Mike Pertz, a firefighter-paramedic with the Avon Lake (Ohio) Fire Department, offers tips to prospective firefighters facing challenges joining the ranks, addresses some of the misconceptions recruits have about the fire service, and tackles the key reasons members ultimately leave the fire service, and what leaders can do to keep them interested in a career in firefighting.

Marc Bashoor and Janelle Foskett reflect on a year unlike any other

FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.