The Kitchen Table

Today I had the pleasure to sit down with Lt. JOE KOVALSKY from The DANBURY CT. FIRE DEPARTMENT Ret.  Lt. Kovalsky started his career in the Fire Service in 1987 becoming a New Hackensack volunteer firefighter in Wappingers Falls. He became an EMT in 1991 for Sloper Willen Ambulance Co. IBM Poughkeepsie Emergency Control in 1995. Hired by Fairfax County VA Fire Rescue Firefighter. In 1995. Moved over to the Loudoun County Fire Rescue Department in 1997. Volunteered for Leesburg VFD the same year. Left Loudoun FD when hired for DANBURY FD in 2003. NYS DES Fire Instructor in 2005 and EMS instructor for DCC in 2007. Joe was promoted to Lt. on DFD in 2017. And subsequently retired due to a PTSD Injury in 2023. Lt. Kovalsky was diagnosed with PTSD in 2007 and Complex PTSD in 2009. He was admitted to the IAFF Center for Excellence in 2017. And did the following treatments, EMDR, TMS, Ketamine, Nero Stimulation, CBT, therapy, group therapy and various other medications. Lt. Kovalsky also has been in pipes and drums bands since 2006, with Westchester Emerald Society, FDIC and Coastal Carolina.  It was an honor to hear Joes story and take a deep dive into PTSD and treatments for it. Thank you Joe for choppin it up with me on THE KITCHEN TABLE PODCAST.#fire #firefighter #firefighters #fyp #foryou #danburyct #danbury #danburyfiredepartment #newhackensack #wappingersfalls #volunteer #emt #fairfaxcounty #fairfaxfiredepartment #loudouncounty #loudouncountyfiredepartment #leesburgva #fireinstructor #ems #emsinstructor #emeraldsociety #pipesanddrums #fdic #ptsd #ketamin #ketaminetherapy #fireman #brotherhood #servicedog #emdrtherapy #tms #nerostimulation #cbt #podcast #thekitchentable #firehouse Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations, employers, departments, or agencies.This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional, legal, medical, financial, or other specialized advice.Guests are solely responsible for their statements. The podcast and its producers do not necessarily endorse guest opinions.Chapters:00:00 intro02:30 early life03:40 new Hackensack 09:03 first fire and traumas11:30 bury it13:05 emt and FD tests14:40 Fairfax 20:00 Loudoun county22:52 leesburg 25:00 Danbury FD 27:00 PTSD 30:00 CT fire academy DFD33:00 center for excellence 37:00 notices problems and treatment 42:20 promotion 47:10 retirement 49:00 ketamine therapy58:00 South Carolina 1:01:00 service dog 1:10:00 emerald society 1:13:49 picture time1:28:33 Scenario 1:34:10 juice shoutout1:35:05 outroJoe Kovalsky’s Info:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/18Ed4JaBvY/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kovalsky.joe?srtk=MTdkazBoM3c1bzllOA==

Today I had the pleasure of choppin it up with retired FDNY Fire Marshal Kieran Burke. FM Burke started his service as a Volunteer Firefighter in the Point Breeze Fire Department in Breezy Point Queens back in 1988. While he volleyed he did ride alongside with FDNY Truck companies in Brooklyn such as, 120, 111 and 132. He then got hired on NYC EMS, in 1993, which at the time still haven’t merged with the FDNY, and worked in East New York and Brownsville. Two extremely busy areas of Brooklyn.  He then got hired as a Firefighter for the FDNY in 2000. His was the first probie class from the newly merged organizations.  Out of the academy he was assigned to E257. He then transferred to E248 in 2004. Where he would stay until getting promoted to Fire Marshal in BFI, In 2012. Subsequently retiring in 2016. FM Burke has worked for many serious incidents such as NYC EMS LODD, Breezy Point fatal fire, 9/11, the rock away plane crash, Superstorm Sandy and many more incidents that affected him mentally. He also lost his house in the fires at breezy point during Sandy. FM Burke was diagnosed with PTSD and TBI. He has used the FDNY CSU for 20 plus years, but most recently he has undergone MeRT and Ibogaine treatment. MeRT is Magnetic Resonance Therapy which uses brain stimulation through non invasive magnetic pulses. Which is currently available in America. Ibogaine therapy uses a hallucinogen from the root bark of the Tabernanthe Ibogaine shrub which is native to central Africa. Ibogaine treatment currently is not approved in the U.S. for medical treatment but is legal in many countries such as Mexico and Brazil. Although President Trump signed a bill to fast track the research into Ibogaine treatment for military vets and first responders with severe ptsd.  FM Burke goes into his experience in detail and advocates for the treatment and its impact on his ptsd. Thank you Kieran for sitting at THE KITCHEN TABLE PODCAST and sharing your story.