminder of those 343 firemen who lost their lives on 9/11.

    Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs
    2230 Princeton Pike
    Lawrence, NJ 08648
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-024 w/ Chief Nick Buroczi Sr

    NJ Fire Guys Run#: 24-024 w/ Chief Nick Buroczi Sr
    Jul 26 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run #: 24-024
    Date: July 25, 2024
    Guest: Chief Nick Buroczi Sr

    Battalion Chief Nick Buroczi of the Hamilton Fire Division. Starting on the job with Hamilton Fire District #6 in 1994, he has over 30 years of experience in the fire service.

    Wanting to make the job better for everyone, he rose through the ranks of the Executive boards of Hamilton FMBA Local 84 and subsequently Local 284 after being promoted to the rank of Captain in 2007. Becoming President of Local 284 in 2013, both Locals spearheaded a campaign to consolidate Hamilton Township’s individual Fire Districts. The Unions reached success in 2021, when all 8 individual Fire Districts dissolved into the Hamilton Fire Division. After reaching this goal, he did not seek reelection at the end of 2022. He is still actively involved in our state union. Through the State NJ FMBA he is involved in the State legislative committee and their Critical Incident Management Team.

    He then took on the position of OEM Coordinator in the neighboring town of Bordentown, New Jersey in 2023, where he currently still serves.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 25 mins
  • NJ Fire Guys Run #: 24-023 w Chief Brian Daboul

    NJ Fire Guys Run #: 24-023 w Chief Brian Daboul
    Jul 19 2024
    NJ Fire Guys
    Run #: 24-023
    Date: July 18, 2024
    Guest: Chief Brian Daboul

    Brian Daboul is a 15-year veteran of the Mine Hill Township (NJ) Fire Department. In his tenure at the department Brian has served a total of 2 years as Lieutenant, 2 years as Captain, 2 years as Assistant Chief, and 5 years as Chief of the Department (2018-2021 and 2024 to present). In addition, Brian serves as the Health and Safety Officer for the department responsible for the development, implementation, and management of safety programs.

    Brian also works full time in the manufacturing industry since 2010 as a senior level manager with expertise in Environmental, Health, and Safety management ensuring the safety of employees through building robust safety programs. Brian is experienced in manufacturing industries including food/beverage, pharmaceutical, dietary supplements, cosmetics, chemicals, paper converting, and plastic injection molding.

    In 2023, Brian started BGD Safety and Compliance LLC, a company aimed at providing safety program development, training, and safety consulting to emergency responders including fire and EMS. Brian can be reached at bgdsafety@gmail.com.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 53 mins