The Valor Flight Crew

Welcome to this special joint episode of the Hangar Z Podcast and the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.

In this special episode, Jon Gray of Hangar Z and Blake Shrider and Mike Fadale of the Valor Flight Crew, preview the 2026 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference.

High-quality public safety aviation training doesn’t need a massive price tag. The 2026 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference is heading to Philadelphia Sept. 20 to 23 at the Sheraton Downtown.

ECHO covers the full mission spectrum law enforcement aviation, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search-and-rescue, and aerial firefighting.

This year features over 50 breakout sessions, hands-on workshops like underwater egress and cadaver labs, and a dedicated 16-hour Airborne Tactical Solutions course jointly taught by Clay Lacey and Jack Schonely for aircrews and ground teams.

It’s practical, high-impact training—built by operators, for operators, and delivered at a price point agencies can support.

This conversation breaks down why ECHO stands apart: Operator-built training, real-world relevance, and a rare chance to learn across every mission set under one roof. From law enforcement aviation and search-and-rescue to aerial firefighting, EMS, and tactical operations, ECHO is designed for crews who want practical skills they can use back home.

You’ll discover:
What makes the Clay Lacey and Jack Shonely airborne tactical solutions course such a can't-miss opportunity;
How the breakout sessions expand into law enforcement, SAR, radio ops, human performance, leadership, and more;
Why the Future Flight Crew and Future Flight Leaders programs are becoming a pipeline for the next generation of aviation professionals; and
How FAST and the Safety Team are changing the way the industry supports crew wellness, resilience, and operational safety.

The conversation also covers the social side of ECHO in Philadelphia, including the welcome party, the 5K fundraiser, the down-for-weather bash, and why the city itself is worth an extra day or two. If you've never been to Philly, you'll get a few solid reasons to plan for more than conference hours—and maybe a cheesesteak or two.

Just as important, this episode makes the stakes clear: Public safety aviation is evolving fast, leadership gaps are real, and the industry needs better training, better mentorship, and better ways to take care of its people. ECHO is one of the few places where all of that comes together in a single week.

Essential listening if you're deciding whether to attend, bringing your team, or just want a clear picture of why so many crews call ECHO their favorite conference of the year.

Thank you to our sponsors Global Medical Response Air, Precision Aviation Group and Technisonic Industries.

Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.

Most of us remember what it felt like when we first entered emergency medical services (EMS) or stepped into a flight suit—the excitement, the nerves, and the drive to learn everything we possibly could. But as experience grows and the job becomes familiar, something can quietly begin to change. Confidence can turn into comfort, comfort can become complacency, and the passion that once pushed us forward can start to fade.

In this episode, Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with flight paramedic and motivational content creator Mark Fowler to talk about what it takes to keep that from happening. From discipline and personal accountability to education, team culture, work-life balance, and finding purpose both inside and outside the aircraft, Mark challenges us to stop waiting for motivation and start making deliberate choices about who we want to become.

Because excellence isn't something we achieve once. It's a decision we make every day—to stay curious, remain a student, serve the person in front of us, and continue becoming better than we were yesterday.

So strap in as we take an honest look at complacency, motivation, and what it takes to keep moving forward when the excitement of the job becomes routine.

Thank you to our sponsors Global Medical Response Air, Metro Aviation and Spectrum Aeromed.

Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
 
Today’s public safety aviation leaders face challenges unlike any before. Staffing shortages, aging aircraft, limited resources, and a new generation of clinicians stepping into leadership roles earlier than ever have transformed the profession. Clinical excellence alone is no longer enough — the ability to lead, mentor, and develop others has become just as essential as providing exceptional patient care.
 
In this episode, we sit down with Terence Sheehy, operations deputy chief for Dare County EMS, to explore what it truly means to lead while carrying the weight of responsibility. From overcoming self-doubt and resisting the trap of comparison to building the next generation of leaders through mentorship, education, and intentional development, this conversation is filled with practical insights for anyone who influences others — whether you hold a formal leadership position or simply lead by example.
 
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the courage to keep learning, the humility to ask questions, and the commitment to leave your team stronger than you found it. So buckle in as we explore how today’s leaders can help shape the future of public safety aviation.
Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
 
Today’s public safety aviation leaders face challenges unlike any before. Staffing shortages, aging aircraft, limited resources, and a new generation of clinicians stepping into leadership roles earlier than ever have transformed the profession. Clinical excellence alone is no longer enough — the ability to lead, mentor, and develop others has become just as essential as providing exceptional patient care.
 
In this episode, we sit down with Terence Sheehy, operations deputy chief for Dare County EMS, to explore what it truly means to lead while carrying the weight of responsibility. From overcoming self-doubt and resisting the trap of comparison to building the next generation of leaders through mentorship, education, and intentional development, this conversation is filled with practical insights for anyone who influences others — whether you hold a formal leadership position or simply lead by example.
 
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the courage to keep learning, the humility to ask questions, and the commitment to leave your team stronger than you found it. So buckle in as we explore how today’s leaders can help shape the future of public safety aviation.
Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Spectrum Aeromed and Technisonic Industries.

Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.

In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Bryan Evans, an experienced aviation and emergency medical services (EMS) leader, to explore what truly shapes a resilient safety culture. 

From the subtle drift of normalized deviations to the power of accountability, mindfulness, and open communication, this conversation examines how both organizations and frontline crew members contribute to safer operations.

Bryan shares powerful real-world stories that highlight the impact of transparency, psychological safety, and deliberate leadership. Together, the team discusses practical strategies for reinforcing positive behaviors, identifying cultural blind spots, and bridging the gap between written policies and day-to-day practice.

Safety isn't built by a policy manual, a checklist, or a single leadership decision. It's built every day through the choices we make, the conversations we have, and the standards we're willing to uphold—even when no one is watching. Whether you're a pilot, clinician, mechanic, communicator, or leader, safety culture belongs to all of us. The question isn't whether you influence it—it's how.

So join us and we look at safety from a different perspective and explore what it takes to cultivate a stronger, more resilient culture of safety in HEMS.
Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.