Episode #51 FDNY Michael Penchina.

The conversation with Mike Penchina, a retired FDNY firefighter, covers his career from 1963 to 1991, including the war years, Proby School, and his experiences with ladder and engine companies. The conversation also delves into the relationship between ladder companies and rescues, as well as the transition between ladder and engine companies. Mike Penchina shares his experiences as a firefighter, including his return to 26 truck, his favorite positions on the ladder, and a dramatic rescue. He also discusses his retirement and the implementation of masks in the fire service. The conversation delves into the culture and experiences of the F D NY, highlighting the mentorship, camaraderie, and challenges faced by firefighters. It also explores the evolution of the fire service and the impact of societal changes on firefighting practices. Takeaways War Years Proby School Ladder vs. Rescue Transition Between Companies Dedication to a Specific Fire Company Favorite Positions on the Ladder Dramatic Rescue Experience Retirement and Disability Implementation of Masks in the Fire Service Mentorship and Camaraderie Challenges and Evolution of the Fire Service Chapters 00:00 The War Years and Proby School 03:37 Ladder vs. Rescue 26:28 Transition Between Companies 33:17 Return to 26 Truck 35:10 Favorite Positions on the Ladder 40:41 Dramatic Rescue Experience 55:24 Retirement and Disability 59:36 Implementation of Masks in the Fire Service 01:01:32 The Culture of F D NY 01:02:08 Mentorship and Learning from Experience 01:05:43 The Impact of Societal Changes 01:06:48 Challenges Faced by Firefighters 01:08:20 The Future of the Fire Service 01:11:32 Maintaining Tradition and Brotherhood 01:15:40 The Need for Experience and Training