Chicago’s Bravest Stories Podcast

12/16/2025

Bill and Becca Schatz from episode 80. Bill joined the Chicago fire Department in 1965 and went straight to Squad 4. Becca would follow in her fathers footprints 55 years later

12/14/2025

https://www.wttw.com/chicago-works/firefighting-is-in-the-family-for-this-chicago-fire-department-battalion-chief?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwOrubJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe__JLeN9e_VVP_yjQFLnYkSbUpxogrJltcxL5L4jMATD43MNGuuTidkRgaOQ_aem_3FXtNdcTxUlwSczoRdZAKA

When Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief James Spalla was a little kid growing up in Bridgeport, he remembers looking forward to seeing Uncle Jack and Uncle Jerry at family parties... Continue reading

12/13/2025

https://youtu.be/nYA2pyIOxrU
The problem is so much deeper than your department

A national shortage of fire trucks has left departments with aging fleets and deadly delays, while manufacturers profit from massive backlogs.FULL INVESTIGAT...

12/11/2025

clip from Episode 46 with retired battalion Chief Leo Cox. Chief Cox came on the job in 1966 and tells how he learned how to be a fireman.

11/30/2025

Forward thinking by Illinois Community Risk Reduction with former State Fire Marshal Matt Perez, Nate Rice Peoria IL. FD and John Koch Joliet IL. FD from Episode 78. What are your thoughts? this podcast made possible by Sports & Ortho Physical Therapy The Frontline Team Chicagoland 1-800-BoardUp Team The VA Loan Nerd The Yard Foundation

11/21/2025

Congrats Chief! Dave Hoppe from episode 67
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HTN3bUIDmqOiiJOEwG30F?si=0rVCd1asRfewpffJyP6gPw

The Commission on Professional Credentialing® has recently awarded Battalion Chief David Hoppe the professional designation of Chief Fire Officer this past October!

Following an extensive peer review process, this designation recognizes demonstrated excellence in seven measured components: experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement, and technical competence.

In receiving this designation, Battalion Chief Hoppe becomes one of only 2,030 CFOs worldwide.

Meeting these stringent requirements will allow David Hoppe to bring a higher level of professionalism and service to Elk Grove Village.

11/16/2025

a behind the scenes with private investigator Paul Ciolino from Episode 7 back in the studio with sportscaster/journalist Andrew Brill investigating the controversial death of pro boxer Arturo Gatti the studio time provided by Sports & Ortho Physical Therapy The Frontline Team Chicagoland 1-800-BoardUp Team The VA Loan Nerd The Yard Foundation

11/16/2025

If your injured on the job here are some words of wisdom from our sponsor and proud supporter of all first responders Sports & Ortho Physical Therapy

11/15/2025

https://www.wesh.com/article/man-dies-florida-firefighters-fail-rescue-sinking-car/69438858?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQhjYWxsc2l0ZQIyNQABHmQGXu9KHyVhkfv0GM-yXUFJkDm2LoyTR50pCeqHoCfrtUbaYCEQKO7uA0ku_aem_XQqFgVmTjGnA7h50SFUYjA

Video shows the vehicle drifting, still afloat, as bystanders called 911.

11/13/2025

CFD this one of our own please help! Thank you The Yard Foundation for being there again!!
Https://www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/one-of-our-own-needs-us-support-cfd-paramedic-randy-campbell

This fundraiser is to support Randy and his family as he faces the challenging weeks and months ahead. We all know the job. An injury like this doesn’t just take a physical toll; it takes a financial and emotional one, too. Your donation will go directly to Randy and his family to help cover medic...

11/10/2025

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5E4elBVhz25bV9Wlwsq7EV?si=Go1opHYhTNWSyLuRyeB8xg

GOODBYE, HERRMANN! Chicago Fire legend David Eigenberg confirms his final season — and announces his retirement from acting after 13 years as fan-favorite firefighter Christopher Herrmann 😭👇👇👇