Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

18 years of career experience. Captain With the City Of Issaquah East Side Fire & Rescue East of Seattle on Engine 178. The fire service wasn’t on Berlin’s radar. His parents thought he would end up being in the tech industry but everything in life occurs for a reason & we all serve a purpose regardless of what industry we are in. Once Berlin got on the key to his success was founded on two things. Betting on himself and having mentors or individuals who will push and guide you to things you would have never thought was possible. Berlin laid down the gospel on various topics we discussed especially when it came to Company Officer and leadership development. Grab you a notepad and get ready to jot a few things down with this one.

41 years of combination experience. Fire Chief With Laramie County Fire Authority in Cheyenne Wyoming. Jason has always been around emergency services so it was natural that as soon as he was able to he joined the volunteer fire service and hasn’t looked back. Jason’s route to get to his current position is outside the normal. But it doesn’t mean it wasn’t the right path. Full transparency I would encourage the listeners to tune in and listen to Jason’s message and mindset. How he views his organization and most importantly the people within it is how we all should conduct business. As the adage goes there’s no I in team. It’s not about us it’s about those we serve and work with. Jason took this interview to church preaching the good word on how he views the service. It was truly an honor to listen and pick his brain on various topics within the fire service. If you’re a Chief or Chief Officer in a combination department you might want to grab a notepad and get to writing a few ideas.

11 years of combination experience. Senior Firefighter on Engine & Ladder 82 for the City Of Hardeeville Fire Department in South Carolina. Initially his plan was going the route of law enforcement but his dad mentioned to Phillip about becoming a volunteer Firefighter instead. He gave it a go and that’s all he needed to know this was where he belonged. What I appreciate about Phillip and our conversation is how he discusses the topic of burnout. Whether your volunteer or career burnout most definitely exists and it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms before you lose sight of what truly matters in your life. As always each and every guest drops gems and nuggets for those listening to hopefully pick up on.

28 years of combination experience. Fire Commissioner with Western Berks Fire Department in Pennsylvania. From a very young age Jared knew the fire service was what he wanted to be apart of. As soon as he hit the age of 15 Jared began his journey starting out as a volunteer and after a few years began applying any and everywhere he could to try and become a career Firefighter. Once he was able to obtain that goal he Jared remained all in when it came to the job. Making sure he remembers why he’s there and who he’s there for. Mentorship and who you surround yourself with play’s a huge factor in how you view the job. Fortunately for Jared he picked up on the good and bad experiences which has shaped him to he is today. A Chief who knows it’s not all about him, and does everything he can for the betterment of his department and community. Jared drops a few nuggets along the way in the interview which were spot on. I hope you all enjoy the conversation.

26 years of combination experience. Battalion Chief 20 with Naval District Washington Fire/Emergency Services. Did Randy always know the fire service was what he wanted to be in? No. In a funny way it was like he was pressured into doing it by his friends who were volunteers. Randy kept putting it off but one day gave in and went to ride along with them. From that day going forward everything changed for Randy. Unbeknownst to him he was surrounding himself with individuals who represented what the fire service embodies. Selfless servants who understood the mission. But with anything in life Randy went through the challenges of finding himself to become a better person and Firefighter. Randy shares a heartfelt story I hope can resonate with the listeners when it comes to the job. I sincerely thank him for coming on and sharing his story for others to listen to.

14 years of combination experience, 3rd generation Firefighter. Firefighter/Paramedic with Franklin Fire Department In Tennessee where he’s currently assigned to Engine & Tower 2. Beau’s journey into the fire service started at a very young age. When he turned 18 he ventured away from home and did what a good number of individuals are doing now which is becoming out of state members with Organizations that uphold the traditions of being a Firefighter and into the job. Throughout his career Beau has been apart of some top notch organizations including the City of Murfreesboro & Memphis Fire Department. But sometimes the man upstairs has a different path for us that puts us exactly where we need to be. Beau is a huge advocate for mentorship and showing any new individual coming into this profession what the job should be and I truly hope the listeners can pick up on what he’s putting down. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and hope you all do as well. IG: beaudoss86

