The Size Up Episode 81. Cast A Wide Net - Jennifer

National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

In this episode, Pip interviews Jennifer from FD Beyond Explorers about her experience in the fire service and the importance of diversity in recruitment. They discuss the challenges of social media usernames, the differences between explorer programs on the East and West Coasts, and the role of the Boy Scouts in supporting explorer programs. Jennifer shares her journey from wanting to be a veterinarian to becoming a paramedic and eventually joining the fire service. They also touch on the importance of casting a wide net in recruitment and the impact of sleep deprivation in the fire service. The conversation in this section focuses on the challenges of sleep and rest for firefighters. They discuss the difficulties of getting restful sleep during shifts and the impact it has on their physical and mental well-being. They also talk about the importance of being prepared for the unique sleep patterns and alertness required in their profession. The conversation then transitions to the topic of mentorship and the importance of diversity in the fire service. They emphasize the value of learning from each other's strengths and experiences to create a strong and effective team. Jennifer shares her experiences as a female firefighter and emphasizes the need for a diverse workforce in the fire department. They also talk about the challenges of working in hot weather and the importance of staying fit and acclimated to gear. Jennifer highlights the positive aspects of the fire service and the valuable relationships she has formed. They conclude the conversation with a discussion about the power of kindness and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Causing you to ask yourself the question. What’s My Size Up??? Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!