Fit To Fight Fire: Recent Episodes
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Julian Serrano is a firefighter with Palm Beach County (FL) Fire Rescue. He founded Prepared To Fight Fire and is a Florida Smoke Diver.We discuss mentorship, mindset, and the Leadville 100 Ultramarathon.
What makes a good instructor, coach, mentor, or teacher? It starts with leading out front.Matt Chan is back to discuss his new role as a fire academy instructor.
Drunk in command, puma rescues, and dick weights…that’s what’s currently going on in public safety news!
Kate Stalowy and Cherie Chan join us to talk about relationships and marriage.We discuss what it’s like to be married to a firefighter, including the challenges of the schedule and the stresses that result from some of the things we experience on the job.
Matt Jones played professional baseball for seven years, spending time as a catcher in the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, and Angels organizations. He played as high as AAA and retired in 2021. Matt now owns and operates One6 Performance – a training facility out of Colorado – that is focused on the development of youth, high school, and college level athletes. We discuss coaching, camaraderie, entrepreneurial mindset, and his path to success.
Jason McCarthy founded GoRuck with the purpose of not only bridging the gap between civilian and military life, but also to provide a community centered around fitness and high standards.GoRuck is also hosting the Sandlot Jax fitness festival in April in Jacksonville, Florida. Find out more here.
Joe Falcone is a Captain with Delray Beach (FL) Fire Rescue. He competes in various ultra races every year and we talk about the benefits of competing, and also the challenges of having to balance marriage and family with competition.We also discuss aspects of the fire service such as peer support, retention and morale, and working out on duty.
Matt and Cherie Chan join us to talk about all things personal and professional, including fitness, business, firefighting, and marriage.Matt is a firefighter with North Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and he and Cherie are the faces of TrainFTW.
Whether you are an athlete, a parent, an entrepreneur, or a leader in any realm, you must have passion in order to be successful. Passion is a trait that is found universally across all industries, and with passion, not much else can distract us from achieving our goals. By embracing the daily grind, regular competition, and continual career growth, a winning mindset is developed. But in the end, it’s you vs. you.
“Everybody wants to eat, but few will hunt.”Drew Beech and Joey Bowen are the founders of Few Will Hunt, an apparel company founded on the dignity of hard work. We talk about their Philly roots, how they got their start in 2017, and where they are now.
Do you look to phone it in when you aren’t feeling 100% or when things aren’t going your way? Is what is standing in your way just an excuse? Winners don’t care about excuses. They just keep forging ahead, even when it’s uphill and wind in their faces.
What does it mean to provide for your family? How does a victim mindset prevent people from reaching their goals?We discuss these topics as well as mentoring, role models, blue collar lifestyles, and other things that go into being a man.
Jess d’Arbonne is a managing editor of The Motley Fool and co-host of Bitches Get Riches, a blog and podcast dedicated to helping others with financial planning and money-based decisions. From student loan debt to credit scores to savings accounts to real estate, we talk about it all.
Do you define success based solely on the outcome? Will you only be successful once you reach the finish line?Success can be found in both the wins and losses, depending on our approach and perspective.Visit THE STANDARD to find out more about our mission.
If we want to take charge of our lives or careers, one of the highest priorities we must have is a healthy diet and lifestyle. Accountability starts with honest conversations about where we are at right now and where we want to go.
Michael Easter is a leading voice on how humans can integrate modern science and evolutionary wisdom for improved health, meaning, and performance in life and at work. He is the author of The Comfort Crisis, a bestseller. He is a professor in the journalism department at UNLV and he’s talked about his work on the world’s largest, most influential podcasts, like The Joe Rogan Experience and Art of Manliness.We talk about his book, his travels to remote areas of Alaska, social media’s influence on the current generation, and his unique path through discomfort to make his own life better.
Lee Vidal and Paco Ciocarlan are firefighters with East Metro Fire Rescue and compete in the firefighter combat challenge with the A-Town Combat Team. Last week, the team placed 1st at Nationals. They will be competing at the World Combat Challenge Championships in Florida next month.We talk about competition and the benefits of physical challenge, and how the clock is both loved and hated for being the most objective measurement of performance. There is also a little discussion on participation trophies and tough conversations with kids about getting better and not blaming teammates or coaches.This episode is sponsored by Shur-Sales and Marketing, Inc.
Our podcast name has changed, but our standards are still the same.So what is The Standard? Listen and find out.
Episode 074 – Aaron Foster has been a firefighter for 22 years, with the last 17 years being in Washington D.C. He’s been investing in real estate for 16 years and owns a small woodworking company based in College Park (MD). Aaron has completed dozens of real estate deals that range from tax liens and new builds to flips and rentals across Maryland, West Virginia, and D.C. Metro. He has spent 2021 re-evaluating and restructuring his portfolio, utilizing 1031 Exchanges to increase profit and portfolio size. We discuss a wide range of real estate topics including house hacking, short-term rentals, and government sponsored purchasing programs. We also discuss how financial stability outside of the fire department helps with doing the right thing while on shift.FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Episode 073 – Garrett Rice is a Battalion Chief with The Colony (TX) Fire Department, and he is a chief that knows how to say yes. He is also the founder of Fire Craft Training.We talk about morale and retention and their correlation to a department’s ability to remain focused on the true mission of the fire service. We also discuss his daily approach as a company officer and chief officer, and how a training mindset can ruffle co-workers’ feathers at times.FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Wednesday Burn 023 – Jen Piper wrote a letter to the fire service late last year which detailed her frustrations with the overall fitness level of our profession. We published her letter as part of Burn Episode 016.We talk to her about why she wrote the letter and possible solutions to her and many others’ frustrations with deconditioned firefighters. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Episode 072 – Robert Lobascio is a leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in building and driving sales organizations to achieve and exceed challenging revenue objectives. Robert was also a contributor to our latest book, The Backstep.We talk about the superior/subordinate relationship and how to best navigate different styles of leadership. We also touch on DiSC behavioral styles and how they play their part in the workplace.FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Wednesday Burn 022 – You just went and recharged your batteries at a regional fire conference or a hands-on-training class. Now it’s back to reality at your own department or firehouse where others don’t share the same level of passion. So how do you bring your knowledge and energy back and spread it effectively?FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Wednesday Burn 021 – The traditional riding position of the formal fire service leader is in the right front seat, but what if you could lead from any position? We believe you can. We discuss our new book, The Backstep, and why a back seat leader is necessary for any crew to perform at a high level.
