Ep 98 I don't have all the answers with Tammy Cifra

With just under 20 year on the job Tammy Cifra has reached the breakover point where she has now spent more than half of her life on the job. Many would argue that she has given her due, but not Cifra, she is full steam ahead, now serving in her “dream job” as the lead Recruit Training Officer for the Glendale Public Safety Regional Training Center. She joins us on episode 98 as she recovered between academy classes, we talked about her career, her love for travel and so much more, please enjoy!

 

A little more about our guest…

__________________________

 

Tammy Cifra is a Captain for the City of Glendale Fire Department in Arizona. She started on the job in 2004 with her dream department and hasn’t looked back. She is a nationally registered paramedic, hazardous material technician as well as a technical rescue technician. She is Fire Instructor 1 &2 certified and has taught Zero Impact Period at Arizona State Fire School for the past 3 years. She is part of a local cadre consisting of members of different fire departments from across the valley that focus on techniques and skills related to proper line selection, hose deployment, forcible entry, and water application. She served as a Recruit Training Officer at the academy for 3 classes and is now currently the Lead Recruit Training Officer for the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center.

__________________________

You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!

If you would like to contact today’s guest...

IG: bemyherorun

FB: Tammy Cifra

Your host can be reached at:

IG: @firegroundfitness

FB: @fireground fitness

Twitter: @firegroundfit

Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

<iframe title="Ep98 I don't have all the answers with Tammy Cifra" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bvmq6-156ee27-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7" loading="lazy"></iframe>

Episode 97 Flame and Fortune with Rick Bucher

Years of fast paced adventures, motor, road and mountain bike racing, rock climbing, and the everyday stress of climbing in and out of fire trucks and running calls takes a toll. Sometimes this is an obvious injury, a crashed bike leading to a broken ankle, a fused spine, or any number of orthopedic maladies that trouble Firefighters. Just as often, though, we can sustain injuries that go unseen, the result of managing innumerable emergencies and carrying unresolved grief, leaving trauma and scars that are hidden from the naked eye. These insidious injuries can be as devastating, or worse, to one’s health and career. 

 

Rick Bucher, has been down this road and on Ep.97 we discuss his experience with all of the seen and unseen trauma as well as his mental illness and the suicide attempt that got him on the road to recovery. Rick’s story is hard to hear, but it is important that we listen and work to recognize the signs of mental health issues. If we say “I got your back!” It has to mean that I know what I am looking for and I am not afraid to advocate for your life. Take a listen.  

 

A little more about our guest…

__________________________

Rick Bucher had a normal enough childhood, but his life has been extraordinary since.  An adventure sports athlete, racer, and instructor, Rick served as a firefighter/paramedic in Scottsdale, Arizona for 27 years.  After narrowly surviving a rock-climbing accident, motorcycle wreck and a suicide attempt, he went on to receive treatment for PTSD and is now working to increase awareness of mental health issues in the public safety arena.  He also went on to find his biological family after decades of unanswered questions about who he was and where he came from.  Eliminating the stigma of stepping forward for help and providing support for those who do is his new passion and he tours the country following opportunities to share his story, speaking to groups and spreading a message of hope, resilience and unity in the face of trauma.  His story is a remarkable tale of redemption and a reminder of the power of the human spirit.

__________________________

You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!

If you would like to contact today’s guest...

IG: rickbucher603

FB: Rick Bucher

To schedule Rick to speak in your organization reach out to:  rickbucher603@gmail.com

Your host can be reached at:

IG: @firegroundfitness

FB: @fireground fitness

Twitter: @firegroundfit

Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com


 

Episode 93 Firstgevity w/ Paige Arnone

Running from her childhood trauma by diving from planes, Paige Arnone, is a fascinating person. Her journey led her to the yoga mat where she found physical wellness and a path to mental health as well. In episode 93 we discuss all these things and so much more, enjoy! 

A little more about today’s guest: 

Paige Arnone Founder, Firstgevity AZPOST CERTIFIED & E-RYT 500 With years of experience working directly with first responders, Paige Arnone, founder of Firstgevity, knows firsthand the unique challenges these brave individuals face and the toll it can take on their mental and physical health. 

