Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

30 years of combination experience. A District Chief with Houston Fire Department and Assistant Chief with Spring FD just outside Houston. Growing up without a father figure in his life Robert lived across from a fire station. The men within that station became bigger brothers to Robert at the age of 8. The examples of how they carried themselves as firefighters and men meant a great deal to Robert and the end result became who he is today. Mentorship and being a leader to others can go such a long way for individuals who need that guidance in their life and Robert is a prime example of this. I hope the listeners can tune into the message and absorb the information Robert speaks.

28 years of combination experience. 2nd generation Firefighter. Deputy Chief Of Operations with Lynchburg Fire Department in Virginia. From the young age of 2 Marques spoke the word Firetruck and that’s all he ever wanted to do. He was able to get into the Public safety field but wanted no part of having to do Law enforcement and Firefighting at the same time. The goal was always Fire. Once he was able to achieve that dream he had one goal, and that was to “Always Make Progress.” Marques spoke the truth and preached the truth when it came to Leadership and the difference between training and drilling. I hope you all enjoy this interview as much as I did.IG: Purposed_life

16 years of career experience. Apparatus Operator on Squad 18 with The Colony Fire Department in Texas. Growing up Bryce was involved in sports and had aspirations of possibly going professional until an injury sidelined that career track. Luckily for Bryce his quarterback had a father who was a Fire Chief and asked him if he wanted to attend fire school with him. Bryce figured why not and went. Once he got enrolled he fell in love with the job instantly and never looked back. During his career Bryce’s department suffered a Line of duty death (LODD). I would like the listeners to pay attention, digest and process Bryce’s experience and the discussions taking place in this interview. Bryce came on preaching the good word and I truly hope we all can self reflect from this interview. IG: campbellfire2

19 years of combination experience. Captain on Engine 35 A shift with the Town Of Apex Fire department. Aaron was also selected to speak at this past SAFRE conference in North Carolina where he presented a class on Prioritizing the Search. Aaron wasn’t thinking about the fire service when he was growing up. He had a friend who he met in his band class that told him he was going to join the local volunteer fire department. Once Aaron got on that began the start of his journey into the fire service as he fell in love with it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. One of the things that stuck out to me was how Aaron mentioned he would always do what was asked of him but as he gained years of experience and maturity he realized he actually didn’t know as much as he thought he did. Aaron has a huge passion for search and when you hear why you’ll understand.IG: drake3288

8 years of career experience, 3rd generation Firefighter. A Engineer on Rescue 1 for Savannah Fire Department In Georgia. Tyler never had the career notions of becoming a Firefighter. She was always around sports and in college played D2 Basketball, transitioned to coaching and along the way obtained her masters degree in sports medicine. But Tyler felt like she wanted to do more. Her father mentioned joining the fire service and with that everything seemed to click in place and Tyler never looked back. Once in Tyler had mentors that helped shaped her viewpoint and mindset towards being a better version of herself. We all need to have someone in our lives to help push out that inner positive being within us to truly allow ourselves to leave the service better than we found it. IG:tylernicolebarrett

26 years of combination experience 3rd generation Firefighter. Captain on Engine 60 with Houston Fire Department, Logistics Tech with Spring Fire Department & Instructor with Fire Academy Online. From the moment John ran his first structure fire he was hooked and knew right then and there he wanted to go career. Hell if he even said to his partner on scene. Houston was always the goal and through hard work and determination John was able to get on. From there he took full advantage of being around the senior members of the department and took mental notes along the way as he climbed through the ranks to Company Officer. I loved our discussions we had and took full advantage of hearing some of the traditions with the Houston Fire Department.IG: jaydoubleyouinn

26 years of career experience. A retired Firefighter with Oakland Fire Department. Firefighting was far from Jason’s mind. He dropped out of high school early and didn’t really have a grasp of what was next for him. One day he watched Firefighters put out a dumpster fire and the Captain on scene asked him if he ever thought about the fire service. One thing led to another and Jason found his way starting with wild land then transitioned to Oakland. The thing about life is you truly and shouldn’t ever judge a book by its cover. Everybody is going through something you have no idea about. Jason’s faith is his foundation and I hope the listeners can truly tune into his story and reflect. IG: jasonsautel