Episode 071 – Dr. Craig Wetterer is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in several different practice settings that include correctional facilities, a police and public safety practice, neuropsychological and forensic assessment clinics, and a maximum security forensic psychiatric hospital, where he currently conducts forensic psychological assessments for the State of Nevada. We discuss coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety, and how breathing and fitness can enhance performance and create more resilience. We also talk about the process of finding the right therapist when needed in our line of work.Craig earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA in 2015, and an MA (2001) and BA (1996) from California State University – Sacramento. His clinical training emphasized neuropsychological and forensic assessment, and interventions that treat acute stress, trauma, and PTSD. Prior to his career transition into clinical psychology, Dr. Wetterer spent 28 years in law enforcement as a police officer, most recently employed by the Sacramento Police Department.
Episode 070 – Jeff Rothmeier is currently a firefighter with Milwaukee FD after spending over a decade with St. Paul FD. He is also a contributing author of Fire Engineering and Fire Rescue magazines and the founder of Maneuver Fire Response. Jeff talks about transitioning to firefighting after military service, why he left one fire department for another, and lessons he has learned regarding leadership and expectations in and around the fire service.This episode of FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Elevated Safety.
Wednesday Burn 020 – There will always be apathy in the fire service, but how do you overcome this and make change for the better? Where do you start?
Episode 069 – This is a story about a firefighter that went to work one day with only two children, but came home with four. Richard Jett takes us through the night of October 24, 2017, when one call changed his life. Richard serves as a Master Firefighter with Lenexa (KS) Fire Department. He has been in the fire service for eight years, with the last four being with LFD. He and his wife have been blessed with four amazing children and his allegiance to Jesus is top priority as it drives him in his work in the fire service and helps him remain responsible to his family. He holds multiple certifications in Tech Rescue and a Master’s Degree in Theology.FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Wednesday Burn 019 – If we want to be professionals, we have to be relentless in our training as tactical athletes. At times that may mean training through pain. What happens if you get hurt on the fire ground, will you just quit?Audio played in this episode from the book “Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable” by Tim S. Grover.
Episode 068 – The final part of our three-part episode series featuring ‘Senior Man’ Cody McGinnis with East Metro Fire Rescue. We talk about why people leave departments now but not so much two to three decades ago, and the importance of standing up for yourself, your crew or your partner when the line gets crossed. We also discuss how building close relationships with those at your fire house are crucial to trusting one another. Listen to the first two episodes by following these links below: Episode 057 – The Senior Man Part I Episode 066 – The Senior Man Part II
FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Wednesday Burn 018 – Turnover within a fire department is a result of a corporate-like culture. Corporations that have a continuous revolving door of employees are focused on the bottom dollar and simply looking good, not being good. But to actually be good means that your actions and decisions are based on not only what your customers want, but more importantly what they expect.So what do the citizens in our communities really want? Are we giving them what they expect?###### Photo Credit: Scott Thompson (The Colony Fire Department)
Episode 067 – We begin this episode by discussing faith and religion and their unique applications to each individual in society. We talk about purpose, and also about stereotyping and the views surrounding it both then and now. John holds a PhD in Theology, Philosophy, and Cultural Theory from the University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology Joint Doctoral Program. He enjoys discussing big ideas in and out of the classroom. In addition to adjunct teaching, John is a Grants Officer for the National Park Service.
This episode of FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Elevated Safety.
Episode 066 – Cody McGinnis is back on the show to talk about a probationary firefighter’s first day and how it can go one of two ways. We also talk about creating a station culture that is welcoming to firefighters of all skill levels, and the importance of developing trust and relationships within a crew.Cody is a Fire Medic with East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and currently rides backwards on a Ladder Company. He is also the man behind the Mile High Firefighter’s Conference.Stay tuned for Part III coming in March 2021. Click here for Part I.FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Episode 065 – Jim Moss is the author of Firefighter Success and Firefighter Functional Fitness, and was also a guest on Episode 004 of our podcast. He interviews John Spera on his Firefighter Success Podcast (Episode 006) and they discuss John’s recent decision to join South Metro Fire Rescue (CO) and be the new guy once again. Jim also asks John about how to begin a lifestyle change when it comes to starting a new fitness routine. Check out the full interview with John on FirefighterSuccessPodcast.com.FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Wednesday Burn 017 – Listen to some highlights from Brothers In Battle’s GRABS Podcast (Episode 46) with Nick Ledin, who interviews FTFF’s Tom Johnson. Click here to listen to the full episode.FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Wednesday Burn 016 – Sometimes perspective can change everything. Do we as firefighters realize our responsibility when we step on a fire truck? Is our purpose only centered around our own comforts and routines? One firefighter’s wife has issues with the current state of a large portion of the fire service, and she’s not alone. Download the letter here.
FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Episode 064 – Sir Winston Churchill once said, “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” We discuss a recent victim rescue at East Metro Fire Rescue and whether it constitutes as a ‘finest hour’ moment or just living up to the oath. Dan DeJesus, Jack Thompson, and Hunter Hackbarth join us for a roundtable talk.
FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Episode 063 – Ben Adams is a man who knows how to get back up after being knocked down. He was left to pick up the pieces and be the sole provider and caretaker of his children after his wife filed for divorce. He is also no stranger to persevering through hard times, as he lost his father to suicide when he was a freshman in high school. But through times like these, he has found a way to redefine himself. Ben says it’s all about perspective and avoiding a victim mindset.
FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.
Episode 062 – Ross Chapman has 17 years in the fire service and 13 of these as a career firefighter. He is a Lieutenant with the Arlington Heights (IL) Fire Department and is assigned to Tower 1. He is a member of the MABAS Division 1 Technical Rescue Team, a Rescue Squad Officer with Illinois Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1, and is a certified Urban Search and Rescue Specialist through the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). He is the Co-Managing Director of Elevated Safety, a company specializing in rope rescue, rope access and confined space projects and training.We talk about his beginnings in the fire service and with Elevated Safety. He also tells us how he has navigated his new roles as a Lieutenant, a business owner, and a father. Ross has written articles featured in Fire Engineering and Facilities Safety Magazine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University. He is also a 5x Ironman finisher and ultra-marathoner.
Wednesday Burn 015 – In another clip from the Mind Over Matter podcast, we discuss what elements contribute to forming a well-rounded firefighter. It should be no surprise that physical fitness is discussed, but there is certainly more needed in order to be great on the fire ground.
