In this episode of the Fire Life Podcast CT, Matt Cohen and Chris Palmer sit down with retired New Britain Deputy Chief Paul Walsh, who spent 37 years in the fire service.

For Paul, the fire service isn't just a career — it's a family tradition spanning generations. He shares stories of growing up around firehouses, following his father and grandfather into the fire service, and eventually watching his own children carry that tradition forward.

Paul takes us through his career in New Britain, including some of the city's most challenging fire activity, the arson fires of the 1990s, working three-decker fires, and the lessons learned on the fireground. He also discusses New Britain EMS, the development of the New Britain Fire Academy, and the importance of learning from both good and bad officers throughout a career.

The conversation also takes a more personal turn as Paul talks about his experience responding to the World Trade Center following 9/11, including the story behind a powerful photograph of Paul and his brother walking down a ramp at Ground Zero. He also discusses preserving 9/11 history and his work creating large memorial murals honoring firefighters and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

And there's plenty of classic firehouse storytelling along the way — from childhood adventures with fire equipment to family connections that have kept the Walsh name deeply connected to the Connecticut fire service.

This is a conversation about family, tradition, leadership, the fireground, sacrifice, and what it means to spend a lifetime in the fire service.

Stay tuned for Part 2 with Paul Walsh, where the conversation continues with more of his story, his artwork, and the Walsh family's incredible connection to the fire service.

Deputy Chief Todd Carell of Bristol Fire joins Fire Life Podcast CT to share stories from his career, including Coast Guard firefighting, his experience at Ground Zero after 9/11, memorable fires in Bristol, and his work teaching at the Connecticut Fire Academy.

Todd also discusses firefighter mental health, peer support programs, and why taking care of firefighters after traumatic incidents is critical to a long and successful career.

A powerful conversation about service, resilience, leadership, and the brotherhood of the fire service.

In this episode of the Fire Life Podcast CT, Eric Fischel shares his journey from growing up around the firehouse in Newington, CT to becoming a career firefighter.

We talk cadet programs, mentorship, CPAT prep, and what it really takes to get hired and succeed in the fire service.

👉 Whether you’re trying to get on the job or already in, this one’s for you.

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