#fyp #foryou #fdny #fire #firefighter #firefighters #firemarshal #marshall #foryoupage #bfi #fireinvestigation #ems #nycems #ptsd #tbi #ptsdtreatment #csu #mert #ibogaine #ibogainetherapy #therapy #hallucination #breezy #volley #pointbreezeDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations, employers, departments, or agencies.This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional, legal, medical, financial, or other specialized advice.Guests are solely responsible for their statements. The podcast and its producers do not necessarily endorse guest opinions. Chapters:00:00 intro01:50 early life04:00 point breezy volley 11:20 nyc ems 18:25 process trauma21:00 ems lodd25:40 FDNY merge & academy30:00 E257 9/1136:00 rock away plane crash39:00 herald square 45:25 funny ems story52:17 E248 burn1:00:00 fire story1:05:30 Lt. Martinson lodd1:12:44 bfi into mental health 1:22:30 sandy1:32:40 ptsd treatments 1:40:00 MeRT therapy 1:58:05 Ibogaine treatment 2:22:00 seeing the difference 2:25:00 final words2:26:30 outroLinks: https://navysealdannydietzfoundation.com/https://www.343foundation.com/https://ambio.life/

Today I had the pleasure of choppin’ it up with FDNY FF FRANK OCELLO. FF OCELLO got on the FDNY in 1999 and was assigned to L173 in Howard Beach Queens. He was put on the rotation and sent to L24 in Manhattan. It is there when he was working the morning of September 11th. Upon arrival to the WTC, 24 truck checked in at the Marriott Hotel,  when suddenly the south tower collapsed. FF Ocello and 24 truck were caught in the collapse. His story is truly shocking, to hear what his experience was. In the months after 9/11 he was sent back to L173 where he would do a few more years before transferring up to the Bronx to L58. There he would stay until his retirement in 2021. Frank was kind enough to share his story, a story that needs to be told and retold, so we never forget what happened that terrible day and we keep the memory of all the brave men and women, civilians and first responders alike, alive.  Frank and I talked life and the fire service into retirement.  It was a great conversation from a brother fireman. Thank you once again FF OCELLO for sitting at THE KITCHEN TABLE PODCAST.  #fyp #fire #firefighter #fdny #firefighters #foryou #frankocello #ladder173 #ladder24 #ladder58 #queens #manhattan #bronx #september11 #september11th #wtc #collapse #firehouse #brotherhood #neverforget #podcast #thekitchentablepodcast #thekitchentable59 Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations, employers, departments, or agencies.This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional, legal, medical, financial, or other specialized advice.Guests are solely responsible for their statements. The podcast and its producers do not necessarily endorse guest opinions.Chapters:00:00 intro02:18 early life05:40 L17307:00 first fire 11:00 tough jobs in 17314:45 rotation to 24 truck20:27 9/1133:00 healing39:00 short videos of documentary 41:00 L5849:50 scenario 52:40 engine work57:05 expectations of a detail59:01 retirement 1:03:50 work before FDNY1:06:50 sandy and brotherhood1:14:30 final advice1:19:10 outroTALES FROM THE TILLER TONY BONFIGLIO L34https://instagram.com/tonybonfiglio34?rpxt=d2t2dW0wM29pMHVq

Today I had the pleasure of choppin it up with career Department of Defense DOD Federal Firefighter NICK PALUMBO. FF PALUMBO started his love and career of the fire service in 1999 as a young Fire Explorer in Englishtown NJ. In 2002 he graduated the Fire Academy and joined the East Freehold NJ Volunteer Fire Company. In 2006 he was hired per diem in Bordentown TWP Fire District 2. In 2008 he joined the Freehold Fire Department. He was hired by the Department of Defense Fire Department in 2009 and started in Ft. Monmouth NJ. 2011 He transferred to Veteran Affairs FD in Alexandria Louisiana, after the closure of Ft. Monmouth. 2012 headed back northeast to work in Northport LI. 2015 transferred to Picatinny Arsenal in NJ. 2016 joined the Plainsboro Fire Company. 2020 transferred to Naval Weapon Station in Earle NJ. FF PALUMBO has been doing private fire investigation since 2006. And started the Outside Vent Training and Consulting LLC in 2018. In 2022 he started with JS Held LLC as A senior Fire investigator. He started a podcast in 2024 called The Firehouse Sergeant’s Podcast which is also the title of his first book FF PALUMBO retired in 2026 from the DOD fire fighting career. Thank you to Nick for spending some time with me at my Kitchen Table. Best of luck in retirement.  