Fireside Chats: The Real Stories of First Responders

Some people leave the military and never really come home.

Some find another uniform.

And some spend their lives learning how to carry the weight without letting it crush them.

Tonight’s guest was raised in Muhlenberg County.

An Air Force veteran.

A firefighter, paramedic, instructor, and leader who’s worn just about every hat this job can hand you.

But this conversation isn’t about titles.

It’s about the moments that shape you—

The leaders who te /episode/index/show/be84ec28-d765-4dc7-9e09-9f712bcf8472/id/40327190

Eric McElwain’s story is one a lot of firefighters will recognize—long nights, hard calls, and a career built one shift at a time.

He started in the fire service in 2000 and worked his way through the ranks all the way to Chief, earning every step along the way.

In this episode, we sit down and talk about the sleepless nights that follow you home, the calls that never really leave you, and the weight that comes with responsibility. We don’t shy away from the bad ones—but we also lau /episode/index/show/be84ec28-d765-4dc7-9e09-9f712bcf8472/id/40327195

Some men wear the badge.

Others earn it.

Before the modern gear.

Before the safety nets.

Before anyone talked about stress, trauma, or walking away.

In 1976, Jerry Aders stepped into a fire service that didn’t slow down for weather, equipment failure, or fear. When the tones dropped, you went—or someone didn’t come home.

He fought fire when water ran low and pumps quit.

When hoses froze stiff in the snow.

When the Bliz /episode/index/show/be84ec28-d765-4dc7-9e09-9f712bcf8472/id/40327200

45 years of service marked by bitter cold, devastating storms, leadership roles, and calls that never leave you. Donnie has served Bremen. He’s served Central City. He’s worn many titles—firefighter, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Chief—but his most important role has always been being there when his community needed him.