SAM 051 | Seek First to Understand

On Sunday March 29 Fire Captain Pete Dern was leading his crew across the roof to provide ventilation for the safety of attack crews when a catastrophic collapse dropped him into the inferno. Fellow Firefighters rescued him within minutes but he suffered 65-75 percent second and third degree burns across his body. Following the incident a video of the event quickly made its way across mainstream media and social media. I was encouraged by the outpouring of support. I was also repulsed by the number of firefighters who chose first to judge and speak poorly of Captain Dern and his department and their leadership. This episode is dedicated to Captain Dern and all firefighters who, in the moment, make split-second decisions that, for any of us, at any time, can result in tragedy. This episode is a call to action. There are three actions I am requesting of listeners. Answer the questions I pose during the radio show that forces all of us to seek first to understand, and to allay our impulse to judge others (especially those we do not know). Shoot a short (30 second maximum length) video from your crew, company or department, offering support to Captain Dern and his family. Give a donation to support the Dern Family (a link is in the show notes). Our sponsor: Midwest Fire MidwestFire.com   Intro music Safety Dance (1982) Men Without Hats GMC - Virgin Records   Send your short (under 30 seconds) video clip offering your support and encouragement to Captain Dern to:  [email protected] Fresno City Firefighters Local 753 Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresno-City-Firefighters-Local-753/319960938364?fref=ts   YouCaring.com site set up to raise money for Captain Dern and his family: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/fire-captain-pete-dern-and-family/330134   Situational Awareness Matters! website www.SAMatters.com   Firefighter Near Miss Reporting System http://www.firefighternearmiss.com/   Contact Rich Gasaway www.RichGasaway.com [email protected] 612-548-4424