Welcome to the Behind the Shield podcast. As always, my name's James Gearing. And this week, it is my

absolute honor to welcome on the show, FDNY Legend, Chief John Norman. Now, as with so many of my guests,

these revered high performers in their space also go to some courageously vulnerable places,

and Chief Norman is no exception.

So we discuss a host of topics from his early childhood and some of the areas that set him up for success,

not only in fire prevention, but ultimately working as a firefighter and FDMI, some of his notable rescues,

an incredible insight into the collapse of the World Trade Center, the inability

to save, his near-death experience after service, transition, mental health, firefighter fitness,

and so much more. Now before he gets this incredible conversation, as I say every week,

please just take a moment,

go to whichever app you listen to this on, subscribe to the show, leave feedback and leave a rating.

Every single five-star rating truly does elevate this podcast, therefore making it easier for

others to find. And this is a free library of almost 800 episodes now.

So all I ask in return is that you help share these incredible men and women stories

so I can get them to every single person on planet Earth who needs to hear them.

So with that being said, I introduce to you Chief John Norman. Enjoy. Well, John, I want to start by saying thank you so much for taking the time and coming on the Behind the Shield podcast today.

My pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me.

So, very first question, where on planet Earth we're finding you this afternoon?

I'm at home. I just drove home from the Adirondacks in upstate New York.

I'm back on Long Island, where we've lived for the last 30 years.

So my first American experience, I was a camp counselor on the camp in the Adirondacks for six summers.

So whereabouts were you in there?

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