Episode 1: The Introduction

Welcome to the first episode of what will be a fantastic journey into the stories of our past. Episode 1 touches on how this podcast was inspired by a dinner conversation about a visit to a firehouse by a retired Deputy Chief. That story will be told in greater detail in Episode 2.

I am joined in this episode by three of my oldest friends in the fire and EMS field. All of these guys will be filling Co-Host duties on various episodes, and serve as my sort of production team helping me sort through ideas and keeping me on the right path:

John Crosby – One of my earliest mentors in the business, I got to work with for John during his tenure as Chief Flight Medic on EMS Med-Flight I. After a distinguished career as a firefighter, Cardiac Technician, and Lieutenant in Chesterfield County, John retired and did safety consulting for many years. Now more formally “retired”, John is working with his soon to be certified therapy dog Elton to help hospital patients deal with illnesses and injuries.

Henry Rosenbaum – Henry and I essentially grew up together in the EMS world as Junior Members of Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad. Henry went on to be a Firefighter in Henrico County, now serving as an Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal. He also joined the EMS Med-Flight team as a volunteer paramedic for many years. Not only were we members of the same squad, we became roommates and partners in a hot air balloon company for several years. In his spare time, Henry continues to fly competitively and manages hot air balloon events as well.

Weet Baldwin – Weet and I met when I began doing part time work at Kings Dominion in their Safety Department. Weet was the Safety Director there and a member of Hanover’s volunteer fire and EMS System. Weet left Kings Dominion to become Hanover County’s Fire Marshal for many years. Weet also served as a volunteer paramedic with EMS Med-Flight, has been a Paramedic Program Instructor/Coordinator, the leader of Richmond PD’s Tactical Medic Program, and now serves as an Assistant Chief in Hanover County.

Me – I am Robby Dawson. I started volunteering with Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1979 and after High School, was hired by Chesterfield Fire Department in 1983. I served as a firefighter paramedic at several stations, got assigned to the EMS Med-Flight I program, was a member of the Hazardous Materials Team, and ultimately was promoted to Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal. I left Chesterfield in 2018 and now work with the National Fire Protection Association.