Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

47 years of combination experience. Life member & President of the board with Mount Mourne Fire Department, President with North Carolina Society of Fire/Rescue Instructors & recently retired Chief Of Training with Mooresville Fire-Rescue. As a child growing up Ben stated he “Played with match box cars and fire trucks”. When he was old enough he started out as an explorer with Wooster Township Fire Department in Ohio and in 1983 became a certified volunteer firefighter. Even though North Carolina is now home Ben still has ties with the Wooster organization. Before starting his full-time career in the fire service Ben was able to live out one of his dreams as a part time driver for Nascar and ARCA series. Ben would do his best work in the then ARCA Permatex SuperCar Series and ARCA Bondo-MarHyde Series, recording four wins, 6 poles, and 29 top-tens in 64 races. In 1998 Ben was hired as a career Firefighter with Mooresville Fire. Everything Ben does he puts forth the effort to make sure he achieves his goal. But what I admire about Ben is the fact that he openly talks about achieving success but at the same time with doing so the strain it can cause on personal relationships and how we need to find that balance because it happens to the best of us who truly want to be good at the job. I truly hope the listeners can pickup on the many gems and nuggets Ben drops in the interview. I truly appreciate Ben for wanting to come on, share his story and experiences for others to learn from. At the end of the day we should strive for the next generation of Firefighters to be better than us. And the only way to do so is to make sure they have the guidance and tools necessary.

30 years of combination experience. Retired Capt with The City Of Roanoke Fire-EMS on Engine 5, former Fire Chief with Bedford Fire Department who held the position for 15 years and currently State of Virginia Executive Director of Fire Programs. Was the fire service a calling for Brad? No he wanted to be in law enforcement and was fortunate to obtain that dream but after having an encounter with a Firefighter and asking “What does he have to do to get on?” Brad’s trajectory was forever changed. At the end of the day we all need to ask ourselves what do we want out of the career we’re looking to go into? We need to have drive, determination and remember above all especially working in a group setting it’s not always about us. The individuals throughout Brad’s career both volunteer and professional were able to plant that seed in him reminding it all comes down to the mission. We all should strive for obtaining goals we never thought was possible and when you hear Brad speak you will be able to clearly tell he has never forgotten that.

21 years of combination experience. Driver/Operator on Engine 2 with Durham Fire Department. His dad was a volunteer so he naturally followed that route. But it was his friends around him that exposed the path of possibly going career which got Ben intrigued. Once he was hired the mentors and individuals he was around shaped his mindset to be the Firefighter he is today. But make no mistake Ben doesn’t want to come off as being perfect. Everyday he tries to be better than the last. But what he understands is with failure comes growth and that he wants to hold himself accountable with everything he does. There were no lies told in this interview as Ben drops some nuggets and gems along the way. I truly hope you all enjoy the interview.

22 years of combination experience. Deputy Chief of Operations with Madison Fire-Rescue in Northern Alabama. Chad has an older brother who was a volunteer firefighter which naturally intrigued him in learning more so he enrolled in the cadet program. After getting into the groove and finding his own way the thought of doing this full-time set in and Chad pressed forward by enrolling and obtaining all his certifications needed. In this interview Chad spoke facts and dropped some nuggets along the way for the listeners. He was very transparent on owning past mistakes but there’s no question he’s all in when it comes to how we should view the job. I hope you all can enjoy the interview because I sure enjoyed listening to Chad speak.

45 years of combination experience. South Carolina Fire Academy State Region 2 Coordinator (Battalion Chief rank). JD always wanted to go down the road of law enforcement with dreams of being a State Trooper. At a very young age of 16 he joined his local volunteer fire department. What I appreciate about the interview with JD is his mindset. There’s no doubt he’s been in the game for a while to see and experience many different things. But it’s so refreshing to see and hear a man who doesn’t mind change actually JD encourages it. Just because there maybe your way to accomplish a task doesn’t mean there can’t be another route. And if so that doesn’t make you or it wrong. JD drops a few gems and nuggets along the way but also remembers it’s not about him. Where he is today was guided by the help and guidance of mentors. I truly hope you all can enjoy the interview and the message being preached.

20 years of combination experience. President of IAFF local 117, Currently Captain with the logistics division of Birmingham Fire Rescue Service but before the change of position was Captain on busy Quint 20. He was introduced to the fire service by his room mate who was a volunteer. Although he had no aspirations of becoming a Firefighter once he got a taste of it everything going forward changed. Stephen laid out some facts and nuggets when it came to various topics we discussed. I truly enjoyed our conversation and hope the listeners do as well.

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.