Her journey with yoga began when she struggled with debilitating anxiety and panic attacks from childhood traumas. Yoga taught her how to take back control of her life, and it has since become her mission to give back to those who have always protected her. 

Paige's ultimate goal is to support the development of a new generation of first responders who are physically healthy and mentally strong, able to easily handle challenging conditions. Paige's passion and dedication to helping first responders thrive and creating a stronger and more resilient community for all are at the heart of Firstgevity's mission. 

__________________________ 

You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email! 

If you would like to contact today’s guest... 

Firstgevity.com 
Email: paige@firstgevity.com 
IG: Firstgevity 
Facebook: Firstgevity 

Your host can be reached at: 
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness 
Twitter: @firegroundfit 
 Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

 

Episode 92 Slow and Low with Greg Morales

 “Slow and low that is the tempo”, the deep rhetorical prose crafted by the Beastie Boys perfectly sums Ep.92’s guest, Greg Morales. A true native Phoenician, Morales grew up on the west side of town right across the street from fire station 24. Into old cars, hard work and brotherhood, G Mo, is old school in all the right ways and leans into the next generation, mentoring and shining a light on the path for would be firefighters. We talk about all these things and so much more, enjoy!

A little more about our guest…

Greg Morales, born and raised in Phoenix Az. Husband, father of three. 27 years employed by the City of Phoenix, 17yrs with the Phoenix Fire Department. 13yrs as a Firefighter, 3yrs as an Engineer, now a Captain, Technical Rescue/ Hazardous Materials technician. Capt. Morales also serves as the current Vice President of the Valley Hispanic Bomberos. A local non profit here in the Valley that is rooted in community involvement and mentorship to the next generation of firefighters. 

 __________________________

You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!

If you would like to contact today’s guest...

Valley Hispanic Bomberos 501c3 

www.vhbomberos.org 

Email -vhb@vhbomberos.org 

Instagram @vhbomberos

Facebook @valleyhispanicbomberos

YouTube @Valley Hispanic Bomberos 

Your host can be reached at:

IG: @firegroundfitness

FB: @fireground fitness

Twitter: @firegroundfit

Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

Episode 91, Dr./Chief Kane Nixon

 In the business of firefighting injury is a real concern and can befall us at any time. Often, injury will change the direction of our lives, stop us from running, make us more cautious when lifting or cause us to focus, strengthening and shoring up areas of weakness. It can alter our path in ways we may never consider, opening doors and changing our path forever.  

 

This is part of the story we discuss in Episode 91 in my sit-down with Deputy Chief Kane Nixon Ed.D.. In our chat Nixon shares his journey in the fire service, how an unexpected injury, and a cheeky physician, turned him toward education.  We discuss this and so much more, please enjoy!

  

A little more about our guest…

 

Dr. Kane Nixon Ed. D., M.Ed., NRP, TLO

Dr. Kane Nixon is a thought leader who helps public and private industry leaders improve their work cultures by building resilience in their employees. Kane travels around Arizona and the United States, speaking about ethics, leadership, and wellness. Kane is the Deputy Chief of Logistics & Planning for the Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, where he oversees Support Services, Planning, Technical Services, and Emergency Management. Kane has been in the fire service since 2001. Kane is a Nationally Registered Paramedic, Health and Safety Officer, Threat Liaison Officer, and served in multiple officer roles with IAFF Local 3573. Kane has extensive experience in not-for-profit management, serving as the founder and President of the North County Firefighters’ Charities for five years and the Arizona State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. Kane holds three Associates Degrees, a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management and Public Administration, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, both from Northern Arizona University. In 2021, Kane defended his Dissertation titled Arizona Chief Fire Officers’ Opinions Regarding Firefighter Behavioral Health Problems: Causes and Help Approaches, conferring a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership. Kane continues his mission to progress the fire service forward with his passion for firefighter wellness through research, writing, and speaking on the topics of firefighter fitness, cancer, and behavioral health.