All links to Nick will be below.#fyp #foryou #fire #firefighter #firefighters #departmentofdefense #veteranaffairs #volley #nickpalumbo #outsidevent #firehouse #firestation #firecommunity #firecompany #volunteer #foryoupage #freehold #eastfreehold #firehousesergeants #newjersey #dod #brotherhood #careerfirefighter #fireinvestigation #fireinvestigator #author #podcast Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations, employers, departments, or agencies.This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional, legal, medical, financial, or other specialized advice.Guests are solely responsible for their statements. The podcast and its producers do not necessarily endorse guest opinions.Chapters:00:00 intro02:00social media and podcasting 09:30 early life freehold nj 16:02 fire explorer 20:40 first fires25:31 scenario31:31 Bordentown 37:40 DOD fire service ft. Monmouth44:00 confusion with dad’s paperwork 47:50 hand in elevator 57:00 complacency and drilling1:06:00 fire investigation and squirrels 1:14:00 outside vent LLC 1:25:30 trauma and depression 1:33:20 firehouse sergeants 1:47:30 picture time1:54:00 final words1:55:00 outroLinks:  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_outside_vent?stkn=c3ZvaG9vaTMxbDNmYouTube:https://youtube.com/@firehousesergeants?si=6apaUWm6SNp5hx-hFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/1K94MKws7p/?mibextid=wwXIfrRed Helmet training:https://www.redhelmettraining.com/Firehouse book club: https://www.firefighterbookclub.com/Firehouse Sergeants Amazon:https://a.co/d/0fHi7qfs

Today I had the ultimate pleasure to chop it up with FDNY Retired Lt.JOE TORRILLO. Lt. Torillo got on the job in 1981. And was assigned to E10 out of probie school.  But before that, he was born and raised in Park Slope Brooklyn, the same neighborhood I grew up in. And attended the same high school, Bishop Ford.  At 16 he worked for the City Park Service. Eventually doing short stints in Corrections and Transit Authority before becoming a firefighter in 1981.  He transferred to L123 in 1996 and was soon promoted to Lieutenant. He covered in the 15th Division, 37 Battalion and worked in companies such as 310/174 257/170 323 & 253 engines. After a major injury to his hand he was assigned to the FDNY office of Fire Safety Education and soon became the director of the program. He would go on to co design the FIRE ZONE, a state of the art fire learning center located near Rockefeller center in NYC. Fisher Price toy company modeled a Rescue Hero Action Figure in Lt. Torrillo’s likeness,  named BILLY BLAZES. On the day he was scheduled to present this toy to the public, The World Trade Center was struck by a terrorist attack.  He responded to The WTC and was subsequently caught in the first collapse. After he was dug out and placed on a rescue boat the 2nd tower collapsed and dove into the engine room to avoid the debris. He was taken to a hospital in NJ with severe injuries to his head, neck and shoulder. Lt. Torrillo eventually retired from the FDNY and has become a key note speaker, detailing his story and many others. He also volunteers at the WTC museum giving tours. Thank you Joe for sharing your story with me at The Kitchen Table. #foryou #fire #firefighter #fyp #firefighters #fdny #brooklyn #brotherhood #firehouse #firedepartment #september11 #billyblazes #firezone #firesafety #firesafetyawareness #parkslope #giveback #keynotespeaker #joetorrillo #foryoupage #engine10 #ladder10 #fisherprice #rescueheroes Chapters:00:00 intro02:00 fire story04:30 fire safety ed unit14:00 fire zone20:30 tea award 21:37 fisher price rescue hero’s25:00 billy blazes28:30 9/111:03:00 Parkinson’s 1:07:50 heart issues1:14:00 family of medical professionals 1:15:00 engine 220 son1:20:00 scenario 1:23:30 tough fires1:26:40 engine or truck1:28:30 Manhattan Brooklyn difference 1:34:20 key note speaking1:46:00 picture time1:49:00 Guantanamo 1:54:40 outroLinks: Website https://joetorrillo.com/about.htmJoe’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1Mtr3ycZHL/?mibextid=wwXIfrWTC Memorial https://share.google/pTRhGLNJtFWMEHiqvThe Fire Zonehttps://www.fdnysmart.org/firezone/Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/Gary Sinise Foundation https://garysinisefoundation.org/Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations, employers, departments, or agencies.This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional, legal, medical, financial, or other specialized advice.Guests are solely responsible for their statements. The podcast and its producers do not necessarily endorse guest opinions.

