In this episode, Charles McFall sits down with Neil Schoepp, a former NYPD officer turned FDNY firefighter with 24 years of combined service. Neil shares his journey from law enforcement to the fire service, the mental shift that came with the transition, and how that ultimately led him into real estate, coaching, and mindset training. The conversation digs into the power of visualization, breaking hesitation, and rewiring negative self-talk through Neil’s AIR method—Awareness, Interrupt, Replace. Neil explains how survival-driven thinking shapes our default negativity, why proximity to the right people matters, and how reframing our thoughts can change our lives both in and out of uniform.

• From Police to Fire: Neil’s path from the NYPD to FDNY and how the change shifted both public perception and his personal mindset.

• Mindset as the Master Key: The discovery that mindset—especially interrupting negative thought loops—affects every decision and outcome.

• The AIR Method: Awareness of thoughts, interrupting unhelpful patterns, and replacing them with empowering beliefs.

• Hesitation Kills: A rooftop fire rescue story showing how quick, committed action can be the difference between control and catastrophe.

• Triple F Filter: Focus, Feelings, Facts—a practical tool to challenge limiting beliefs.

• Choosing Response Over Reaction: How reframing events preserves energy and control in daily life.

"Mindset is the one domino that knocks everything else over. Once you control your thinking, you control your life."

Learn more about Neil Schoepp’s coaching, mindset tools, and speaking engagements by following him on Instagram @neilschoepp or visiting his website at neilschoepp.com.
Support EMS advocacy, career development, and the mission to build a stronger profession at oneems.com—because when we change our thinking, we change the future of EMS.

On June 29, a horrific act shook the first responder community: two battalion chiefs were deliberately ambushed and killed in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with a third critically injured. This wasn’t just a tragedy—it was a targeted attack on public safety. In this emotional, urgent conversation, Charles McFall (One EMS) and David Alemian (David Alemian Show) break down what happened, why it matters, and how America must respond.

Topics Covered:

The timeline and tactics of the Coeur d’Alene ambush

Why this marks a disturbing shift in violence against first responders

The emotional and financial devastation facing families left behind

Why medals and half-staff flags aren’t enough

The urgent need for national protections, benefits, and recognition for EMS, fire, and police

Mental health impacts and suicide risks after events like this

What YOU can do to support public safety today

“This was not a freak accident. It was a calculated execution. And we are not doing enough.”

Whether you're a civilian, a first responder, or a policymaker, this discussion will leave you thinking—and hopefully acting.

Search Tags: firefighter ambush 2024, Coeur d’Alene tragedy, first responder attack, EMS podcast, firefighter memorial, David Alemian podcast, One EMS show, public safety reform, firefighter support, EMS crisis, public safety suicide, 988, mental health first responders

Resources Mentioned:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Blue HELP

Code Green Campaign

One EMS Charity

David Alemian's Programs

❤️ If you care about the people who run into danger when others run away, this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode of One EMS, host Charles McFall sits down with David Alemian to explore a revolutionary approach to financial security for EMTs, paramedics, and other public safety professionals. David shares how his 30+ years in the insurance and retirement planning industry led him to develop a sustainable retirement plan tailored specifically for EMS and first responders—one that requires no employee contributions and fully reimburses employers.

Together, they discuss the financial struggles of EMS workers, the impact of lifestyle inflation, and why traditional retirement systems often fail those in public service. From building futures for 17-year-old recruits to protecting veteran paramedics and volunteers, this interview is a must-watch for anyone invested in the future of emergency services.

🔗 Learn more or connect with David at www.davidalemian.com