In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Jason Smith, a decorated fire officer, EMS educator, and former union president whose leadership has shaped both frontline response and behind-the-scenes strategy across South Florida.
They unpack Jason’s journey from firefighter/paramedic to Battalion Chief, reflecting on his work training the next generation of medics and navigating the politics of labor relations. Jason shares lessons learned from the field, the importance of maintaining morale, and how to lead teams through both calm and chaos.
The conversation dives into the complexities of command, the value of mentorship, and how true leadership often means knowing when to step forward—and when to step back. With his signature level-headedness and dry humor, Jason offers perspective on what it really takes to lead through crisis, change, and career evolution.
This episode is packed with wisdom, humility, and stories from a career built on experience, service, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Please note: this episode is audio-only due to a last-minute technical issue during recording. We appreciate your understanding and promise the insight is still just as sharp.
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Amy Vu, a 17-year EMS veteran, community responder, and nonprofit founder whose work has spanned field operations, disaster response, and mentorship.
They dive into Amy’s journey from street medic to leading COVID testing efforts and organizing grassroots relief during Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Ian. Amy shares what it was like to push through barricades with supplies, rebuild storm-battered communities, and provide aid long after the headlines faded.
The conversation highlights the emotional weight of long-term response, the importance of teaching and mentoring future medics, and the unexpected ways EMS professionals continue to serve even when they’re off the clock. With her signature calm and a touch of sarcasm, Amy reminds us that leadership doesn't always come with a title—and that the best work often happens behind the scenes.
This episode is full of grit, compassion, and stories from a career grounded in purpose and heart.
Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Fir Tec for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and Brandon sit down with two dynamic leaders in Florida’s fire and EMS community: Captain Johana Cinque of Coral Springs Fire Department and Deputy Chief Chantal Botting of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.
Together, they reflect on decades of experience rising through the ranks—shaping EMS protocols, mentoring future leaders, and managing everything from field operations to multi-agency logistics and station construction. Johana shares her evolution from field medic to EMS training officer and now operational captain, while Chantal offers insight from her role overseeing hundreds of personnel, directing special operations, and advocating for women in fire service leadership across the state.
The conversation explores the challenges of breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession, the complexity of government projects, and the deep pride that comes from building a legacy rooted in service. With shared wisdom, professional grit, and a relentless drive to elevate others, these two leaders show us what it means to lead with impact—and leave a path for others to follow.
Thanking Sponsors:
We’d like to express our gratitude to our sponsor, Public Safety Answer, for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and Brandon sit down with Brandon’s brother, Andy Waldorff, to explore a story built on family legacy, small-town grit, and a lifelong dedication to emergency medical services.
Together, they reflect on growing up in a home where the fire truck was parked in the yard and dispatches came by way of a landline. From those early days to leading EMS operations in Florida, Andy shares his journey through blue-collar jobs, night classes, and the raw realities of rural EMS.
The conversation dives into the importance of mentorship, the challenges of leadership, and the emotional weight of showing up day after day when others are counting on you. With humor, heart, and a deep respect for the job, the Waldorff brothers remind us that the badge doesn’t just represent a job—it’s a lifestyle shaped by compassion, commitment, and community.
Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Aquatic Sea Cow Adventure for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, Tony and Brandon sit down with Paul Carson—an EMS veteran with over 32 years of frontline experience and the dedicated caretaker of the Fallen Canadian Paramedic Memorial Bell.
Paul reflects on his early years in rural Ontario, the complex challenges of working major events like the G20 Summit in Toronto, and the deep emotional work of preserving the legacy of Canada’s fallen paramedics. He shares powerful moments from his career, insights into the evolution of EMS, and his ongoing mission to raise awareness around mental health within the profession.
With heartfelt reflections and a call to future generations, Paul reminds us that EMS is not just a job—it’s a calling. This conversation honors the past, confronts the challenges of the present, and lights a path forward for paramedics across North America.
Official 2024 Journey Of The Fallen Canadian Paramedic Memorial Bell link!
Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Aquatic Sea Cow Adventure for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, host Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Dave Hathaway—a career EMT, Honor Guard Commander, and Quartermaster for the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Dave walks us through his decades-long journey in EMS, beginning with his early days in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and evolving into a leadership role where he now helps shape the way we honor our fallen heroes. He shares the emotional impact of Honor Guard ceremonies, the mission-driven mindset behind their work, and the powerful story that connected him to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Together, they explore the vital role EMTs play in the system, the legacy and traditions of the Honor Guard, and the importance of preparing the next generation through mentorship and succession planning. With heartfelt reflections, leadership insights, and a few laughs along the way, this episode offers a meaningful look into service, remembrance, and the responsibility of carrying the mission forward.
Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Aquatic Sea Cow Adventure for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.
National EMS Memorial Services
National EMS Memorial Foundation
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, host Tony and co- host Brandon sit down with Jon DeOliveira (Jonny D) and Joseph Rosamilia—two seasoned EMS professionals whose careers have been deeply rooted in service, leadership, and brotherhood in the Garden State.
Jonny D shares his journey from a teenage volunteer EMT to a tactical paramedic and creator of a Driver Competency Program. Joseph walks us through his rise from volunteer EMT to Tour Chief in New Jersey’s ALS system, and how he built an Honor Guard that now both have a role in the National EMS Memorial Service.
Together, they reflect on the evolution of EMS in New Jersey, the emotional weight of honoring the fallen, the challenges of leadership, and the deep bonds forged on shift. From patch collecting and travel stories to navigating COVID’s lasting impact, this episode is a heartfelt look into the lives of those who carry the torch for EMS with pride and purpose.
Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Fir Tec and Public Safety Answers, for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, host Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Mickey Tofexis, a seasoned firefighter and battalion chief, to explore his journey from volunteer firefighter to leadership in the fire service.
The conversation highlights the critical role of medical training in firefighting, the impact of technology on EMS, and the challenges of training and retaining experienced personnel. Mickey shares his insights on leadership in high-stress situations, the importance of humility and teamwork, and the evolving landscape of EMT and paramedic education.
We also discuss firefighter competitions, the significance of physical fitness in the field, and the personal and professional challenges that come with a career in emergency services. As Mickey reflects on his career and approaches retirement, we examine the future of the fire service and the bright potential of the next generation of firefighters.
This episode is filled with wisdom, experience, and a deep passion for the fire and EMS professions.
Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Fir Tec and Public Safety Answers, for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, host Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Brendon Trayner, a seasoned fire captain, and fire service leader, to discuss his remarkable journey through emergency services.
Brendon shares his unique career path, starting as an EMT, moving into 911 dispatch, and ultimately earning his rank as a fire captain. He highlights the critical role of dispatchers in emergency response, the importance of hazmat and tactical operations, and how protocols shape paramedic decision-making. Brendon also offers invaluable advice for aspiring firefighters, emphasizing the need to share personal stories in interviews rather than just reciting resumes.
Beyond the fireground, Brendon discusses the essential role of fitness in firefighting, the lessons he’s learned over two decades in EMS, and why trust is the foundation of great leadership. The conversation wraps up with reflections on community service, continuous learning, and the drive to push personal limits in both fitness and career growth.
Brendon's book is available on Amazon
Thanking Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our sponsors, Fir Tec and Public Safety Answers, for their continued support. Their dedication to emergency services and public safety education helps bring these vital conversations to life.
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, host Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Erik Usher, a seasoned flight nurse, EMS educator, and published author. They explore Erik’s incredible journey from starting as an EMT to becoming a flight nurse and leader in emergency medicine.
The conversation highlights the evolution of EMS, the challenges of working in flight medicine, and the importance of mentorship and training in shaping the next generation of providers. Erik also shares his role in the development of lifesaving medical advancements like the EZ-IO and his transition into writing medical and children's books that support first responder families.
This episode is filled with insight, innovation, and stories from a career dedicated to advancing emergency medicine.
Where to Find Erik’s Books: Erik’s children’s books are available on Amazon
Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Fir Tec and Public Safety Answers, for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.
In this episode of Echoes of Valor, host Tony and co-host Brandon sit down with Eric Phillips, the Honor Guard Commander for GMR. They explore Eric’s journey into EMS, the deep significance of the Honor Guard, and the emotional toll of line of duty deaths. The conversation sheds light on the challenges EMS professionals face, and the critical role of the Honor Guard in honoring the fallen. Eric shares his reflections on his 25-year career, his experiences at the National EMS Memorial, and the ongoing evolution of EMS as a profession.
Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Fir Tec and Public Safety Answers, for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience.
Join us on 'Echoes of Valor' as we delve into the compelling world of emergency services with Louis Cazzetta, a veteran EMS professional and educator from New York City. This episode offers an inside look at the demanding life of EMS workers through Louis's extensive experiences, including the tense moments of responding to a 1013 call that halts the bustling streets of New York. Hear Louis share personal stories from his illustrious career, discuss the crucial role of education in EMS, and reflect on the challenges and triumphs of life on the front lines. 'Echoes of Valor: Louis Cazzetta - In the Heat of Service' is a must-listen for anyone interested in the critical work and relentless spirit of our emergency services.
Thanking Sponsors:
We'd like to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Fire Tech and Public Safety Answers, for their unwavering support. Their commitment to enhancing emergency services and public safety education is invaluable in bringing these vital narratives to our audience