Today’s guest on PART 2 of a 2 part episode is FDNY FF CHRIS EDWARDS E-81. Ret. FF Edward’s got on the FDNY in 1986 and was assigned to 46 Truck in the Bronx upon completion of probie school. He transferred to 42 Engine in 1990 and headed back to 81 Engine in 1995. Chris worked for many significant incidents while on the FDNY including the Washington Heights riots and FF line of duty deaths. He had 5 major knee surgeries and was fighting his way back to the job when 9/11 occurred. He responded to ground zero anyway and spent the next few weeks digging for his brothers. The FDNY eventually forced him to retire in May of 2002 due to major heart and other health issues directly related to 9/11. Chris also is a SAG actor and has appeared in many TV and Movie shows. In retirement Chris volunteers for The Tunnel To Towers foundation, The FDNY Dart Team and The Red Cross. Chris also has authored the book COMING THROUGH THE FLAMES, MY LIFE IN THE FDNY. Which can be found on Amazon, links below. He also recently appeared on the very popular Soft White Underbelly Podcast, where his episode has amassed almost 300,000 views.  His love and passion for the FDNY and brother firefighters is second to none, he wears his heart on his sleeve and it shows in every word he speaks. It was an honor to chop it with FF CHRIS EDWARDS. Thank you and good luck the rest of the way brother. #fyp # FDNY #fire #firefighter #firefighters #foryou # chrisedwards #september11 #neverforget #9/11 #firedepartment #firehouse #firestation #bronx #tunneltotowers #comingthroughtheflames #foryourpage #podcast #thekitchentable #thekitchentable59 #engine81 #engine42 #ladder46 #brotherhood #giveback #interviewChapters:00:00 intro00:30 knee surgeries 15:40 9/1129:00 getting to ground zero34:00 hope53:18 after 9/1158:30 heart issues1:05:00 coming through the flames1:11:40 final thoughts and words1:14:00 outroLinks to Chris: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZaumM9m9/?mibextid=wwXIfrCOMING THROUGH THE FLAMES Amazon:https://a.co/d/07ENRB6VTunnel to Towers:https://t2t.org/Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations, employers, departments, or agencies.This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional, legal, medical, financial, or other specialized advice.Guests are solely responsible for their statements. The podcast and its producers do not necessarily endorse guest opinions.While we aim for accuracy, we make no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any content. Listeners should use their own judgment and seek qualified professional advice when needed.

Today’s guest on the first of this 2 part episode is FDNY FF CHRIS EDWARDS E-81. Ret. FF Edward’s got on the FDNY in 1986 and was assigned to 46 Truck in the Bronx upon completion of probie school. He transferred to 42 Engine in 1990 and headed back to 81 Engine in 1995. Chris worked for many significant incidents while on the FDNY including the Washington Heights riots and FF line of duty deaths. He had 5 major knee surgeries and was fighting his way back to the job when 9/11 occurred. He responded to ground zero anyway and spent the next few weeks digging for his brothers. The FDNY eventually forced him to retire in May of 2002 due to major heart and other health issues directly related to 9/11. Chris also is a SAG actor and has appeared in many TV and Movie shows. In retirement Chris volunteers for The Tunnel To Towers foundation, The FDNY Dart Team and The Red Cross. Chris also has authored the book COMING THROUGH THE FLAMES, MY LIFE IN THE FDNY. Which can be found on Amazon, links below. He also recently appeared on the very popular Soft White Underbelly Podcast, where his episode has amassed almost 300,000 views.  His love and passion for the FDNY and brother firefighters is second to none, he wears his heart on his sleeve and it shows in every word he speaks. It was an honor to chop it with FF CHRIS EDWARDS. Thank you and good luck the rest of the way brother. #fyp # FDNY #fire #firefighter #firefighters #foryou # chrisedwards #september11 #neverforget #9/11 #firedepartment #firehouse #firestation #bronx #tunneltotowers #comingthroughtheflames #foryourpage #podcast #thekitchentable #thekitchentable59 #engine81 #engine42 #ladder46 #brotherhood #giveback #interview Chapters:00:00 intro02:20 early life09:50 becoming a father21:00 FDNY test26:50 46 truck31:10 Mikey 32:20 42 engine40:00 first fire 46:50 new segment “scenario”53:20 garage fire 59:30 shooting ifo firehouse1:08:00 the neighborhood1:20:50 81 engine1:32:20 acting1:48:00 9/11 to be continued 1:48:30 outroLinks to Chris:https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZaumM9m9/?mibextid=wwXIfrCOMING THROUGH THE FLAMES Amazon:https://a.co/d/07ENRB6VTunnel to Towers:https://t2t.org/Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations, employers, departments, or agencies.This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional, legal, medical, financial, or other specialized advice.Guests are solely responsible for their statements. The podcast and its producers do not necessarily endorse guest opinions.While we aim for accuracy, we make no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any content. Listeners should use their own judgment and seek qualified professional advice when needed.