20 years of combination experience. Fire Instructor 2 with Tennessee Fire/Codes Academy. Former Firefighter/Driver Operator with Charlottesville Fire Department In Virginia where Andy served for 9 years. Owner and creator of The Water Thieves LLC and author of Water Thievery: The Art of Water Supply Operations. If your a current or aspiring driver/operator and want to know the ins and outs of pumping, moving water more than what your organization gives you Andy is most certainly the subject matter expert when it comes to this particular field. In this interview we discussed pumping, moving water, the importance of the driver/operator role and a few other topics. Andy was genuine and sincere in all his answers and truly wants to leave the fire service better than he found it. I throughly hope all passionate drivers enjoy the interview.

Brett Ashworth- 20 years of combination experience. Battalion Chief with Homewood Fire Department, Assistant Fire Chief with Columbiana Fire Department in Alabama & cadre member with County Fire Tactics. From a very young age Brett knew the fire service was what he wanted to be apart of. What helped get him in the door was mentorship and having individuals in your corner that will steer you in the direction you didn’t know you needed to be in. Once Brett was in every position he held he made damn sure to be the subject matter expert within that field. Brett’s mindset is simple and to the point but 100% accurate. ”What you do matters & what you do is important.” Nothing but truth bombs and nuggets in this interview. We certainly need more Chief officers in organizations with the mindset of Brett. At the end of the day if you are in a position of leadership the job is not about YOU. It’s about the men and women who you serve alongside with.

25 years of combination experience. Deputy Chief with Lower Paxton Township Bureau Of Fire in Pennsylvania. Growing up Brett wanted to be in Law Enforcement. But starting at an early age he was able to join a local volunteer organization where he became a junior Firefighter. While growing up throughout that time he was able to secure a position in Law Enforcement but it wasn’t the organization he was going for. In life they’re roads that we are meant to be on even if we don’t understand it at the time. So as he was able to obtain years in the fire service he decided that he was going to try and make it a career. Fast forward to the position Brett is in now it’s safe to say he made the right choice. Brett was able to be apart of something that I personally think most areas within the country are struggling with when it comes to volunteers and being able to get rigs out the doors with proper staffing. I don’t want to give the episode away but I truly hope the listeners can tune in and listen to what happens when you realize it’s not about your pride and ego when it comes to the citizens we serve. The paint scheme or name on the side of the rig means nothing to the person who is calling for help. Sometimes we must look in the mirror and ask ourselves are we truly doing what’s best "For THEM?' Brett most certainly dropped some truth bombs in this episode and I hope you all enjoy the conversation.

13 years of combination experience. Captain in the Training Division with Summerville Fire/Rescue in South Carolina. JD’s focus was going the military route. But in life what we have planned for ourselves doesn’t always go as planned. With that JD shifted and started out as a volunteer. After a few years he discovered that he could do this full-time and began obtaining all his certifications to hopefully get hired on at a career organization. Fast forward to now where at Summerville JD has a tremendous amount of responsibility being in the training division where he has a direct impact on how new members will view the job before hitting the floor and at the same time keeping the organization progressing with tactics and training. While JD is new to the role he is fortunate to be surrounded by mentors who will continue to help him every step of the way. IG: jd.knapp

12 years of career experience 2nd generation Firefighter. Firefighter for Anderson City Fire Department in South Carolina. Justin doesn’t have an elaborate story to why he became a Firefighter. It was simple because of his dad and family history of being in emergency services. Once he was of age and able he hit the ground running obtaining all his certifications to get on the job. Once in he finally realized there were things he had to change about himself and those around him to effect positive change. Having mentors or individuals within your life that are able to let you know when you’re not on the right track are crucial. We can’t win or do things alone in life. It takes a team and relationships to get us to where we need to be. Justin realized this and is doing all he can to leave the service better than he found it. IG: justin_carter_

