The Fire Wire Podcast
Real conversations from the firehouse on leadership, wellness, labor, service, and the job.
The Fire Wire Podcast is the official voice of Pasco County Professional Firefighters – IAFF Local 4420, bringing listeners behind the scenes of the fire service with honest conversations about union issues, mental and physical wellness, leadership, and the victories and challenges that come with the job.
Listen. Watch. Stay Connected.
Hosted by Pete Arnold and Dixon Phillips, and produced by Stephen Stanforth, The Fire Wire connects members, families, and the community to the heart of Local 4420.
The Voice of Pasco County Professional Firefighters
The Fire Wire Podcast is the official podcast of Pasco County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 4420. Created to give members and the community a deeper look inside the fire service, the show features real conversations about the work, the people, and the mission that drive our profession forward.
Each episode explores topics that matter to firefighters and the communities they serve — including labor and union issues, leadership in the fire service, mental and physical wellness, firefighter culture, and the evolving challenges facing emergency services today. The goal of The Fire Wire Podcast is to create an open space where firefighters can share experiences, discuss important issues, and highlight the values that define the fire service.
Hosted by Local 4420 Treasurer Pete Arnold and Union President Dixon Phillips, the podcast brings together experienced voices from within the department and across the fire service. Episodes may feature frontline firefighters, union leaders, and subject matter experts who provide insight into the issues affecting public safety professionals and the communities they protect.
Produced by Stephen Stanforth, Communications Director for Pasco County Professional Firefighters, the show is part of Local 4420’s broader effort to keep members informed, strengthen connections within the fire service, and share the stories of the firefighters who proudly serve Pasco County. Whether you’re a firefighter, family member, supporter, or member of the public, The Fire Wire Podcast offers an authentic connection to the people behind the badge.
Host
Pete Arnold
Local 4420 Treasurer
Co-Host
Dixon Phillips
Union President
Produced By
Stephen Stanforth
Communications Director
What We Talk About
Featured Conversation
Mental Health in the Fire Service
In this episode, hosts Pete Arnold and Dixon Phillips sit down with Dr. Brandy Benson, CEO and Chief Psychologist of Tampa Bay Psychology Associates, to talk about mental health and wellness in the fire service.
Dr. Benson is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in First Responder behavioral health and has worked with fire and law enforcement agencies across Florida since 2010. Through Tampa Bay Psychology Associates, she and her team are helping remove barriers to care, create stronger behavioral health programs, and promote resiliency among those who serve.
Together, the conversation explores how her work supports Pasco County Fire Rescue and other departments throughout the Tampa Bay area, the unique challenges firefighters face, and how proactive mental health care can change — and even save — lives.
Guest
Dr. Brandy Benson
Focus
Behavioral health and firefighter wellness
Why It Matters
Removing barriers to care and strengthening resilience
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Stream recent episodes directly from the page and stay connected to the latest conversations from The Fire Wire Podcast.
Meet the Hosts
The Fire Wire Podcast is led by Local 4420 voices committed to honest conversations, strong leadership, and sharing the stories that matter to Pasco County Professional Firefighters.
Host
Pete Arnold
Treasurer – IAFF Local 4420
Bringing fire service perspective, leadership, and real conversation to the show.
Co-Host
Dixon Phillips
President – Pasco County Professional Firefighters
Offering insight on labor, leadership, and the issues impacting firefighters.
Producer
Stephen Stanforth
Communications Director – IAFF Local 4420
Leading production and communications to help share the voice of Local 4420.
Submit a Topic or Guest
Have an idea for a future episode of The Fire Wire Podcast? We’re always looking for meaningful conversations that impact firefighters, public safety professionals, and the communities we serve. Submit a topic suggestion, recommend a guest, or share an issue you think deserves discussion on the show.
Listen Anywhere
The Fire Wire Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Watch or listen wherever you prefer and stay connected with the voices of Pasco County Professional Firefighters.