25 years of combination experience. A Lieutenant with San Antonio Fire Department on Engine 4. Rich always had the notion he wanted to be a Firefighter. Pre backdraft the long coat, hip boots and jeans were always etched in his mind. When the time came for Rich to apply he had to go up against thousands. But with hard work and studying Rich’s dreams came true. I absolutely loved the conversation between Rich and I on this interview. One of the takeaways if you’re a Company Officer is you best believe others are watching everything you do. You can’t just talk about it you have to be about it. IG: alamocity_engine4

37 years of combination experience. A Retired Deputy Chief Of Operations with Thornton Fire Department in 2019. Previously retired Battalion Chief with South King Fire & Rescue who climbed through the ranks. Owner and founder of Redline Leadership LLC. Upon graduating high school Kevin didn’t really know his next move. His mother simply asked the question “Now what are you going to do?” And mentioned joining the local volunteer fire department. Kevin did just that and never looked back. Kevin’s mindset and perspective towards the fire service is so on point due to the fact that it wasn’t never about him. I truly hope the listeners can pick up the knowledge Kevin is dropping. I throughly enjoyed our conversation and hope you do as well.

21 years of combination experience. A Lieutenant/Medic with Montgomery County Fire-Rescue. At a young age Aaron joined his local volunteer fire department for community service hours towards graduation. What turned into just needing hours transformed into a love for the job due to the amount of work Aaron was able to establish under his belt. Law enforcement was the plan but that quickly went out the window. Aaron surrounded himself with individuals who most certainly loved and respected the job. And once he found out he could go career the rest was history.

34 years of career experience. 32 of those were with Phoenix Fire Department where he rose through the ranks and retired as Deputy Chief. Currently Deputy Chief of Rio Verde Fire District in Arizona. Lead Instructor with Blue Card Firefighting Incident Command Training. Chris had no intentions of becoming a Firefighter. But unbeknownst to him his father had a relationship with a guy named Alan Brunacini. Chris was setup for a ride along that would forever change the dynamics of what he thought his life would look like. Having a true mentor in your life can significantly benefit you by providing personalized guidance, accelerating your professional and personal growth, offering a valuable new perspective, and building your confidence. Please take the time and listen to this episode and the conversations taking place.

17 years of career experience. Captain on Truck 2 with Wichita Fire Department. Stephen was in the armed forces and just before completing his career wasn’t quite sure what was next for him. Fortunately he had some friends that mentioned getting into the fire service. As a native from Wichita Stephen figured it was only right to work where he was from. Once he got on as Stephen states in the interview it was one of the best decisions in his life. For those that don’t know anything about Wichita it’s definitely a place to go if you want to see work. The conversations Stephen and I had should hopefully get the wheels spinning for those within the fire service especially Company Officers.

Jonah Smith- 22 years of combination experience. Battalion Chief 9 with Charlotte Fire Department on B-Shift, creator and owner of Hornet Fire Training. Jonah never had aspirations of becoming a Firefighter. Law enforcement intrigued Jonah but it’s all about timing when it comes to life. His mother was able to get him in contact with a local fire chief in the area and from then on Jonah’s journey set sail. The truth bombs and mic drops being said in this interview should hopefully spark a question if you are being the best version of yourself not only to you but to others you work with, meet and have relationships with?IG: harf01 hornetfiretraining

26 years of career experience 2nd generation Firefighter. Deputy Chief of Special operations for Dallas Fire Department. At the age of 10 Cameron was doing ride alongs with his father who retired as Captain with 42 years of service. Cameron knew his calling from the jump and where he wanted to be. He also felt the pressure of having to live up to your last name when your father created a standard. My discussions with Cameron was real, truthful, sincere and honest. The takeaways that can be gained from listening to his experiences should no doubt help any of the listeners who might be going through the same issues. This was a fantastic interview and I truly hope you all enjoy.