Eric Juergen- 18 years of combination experience. A Lieutenant on Engine 1 C shift with Sugarland Fire Department in Texas. Eric didn’t have aspirations of being a Firefighter when he was young. In high school at their local career day Eric’s cousin who at the time was a Houston Firefighter was there and she was able to to talk and show him things about the fire service that got him intrigued. She extended him an invitation to come and do a ride along. After he did Eric knew this was a profession he wanted to be apart of. He has been apart of 3 different organizations which isn’t uncommon in today’s fire service. You have to find the one that fits and fulfills all your needs. I want the listeners to carefully listen to Eric’s story. Listen to the key nuggets and gems he’s dropping for others to pickup that can hopefully assist with their own career. Be sure to get your respective crews together to listen as Eric hits on a life changing incident that has helped shape his career, who he is today and why he sees and views the fire service. Feburary 15th, 2013 1500 Grossback Street Bryan Texas. An incident that is talked about in “30 Fire’s You Must Know.” Eric was the first due nozzle man and shares his story. If you think you know it all and don’t need to train the fire service will find a way to humble you and bring you back to reality. In this profession we must take it seriously and hold ourselves and others around us accountable. Because today can be the day that reshapes your entire life. Knights Of Columbus Fire NIOSH Report: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/163438/cdc_163438_DS1.pdfIG: e_juergen

28 years of career experience. Assistant Fire Chief with Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department in Arizona. Creator and host of Fireground Fitness Podcast. The fire service wasn’t on Rayne’s radar. He had a friend who worked as a Firefighter and mentioned all the things that come with being one such as the schedule, benefits, things you get to do and see while on the job which intrigued Rayne and started to get his mind thinking. After the conversation Rayne enrolled in the fire service program in Arizona and his fire service journey speaks for itself. One thing about the journey is the experiences and mentors Rayne has had throughout his career has undoubtedly shaped him to he is today. It’s rare to find let alone hear a Chief who holds nothing back when it comes to certain topics and discussions within the fire service we discussed. I truly hope the listeners can take the time to hear Rayne’s perspectives when it comes to the best job in the world.IG: rayne_gray_actual firegroundfitness

42 years of combination experience. Assistant Chief With Anne Arundel Fire Department in Maryland. Retired (2011) Assistant Chief Of Operations with DC Fire Department & Retired (2019) Assistant Chief Of Operations with Alexandria Fire Department. One thing you might of caught on to Larry can’t truly remain retired. He loves the fire service but makes clear in the interview that the job owes him nothing. Everything he has is because of this job that some may take for granted. When Larry decided to join the fire service back in the 80’s it was a very demanding profession to get into as he had to go up against thousands to get hired. Once he was able to get on he made sure to listen to the senior men above him keep his head down and grind it out. Whether that was keeping is nose in the books, cleaning or doing his job as a Firefighter that’s exactly what he did and after a few years on the job starting to move himself up the ranks. Larry spoke the truth in this interview and I truly hope you all can pickup some of the things Larry was putting down.

29 years of combination experience. A Captain on Rescue 1 with Stamford Fire Department in Connecticut. The fire service was far from Joe’s mind as he was looking at a career in civil engineering or being an architect. His friends were local volunteers and invited Joe to come hang out at the fire house and see what it was like. After a little bit one mentioned to Joe to fill out the application and see what it was really about. Hesitant at first Joe finally did and once he was able to obtain his Firefighter 1 certification in his words “Was life changing” because the fire service had never crossed his mind until that moment. In this interview Joe really brought home some solid gems and nuggets that all Firefighters should hear especially if you’re involved with recruit training. Not just showing the how but also reinforcing the why. Joe wasn’t quite sure what to expect with coming on board to talk shop but one thing for sure is he knocked it out the park.

