Josh Ganshaw joined the Bethpage Fire Department on September 6, 2011—the same day he started at Hofstra University—after spending two years in the department’s Juniors program. Assigned to Ladder Company 3, he worked his way up through lieutenant and captain before becoming the department’s youngest assistant chief, where he focuses on leadership development and supporting the mental health of his members. Outside the firehouse, Josh serves as an NYPD officer in the Bronx and has over 13 years ...
Aug 14, 2025•48 min•Ep. 65
Canaan Crayton serves with Brookside Engine Company 2 of the Uniondale Fire Department and works with FDNY EMS, proudly protecting both his local community and New York City. Fire service runs in his blood — with family in the department, it was always something he aspired to do. He began his journey early as a Captain in the Uniondale Juniors, where his passion and leadership took root.
Aug 07, 2025•50 min•Ep. 64
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Sean Hendrickson. Sean is originally from Long Island, New York. He left Long Island in 2015 to serve in the United States Navy. After his service, he settled down in St. Mary’s County Maryland, where he is currently a volunteer firefighter and a Police K-9 officer one county away. Sean has been around the volunteer fire service since he was born as his father was the fire chief of the Syosset fire department. Everyone in his family is in the volunteer fire de...
Jul 03, 2025•44 min•Ep. 63
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Chris Drummond. Chris is a 22-year-old firefighter with five years of experience, currently serving with Brookside Engine Company 2 of the Uniondale Fire Department. His journey in the fire service has taken him from North Carolina to upstate New York and now to Uniondale. He is also a proud U.S. Army veteran and former paratrooper.
Jun 26, 2025•41 min•Ep. 62
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Dominic Guida. Dominic is in his 11th year as an EMS provider - 9 as an EMT and now over a year and a half out of Medic class. Before EMS he worked as an advocate for a disability law firm and as a social worker in various Group and Mental Health settings. Dominic then switched from Social Work to Full Time EMS when Northwell Health called him in 2018. He currently works out in Suffolk County doing the "Suffolk Shuffle" and serves the Sayville Community Ambula...
Jun 19, 2025•49 min•Ep. 61
Sitting with me in the FireHouse is Phil Falco. Phil is a 34-year volunteer firefighter with the Central Islip Fire Department, and a 20-year career Firefighter/EMT with Long Island MacArthur Airport Crash Fire Rescue. He also serves as the Central Islip Fire Districts Safety Officer and is a member of the Islip Town Haz Mat team. The fire service isn’t just what he does—it’s who he is. Over the years, he's been tested in ways that leave a lasting mark. He's faced tragedy, made tough calls, and ...
Jun 12, 2025•44 min•Ep. 60
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Kristen Keller. Kristen Keller joined the Lakeland Fire Department in 2007 and currently serves as EMS Chief, a role she also held in 2020, 2021, and again in 2024. Over the years, she has held several leadership positions within the department on the EMS side, and is the Department’s Corporation Secretary. Kristen is a CPR instructor for the department. Fire service runs in the family—her mother, Sue, a former EMS Chief, and her brother, Mike, are also member...
Jun 05, 2025•51 min•Ep. 59
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Evan Schatzberg. Born into a family of firefighters, Evan Schatzberg has fire service in his blood. As the Deputy Chief of the Plainview Fire Department, Schatzberg has dedicated 27 years of his life to protecting his community. Following in the footsteps of his father, who has been with the department for an impressive 56 years, Schatzberg joined at just 18 years old and has held every rank, from second lieutenant to first lieutenant to captain. With his uncl...
May 29, 2025•45 min•Ep. 58
Born in Hicksville but raised in East Northport, Carolyn Schatzberg has dedicated over a decade of service to the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department. As President of the Ladies Auxiliary since 2010, Carolyn plays a vital role in supporting the department's operations and community efforts. Under Carolyn's leadership, the Auxiliary has evolved to meet the changing needs of the fire service. They now coordinate essential services like providing meals during trainings and lengthy fire calls, as we...
May 22, 2025•37 min•Ep. 57
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Francisco Soto. Answering the call to serve, Francisco Soto has dedicated the last 14 years of his life to the Uniondale Fire Department. As a member of Engine Company No. 2 in Brookside, Francisco's journey began when a close friend encouraged him to visit the firehouse. What he discovered was an unbreakable brotherhood that instantly felt like home. Now the first in his family to don the uniform, Francisco's unwavering commitment and the steadfast support of...
