Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

23 years of career experience. A driver on Ladder 7 for Honolulu Fire Department in Hawaii. When I asked Ken to come on and talk he was hesitant at first but so far since starting this podcast I haven’t been wrong with the guests I’ve been fortunate to talk to. Ken is a firm believer in putting in the work over running that mouth. Actions always win and Ken continues to put in the work within the fire service when it comes to humility, training and physical fitness. My favorite quote from Ken is “It’s better to stay in shape, than to get in shape.”IG: hfdbackseatdriver

22 years of combination experience. Fire Chief for Brighton Fire/Rescue in Colorado who made his way through the ranks of the organization. Brycen believes in “QUALITY” hard work. And that individuals who want to be successful in whatever path they choose need to invest within yourself take it seriously do your best and bring it back to your respective organization. Brycen is a prime example of a Firefighter’s Chief who remembers that you need to get out of your office go out to listen & communicate with the boots on the ground.

20 years of combination experience. Back step Firefighter for Ann Arbor Fire Department on Engine 4. Co founder of Build Your Culture LLC, one half of the Make Due Suburban Fireman Podcast published author, national speaker who has instructed all over the country including internationally. And in my opinion a subject matter expert when it comes to search on the fire ground. Sean is humble yet very passionate about the fire service in all aspects of the job and isn’t afraid to let you know that. I hope the listeners can enjoy the message and tune in on the little nuggets and gems being dropped along the way. IG: seanduffy86

20 years of combination experience. From a young age Rob always wanted to be a Firefighter with his Uncle having served with Dallas Fire Department in Texas. With knowing what he wanted in life Rob joined as a volunteer with Frisco Fire Department where he surrounded himself with go getters who set the tone for him with culture, training & knowing the job. Rob is also a big proponent towards mental health as he openly discussed his own struggles and how having the right individuals in your corner allows you to rise above adversity. My favorite quote from the interview with Rob is “This Job Has A Shelf Life.”IG: robcstone

27 years of combination experience 1st generation firefighter, currently serving as a Division Chief for the Charlotte Fire Department. While growing up, the fire service always interested him and after he became a volunteer firefighter in college, it didn’t take much convincing for him to pursue the job as a career. Now, years later everything has come full circle, and while the job has changed, it’s still about the people.IG: charlottefirecar07LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/david-farnum-cfo

Chief Matt Knierim 2nd generation Firefighter with 28 years of combination experience. Division Chief Of Training who after completing his tenure decided he wanted to go out back on the floor and is Battalion Chief for B Shift. From a very young age Matt always wanted to be a Firefighter and got his chance with Stockton Fire. From day one the blueprint of how you are going to treat, act & perform when it comes to Stockton was engrained and made Matt the individual he is today. Your expectations won't change the result, but your standards will". This quote suggests that standards are more important than expectations, and that exceptional people have high standards for themselves and others. Matt Knierim embodies that along with other individuals whom he surrounded himself with.

Ken Johnson- 32 years of combination experience. Fire Chief of Lodi Fire Department in California. Before becoming Chief of Lodi Ken got his start with Stockton Fire Department where he served for 23 years. During that time Ken promoted through the ranks going all the way from Firefighter to Division Chief Of Training and finally Fire Marshal. The experiences Ken had coming up is second to none which truly in my opinion has shaped the way his mindset is when it comes to the job that can resonate with most Firefighters. Along the interview Ken dropped so many gems and nuggets that I truly hope the listeners can catch on to. One of my favorite quotes from Ken is this. “ I think when you look at making your career path, the path of the fireman you have to do a lot of self introflection and say do I have courage? Do I have courage to do things that are hard when they matter?.”

11 years of combination experience, 3rd generation Firefighter. Currently a probationary Firefighter on the Nine-Two engine with the FDNY. Michael is no stranger to the fire service as he’s been surrounded by this profession his whole life. He got his start as a live-in with a little ole Fire Department called Christiana Fire Company in Delaware not sure if any of you have heard of it. The way Christiana operates plays a huge role in how Michael believes all Firefighters need to view the job. From there he knew he wanted to become a career Firefighter wherever he could get the chance but always had dreams of the big city. IG: bench_press_

