PIO Podcast (03/12/26): Captain Jim Grigoli and Firefighter Braeden Weekes

<p>Host Captain Shawn Millerick is back with conversations with new Tower 20 graduate Firefighter Braeden Weekes about the transition from the academy to the firehouse and career reflections from Captain Jim Grigoli who is nearing retirement.</p><p><br /></p><p>⸻</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Firefighter Braeden Weekes: First Shift After Tower 20</strong></p><p><br /></p><p>Recently graduated firefighter Braeden Weekes joins the podcast from Station 222 in San Bernardino to talk about the first day on the job after completing Tower 20.</p><p><br /></p><p>Braeden shares what it was like transitioning from the academy environment to real world operations, responding to multiple calls within the first few hours of the shift. The morning included a structure fire, a CPR call, and a vegetation fire, giving immediate exposure to the pace and variety of calls at a busy station.</p><p><br /></p><p>The conversation also explores the adjustment from academy training to station life, including learning new routines, equipment checks, and the expectations set by the crew. Braeden reflects on the friendships built during the academy and the excitement of beginning a career in the fire service.</p><p><br /></p><p>Braeden also shares advice for future firefighter candidates, emphasizing the value of station visits, interview preparation, and spending time learning from firefighters already working in the profession.</p><p><br /></p><p>⸻</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Captain Jim Grigoli: Three Decades with County Fire</strong></p><p><br /></p><p>Captain Jim Grigoli joins the podcast as retirement approaches after more than three decades in the fire service.</p><p><br /></p><p>The discussion reflects on the early days of County Fire, including the era of CSA 38 and the challenges faced by firefighters working in remote areas with limited staffing and resources. Jim explains how the department has evolved over the years with improved staffing, equipment, and expanded service to communities throughout San Bernardino County.</p><p><br /></p><p>Jim also discusses the importance of firefighter health and safety, highlighting the development of annual physicals and cancer screenings through the firefighter medical trust. The conversation emphasizes how labor leadership and collaboration helped create benefits designed to protect firefighters throughout their careers.</p><p><br /></p><p>As he prepares to retire, Jim offers perspective for new firefighters entering the profession, encou