May 15, 2025•33 min•Ep. 56
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Jehanne Roy. Fearless and always ready to spring into action, Jay Roy is a true hometown hero. As a 5-year member of the Roslyn Rescue Hook & Ladder Co # 1, Jay has risen through the ranks, now serving as the 1st EMS Lieutenant since 2023. When she's not battling blazes, Jay applies her lifesaving skills as a Registered Nurse specializing in Critical Care in the Medical ICU. Social Media : Instagram @Jay.nkr
May 08, 2025•36 min•Ep. 55
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Bobby Tolley. Bobby Tolley's life has been defined by a deep commitment to service. Growing up in a military family, he followed in their footsteps, serving twice in the military over 13 years, including a decade in the special operations world. But tragedy struck when his brother William, a notable firefighter, passed away in the line of duty. Devastated, Bobby channeled his grief into founding the Fire and Drums Foundation, which provides financial support t...
May 01, 2025•50 min•Ep. 54
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is William Rodriguez. A lifelong champion of his Uniondale community, William A. Rodriguez has dedicated himself to making a difference. After graduating from Uniondale High School in 2013, he quickly rose through the ranks, transitioning from a cashier at Dollar Tree to a Community Coordinator for the Queens District Attorney's Office. But William's commitment to public service didn't stop there - in 2017, he became a volunteer firefighter, discovering that the ...
Apr 03, 2025•41 min•Ep. 53
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Brianna Torres. Brianna has been saving lives for over a decade as a dedicated EMT. For the past 9 years, she has served her community through her work with the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps (MVAC), where she currently holds the role of President. In this position, Brianna leverages her social media skills to keep the community informed and engaged. When she's not responding to 911 calls, you can find Brianna sharing her passion for emergency services on h...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 52
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Malechi Whethers. At just 13 years old, Malechi is already making a name for himself as a junior firefighter with the Hempstead Fire Department. Despite his young age, Malechi's passion for the fire service ignited at an early age, as he was captivated by the sight of fire trucks rushing through his neighborhood. Now, after joining the junior program at age 12, Malechi is well on his way to a promising career in firefighting, with the full support of his famil...
Mar 20, 2025•32 min•Ep. 51
Sitting with me in The Firehouse is Eddie Overton. From the firehouse to the frontlines, Eddie Overton has dedicated his life to serving his community. Appointed as a Fire Alarm Dispatcher with the FDNY in 2005, Overton spent a decade working in the borough of Manhattan, responding to notable incidents like the Cory Lidle Plane Crash. His exemplary work earned him a promotion to Supervising Fire Alarm Dispatcher in 2019, where he covered the city during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now b...
Mar 13, 2025•47 min•Ep. 50
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Jeff Montano. Driven by a passion for public service, Jeff Montano answered the call to become a firefighter at just 18 years old. Over the next decade, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his training and duties, quickly earning EMT and chauffeur certifications. Montano's relentless pursuit of professional development soon paid off, as he was appointed secretary in 2019, honing his leadership skills and laying the groundwork for advancement. By 2024, ...
Mar 06, 2025•41 min•Ep. 49
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Steve Lampert. Steve Lampert has dedicated the past three decades to protecting his community as a firefighter. Following in his father and uncle's footsteps, Lampert currently serves as 2nd Lieutenant of Engine Company 1 in the Mineola Fire Department, drawing on over 30 years of experience in the fire service. Prior to his current role, Lampert spent 22 years as an EMT, serving communities across New York City and beyond. A true believer in the power of volu...
Feb 27, 2025•40 min•Ep. 48
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Christopher Burkart. Christopher has dedicated over 15 years to serving his community as a member of the Freeport Fire Department. As the 2nd Assistant Chief, Burkart is a respected leader who oversees the operations of the Everready Hose 1 unit. But his passion for firefighting extends beyond his official duties - Burkart is a super fan of Brookside Engine 2, with a particular fondness for the rig affectionately known as "Big Russ." With his wealth of experie...
Feb 20, 2025•40 min•Ep. 47
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Kenny Gass. A lifelong servant of his community, Kenny Gass has dedicated over 27 years to the Westbury Fire Department, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. After graduating from Carle Place High School and earning an associate degree in Business Administration from Nassau Community College, Gass joined Hose Company No. 1 in 1997. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as instructor, lieutenant, captain, and assistant chief before bei...
