Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

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

38 years of career experience. Retired Battalion Chief with Wichita Fire Department. Sid didn’t grow up wanting to be a Firefighter. He was a college student at the time that needed money and luckily for him had a buddy who was a Firefighter that asked him if he ever thought about joining the fire service. Sid thought about it applied and got on his first attempt. Once he was in as he states “It was the best thing in the world that ever happened.” From various individuals I’ve talked to they all describe Sid as a Firefighter’s Chief. A man who held standards and wanted everyone within his battalion to uphold and value those standards. Believing in servant leadership. I truly hope the listeners can tune and hone in on the gems and nuggets Sid speaks within this interview. I throughly enjoyed our conversation and hope you all do as well. IG: sidnewby

5 years of career experience. A Firefighter/Paramedic with a department located on the Southwest coast of Florida. Initially Hannah wanted to go into the medical field but after a year in she discovered that the current path she was on wasn’t it. She had some friends within the service who set her up to do a ride along with one of the departments near her. As Hannah states after the 8 hours she fell in love with the fire service and did everything she needed to set her self up for success. With that said every individual journey is never the same. We must choose what we feel is right within ourselves to make us happy. And I truly hope the listeners tune into the gems Hannah drops as she shares her story. As always none of this would be possible without the fantastic guests who agree to come on and talk shop. Hannah is certainly one of them and with the mindset she has I have no doubt she will definitely reach plateaus she never thought could be possible. IG: hannah_riederich

6 years of career experience. A backstep Firefighter on Ladder 42 at a central Florida department who has been through adversity within his life. But with a strong loving support system and his faith he was able to upright his ship into the right direction. This episode is slightly different from the others. Kyle comes on to talk shop about his fire service experience and about a decision he made in his life along with the aftermath. A decision that I believe a good number of Firefighters can relate to. Actions have CONSEQUENCES and may have a LASTING impact on the rest of your life. There is no RESET,UNDO or EDIT button. YOU are the only person RESPONSIBLE for your actions. You are free to CHOOSE whatever action you want to take, but are NOT free from the CONSEQUENCES. The best thing you can do is accept that a mistake was made and take full accountability and learn from it through growth and maturity. Hopefully others can see your sincerity and determination to correct it and offer you a second chance. If you do get one, take advantage of it because it’s a gift and it may be something better than you had before.IG: piv_631

16 years of combination experience. Firefighter 2 on Tower 18 with Charlotte Fire Department. Cadre member with Truck Company Ops. Chad was always aware of the fire service but it wasn’t exactly what he wanted to be. Like many young adults his career aspirations wasn’t narrowed down to one field. It wasn’t until he was in college that the notion started to come alive of the fire service and with that he packed up his things moved back home and enrolled in classes that pertained to fire. Eventually getting on a volunteer organization and after a few years began applying to career Departments. Chad is all in when it comes to the job and anything related to Truck work. I want the listeners to tune in when Chad talks about his experience, the mentors he surrounds himself with along with his fire service journey and where he is today. IG: chad_zerfoss