Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the podcast team. This months special guest in new South Sioux City Fire Chief Doug Koopman. After thirty plus years in the Nevada desert, Chief Koopman finds his way back home to the Midwest. Come along and listen to his journey into EMS, how he became a Battalion Chief at Henderson Fire Department, and what brought him to Siouxland. It’s great conversation just in time for the holidays. Once again, we hope you enjoyed Before The Tones Drop!

November's episode features Fire Chief Mike Albrecht of the 185th refueling wing, at Sioux Gateway Airport here in Sioux City, who also holds the Air Force Rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Aircraft and Airport firefighting are a little different than what you've heard on previous episodes from structural firefighters. Listen in as he describes his unlikely path to the fire service, how the Air Force and federal/state side of his job mix, his time with SCFR, love of family, and hear stories from his time deployed across the globe. Chief Albrecht is a plethora of information and could have gone on for hours. So once again, join us for Before the Tones Drop.

This months guest is a Gerry Bennett. Gerry retired as a Captain/Training Officer with SCFR.

This months guest is Sioux City Police Chief Rex Mueller.

On this month's episode we sit down with an Iowa legend, LeMars Fire Chief Dave Schipper. From growing up in LeMars and falling in love with the fire service, to his time in the State Fire Marshal's Office, finding his way back to NW Iowa via Spencer FD, and eventually returning to his home town as Chief, "Big" Schipp gives insights to his life and career. The Schipper's are of those deep rooted American fire service families with members on LeMars FD for over a century. So join us once again for "Before the Tones Drop!"

On this podcast we have on our 3 latest firefighters to complete their one year of probation. They talk about the ups and downs, how to prepare mentally and what to expect for that first year. They all had very different backgrounds but would all agree that this is the best job there is! The hiring list for SCFR will open on July 1st. We will be hosting an Open House for those interested in becoming a firefighter on June 8th. Please see our Facebook page for details. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063746282224 https://www.sioux-city.org/government/departments-a-f/fire-rescue/divisions/administration/employment-opportunites

Aprils guest is Jim Clark. Jim is the Fire Chief for Johnston Grimes Metropolitan Fire District and was previously an Assistant Fire Chief with Sioux City Fire Rescue. https://www.cityofjohnston.com/1138/Fire-District