Kane is the Chairman of the Scholars Group Panel for the Science Alliance. The Scholars Group provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and contributions to the body of literature with the aim of investigating and promoting evidence-informed first responder research. Kane is Adjunct Faculty and the Director of Firefighter Fitness and Conditioning at Glendale Community College, holding several certifications, including Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and Corrective Exercise Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Kane has a passion for serving others and does so as an Arizona State Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Everyone Goes Home Program, District Representative for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, and regularly volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Bank. Kane is happily married to his wife of eleven years and has two beautiful daughters, ages 10 and 16.

__________________________

You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!

If you would like to contact today’s guest...

Email: kane@kanenixon.com

IG: drchiefnixon

FB: Kane Nixon

in: Dr. Kane Nixon Ed.D.

WWW.kanenixon.com

Your host can be reached at:

IG: @firegroundfitness

FB: @fireground fitness

Twitter: @firegroundfit

Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com



Episode 90, Broken Crayons, w/ Carlos Aviles

I truly love hearing about other people’s journeys as it provides such valuable insight. It provides important perspective as we all struggle with something and realizing that you are not alone, it all becomes just a little more tolerable. 

I really appreciate today’s guest, Fire Chief Carlos Aviles, who honestly and vulnerably shared his story. We discussed the growth he gained through adversity, Aviles’ time in the Army reserve, his pathway into the fire service and finally into the office of Fire Chief.  

Aviles wife once told him that “broken crayons still color”. This is advice that we all need to hear from time to time. Please enjoy this episode!

A little more about our guest…

Chief Carlos Aviles is a 22-year Army Veteran with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and an 18-year career firefighter. In 2004 after an initial 16-month deployment to Iraq, he pursued a career in the fire service and in 2005 was hired by the St. Augustine Fire Department. He is still an active reservist with the US Army Reserve as a Senior Advisor to the 418th MP Detachment. 

In 2016, he was appointed Fire Chief for the City of St. Augustine where he still serves today, Chief Aviles also serves as the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator.
He is on the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Board of Directors, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Board of Directors, and currently chairs the state of Florida’s Firefighter Standards and Employment Council as well as the Florida Fire and Emergency Incident Information System Technical Advisory Panel.

Link from today’s episode 

__________________________
You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!

If you would like to contact today’s guest...

IG: the_904_chief

Your host can be reached at:

IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit


Episode 89 RLTW w/ Matt Shields

Sometimes when you meet a person you sense a little something that sets them apart from the gen pop. The way they carry, or present, themselves - maybe an uncommon sense of comfort in a room full of senior members, the assortment of military tattoos unashamedly inking across the forearms, the dogged determination demonstrated every time they are presented with opposition. Finding all these uncommon virtues in one person is rare for sure. Add to that a humble and quiet professionalism you find yourself talking to Captain Matt Shields. 

I have known Shields for many years and yet it wasn’t until we sat down to record a podcast that I began to truly appreciate Shields and how he became such a competent and hard charging individual. In episode 89 we discussed his upbringing in the northeast valley, his journey into the ARMY ranger regiment and the fire service. We discuss all this and so much more, enjoy! 

 HOOAH! Now… go get some! 
__________________________ 

 A little more about our guest… 

 Matt Shields was born and raised in Cave Creek, Az. He is married with 4 daughters and lives just north of the valley on a couple of acres. Matt is currently a Captain Paramedic with the Phoenix Fire Department assigned to Engine 960 B-Shift. Matt assists the department with the development and instruction related to Engine Operations, Violent Incidents, and EMS. Prior to his time with the Phoenix Fire, Matt served four years in the Army from 2003-2008. He passed the Ranger Indoctrination Process and was selected to 1st Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as an airborne infantryman. Matt completed four combat deployments, two to Afghanistan and two to Iraq, were he performed a wide range of duties including- Direct action raids, Combat search and rescue, Site exploitation, and various other jobs.

__________________________ 

You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email! 

Our guest can be reached at 
Matthew.shields84@gmail.com 

Your host can be reached at: 
IG: @firegroundfitness 
FB: @fireground fitness 
Twitter: @firegroundfit 
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com