FMBA Nation

This episode was recorded live at the NJ FMBA Convention at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City, and it’s about something I’d call one of the pandemics of the fire service: gambling addiction.

With sportsbooks on every phone, ads in every commercial break, and plenty of downtime in the firehouse, it has never been easier to fall down that rabbit hole. And the stakes are real. Gambling addiction doesn’t just hit your wallet. It hits your family, your future, and your mental health.

I sat down with Andrew DiGiacomo and Jason G. from Birches Health, a virtual, outpatient program built specifically to treat gambling addiction. We talk about what happens when a member first reaches out, why a general therapist often isn’t enough, and how their model combines one-on-one care, peer support, group therapy, and financial wellness coaching. We also get into the related problems they see in first responders, like gaming and porn, and how it all ties back to the trauma we carry from the job.

I also share my own story, from betting on horses at fourteen to putting myself on the self-exclusion list, and what changed after I did.

If this is you, or someone in your firehouse, stick around. This one could make a difference.

In this episode we talk with Dr. Arash Kasebi from NC State University about a critical safety issue affecting firefighters nationwide - the potential link between newer firefighting hood designs and an increase in burn injuries. NC State University has partnered with the NJ FMBA on this study and they have had some remarkable discoveries that all firefighters need to hear. I hope you enjoy this episode and gain insight into the technology and science behind thermal protection.

In this episode we talk with Jacob Davidson with Will for Heroes about the services they offer to members of the NJ FMBA. They offer free, comprehensive basic estate planning, which typically includes:Last Will and Testament, Durable Financial Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and Living Wills. I hope you enjoy this episode and that you take advantage of this free partnership.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower, talks with Rosie and Amy from Alliance Orthopedics about how Alliance is changing the game on orthopedic care and patient experience.

In this episode, Education and Training Chairman, BC Danny Arroyo (Perth Amboy FD), talks with BC Pat Wirkus (Elizabeth FD), Capt. Ryan Dullea (Westfield FD), and Lt. Rob Policht (Passaic FD) about the upcoming classes they will be teaching at the 2026 NJ FMBA Educational Convention in February.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower talks with Greg Weber from Epic Global Solutions and Linden Fire Department. Greg shares his story of gambling addiction and his current recovery and how he is trying to change the lives of many, one step at a time.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with FMBA Local 228 President Frank Noborine and Vice President Abdur Yasin about vaccine mandates, layoffs, contract negotiations and some other happenings in their Local. If you would like to feature your local on a podcast episode, please email nation@njfmba.org.

FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, sat down with Dave Russell, owner of Fire and Safety Services, and discusses the supply chain management and procurement issues that the fire service is currently facing. Dave's insight and knowledge is very valuable to any department that is currently looking to purchase new fire apparatus.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower speaks with PFRSNJ Trustee, Matt Lubin, about the DCRP - Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, and how it affects the Tier 2 and Tier 3 members of the PFRSNJ. For anyone that has 14 years or less in the PFRSNJ, this is a must listen to episode to educate you on the DCRP enrollment, contribution rates, salary limit, and more.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Donna Buscio and Dr. Garcia about the 20th Anniversary of the Gift From Captain Buscio program. The program has provided so many first responders in NJ with exceptional care and so many lives have been saved as a result of the comprehensive physical exam. All current and retired firefighters, police, and emergency responders, and their officers are invited to participate in the program throughout the State of New Jersey. They will then have opportunity to receive confidential com­prehensive cardiovascular and pulmonary medical evalua­tions.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with the 126th NJ FMBA September Convention keynote speaker Lt. Col. Robert Darling, USMC (Ret.), about his incredible story of adversity and crisis management as he spent 24 hours inside the the POTUS' White House Bunker on 9-11-01. Lt. Col. Darling was the White House Airlift Operations Officer who, during the attack on America on 9/11/01, responded to the underground White House Bunker Complex and stood shoulder to shoulder with America’s highest leaders as they made unprecedented crisis leadership decisions on behalf of all Americans.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower, sits with Rob Garrison, Legal Counsel for the PFRSNJ, and talks about federal student loan forgiveness for public service employees. Rob runs through the steps you need to take to see if you qualify, and how to convert your current older federal loans to direct loans for the discharge. The deadline to convert the loans is October 31st, 2022 and you can find out if you are eligible for the program by visiting www.studentaid.gov

Ever wonder what it takes to start a 501(c)3 Foundation? Look no further! In this episdoe, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Karen Taylor-Burke from PKF O'Connor Davies and NJ FMBA Treasurer Troy Powell on how to get started and the benefits of starting a foundation for your local.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with Attorney Joe Burke about dependency claims. Joe is a retired Captain from Montclair FMBA Local 20 who is now a practicing attorney at law who focuses on worker's compensations claims. Joe discusses how the Thomas Canzanella Act and dependency claims work and how a member's family can use the dependency claim to help with financial hardships.

In this episode, FMBA nation host Bill Brower talks with Cherie Castellano about the NJ Fire/EMS Lifeline which has been established to provide mental health support and services to NJ first responders and their families. If you or someone you know needs help please call the lifeline at 888-653-3367 or go to http://www.njfireems.com for more information on how to get assistance.

In Episode 51, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with nuclear physicist, Dr. Graham Peaslee, from the University of Notre Dame, about the forever chemicals known as PFAS that has been contaminating firefighters for years. These chemicals have been linked to cancer and have been found in the turnout gear that is worn everyday by firefighters as well as the foam that is used for chemical and flammable liquid fires for years. This is a must listen episode in battling the cancer epidemic of the fire service.

In the 50th episode of FMBA Nation, host Bill Brower chats with the keynote speaker from the 125th NJ FMBA Convention, Katie McKenna. Katie is the author of "How to get run over by a truck" and tells Bill about her journey and how she faced true adversity and determination to survive.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host, Bill Brower, talks with U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherril (NJ 11th District), about the SALT (State and Local Tax) Deduction Cap. They discuss how it affects NJ First Responders as well as middle class families in NJ.

In this episode, FMBA Nation host Bill Brower talks with the boys from Flow and Vent at the 125th Annual NJ FMBA Convention. Rob and Kyle tell Bill about their success on Instagram and their dedication to training and education within the fire service. Both Rob and Kyle are members of the NJ FMBA and plan to get involved with more training education with FMBA Nation.

In this episode, FMBA Nation Host, Bill Brower, talks with Captain Bob Falzarano from the Union Fire Department about his personal struggles with PTSD and other mental health challenges. Bob opens up and tells FMBA nation how he was close to taking his own life and how he took the steps he needed to get help. For anyone that is in need of help for mental health, substance abuse, or just needs someone to talk to, please reach out to our Mental Health/Peer Assistance Team.

Dr. Michael Bizzarro 732-771-7165

Dr. Julie Tropeano 732-977-3819

Tyrone Smith 973-573-9694

Ken Burkert 908-346-1691

CISM Team Coordinator Troy Powell 973-868-0527