Episode 061 – Aaron Oatley is a Battalion Chief with Boca Raton (FL) Fire Rescue. In 2007, Aaron’s 6-year-old daughter passed away as a victim of a murder-suicide.Recovering from such a devastating loss seems insurmountable, but Aaron lives every day forward making his daughter proud. This is a story of a father and daughter who have been taken from each other, but are still together in their hearts.
Wednesday Burn 014 – We went on the Mind Over Matter Podcast with Jimmy Gross a few weeks back and discussed how to deal with becoming a target within your own department or within the fire service. And we also revealed the “shortcut” to creating buy-in with others.
Episode 060 – We welcome back Frank Viscuso to our podcast for a second episode. He first appeared on our show in 2017 (Episode 003).This time, we discuss the hurdles when promoting change within your own organization, and how credibility plays a major role in whether or not that change is achieved. We also talk about the benefits and pitfalls of social media within the fire service.Frank is a retired Deputy Chief who spent 26 years with Kearny (NJ) Fire Department. He is a columnist for Fire Engineering and Fire Rescue magazines and the author of several books, including Step Up and Lead, Step Up Your Teamwork, and Common Valor.
Wednesday Burn 013 – Imagine the possibilities when you don’t fear stepping outside the comfort zone in training. You may surprise yourself, or better yet you may open the door for others to do the same.
Episode 058 – At the 2020 Firemanship Conference in February, Fit To Fight Fire took part in instructing a 24 hour H.O.T. class (Developing High Performance).Our goal as a cadre was to not only lead the class, but also experience it ourselves. We believe that you can’t tell someone to do something that you aren’t doing yourself. This is especially true in settings like a training academy or a 24 hour class designed to build resiliency and mental toughness.Tom Johnson, Craig Stalowy, Ryan Nelson, Hunter Hackbarth, Ben Norwood and Jonathan Cox discuss the class as well as some of our own life experiences that have given us the gift of suffering.
Wednesday Burn 012 – FTFF’s Craig Stalowy was a deconditioned firefighter in 2005, and he had a decision to make: continue on the path of being overweight with an inability to live up to the oath, or make a lifestyle change and never look back.This burn episode is a short clip from our “Mindset” lecture. The full 90 minute lecture can be accessed here.
Wednesday Burn 011 – On June 9, 2019, Todd Mahoney competed in the Madison Ironman 70.3. During the swim portion, he was found unresponsive in the water and passed away two days later. Todd is survived by his wife and three sons.Eric DeMaria is a Lieutenant in the Denver Metro Area and has competed in multiple Ironman races over the last two decades. He joins us to talk about his efforts to raise money for Todd’s family following his untimely death. Eric is challenging every fire station across the country to donate $100 in Todd’s honor. You can donate by clicking here.
Episode 057 – Cody McGinnis and Nick Fox are both firefighters with East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and epitomize the ‘senior man’ in the firehouse. Cody, with the help of Nick, has created the Mile High Firefighter’s Conference, which has been responsible for bringing quality training to the Rocky Mountain region since 2017. In this episode, we talk about mentoring from the back seat and why they both have made conscious decisions not to promote at this point in their careers. We also discuss how position does not guarantee respect, what defines the most valuable firefighter, and how to deal with officers that are roadblocks when it comes to training.Stay tuned for Senior Man Part II & Part III, which will be released early 2021.
Episode 056 – Brad Miller is a Battalion Chief with Chandler (AZ) Fire Department and has been a career firefighter for over 29 years. His son, Jordon, has also been with CFD for 9 years. They talk about the dynamics of their relationship now that they are in the same profession and Brad discusses his decision to voluntarily demote from Assistant Chief to Battalion Chief so he could return to working with those on the line. We also talk about how trust is built within a fire company, and what traits we look for in others to start building that trust.
Episode 055 – On August 20, 2018, Officer Cory Sack of the Cherry Hills Village Police Department responded to a home invasion where he was shot multiple times. Six surgeries and sixteen months later, Cory has returned to the line. Cory takes us through the night of the shooting and also his life and career since he first became an officer in 2005. He credits his physical health at the time of the shooting as well as the willingness to seek help from mental health professionals as the keys to his recovery.If you want to donate toward the recovery costs for Cory and his family, visit the GoFundMe page.
Episode 054 -In Part 2 of our episode series featuring generational firefighters, Bill (27 years) and Ben (3 years) of East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue talk about the need for competition and camaraderie, and the role these have played in their relationship. The two discuss humility, the importance of surrounding themselves with better people, and how our thought processes regarding preparation are affected when we have a family.
Wednesday Burn 010 – Craig Stalowy and Jonathan Brumley talk about “God’s Plan” and how it intertwines with the difficult calls that we respond to every day.Listen to more of Jonathan Brumley on Episode 053.
Episode 053 – How do you decide when the organization you work for is the right fit? When do you decide it is time to move on? What is the secret to staying positive and enjoying our time at the firehouse? We answer these questions and also discuss the need to have difficult conversations that confront mediocrity.Jonathan Brumley is currently a probationary firefighter with Denver (CO) Fire Department. Beginning in 2009, his experience has spanned three states as both a paid and volunteer firefighter. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree along with various fire service certifications. He has had works published in Fire Engineering, authored The Fire Fight blog, serves as an adjunct fire instructor with Fire by Trade, and will be instructing at FDIC 2020.
Wednesday Burn 009 – When leaving the firehouse after shift, turning the switch off can be difficult in our line of work. Our identity has to be more than firefighting, as other areas of our lives must help define us, such as family and hobbies. In the end, it comes down to balance.
Episode 052 (Part 2) – In the second of a two part episode, we talk about work/life balance and the challenges that come with managing our own personal and professional goals with the needs and wants of the family. We also discuss the non-negotiable qualities we require for those that are a part of our inner circle, and the importance of having an inner circle that promotes a growth mindset.As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another.Proverbs 27:17
Episode 052 Xtra – Do we get better at rebounding from negative events as we mature? Do we have a healthier response to adversity when we are older? Ben Norwood talks about how he perceives struggle, and how that perception has enabled him to approach challenges in life much differently than years ago.
Episode 052 (Part 1) – In the first of a two part episode, the FTFF crew discusses mindset with guest Ben Norwood. Ben graduated the EMFR academy in 2015 at the same time he lost his mother to cancer and his wife asked for a divorce, all while raising four children. To graduate at the top of his class with all these external stressors says something about the overall quality of his mindset.Stay tuned for Part 2 in a few weeks where we discuss ‘inner circle’ and the importance of surrounding yourself with others that challenge you and hold you accountable. And coming this Fall, FTFF will be releasing our book titled ‘Mindset’ that will be available on Amazon in both paperback and e-book.mindset (noun)
/ˈmīn(d)set/
1. The established set of attitudes held by someone
Episode 051 – Juliet Draper has been in the fire service for 29 years, and is currently a Training Captain with Colorado Springs Fire Department. Throughout her career, she has put an emphasis on fitness, evidenced by earning a sub-2 minute Combat Challenge time. And she still holds the World Record at 1 minute 48 seconds.She has persevered through struggles in adolescence to later enlist in the Army, and then found her home at CSFD. She talks about never taking herself too seriously, leading by example, and gives advice for navigating uncomfortable situations.
