Host Bob Duemmel hosted a roundtable podcast at Firehouse Expo in July with a variety of technical rescue team members. Bob's guest's include: FDNY Lt. Mickey Conboy, Elizabeth, NJ, Firefighter Michael Donahue, retired FDNY Battalion Chief Fred LaFemina and retired FDNY Captain Tony Tricarico.
The group examines the impact of significant technical rescue events over the last year on the industry. They discuss how national media has helped bring attention to USAR and other teams and how it helps when it comes to justifying the teams. It opens a discussion on the impact of the economy on members of technical rescue teams.
Listen as these veteran panelists weigh in on training at the everyday level and advanced levels based needs. They share their thoughts on the trend of developing and supporting technical rescue teams with the mentality of "doing more with less."
Please send any comments, questions or suggestions to: [email protected].
This podcast was recorded at Firehouse Expo in July.
About the Author
Bob Duemmel
Bob Duemmel was the technical rescue editor for Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com. A deputy coordinator for Special Operations in Monroe County, NY he recently retired as a captain with the City of Rochester Fire Department. Bob's involvement in technical rescue is very diverse. He is the Plans Manager for New York Task Force-2 USAR Team, a member of the Western New York Incident Management Team and a member of the New York State Technical Rescue curriculum development team. He is a nationally certified instructor with a focus on technical rescue programs. He has delivered training to fire service, industrial, military and international rescue teams and has assisted with exercise evaluation for the United Kingdom and the European Union's USAR program. Bob has also participated in numerous USAR exercised as both a participant and evaluator. He hosted “The Buzz on Technical Rescue” podcast.