Today I had the pleasure of chatting with 40 plus year, award winning photojournalist TODD MAISEL. Todd has captured some of the most important events in New York City and many other locations since his college days at NYU.  He has worked for and contributed to many newspapers including Courier Life, The Torch, Town and Village and The NY Daily News for over 18 years. Just to name a few.  He also served as a breaking news editor for AM NEW YORK. He also holds and has held many titles for the NYPPA. New York Press Photographer Association such as Vice President, Govnt relations chairman, and Editor. He is also the founder of the New York Media Consortium. Some of his awards NYPPA Good Guy Award. NYPPA Humanitarian Award, Picture of the year, and UFA Award for his work on 9/11. He has photographed many incidents including the Golden Venture in the Rockaways, Mafia crime scenes and thousands of fires in New York City.  But no incident was as big as the September 11th attacks on the WTC. Todd was down at ground zero documenting and assisting throughout the entire day and days to follow. He was on the ground for both collapses where he narrowly escaped the falling towers. Todd also has travel to IRAQ and documented the war in 2003.  Today Todd has authored the book TO HELL AND BACK, which his photos and words re live the events on 9/11, through his photos and words.IT IS TO BE NOTED THAT ALL OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE BOOK GO TO THE TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION. Thank you Todd for always going above and beyond for the sake of your art and to document these events so the world Never Forgets.  All links to Todd and the book are below. #podcast #photography #photojournalism #pictures #art #fdny #firefighter #nyc #nydailynews #amnewyork #interview #fyp #foryou #foryourpage #newspaper #editor #tohellandback #visualstorytelling #september11 #groundzero #nypd #portauthority #fires #goldenventure #camera Chapters:00:00 intro00:30 early life03:30 nyu and transformer fire08:30 commitment to the art10:50 the golden venture13:50 early influences 15:40 mob hits 18:35 street smarts and FDNY friends20:20 sunset park 5th alarm22:00 Coney Island fire24:35 9/1143:35 to hell and back50:30 final thoughts54:00 outroLinks: https://www.toddmaiselvisualjour...https://www.instagram.com/todd.p...https://t2t.org/https://a.co/d/0cSFr0XmDisclaimer:Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations, employers, departments, or agencies.This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional, legal, medical, financial, or other specialized advice.Guests are solely responsible for their statements. The podcast and its producers do not necessarily endorse guest opinions.While we aim for accuracy, we make no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any content. Listeners should use their own judgment and seek qualified professional advice when needed.

