Before the Tones Drop

Ben, Phil, Devan, & Ryan

SCFR Presents: Before the Tones Drop. Firefighters discussing kitchen table topics, experiences from our line of work and interviewing guests.

35 Episodes

Before the Tones Drop Episode 34: Chief Anthony Kastros
1/22/2026
1:40:36
Throw in your earbuds and listen to our conversation with Chief Anthony Kastros (Sacramento Metro Fire). We talk with Chief about leadership, bridging the tactical gap, and faith. Chief Kastros is the author of Mastering the Fire Service Assessment Center, & Mastering Fireground Command: Calm the Chaos!https://trainfirefighters.com/
Before the Tones Drop Episode 33: Dennis LeGear
11/21/2025
2:13:27
On this episode, our guest is Dennis LeGear, retired Captain from Oakland Fire. We chat about his start with the fire service working for Cal Fire, all the way to his career with Oakland. There is also great conversation on hose and nozzle design, optimal rig specifications, and his work with UL. Sit back and nerd out!
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Before the Tones Drop Episode 32: Nozzle Forward
10/12/2025
2:40:50
Please welcome our guest Aaron Fields of Nozzle Forward. Aaron is a former Lieutenant with Seattle Fire and is now an Assistant Chief with Camano Island Fire Rescue. We chat with Aaron about his journey into the fire service, his time with Seattle and now his new role with CIFR. Aaron gives us insight into Nozzle Forward and the mindset that goes along with training.
Before the Tones Drop Episode 31: We're not in Kansas anymore?
7/26/2025
2:20:05
Captain Pat Dunn joins us from Kansas City, Kansas FD. Capt Dunn works out of Station 18, on "Pumper" 18. Get ready for great lessons on hydraulics and hose from the man that wrote the Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator book!https://www.psglearning.com/fire/operations/productdetails/9781284286519
Before the Tones Drop Episode 30: "Never underestimate the power of the Schwartz!"
7/25/2025
1:28:48
In this months episode we welcome Battalion Chief Ed Schwartz Jr from Baltimore County. Chief Schwartz explains how his department is setup, the differences between Baltimore County and Baltimore City, and drops some great leadership advice!
Before the Tones Drop Episode 29: We've Gone Rogue
6/2/2025
1:50:49
Join us and listen to brothers Ty and Ryan Wheeler talk about their journey through the fire service and what lead them to start Rogue Training Consulting.
Before the Tones Drop Episode 28: Bob Wilson
6/2/2025
2:26:55
Bob Wilson
Before the Tones Drop Episode 27: Sheriff Sheehan
2/14/2025
2:18:55
This month's guest is Woodbury County Sheriff Chad Sheehan. We talk with him about his LEO journey, the new jail, calls, and leadership.
Before the Tones Drop Episode 26: Naughty or Nice, it’s our third Christmas episode.
1/4/2025
2:43:10
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the podcast team. This months special guest in new South Sioux City Fire Chief Doug Koopman. After thirty plus years in the Nevada desert, Chief Koopman finds his way back home to the Midwest. Come along and listen to his journey into EMS, how he became a Battalion Chief at Henderson Fire Department, and what brought him to Siouxland. It’s great conversation just in time for the holidays. Once again, we hope you enjoyed Before The Tones Drop!
Before the Tones Drop Podcast Episode 25: Fire (BLANK) Master Sergeant. What is Chief?
11/22/2024
2:27:46
November's episode features Fire Chief Mike Albrecht of the 185th refueling wing, at Sioux Gateway Airport here in Sioux City, who also holds the Air Force Rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Aircraft and Airport firefighting are a little different than what you've heard on previous episodes from structural firefighters. Listen in as he describes his unlikely path to the fire service, how the Air Force and federal/state side of his job mix, his time with SCFR, love of family, and hear stories from his time deployed across the globe. Chief Albrecht is a plethora of information and could have gone on for hours. So once again, join us for Before the Tones Drop.

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Before the Tones Drop

Ben, Phil, Devan, &amp; Ryan

35 Episodes

Before the Tones Drop Episode 34: Chief Anthony Kastros

Before the Tones Drop Episode 33: Dennis LeGear

Before the Tones Drop Episode 32: Nozzle Forward

Before the Tones Drop Episode 31: We're not in Kansas anymore?

Before the Tones Drop Episode 30: "Never underestimate the power of the Schwartz!"

Before the Tones Drop Episode 29: We've Gone Rogue

Before the Tones Drop Episode 28: Bob Wilson

Before the Tones Drop Episode 27: Sheriff Sheehan

Before the Tones Drop Episode 26: Naughty or Nice, it’s our third Christmas episode.

Before the Tones Drop Podcast Episode 25: Fire (BLANK) Master Sergeant. What is Chief?

Ben, Phil, Devan, & Ryan