Gary Fleischer- 35 years of combination experience. A District Chief with the City Of Worcester Fire Department in Massachusetts. Growing up Gary didn’t have aspirations of becoming a Firefighter. He was introduced to an explorer post from his friends which got him into obtaining training, skills, knowledge and doing outside only work for the fire department on scenes of emergencies. After doing this for a bit Gary knew the fire service was what he wanted to do for a career. His path to get there took time and patience but once Gary got his foot in the door he never looked back climbing through the ranks to where he is today. One of the takeaways I hope the listeners can obtain is when Gary speaks the truth when it comes to Task/Strategic level training. For those who don’t know about the history of Worcester Fire Department do yourself a favor and read the following NIOSH reports that he wanted to me share. We must be able to understand the past so the future of the fire service doesn’t repeat it. Actively engaging with history and ensure lessons are passed on.Worcester 6: Lt. Thomas Spencer, Lt. Timothy Jackson, Lt. James Lyons III, and Firefighters Jeremiah Lucey, Paul Brotherton, and Joseph McGuirk Report: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/163923Worcester Lieutenant Jason Menard: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face201918.pdfWorcester Firefighter Jon Davies: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DPynmFkad/ Worcester Firefighter Christopher Roy: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face201818.pdf

24 years of combination experience. Recently promoted Battalion Chief on the A shift with Port Arthur FD in Texas. Joshua was into sports and had no intentions of becoming a Firefighter. But like so many others I’ve had on here it was a friend of his that introduced him to the fire service. And once he got his foot in the door as the adage goes that’s all she wrote and Joshua fell in love with it. Joshua spoke straight truth bombs and facts in this interview. Standards and personal accountability can go a long way within your career as well as being able to be open and transparent with yourself. Joshua’s mindset and how he view’s the job is a must hear and I hope you all enjoy the conversation.IG: joshuaresweber

4 years of combination experience 3rd generation Firefighter. Volunteer Capt with Claymont Fire Company in New Castle County Delaware & career Firefighter/EMT with Christiana Fire Company. Nick’s future is so bright. I actually envy how this generation of young Firefighters are obtaining so much useful knowledge, and gaining tremendous fire experience with how the fire service is moving. Being able to obtain information at the touch of a button is truly remarkable. At just 22 years young Nick’s mindset towards the fire service and life is profound. If your an individual who’s apart of the fire service and are looking for ideas on how to help obtain and retain members with your organization please do yourself a favor and listen to Nick explain how Claymont operates. We need more individuals like Nick to become future Officers of departments around the country. Holding up traditions, values and standards.IG: ncripps24

28 years of combination experience 2nd generation Firefighter. A Capt on Rescue 11 with Charlotte Fire Department and Deputy Chief with Town Of Davidson. Joel always knew he wanted to become a Firefighter. The path to get there might not of been the way he wanted but at the end of the day all we can do is work hard and keep ourselves grounded for success. Joel is definitely a mentor of mine who I believe brings value to an already long list of individuals who have graciously accepted my invitation. Although he was hesitant at first on coming on he certainly did not disappoint with his mindset and thoughts on various topics we discussed. I truly hope the listeners can tune into gems being dropped. And lastly if you know someone who has truly helped you in bettering yourself for the good don’t be afraid to let them know while they’re still here.

Alan Styles- 35 years of combination experience. Fire Chief of Dalton Township Fire Department in Michigan. Cadre member with Build Your Culture LLC. When I asked Alan to come on and talk shop he was hesitant at first. He didn’t understand why I asked him. When you hear Alan talk the mindset he has towards the fire service is what most Firefighters want to hear coming from their respective Chief’s. As Alan states he is definitely a “Unorthodox” Fire Chief but isn’t bothered by the opinions of others. Alan’s message revolves around accountability, EGO, family, Brotherhood & servant leadership. What I would like for the listeners to understand is at the end of the day YOU have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself with what you accomplished are you ok with every decision that was made? If not what are you going to do to better yourself and those around you? Alan didn’t hold anything back. It was raw & honest and frankly we need more of this within the fire service. IG: papachief1