Jeremy Donch | Franklin Lakes, NJ
"Don't ever let somebody else blow out your candle. The love for the fire service is yours to have and to find."
What initially inspired you to become a firefighter?
Photo Credit: Firehouse Magazine
In the world of firefighting, inspiration often strikes early, and for Jeremy Donch, it was no different. Growing up in a firehouse environment, Jeremy's passion for the fire service was ignited by his father, a firefighter with over 50 years of service. The firehouse was more than just a workplace; it was a sanctuary filled with towering heroes and thrilling experiences that left an indelible mark on young Jeremy.
"The firehouse to me was a magical place growing up. My father was a fireman, and he was very much involved in our community. He was a community-forward guy, Councilman, Mayor, fireman, and I think he's got over 50 years in the department now," Jeremy recalls. This environment, where camaraderie and a sense of duty thrived, instilled a deep respect and longing for the fire service that only grew stronger over time.
As a child, Jeremy was captivated by fire trucks and the firefighters who operated them. "I was a kid that grew up playing in the dirt. I loved playing with my matchbox, my Legos, my Tonka trucks, and it was always about fire trucks," he reminisces. His father's decision to keep the firehouse at arm's length made every visit a special occasion, further deepening Jeremy's respect and admiration for the profession.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside the firehouse, Jeremy has worn many hats. He initially joined the family business, a bearing and power transmission company, where he worked his way up to Vice President of Operations. Despite his success, Jeremy's heart remained with the fire service. In 2018, he founded National Fire Radio, a platform dedicated to preserving the integrity of the firefighting profession and sharing the stories of its heroes.
Jeremy's journey in the family business was not without its challenges. "I came out of college with the opportunity to be a career firefighter. I was still in college at the time when I had two offers, and I deferred both offers because I knew that if I did not graduate college, I would have wasted my parents' money and their belief in me getting my four-year bachelor's degree," he explains. This decision led him to work in the family business, where he eventually found his stride and excelled.
However, the economic downturn in 2008-2009 forced Jeremy to make a tough decision. "The family business, like all family businesses, you know, you got to make decisions. My father was carrying me as an employee, and I was doing pretty well for myself, but I was an absolute Tommy boy. I didn't learn the job. I didn't know the profession," he admits. This realization led him to fully commit to the family business, where he eventually became Vice President of Operations.
Despite his success, Jeremy's passion for the fire service never waned. In 2018, he founded National Fire Radio, a platform that has since grown into a full-fledged media and marketing team. "National Fire Radio consumes me. It was my mid-life crisis in the fire service of missing being a career fireman," he says. The platform has allowed Jeremy to stay connected to the fire service and share the stories of its heroes, fulfilling his desire to give back to the community.
Jeremy (right) hosting his podcast National Fire Radio.
What advice do you have for others in the fire service?
Jeremy emphasizes the importance of finding commonality in the firehouse. He believes that bridging the gap between generations and fostering mutual respect is crucial for a cohesive and effective team. His advice to young firefighters is to be patient, follow their instincts, and never let anyone diminish their passion for the job.
"We've become very polar in society. We've become very red and blue. There's no purple. We've become very opinionated. We think our feelings actually matter in every conversation when they don't," Jeremy observes. He stresses the importance of putting facts before feelings to reach compromise and understanding.
Jeremy also highlights the generational divide in the fire service. "We have the job trending younger. We have command and administrative staffs getting older. And we have company bosses trending younger, which means lack of experience," he notes. This dynamic creates challenges but also opportunities for growth and learning.
Photo Credit: James Geering, Behind the Shield Podcast
For the older generation, Jeremy advises doubling down on their efforts to mentor and guide the younger firefighters. "I need more from them. I need them to double down as they get older, not start to fade away," he says. For the younger generation, he emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding. "Things don't change overnight, but young kids want things instantly. They want instant gratification," he explains.
What changes do you foresee in the next 5 years in the fire service?
Jeremy sees significant changes on the horizon for the fire service, particularly in volunteerism and technology. He stresses the need to maintain the blue-collar roots of firefighting while embracing advancements that can enhance safety and efficiency. Jeremy is optimistic about the future but cautions against losing sight of the core values that define the profession.
"Volunteerism is lacking. It is harder and harder for communities to find people that can give time back and do it professionally," Jeremy notes. He believes that fire companies need to have real conversations about their service delivery and find ways to attract and retain volunteers.
Technology is another area where Jeremy sees rapid changes. "Technology is really consuming and it's changing faster and faster. I mean, it was only literally a year ago you're talking about AI, and today everybody's using AI almost every single day," he observes. While technology can enhance firefighting, Jeremy cautions against losing the hands-on, blue-collar nature of the job.
"We have to be very careful because firefighting is a blue-collar job. You will bleed. You will vomit. You will have smoke inhalation. You will get hurt because it is a physical, physical and mentally demanding job," he emphasizes. Jeremy believes that the fire service must find a balance between embracing technology and maintaining the core principles of firefighting.
One of Jeremy's most harrowing experiences occurred during a house fire where he and his team narrowly escaped a collapsing floor. This close call reinforced the importance of situational awareness and continuous training. It was a stark reminder that even seasoned firefighters must remain vigilant and adaptable.
Jeremy recounts, "We had a fire years ago. I was a home response volunteer and I had the flu, but I knew I had to go. The fire was just a couple of blocks from my house. I got to the firehouse, jumped on a rig, we went screaming over there. The fire was pumping pretty good on arrival."
As they made their way into the house, Jeremy and his team encountered intense heat and zero visibility. "We had fire at floor level and we couldn't get anything to lift. We started banging glass and opening up, but we just couldn't get the smoke to lift," he recalls. It wasn't until they felt the floor starting to give way that they realized the fire was actually in the basement.
A chief and good friend of Jeremy's arrived just in time to help them recognize the danger. "He tapped me on the shoulder at the same moment I realized what was going on. We knew we had to get out right then and there.” They managed to pull back just as the floor collapsed into the basement.
This close call was a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in firefighting. "That fire was a reminder for me that things can go south very quickly," Jeremy reflects. It reinforced the importance of situational awareness and the need for continuous training to stay sharp and prepared.
Jeremy's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of passion and perseverance. His love for the fire service is unwavering, and he encourages others to protect their own passion fiercely. "The job is good," he says, "even when things are tough, the fire service remains one of the most rewarding professions."
Jeremy's advice to fellow firefighters is to never let anyone diminish their passion for the job. "Don't ever let somebody else blow out your candle. The love for the fire service is yours to have and to find," he emphasizes. His story is a testament to the power of dedication, family values, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion.
What is National Fire Radio?
National Fire Radio is a platform dedicated to celebrating the rich history and culture of the fire service. Since its inception in 2018, NFR has grown into a trusted social media and podcast distribution network for firefighters across the countryIt shares stories, experiences, and insights from firefighters across the nation to inspire and educate. The mission is to connect the fire community and honor the dedication and bravery of those who serve. Visit National Fire Radio for more.
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