Episode 050 – Sam & Chris Adams are both firefighters/paramedics with Colorado Springs Fire Dept. and the authors of Life & Death Matters. We spend our time on this episode talking about mentoring, and what character traits make a good mentor. So you’ve invested in your new firefighter and you are committed to his/her success, but at what point do you have to move on when there is no progress? What are the end goals of mentoring another firefighter or paramedic? And does an effective mentor allow for failure?
Episode 049 – In Part 1 of our 2-part episode series featuring generational firefighters, we talk with Pat & Dave McGrail, who have nearly eight decades of combined experience in the fire service.Before Dave McGrail, there was Dave’s father, Pat. He retired from the Denver Fire Department in 1997 after nearly 42 years of service, ultimately holding the rank of Operations Division Chief.We talk to them about the fire service in the 1950s compared to today, as well as the evolution of their father/son relationship as a whole over the years.Stay tuned for Part 2 of Fire Service Generations, which will be released this Winter.
Episode 048 – Bill Kraus has 27 years with East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and currently holds the rank of Battalion Chief. He rose through the ranks of Firefighter, Paramedic, Lieutenant, and Captain, holding spots on engine and truck companies, the Training Division, as well as HazMat and Technical Rescue Teams. He will be instructing with Bob Pressler and Jim McCormack in September at the Mile High Fire Conference.We discuss his travels to Delaware where he volunteers to ride backwards, and how he keeps his passion for the fire service as a Chief. We also talk about leading up and down, addressing the minimum standard firefighter, and the value of aggressive fire attack coupled with vertical ventilation.
Episode 047 – Are you struggling to get hands-on training at your department? Are you blaming officers or others around you for the lack of training? Well it’s time to move on from the excuses and just get it done – even if it means you are all alone on the training ground. And if you need some encouragement, then listen to our conversation with Adam Maiers.Adam has 14 years of service split between departments in Colorado and Wyoming. He is currently a career firefighter with Casper (WY) Fire Department. Adam is the man behind the Engine Zero movement and instructs regularly with Mission First/Brothers In Battle.
Episode 046 – Bryan Lynch is a Lieutenant with Colorado Springs Fire Department. Bryan has been a lead instructor for his department’s annual Truck Academy and developed his department’s Ground Ladder and Ventilation Programs. Bryan is also the co-founder of Irons and Ladders LLC.We talk about ‘senior man’ responsibilities when it comes to training new members in the fire service, and how there can be huge value in failing in front of your peers (with sufficient preparation of course). Bryan also gives advice on how to train when your department’s culture doesn’t support it, and why setting expectations with your crew is of the utmost importance.
Wednesday Burn 008 – McCall (ID) Fire Rescue Medic 54 & Engine 11 bring us their account of rescuing a victim buried in the rubble following a house explosion on March 17, 2019. Firefighter Jon Metz and Firefighter Jason Beck were first on scene and immediately went into rescue mode. Their efforts were supported by Captain Jake Class and Engineer Matt McMahan of Engine 11. “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” ― Sir Winston Churchill
Episode 045 – Ben Shultz is a firefighter/paramedic with West Palm Beach Fire Rescue. His 15-year career has taken him from southern California to Colorado to Florida, from rural to suburban to urban districts. He has split his time riding the truck, engine, heavy rescue, squad, and medic. Ben has been an instructor with Irons & Ladders and When Things Go Bad, and currently teaches with Fire By Trade. His teaching opportunities have taken him to the Fire Nuggets Boise Firefighters Symposium, Mile High Firefighters Conference, FDIC, Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo, Orlando Fire Conference, Metro Atlanta Fire Fighter Conference, and Portland Firemanship Conference.We talk about Ben’s “Every Second Counts” lecture and how he parallels the fire service to climbing and alpinism. Time is the enemy on the fire ground and Ben details how he reduces his time through basic skills improvement and by separating from the rig.
Episode 044 – Jim Hensel is an author, speaker, teacher, and coach. He has served in multiple roles throughout his career including Director of Football Culture and Player Development at the University of Northern Colorado and Tennessee Technological University. He has dedicated his career to helping others define themselves and create personal philosophy, vision, and purpose. In partnership with Rich Froning and Crossfit Mayhem, Jim is a co-host on the Froning and Friends podcast and coaches individuals and organizations across the world through the Mayhem Mindset process. Jim is an avid Crossfit enthusiast and has a CrossFit Level 1 certification. Before you listen to this episode, we challenge you to ask yourself these three questions:Who are you?What do you believe?Where are you going?Can you answer these questions in under 30 seconds? Can you articulate your thoughts and beliefs into words that guide your decisions and actions? Are you ready for life’s challenges, or better yet, are you prepared?“In The Biggest Moments Of Opportunity In Your Life Or In Your Darkest Hour, Will You Be Enough? Can You Count On Yourself, And Can Others Count On You? If Everything You Rely On Was Taken From You, And You Had To Stand Alone In Front Of The World And Define Yourself, What Would You Say?”
“243 First Responders Commit Suicide Last Year; More Than Died In The Line Of Duty”In 2017, 21 more first responders died by their own hands than those who died in the line of duty.Let that sink in.Adam Woodin shares his struggle with alcoholism, his own thoughts of suicide, and how he got himself out of a dark place and into a purpose driven life. Adam is a Lieutenant with East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and has been a firefighter for over 12 years, spending two of those years at the Training Academy. If you would like to contact him, you can email him at awoodin4@hotmail.com.
Wednesday Burn 007 – Does a sub 2 minute Combat time predict with certainty a good performance on the fire ground? Do the fastest times on the day’s WOD transfer over to the fastest times on the fire ground? We burn with Zac Varela (Episode 18) about not over-valuing the clock in training, and getting away from the comfort of rehearsed training. Time is important, but performance must be measured with a combination of time and the ability to respond effectively to the unknowns.
