Ep. 034 | 9 Alarm Defender Gear: Protecting Firefighters Inside and Out w/ Levi Bousquet
In this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris interviews Levi Bousquet about his journey in the fire service, his commitment to firefighter health, and the fight against cancer.
Levi shares his background from a blue-collar family to becoming a full-time firefighter, highlighting the importance of health and wellness in the fire service. He discusses a near-drowning experience early in his career that strengthened his dedication to the profession. Levi also reflects on the Back Bay Fire in Boston and the lessons learned from that tragic event.
Levi emphasizes the value of experience and skills from outside the fire service and the challenges faced in real-life fire situations. He talks about the origins of Nine Alarm and the impact of the Back Bay Fire. Levi explains the importance of raising awareness about cancer in the fire service and the discovery of PFAS. He shares the challenges of designing a solution and the support received from the Last Call Foundation. He urges firefighters to take small steps to protect themselves, such as wearing SCBA, practicing good hygiene, and wiping their skin.
Levi highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating and exercise. He emphasizes the need for retirement savings and the value of time during retirement. Levi also discusses the role of leaders in the fire service and the impact of unofficial leaders. He encourages firefighters to take small steps for career advancement.
Levi discusses developing the Defender brief and shirt, which offer particulate and moisture resistance. He explains the testing and certification process and the goal of improving the fire service. Levi urges fire departments to seek support and assistance in writing grants.
In conclusion, Levi emphasizes the long-term impact of firefighter protection and the importance of leaving the fire service better than it was found.
Big 5 takeaways:
- Health and wellness should be a priority in the fire service, and proactive measures should be taken to prevent cancer.
- Personal experiences and background can shape one's commitment and dedication to the fire service.
- Learning from past incidents and tragedies is crucial for preventing similar incidents in the future.
- Experience and skills from outside the fire service can be valuable assets in firefighting.
- Firefighters can take small steps to protect themselves, such as wearing SCBA, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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