33 years of career experience. 2nd generation Firefighter. Creator and owner of CFT County Fire Tactics & recently retired Battalion Chief with Escambia County Fire/Rescue in Florida. If you don’t know anything about Curt I implore you to listen to the Weekly Scrap Episodes he’s been on where you can find more information on his knowledge on tactics and the fire service as a whole. The interview between Curt and I is more directly related to why he believes and thinks the way he does. Curt is one of the main reasons why my mindset towards the job is the way it is. Against others opinions and beliefs the biggest takeaway from this interview is to be PATIENT & TRUE to yourself.

23 years of combination experience. A driver on Truck 7 with Portland Fire & Rescue, Brothers In Battle cadre member. Growing up Anthony was attracted to public service and was thinking law enforcement but in high school sports kind of pushed some of those notions to the side. Right before Anthony was set to go into the education field he had a friend ask him about the fire service which really got things going again to a point where Anthony sought it out jumping in with both feet and never looked back. Anthony is a die hard truckie through and through. Although he jokes towards the engine we all know on the fire ground we all have a place where things need to get done. I certainly hope the listeners can truly tune in when we discuss the topic of VES and Anthony’s mindset towards it.IG: airbrax

33 years of combination experience 2nd generation Firefighter. A Captain on Rescue 1 with Durham Fire Department. From a very young age Carl knew what he wanted to be and where he wanted to work. He wasn’t able to get hired on his first attempt, but got it on the second. Once he did he knew the type of Firefighter he wanted to be. When you’re hired at a young age we sometimes believe that we know it all and this is not a shot at Carl because I was the same way as well. It takes humility, maturity and being around seasoned veterans to show us things we didn’t know and that’s exactly who Carl surrounded himself with. We won’t always be liked by everyone and that’s ok. Haters are going to hate what’s important is remembering your why and being the best version of yourself. I truly hope the listeners can snatch the gems and nuggets being dropped by Carl in this interview. IG: laddercaptain99

19 years of combination experience. A Engine Lieutenant recently moved over to Operations Lieutenant with Newport News Fire Department. Creator and owner of Mind Of Fire where they specialize in providing individuals to enhance their cognitive abilities to make informed decision making & Author of Mind Of Fire: The Science and Art Of Decision Making. Kiel never had sights of being in the fire service. He was a college student struggling to find his way. Eventually it was his mother who pushed him to pursue the service. Once he got in he was able to find mentors outside of his organization that provided PERSPECTIVE and insight to different areas of the job that helped shape who he is today. I truly hope the listeners can enjoy the conversations being shared.IG: kielsamsing mindoffire

21 years of career experience. A retired Deputy Chief from the Southern California area who is now the Training Coordinator For New Mexico State, Training Captain with Santa Fe County Fire & owner and creator of From The Ashes LLC. Upon completion of serving in the armed forces Justin knew the fire service was where he wanted to be. A friend’s introduction was able to get him through the door where Justin journey set sail. From fire conferences, outside trainings, switching organizations the up’s & downs of staying engaged Justin went through it all. And from that was where Justin was able to gain maturity through his experiences and wants to share so others can learn and grow.IG: firedad2024 from_the_ashes_llc

11 years of combination experience. Fire chief for Bonduel Area Fire Department in Wisconsin. Kevin got his foot into the fire service via the EMS Side where he started out as medic with Ski patrol. From there a position came open on the fire department Kevin applied and got his start. Although becoming Fire Chief wasn’t on his radar since being appointed Kevin made sure he took full of advantage of resources around him by attending various leadership courses available and many outside training events. What stood out to me about Kevin is the fact that just because he’s a Fire Chief that doesn’t mean he’s above the people within his department. If he’s instructing a class that requires the students to be in gear Kevin is also in gear. He is whole heartedly trying to better the organization and those he can impact within the fire service. Don’t take my word for it, just have a listen.IG: 601_k_lynch