Episode 042 – Howard Rinewalt is the Fire Chief of East Montgomery County (TX) Fire Department and Owner of FD Tactics, a Texas based fire training company, which conducts engine and truck company H.O.T. classes as well as a classroom lecture titled “When Seconds Count – We Count Seconds.” He has 15 years with EMCFD and has held every rank from Volunteer to his current position as Fire Chief. Chief Rinewalt discusses the safety campaign, living up to the oath, and why seconds count. He has implemented a physical fitness test that is holding his department’s firefighters accountable throughout their careers, and has changed the way EMCFD conducts promotional exams as they now include a physical fitness portion, as well as a fire-based education evaluation. We also talk about fire service mentors, and the advantages and pitfalls of social media.
Episode 041 – Dave Hageman is a Captain with the Denver (CO) Fire Department. He is a West Point graduate, former Army Captain, and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds a Systems Engineering degree from West Point, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University, and is currently conducting research as a Ph.D. student in Performance Psychology. He has served as a strength and conditioning coach at West Point, the Olympic Training Center, Cutthroat Athletics, and now at the local high school. He is married, has 5 children, and lives in the Denver area.Dave gives us insight and lessons learned from being a member of a wide range of teams, whether it’s the military, sports, or the fire service. We talk about the determining factors of investing in team members as the leader or coach, why he chose the fire service over law enforcement, and how self-fulfillment and a purpose-driven life are born out of hard work.
Episode 040 – Fit To Fight Fire Podcast meets Refined By Fire Podcast. Stephen Tyler is the host of Refined By Fire, and is a member of Brothers in Battle. He is a backstep firefighter with Eagle (ID) Fire Department. In this episode, the hosts of each podcast interview each other on topics such as the genesis of FTFF, Stephen’s loss of a sibling during his youth, FTFF’s stance on running on the fire ground, 2019 Goals, and much more.
Episode 039 – Gary Lane is a fireman in Northeast Ohio, and has just over two decades of experience. He regularly instructs nationwide and will be at the Firemanship Conference in Portland in February 2019. With humility and humor, Gary takes us through his path in the fire service and how he handles the high and low seasons of the career. We touch on the The Book of Andy (Fredericks), which Gary compiled and made available to all of us, and discuss his involvement with Mission First Concepts and Fire Service Warrior.
Episode 038 – Dave LeBlanc is a Deputy Chief with the Harwich (MA) Fire Department. Dave entered the fire service in 1986 as a Call Firefighter with the Dennis Fire Department, and joined HFD in 1993. He writes regularly for Firefighter Nation and much of his material can also be found on Backstep Firefighter. We discuss the differing mindsets within the fire service of who really comes first on the fire ground, and how the topic of safety has come to the forefront over the past few decades. We also talk about the importance of senior mentors and the influence they have on the next generation of firefighters. Check out a few of his recent articles that he authored with Kelly Lemmons: “Dear Probie” & “The Quiet Professional“
Wednesday Burn 006 – The wrong way to safety is through inaction and risk avoidance. The right way to safety is through work, and work leads to competence. Enough with the Safety Campaign – we propose the Competence Campaign.
Episode 037 – Matt Chan is a firefighter for North Metro Fire Rescue in suburban Denver, Colorado. His career path is unique in that he temporarily gave up his career as a firefighter to pursue Crossfit at the professional level. He finished 2nd at the 2012 Crossfit Games, and has four Top-10 finishes at the Crossfit Games during his career. After 5 years of competing, he decided to go through the hiring process again for North Metro, and is now continuing on with his fire service career. We discuss the benefits of high intensity physical training, and how knowing your body and your pace will help you on the fire ground. We talk about the perception of failure and the benefits of pushing yourself, whether it’s for a 2nd place finish at the Crossfit Games, or on the training ground. Matt also takes us through the adversity he experienced due to a bike accident in 2014, where he crushed a branch of his femoral artery. Doctors initially feared he would lose his leg, but he ended up making a full recovery. Matt credits this comeback to setting many short-term goals, and staying disciplined on a daily basis. Check out Matt’s physical training program designed specifically for firefighters: Train For The Win – Thrive. You can try it for 30 days at no cost.
Episode 036 – You were first introduced to Craig Stalowy on Episode 032 (the “Planned Parenthood” episode), but this time we discuss investing in the fire service, what responsibilities the senior man really has when it comes to teaching and mentoring, and the positive effects that an energetic training environment has on a fire company’s station life and morale. We also talk about how we instinctively ‘buy in’ to the messenger more than the message itself, as it’s about the actions from leaders – not their words. Craig Stalowy is a Fire Medic with East Metro Fire Rescue, and spent prior time as a career firefighter in suburban Chicago (IL) and Colorado Springs (CO). He instructs regularly with Fit To Fight Fire at regional and national conferences, is a Rope Technician with Elevated Safety, and is the founder of Mile High Fire Training.
Episode 035 – Chief Dennis Reilly is a 44-year fire service veteran, and is currently the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Davis (CA). He is a retired Battalion Chief from Cherry Hill Fire Department (NJ) and also spent more than six years as the Fire Chief of Sunrise Beach FPD (MO). In addition to his fire service career, Chief Reilly is a US Army veteran, spending over six years on active duty. He was assigned as a combat medic with the 83rd Airborne Division, a flight medic with over 500 hours of flight time, and as a combat medic with the 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment and was deployed during the first Gulf War. Chief Reilly discusses leading by example, and how the message a leader brings to the group has more to do with the the leader’s personal and professional character, rather than the actual message itself. He points out that great organzations talk about fire, and don’t hide from it, and they become great because they seek out people who are focused on the mission rather than themselves.
Episode 034 – Chris Sleigher has served the Mesa (AZ) Fire and Medical Department for 20 years and is currently the Captain on Engine 210. Chris is a board member for FireNuggets.com, President of the F.O.O.L.S chapter in Arizona, and assists with Fire Training Toolbox. He also instructs regularly at various regional conferences with Fire By Trade. We sat down during our time at the Backstep Firemanship Symposium in September 2018 and discussed his investment in the fire service and how he leads new firefighters. We talk about brotherhood and what it really means, and how important it is for leaders, including chiefs, to be seen working and not just talking.
Episode 033 – How do you retain firefighters you hire and train? Chief Scott Thompson of The Colony (TX) Fire Department says he accomplishes it through a culture centered around training, and “letting firemen be firemen.” He discusses how his members “want” to train, instead of “having” to train. The Colony Fire Department has not had a member leave voluntarily over the past 1o years, and Chief Thompson attributes that to the buy-in and ownership created by all levels of leadership in the organization. His book, The Functional Fire Company: Positioning Small Groups for Success & Survival, will be released Fall 2018.
