FMBA Nation

Episode 51. Forever Chemicals - The Truth About Turnout Gear with Dr. Graham Peaslee from the University of Notre Dame

In Episode 51, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with nuclear physicist, Dr. Graham Peaslee, from the University of Notre Dame, about the forever chemicals known as PFAS that has been contaminating firefighters for years. These chemicals have been linked to cancer and have been found in the turnout gear that is worn everyday by firefighters as well as the foam that is used for chemical and flammable liquid fires for years. This is a must listen episode in battling the cancer epidemic of the fire service.

Episode 50. Katie Mckenna - How to get run over by a truck.

In the 50th episode of FMBA Nation, host Bill Brower chats with the keynote speaker from the 125th NJ FMBA Convention, Katie McKenna. Katie is the author of "How to get run over by a truck" and tells Bill about her journey and how she faced true adversity and determination to survive. 

Episode 49. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and the State and Local Tax Deduction Cap

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherril (NJ 11th District), about the SALT (State and Local Tax) Deduction Cap. They discuss how it affects NJ First Responders as well as middle class families in NJ.  

Episode 48. Flow and Vent - Using Social Media for the Better Good of the Fire Service

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with the boys from Flow and Vent at the 125th Annual NJ FMBA Convention. Rob and Kyle tell Bill about their success on Instagram and their dedication to training and education within the fire service. Both Rob and Kyle are members of the NJ FMBA and plan to get involved with more training education with FMBA Nation. 

Episode 47. PTSD, Depression, and Suicide - A First Responder's Story

In this episode, FMBA Nation Host, Bill Brower, talks with Captain Bob Falzarano from the Union Fire Department about his personal struggles with PTSD and other mental health challenges. Bob opens up and tells FMBA nation how he was close to taking his own life and how he took the steps he needed to get help. For anyone that is in need of help for mental health, substance abuse, or just needs someone to talk to, please reach out to our Mental Health/Peer Assistance Team. 
Dr. Michael Bizzarro 732-771-7165
Dr. Julie Tropeano 732-977-3819
Tyrone Smith 973-573-9694
Ken Burkert 908-346-1691
CISM Team Coordinator Troy Powell 973-868-0527

Episode 46. Planning to Thrive with Marc Junkerman

In this episode, FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with Marc Junkerman about his mental health program "Planning to Thrive".
Planning to Thrive (P2T) introduces adaptable management concepts intended to assist you in implementing and maintaining a successful culture of first responder wellness.  The blueprint is yours.  These are just a few "extra tools for your box" to help you with the build.  
Marc "Junk" Junkerman is an active law enforcement commander in Maryland with nearly three decades of service which includes nearly two decades advocating for first responder safety and wellness.  He continues to provide regular consultation and instructional support in this arena to various agencies within his state in addition to serving as a Mental Health First Aid instructor and as an International Critical Incident Stress Foundation faculty member.

Episode 45. Too Strong for Too Long - Virtual Support Group

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Dr. Michael Bizzaro, Iris Perlstein, and Lindsay Pliner from Penn Medicine Princeton Behavioral Health to discuss the new virtual support group to launch in early May.

Episode 44. Mike Barrett - Elizabeth Fire EMS- Off Duty Heroic Life-Saving Actions

FMBA Nation Host Bill Brower talks with FMBA Local 309 Member Michael Barrett about the heroic off-duty actions he took that saved multiple lives when he noticed a fire in a multi-family dwelling. On the night of February 11th, 2021, Mike was a a red light and noticed a fire had broken out in an apartment building in Elizabeth, NJ. He immediately took action by entering the structure and alerting multiple sleeping occupants that they needed to evacuate. Mike noticed a victim in the building was disoriented and was able to bring him to safety outside of the building. Mike's actions are commended by the entire NJ FMBA and we are proud to have him as a member and his selfless actions taken that night.

Episode 43. Attack Team Entry Checklist

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with (ret.) DC Anthony Avillo about the attack line entry checklist. Chief Avillo reviews some of the critical fundamentals that firefighters and fire officers need to follow in order to ensure smooth fire attack operations. 

Episode 42. Legalization of Recreational Marijuana for Public Safety Unions

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower, talks with NJ FMBA Chief Counsel Craig S. Gumpel and Tom Cushane, from Cushane Law Firm, about the impact of recreational marijuana and collective bargaining for public safety labor unions.