Lt. Colonel Matt Goolsby, Lt. Colonel Kent Kruer & Lt. Colonel Mike Sutt ​are three guys at AMFEMS who really make stuff happen. They play a key part in developing the policies and procedures that not only help the Chief, but make sure they are providing the best care they can. They take information from their teams, develop plans and execute. In short, they are the key in taking what happens on the streets and improving the department from it. On today’s podcast, the three of them chat with Jordan about what their role entails, some of the unseen difficulties, and what they do to help every firefighter on the streets.

For so many firefighters, the job is their main focus. Here at AMFEMS, we are dedicated to our craft and are committed to providing the best service we can. So in turn, many on our team aren’t always aware of what’s going on with leadership, or job positions, or how the local board plays into decisions. So, on today’s episode of ‘Into the Fire’, Jordan sits down with some leadership of AMFEMS to answer your questions. From questions about boards to chiefs and much more – we dive into it all. Thank you again for all who submitted questions and we hope today’s episode gives you a better sense of just how we operate. Listen now!

We are back! After a short hiatus, the AMFEMS’ team is back with some big news. On today’s episode of ‘Into the Fire’, Chief Tyler joins Jordan to recap a bunch of news from the last few months and some changes coming to AMFEMS. From hurricanes to uniforms, awards, overtime, training and much much more!

Despite holding the titles of firefighter – much of what Captain Travis Bell and Major Mike Arth do on a daily basis has nothing to do with fires. Those two help lead the Special Operations at Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS – a fast growing division aimed at tackling the unique scenarios that first responders find themselves in. From tornado rescues, to flooding and every weather related disaster, the AMFEMS’ special ops teams are expanding their tool kit to be ready to respond to every emergency. Hear from Bell and Arth on today’s episode of ‘Into the Fire’ and get a closer look at what special ops really means.

In Chip Terry’s retirement speech, he talked about the horrors he had seen as a firefighter. Dead children, suicides, abuse and more. Not long after that speech, Chip would take his own life from suicide. Though his wife Jo had seen signs of his struggles, what she, and even the doctors didn’t realize, was that Chip was dealing with PTSD. Often thought of as a something that impacts soldiers, Jo is now on a mission to help first responders struggling with what they see and deal with every day in their jobs. For Jo, there is no more not talking about. It’s time fire departments get serious about mental health. On today’s podcast, hear our conversation with Jo Terry and her discuss the work to give every firefighter the mental health resources they deserve.

Chief Groody is back on the podcast! With 2024 in full swing, the Chief returns to the podcast to give a status report on the department and update listeners on all the big happenings. With news around hazmat, recruit classes and yes, even the PGA, there is plenty to update folks on. On top of all of that, with the legislative session moving quickly, the Chief talks about some bills they monitoring, both good and bad, and what they might mean for AMFEMS’ firefighters. A big episode to start 2024 – listen now!

Being a firefighter is not an easy profession. Long hours and late nights can push your physical and mental limits. Routinely witnessing traumatic events will impact everyone at some point.

For a long time, firefighters who had dealt with trauma or struggled to cope with the realities of the job were told to keep quiet. They didn’t talk about mental health, anxiety or PTSD. In turn, too many used unhealthy methods to cope; excessive drinking among them. Today, to help those who may be struggling on the job, or at home, AMFEMS has two chaplains on staff, ready to provide care to the firefighters to help them fulfill their duties. The fire and EMS service is a demanding job that puts personnel at risk. The chaplains understand the levels of that risk and attempt to help manage the impact with members.

On today’s episode Chaplains Mike Caci and Wayne Bishop join Chief Tyler and Jordan to talk about the importance of their roles, how they help the team, and why talking about mental health and not ignoring it is critical for success.

For Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS, on most days, the 'EMS' is the biggest part of their jobs. For AMFEMS, 80% of what they do is EMS or EMS related. Enter Lt. Colonel Keith Brooks – the man that keeps it all running. On the latest episode of Into the Fire, Lt. Col. Brooks joins us to talk about the evolution of firefighters turning more towards EMS and how that impacts the focus of the organization. From training to tools and everything in between, Brooks helps keep the staff ready to deal with a huge part of their job. Still think firefighters just save cats from trees? Today you’ll learn how they are saving even more lives every day.