Episode 032 – On November 27, 2015, a mass shooting occurred in a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to nine. A police officer and two civilians were killed; five police officers and four civilians were injured. Craig Stalowy responded as a SWAT medic with Colorado Springs Fire Department and details his experience that day, and the lasting effects it has had on him as a first responder.
Episode 031 – JP Dinnell is a former U.S. Navy SEAL and now a leadership instructor and speaker with Echelon Front. He spent nearly a decade in the SEAL Teams with three combat deployments. In Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006, with SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser, JP served as point man, machine gunner, and lead sniper for Delta Platoon opposite the American Sniper, Chris Kyle, in Charlie Platoon. He worked closely with SEAL Officers Jocko Willink, his Task Unit Commander, and Leif Babin, and was the driving force on many of the daring combat operations Jocko and Leif wrote about in Extreme Ownership. Upon his return, JP again worked directly for Jocko as a training instructor at Naval Special Warfare Group One Training Detachment, where he orchestrated realistic and challenging special operations urban combat and close quarters combat training to better prepare SEAL units for the real-world battlefield. JP gives his insight on the need for realisitic training in the military and the fire service, how he found his purpose in life, and why the individual’s and the team’s daily actions have to support the overall mission. This episode is guest hosted with Craig Stalowy of Mile High Fire Training.
Episode 030 – James Johnson has been with Vancouver (BC) Fire Rescue Services for 8 years, and travels throughout Canada and the U.S. to speak on building construction, in addition to hosting multiple podcast episodes on Fire Engineering’s Blog Talk Radio. We have a great discussion on the current generational differences in the fire service, and our own experiences with the millennial generation. James also takes us through his life journey including childhood, previous training as a journeyman carpenter, and now as a fireman. Among his many commitments, James can be found teaching at FDIC and the Firemanship Conference in Portland (OR).
Wednesday Burn 005 – Lost in a warehouse with zero visibility. Five hundred pound bales of cotton collapsing on you. Your partner runs out of air – then you run out of air. This is the experience of Lt. Phillip Grandon of Lubbock Fire Rescue who, with the help of a prepared RIT on the outside, was able to survive a MAYDAY event in February 2018. He describes what was going through his head when he thought he may die inside this warehouse, but tells us how he countered those negative thoughts by reverting to his physical and mental training.
By Tom Johnson
So there I am sitting at an awards banquet for my daughter’s summer swim team. Each child, anywhere from 5 to 8 years old, is called up and the coach recognizes him/her for work ethic and accomplishments. These accomplishments, or progress if you will, can be as simple as just getting in the pool, or swimming the first full length without using the wall, or learning a difficult stroke such as the butterfly. But inevitably, as the season winds down, progress is measured with a stopwatch, and each child is recognized for how much he/she improved in regards to time. Whether or not you qualify for league or state competitions depends solely on the clock. No matter how much you talk yourself up, or how well you performed in prior seasons, the clock reveals the quality of performance in the present day.
The example above can be easily related to a fire academy. You learn to don your gear and SCBA, and you learn how to throw ladders and deploy hose, among other basic skills. But that initial and methodical performance of a skill will never yield true success on the fire ground, at least not from a professional standpoint. If you call yourself a professional at anything, it signifies that you can perform the task more efficiently, consistently, and faster than the amateur. A professional is a master of his/her craft.
In today’s work environment where we try to take subjectivity out of all daily activities (right or wrong as it may be), we deliberately ignore the most objective measurement on the fire ground – time. The benchmark of “fire out” is not an objective measurement of success, for the very reason that every fire eventually goes out, regardless of intervention. How fast the fire is extinguished, however, is an objective measurement.
No fire service professional can argue that time is not the most important factor on the fire ground. Fire growth increases exponentially with time. Survivability rates of trapped victims decrease exponentially with time. We are in a race against the clock, and when the tones go off, you can’t sprint to the rig and bunk out as fast as possible, haul ass to the scene, but then step on the fire ground and lose all urgency and speed. The old adage “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” is great for teaching skills to a beginner, but it is oftentimes used as an excuse not to run on the fire ground, or to ignore or justify the negative feedback of the clock during training.
Tactical considerations from research prove without a doubt that if one thing does matter in training and on the fire ground, it’s time. Fire grows to flashover conditions in 60-90 seconds after initial vent/entry, and fire doubles in size in as little as 17 seconds. How soon you arrive on scene, how quickly you deploy a hose line to the front door, and how fast you mask up – IT ALL MATTERS! How fast you can throw a ladder to the Charlie side 2nd floor for a VES operation matters. It matters for the civilians and it matters for us.
Sadly, I have witnessed absolute pandemonium when some firefighters are made aware that they will be timed in their evolutions. It begs the question of whether or not your goal is to truly get better at this profession. If you scoff at objective feedback, don’t blame the stopwatch, blame your ego. Complaining about a training tool that can actually improve our service to the community is a waste of time, the very time you should be utilizing for training.
I know of firefighters that have been told they cannot use a stopwatch when conducting training evolutions. Reasons for this, albeit weak ones at best, are that it promotes unhealthy competition and increases the likelihood of injuries. We mistakenly hold the stopwatch responsible for the competition and the injuries, but in reality we should hold the firefighter responsible. Maturity and an honest evaluation of your own skill level will eliminate these conflicts altogether.
Finally, remember that the relationship between fire house complaining and fire ground training is inversely proportional. More training (hands-on training, not table top) leads to higher morale and job satisfaction, and eliminates the negativity that permeates throughout fire houses across the nation. That being said, don’t let others with lower standards who can’t envision greater versions of themselves attempt to roadblock your growth and/or your career success. Get out and train, seek objective feedback from the clock, and leave no doubt. If a 6 year old can embrace this mindset, then surely a grown adult who is selling the label of a “professional” can do the same.
Episode 029 – John Lovato Jr. is the author of Fix Your Firehouse and the man behind Brotherhood Coaching. He is a career Captain with over 15 years of experience. We talk about how change starts with you, and how the path to success goes beyond being told “No” more than a few times. We also discuss the need for measurable results during training, and how ego plays its part in receiving feedback on performance.
Episode 028 – May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and we talk with Rhonda Kelly. Rhonda spent 17 years with East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and found a greater calling when she left the fire service to join the National Behavioral Health Innovation Center at the University of Colorado. She is currently the program manager of ResponderStrong, an organization responsible for creating an accessible network of mental health resources for first responders. We discuss how resiliency is vital for the well-being of a firefighter, the importance of healthy and positive coping strategies, and how culture affects overall awareness of PTSD and mental health issues in the first responder community. *If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to regarding mental health, text “Badge” to 741741 to speak to a professional crisis counselor, 24/7/365.