Today I had the great pleasure to chop it up with retired FDNY Firefighter JAMES HANLON. James got on the job in 1994 and did his entire career in Ladder 1 on Duane Street.  He retired in 2018 and moved to California to continue a career in Hollywood. You see, James is also an actor/director/producer and writer. And worked at the NY DAILY NEWS in the advertising department. James has been acting in theatre before the FDNY. Then started landing roles in TV shows such as Hill Street Blues, Law and Order and Sex in the City, just to name a few.  All the while he was studying the directors and the job they did and saw a calling in that part of the entertainment industry. He then got an idea to direct a documentary about a probationary FDNY firefighter and film his day to day on the job and in the firehouse. He filmed and directed this documentary with 2 French American filmmakers JULES & GEDEON NAUDET.  This documentary would inadvertently become the original 9/11 Documentary. They were the only ones to capture the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. They filmed from that moment and everything that followed.  Panic, Chaos, Collapse and Tragedy was all captured by their cameras. The CBS 9/11 documentary would go on to win an Emmy and Peabody Award.  In retirement James has directed many TV shows including NCIS LA, Chicago Fire, Grey’s Anatomy and many more. Most recently he has Authored THE LEGACY CHILD, about a fictional character whose father was a NYC FIREFIGHTER and perished on 9/11. James had an amazing career as both a fireman and in the entertainment business and I thank him for chopping it up with me at THE KITCHEN TABLE.  All links to James Hanlon, the books and the documentary are below.#fyp #fdny #fire #firefighter #firefighters #9/11 #september11 #documentary #cbs #cbs_broadcasting #jameshanlon #neverforget #brotherhood #fireman #foryou #podcast #ladder1 #chinatown #actor #director #julesnaudet #gedeonnaudet #emmyawards #firehouse #thelegacychild #legacychild #legacy #thekitchentable #thekitchentable59Chapters:00:00 intro05:30 early life10:50 getting the FDNY18:40 Proby school trouble 22:30 ladder 127:00 Drennan34:00 2nd family37:30 fatal fires and change43:00 damage to your body51:00 Chinatown buildings 1:01:17 gene siskel into fire story1:07:10 acting and firefighting1:16:30 sex in the city1:23:00 big audition box comes in 1:35:50 meat seeker1:39:00 9/11 and the documentary 2:35:00 blowback from the film2:43:30 the legacy child2:58:30 final thoughts 3:00:30 outroLinks:James Hanlon Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/therea...THE LEGACY CHILD:https://officialjameshanlon.com/9/11 Documentary:https://a.co/d/06JUl6lOTim Brown Book. THE GREATEST LOVE:https://a.co/d/03dK6z8XKevin Kubler book. THE WAR YEARS AND BACK: https://www.gettinsaltyapparel.com/

Today was a true honor to sit and chat with Mr. John Lightsey.  John Lightsey was one of the on duty FDNY Manhattan Dispatchers during the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on The World Trade Center. To say this was an emotional conversation is an understatement.  25 years later and to John, speaking about that day brings him right back. The Fear, anxiety, stress, anger and every emotion you can think of comes right back.  I am truly humbled he agreed to sit at The Kitchen Table.  But John has done a few pretty cool things before becoming an FDNY DISPATCHER.  Born and raised in the Bronx, then moved to West Islip Long Island and became a volunteer firefighter. He worked on military fighter and reconnaissance aircraft for Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. In 1994 he became an FDNY DISPATCHER in the borough of Queens. He eventually transferred to Manhattan and was the on duty dispatcher when the attacks occurred. John and the rest of the FDNY dispatchers did their best to take calls by civilians from the floors above the planes strikes, direct incoming FDNY units and distribute information the second they got it. They did this with calm and the utmost professionalism, that only the FDNY can do. John retired in 2013 and moved to FLORIDA and has been a Hernando county Fire Corp Volunteer for many years. He also aids the Tunnel to Towers mobile unit on occasion and organizes many 9/11 memorials.  Thank you to John Lightsey for sharing his story with us on The Kitchen Table. All links to donate below.  John also contributed to Capt. Paul Browns Book Rising from Ground Zero.  #fyp #foryou #fdny #dispatch #dispatchers #dispatcher #manhattan #september11 #fire #firedepartment #9/11 #queens #johnlightsey  #thekitchentable #thekitchentable59 #hernandocountyfirecorp #tunneltotowersfoundation #tunneltotowers #foryoupage #fypage #neverforget Chapters: 00:00 intro02:45early life04:55volley fire05:45 Grumman 12:05 fdny dispatch 14:33 training19:45 breakdown of a 911 call23:24 1st frantic call24:34 calm26:55 priority of calls29:02 knowing the streets33:25 hernando fire corp36:56 calming frantic callers38:15 what really bothers dispatchers41:24 staying ahead on multiple alarms43:55 high profile call59:15 9/111:27: 49 fl memorial service Siller foundation 1:30:00 frequent caller1:32:00 picture time1:41:30 final thoughts and advice1:47:30 outroDonate:https://t2t.org/https://firefighterthomasjfoley.com/https://www.911educationfoundation.org/scholarshipVFW SPRING HILLS FB PAGE:https://www.facebook.com/share/1DXZV9nBMx/?mibextid=wwXIfrFDNY Retirees chapter 343 FB page:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DVqVDtQxu/?mibextid=wwXIfrDISPATCHER JOHN LIGHTSEY FB page: https://www.facebook.com/share/18kyrzp1Kb/?mibextid=wwXIfrDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, and contributors are their own and do not reflect those of any affiliated organizations, employers, departments, or agencies.This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not professional, legal, medical, financial, or other specialized advice.Guests are solely responsible for their statements. The podcast and its producers do not necessarily endorse guest opinions.While we aim for accuracy, we make no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any content. Listeners should use their own judgment and seek qualified professional advice when needed.