Feb 13, 2025•57 min•Ep. 46
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Charlie Crayton. Charlie Crayton's journey to becoming the respected chief of the Uniondale Fire Department is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for serving his community. With 29 years of experience under his belt, Charlie has climbed the ranks, taking on every role from firefighter to captain, before stepping into his current leadership position. What makes Charlie's story unique is that he started his fire service career in his 30s, defyi...
Feb 06, 2025•54 min•Ep. 45
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Dominick Albanese . Dominick is a true hometown hero, having dedicated his life to serving his community through the Freeport Fire Department and the United States Navy. After joining the Ever Ready Hose Company #1 right out of high school, Dominick quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Cass A Firefighter, NYS water rescue swimmer, and 2nd Lieutenant. He also serves on the department's elite Dive Squad. Dominick's commitment extends beyond the firehouse -...
Jan 30, 2025•30 min•Ep. 44
Sitting with me in the firehouse is Ex-Chief Heather Senti of the Lakeview Fire Department exemplifies hard work and dedication. Born into a family with a long history in the Lakeview Fire Department, Heather grew up surrounded by the values of service and community. Her family all served before her, creating a legacy that Heather was inspired to follow. However, Heather has made her mark, becoming a leader in her own right. Heather's journey in the fire department began at a young age. She was ...
Jan 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 43
Sitting with me in the firehouse is Darnell Perrien, a firefighter at Republic Airport and a Volunteer of the Lakeview Fire Department. This conversation is particularly intriguing because firefighting and rescue operations at an airport pose unique challenges distinct from those in residential or commercial settings. Darnell's experiences shed light on the specialized techniques and protocols essential for ensuring safety in such environments. We delve into the intricacies of managing emergenci...
Jan 16, 2025•31 min•Ep. 42
"Sitting with me in the firehouse on this episode of 'The Firehouse' on WRHU 88.7 FM, is none other than Eric Turner, a distinguished firefighter from Uniondale Fire Department's Brookside Company 2. Today, Eric takes us inside the life of a modern-day hero, sharing the highs and lows of firefighting, the intense camaraderie among the crew, and the profound sense of duty that drives him. We'll hear firsthand about the adrenaline-pumping moments of rescue operations, the critical importance of fi...
Jan 10, 2025•25 min•Ep. 41
"Sitting with me in the firehouse on this episode of 'The Firehouse' on WRHU 88.7 FM, is none other than Cameron Peek, a distinguished firefighter from Uniondale Fire Department's Brookside Company 2. Today, Cameron takes us inside the life of a modern-day hero, sharing the highs and lows of firefighting, the intense camaraderie among the crew, and the profound sense of duty that drives him. We'll hear firsthand about the adrenaline-pumping moments of rescue operations, the critical importance o...
Jan 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 40
Sitting with me in the firehouse is Kevin Madigan, fondly known as K-Mad, representing Freeport Fire Department's Hose Company #4. Alongside his firefighting duties, Kevin is the proud owner of K2M Photography, specializing in fire photography. Today, he offers insights into his multifaceted role, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of firefighting. We'll explore the tight-knit bonds within his team, the commitment to public safety, and the unique perspective brought by his photography ...
Dec 26, 2024•34 min•Ep. 39
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Anthony Lebron. A lifelong Uniondale resident, Anthony Lebron has dedicated his career to serving his community. After graduating from Uniondale High School in 1997, he joined the Uniondale Fire Department Protection Co #4, rising through the ranks from Lieutenant to Captain and eventually becoming the first three-time Ex-Chief of the department. In this role, he led the department during the prestigious presidential debates held at Hofstra University. Lebron'...
Dec 19, 2024•44 min•Ep. 38
Sitting with me in the firehouse is Chief Kyle Boles. As a 30-year veteran of the Hempstead Fire Department, Chief Kyle Boles has dedicated his life to protecting his community. From a young age, Kyle was drawn to the heroic work of firefighters, watching the trucks rush by with fascination. That early passion fueled his rise through the ranks, from lieutenant to captain and now chief of Truck Company 1. Before joining the Hempstead team, Kyle honed his skills as a volunteer firefighter with the...
Dec 12, 2024•35 min•Ep. 37
Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Donald Hayde from the Baldwin Fire Department. Born into a family of firefighters, Donald Hayde's legacy with the Uniondale Fire Department runs deep. Raised in Uniondale, Hayde's grandfather was a founding member of the Uniondale Fire Department in 1924, and his father followed in his footsteps, joining the department in 1940. Hayde practically grew up in the firehouse, tagging along with his father and knowing from a young age that he too would one day don t...
Dec 05, 2024•44 min•Ep. 36