Episode 027 – Chief Curt Isakson sits down with us to talk about the importance of leading at the company level, and how his mentors helped shape his career. We discuss the necessity of career long training, regardless of rank, and the need for honesty when debating fire ground tactics. Finally, we touch on the flexibility and adaptability that is present in successful firefighters on the fire ground. Curt Isakson is a 28 year veteran of the fire service, and is currently a Battalion Chief for Escambia County (FL) Fire Rescue. He spent 9 years with the Pensacola Fire Department prior to joining ECFR, and is the man behind County Fire Tactics and Firefighter Rescues. Chief Isakson instructs nationally at FDIC, Firehouse Expo & World, Orlando Fire Conference, Atlanta Fire Conference, Bowling Green State University, and owns/operates the annual HROC (High Rise Operations Conference) on Pensacola Beach.
Episode 026 – John Spera, the co-founder of FTFF and the co-host of Lead Yourself, details his experience as a Fire Medic when he responded to the Century 16 Theater Shooting in Aurora, CO on July 20, 2012. Inside a chaotic scene, he talks about adapting and overcoming, making outside the box decisions, and collaborating with other first responders. And these team-oriented actions ultimately led to 59 patients transported to area hospitals in under 60 minutes, with limited resources.
Episode 025 – Ben Martin (Lieutenant – Henrico County Division of Fire) joins us again at Firehouse World in San Diego. We let the mics record our conversation as we touched on handling station issues at the lowest level, placing members in positions for which they have no desire, the importance of trust within a crew, and how the job can put stress on home life and a marriage.
Episode 024 – Adam La Reau is the Co-Founder of O2X and a former Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy SEALs who began his military career as a Midshipman at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Having left active duty in August 2013, Adam attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and received a Masters Degree in Public Administration. O2X strives to be the gold standard in providing Human Performance training and education to first responders, military personnel, elite organizations, and other tactical athletes. We talk about his partnerships with fire departments around the country, the different types of training and conditioning programs that his team offers, and the keys to having effective tough conversations with your co-workers.
Wednesday Burn 004 – In a world full of excuses and justifications for why things don’t get done, remind yourself that no one really cares. The job either gets done or it doesn’t; no one cares about the excuses, only the results.
Episode 023 – Ryan Michler is the founder of Order of Man, a community and resource created to help all men become better. Better at self-mastery to family, from money to contribution, and everywhere in between. He is a father, husband, and Iraqi Combat Veteran and shares his insight to what makes a more successful man and firefighter. Most recently, he has authored the book Sovereignty, and we touch on this as well as his life journey.
Episode 022 – Introspection. Balance. Intentional Action. These are all good leadership practices for any firefighter, not just a promoted officer. Ben Martin, the man behind Embrace the Resistance discusses these while touching on his class, Intoxicated Leadership. Ben is a Lieutenant with the Henrico County Division of Fire, currently assigned to the training section. He has over fourteen years in public safety.
Episode 021 – Brian Olson is a member of Eagle (ID) Fire Department and is part of the training group Brothers In Battle. We discuss how Brian came to be involved with this group, and why humility is a huge part of creating buy-in on the training ground. We touch on the importance of realistic search training and the compiled data from Firefighter Rescue Survey regarding victims found on the fire ground. You can find Brian and Brothers In Battle at the 2018 Firemanship Conference in Portland (OR) in late February.
Wednesday Burn 003 – Brian Olson previews his upcoming podcast with FTFF by talking about how it’s not as much about the finish line as it is about the journey in getting there. Learn more about Brian here.
Episode 020 – Suicide. PTSD. Drug and alcohol abuse. These are all affecting many first responders’ lives and well-being, and Ric Jorge has dealt with all of them throughout his career as a firefighter. He shares his personal story of how his perfect world crumbled right in front of him. But he never gave up, and he turned his life around. Today, he aims to help anyone who may be struggling with these issues by dedicating his time to instructing, speaking publicly, and counseling fellow brothers and sisters as a peer who has simply been down, BUT NOT OUT! If you are struggling, give Ric a call. He wants to talk to you – yes, you! His phone number is 561-239-1908.
By Tom Johnson
In our quest for fairness in the workplace, let alone life, we have begun to forget what equality really means. But first, let’s discuss fairness. I used to hear from my kids that “life wasn’t fair” when one or both of them did not get what they wanted. Key words: used to. I squashed that early on by establishing the fact that life is not fair and not everyone is afforded the same level or amount of opportunities due to circumstances or abilities. But in the end, hard work always works, and these discussions no longer come up in my household.
Equality is defined as the state of being equal in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability. Rank and ability play major roles in the firefighting profession, so this generic dictionary definition fits quite well. Promoting equality does not imply that whoever shows up for a job interview gets to be a firefighter, just because they want to. It means that they will be given the same and equal opportunity to prove that they can hold the same and equal standard as all those that have come before them. If they can’t, then both sides must part ways. Sadly though, we have twisted this definition of equality in recent years to think that it means “everyone gets the job.”
This “everyone gets the job” mentality mirrors society’s “everyone gets a trophy.” In either case, nothing is earned, those that got the job or the trophy never really accomplished anything, and those that truly earned the job or trophy now have become disenfranchised with it altogether and feel their accomplishment has been completely diluted. So where is morale these days? In the tanks, you say? I can’t seem to figure out why.
No longer is firefighting the profession for the few individuals that are willing to sacrifice; it’s now for everyone that simply wants it – no work needed. Apparently that’s equality…or at least how some view it.
Let’s examine this a little further, for the trophy firefighter that didn’t actually earn it. What are we setting him/her up for by bending the rules – the same equal rules everyone else had, and placing them in a situation where they are inaccurately labeled equal? Underneath it all, everyone is aware that the same standards weren’t met. Do we blame the individual who received the trophy or the organization that awarded the meritless trophy? The answer is both. We hold both sides accountable.
Here’s the truth. You may want this job as a firefighter, but it might not be for you. I wanted to be a professional baseball player, but when I was told I wasn’t good enough, I did not cry foul and state that it wasn’t fair. Imagine if I sued that baseball team to get a roster spot, won in court, and then I’m out there playing games with the team, but I’m only there because a lawyer says the team must allow it. What would my teammates think? We all know what they are thinking, so how can we keep showing up day after day knowing that we did not earn our spot?
That’s where accountability of the wannabe firefighter comes into play, just as my accountability as an aspiring professional baseball player came into play years ago. One door closed for me, so I opened another one. Life was indeed fair to me, I did get my shot, but I couldn’t meet that standard that everyone else had met.
This ME mentality has seeped into fire culture. The collective performance of the team isn’t valued over the individual when recruits continue to believe they are owed something prior to earning it. I am calling out the ME firefighters who are unable or unwilling to do this job. Your acceptance of this job without earning it is selfish and says to all others that you value yourself over the team. It comes down to looking in the mirror and taking ownership for the situation. Sitting in a seat you have not dutifully earned is not fair. And indeed, this is where life is actually not fair – not fair for everyone else.
As an organization, if we are more worried about checking boxes in the political arena than putting the best candidate in the seat, we have lost our way. At the same time, we are paving the way for these “trophy firefighters” to divide the team, not diversify it. Firefighters really don’t care who sits next to them in regards to race, gender, religion, etc. – only that they have achieved the same standard as everyone else. And that right there is the true definition of equality.
Episode 019 – In this episode, we respond to questions submitted by our listeners. We discuss tips for getting hired, being successful in the academy, and creating buy-in as a junior firefighter. We also touch on exercises and equipment that have worked well for us in preparation for the fire ground, and the importance of knowing your body like you know your firefighting skills.
Episode 018 – Zac Varela is a 10 year veteran of the fire service, and an Engineer with East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue. Over the years, the engineer role has taken on many different roles and responsibilities, but Zac shares what he expects of himself in this position. We cover a wide range of topics in this episode, including having tough conversations with your officer or others on your crew, leading not only at work but also at home, and how age comes into play in a physical profession such as ours.
By Zac Varela
As you make your way in to your station, you can feel it. The tension. The anger. The sense of entitlement. Watch out! Because the off-going shift had to – GASP – run calls.
Everyone within sight of this post knows what I’m talking about. The shift before got hammered. Now, they believe they are the only firefighters on the planet that are “doing it.” And they’re going to bitch and moan about it too. As a result, the rig is out of fuel, the hose beds look like shit, the wrench is still sitting on a hydrant at 36th & Main, and the TIC is fucking gone. Gone! And their excuse? They were “doing it.”
What does that mean? Because you were doing what you swore to do you now are some how exempt from doing it with precision and discipline?Bullshit. We all run calls. We all get up at night. We all have to keep our shit dialed in. Our job – what we swore to do – is to run calls. No. Scratch that. What we swore to do is ANSWER THE CALL – no matter what it is or how ridiculous we may think it to be – somebody has lost control of their lives and now needs help. Enter the firefighter. Some one calls for help, we ANSWER THE CALL. Whether it is five times a day or fifty. Day or night. Sunny or shitty. Structure fire or ass wipe. We come running. We do it with precision and discipline because we are trained that way. And we do it with a smile on our face because we love our job and the people we serve.
When we are done with a call, we gear up, clean up and get squared away for the next call. Because that is our job. We ANSWER THE CALL. We can’t do that if we left our shit without fuel, our hose all fucked up and our tools scattered all over Hell. A firefighters mentality – before and after every call – should be “I’m ready for the next one” not “I hope that was the last one.”
ANSWER THE CALL. It’s that simple.
Episode 017 – Jason Hoevelmann is a Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal with the Sullivan Fire Protection District, a combination department, and a career Captain and Training Officer with the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District (MO). His experience spans more than 20 years and he has been an instructor for more than 15 years. Jason shares where it all started for him, how he “chases the kinks” with his crews, and the ways in which he prioritizes his day at the firehouse. Jason is the author of No Exceptions Leadership: The Leadership Handbook and is behind EngineHouseTraining.com.
Episode 016 – Brian Brush, an 18-year veteran of the fire service, is a firefighter at Edmond (OK) Fire Rescue. Prior to Edmond, Brian was a Lieutenant with West Metro Fire Rescue (CO). Brian shares why he got into the fire service and why he made the decision to move departments. It takes humility, passion, commitment, and compromise to excel at this profession, and he says without any of these, it can’t sustain. Brian contributes regularly to Fire Engineering, teaches at various conferences, and will be at the Mile High Firefighter’s Conference next week, October 13-15 2017.
Episode 015 – We talk with our former EMFR Training Chief, Hunter Hackbarth, on the topic of leading a cadre, which at times means just facilitating or simply getting out of the way. We touch on the importance of pride around the fire station and throughout the department, and how failure should be looked at as an opportunity to get better. Also, does there have to be separation or a barrier between the officer and his/her crew? Between the Chief and his/her staff? Not if you are authentic and have a clear purpose.
Episode 014 Xtra (Uncut) – A short collection of thoughts that surrounded Eric and I’s conversation on Episode 014. Maybe it will prompt some discussion around your firehouse, or with your brothers and sisters.
Episode 014 – On May 18, 2017, Firefighter Scott Deem passed away while operating on a 4-alarm fire with San Antonio Fire Department. Eric Schultz was an academy brother of FF Deem and discusses that tragic night as well as the effects it has had on him and the department following the LODD. We also talk about the value of training when part of a major metropolitan Rescue Company, and what our daily priorities should be in the station and while on duty. Eric is a 10 year veteran of the fire service, 6 of those with SAFD, and is currently assigned to Rescue 11. He is a fireman’s fireman – one that values blue collar work, high standards, and humility.
Wednesday Burn 002 – What is the level of instruction that every recruit deserves? What creates buy-in within an academy or a crew as an officer or an instructor? Why do some leaders tell you what to do, but don’t always show you what to do? What do recruits expect from an instructor? We answer all of these questions and more when we burn on “Would You Want You Instructing You?” Sponsored by Paul Conway Fire (paulconwayshields.com)
Episode 012 – Tim Sendelbach is a 30-year student and educator of the fire and emergency services, currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief for Firehouse. He is responsible for the content and editorial direction of Firehouse® Magazine, Firehouse.com, Firehouse Expo, and Firehouse World. He has served as an Assistant Fire Chief with the North Las Vegas (NV) Fire Department, as the Chief of Training for Savannah (GA) Fire & Emergency Services, and as Assistant Fire Chief for Missouri City (TX) Fire & Rescue Services. Tim shares how buy-in is immediate when instructors are participating in the physical fitness with recruits, how important education is to creating a well-rounded firefighter and human being, and the need for critiquing yourself and fire service traditions to bring out the best ideas going forward. Sponsored by Paul Conway Fire (paulconwayshields.com)