Jacob Johnson 24 years of combination experience. Assistant Chief with Pearland Fire Department in Southeast Texas. It’s been said that you don’t need rank to lead and I wholeheartedly agree with that. You can be a leader when it comes to any profession. The difference is matching words with actions, being directly intentional, having the humility to let others know your faults/weaknesses, working to improve on them and most of all being truly genuine with yourself. I literally was at a lost for words when talking to Chief Johnson during this interview. I implore all and any of you who listen to this episode to share this with your friends, colleagues & co-workers. Have round table discussions, smoke a stogie in the back of your bay but do yourself a favor and listen to the words that Jacob speaks. No script, no rehearsal just words from the heart from a man that truly wants to help change his organization for the better. I want to give Chief Johnson his flowers along with many other Chief’s, Company Officers & Firefighters that I have had the pleasure of talking to since I’ve started this podcast. You all are making a difference and don’t ever forget that.

25 years of career experience. Currently Fire Chief for Meridian Fire Department in Idaho. Kris is a Chief that wholeheartedly believes in a mission driven culture. The Chief position was never on his radar but sometimes individuals need to rise up and step in uncomfortable and uncharted territory. Some of Kris viewpoints are outside training, embracing the mission driven culture and my favorite quote “Why You Do The Job Is More Important Than Where You Do The Job.”

19 years of combination experience. A Captain with Rutherford County Fire/Rescue in Tennessee on Rescue Engine 51 and cadre member with Dixie Firemanship. Dustin had an experience that forever changed his outlook on how the minimum standard failed him as a Firefighter because as the saying goes “You don’t know what you don’t know”. I truly hope the listeners can listen to Dustin’s story and ask yourself what are you doing to become a better Firefighter?IG: dustin_david88

18 years of combination experience. A Lieutenant with Cincinnati Fire Department on Engine 12 & President with Queen City Fools. Charles wholeheartedly believes in outside training, Engine work is the backbone of the American fire service and the fact that the community expects top notch experts on arrival so act like it.

27 years of career experience. 2nd generation Firefighter who rose through the ranks of his department with Town Of Kearny NJ and retired as Deputy Fire Chief. Author of 10 yes 10 books including the best seller’s Step Up And Lead and Step Up Your Teamwork. Since retiring Frank has traveled all across the world offering many seminars, workshops, and keynotes on the topics of leadership and team development. One of the quotes that stuck out to me in our conversation was this “Conceive it before you achieve it.” I truly hope the listeners can gain a little bit of value from what Frank spoke on.IG:frank_viscuso

28 years of career experience. Fire Chief for Clark County Fire Department in Kentucky. Steve had dreams and intentions to become a Police Officer, but it was his dad who gave him a nudge and asked him to at least try for the local Fire Department in their area that was hiring. Steve was a little hesitant but once he applied got offered the job and finished recruit class the rest was history. One of the things I enjoyed with my conversation with Chief was when he hit on for individuals to try and find the right department that aligns with your interests, beliefs, never settling & the things he wish he knew before becoming Fire Chief.

40 years of combination experience. Currently a Battalion Chief for the City Of Goose Creek FD in South Carolina. Retired Lieutenant from the FDNY with over 21 years where he spent most of his time in the Bronx, including 13 years in Special Operations. Steve is a peer counselor for the Low Country Firefighter Support Team and gives one hell of a lecture on the topic of PTSD from his own experiences.

22 years of career experience. Creator of Crew 1st Culture which was born in 2019. The thing about humans is we are biologically wired to seek comfort & security. But in life there are going to be hills & hurdles we will encounter that will test our courage, perseverance & faith. It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop. It’s been a while since Jeremy’s blessed the microphone so needless to say I truly was humbled when I asked if he would come on to share his journey for others to hear. One of my favorite quotes from Jeremy is this “ Never give your identity to something than can be given away.”IG: crew1stculture

Matthew Stewart- 37 years of combination experience. Assistant Chief Of Operations for Wayne Township FD in Indiana. 2nd ever out of state candidate to complete the Georgia smoke diver program who then decided to implement what he learned bringing it back to his home state and started Indiana Smoke Diver in which he currently serves as President. Indiana Task Force 1 member and an overall Chief who has never forgotten that he is still a Firefighter. The discussions Chief and I had should make for great conversation amongst the listeners. My favorite quotes from Chief were “ Nothing we do is safe.” & “You are your own best project.” IG: stew662

9 years of career experience. Currently a Firefighter/Medic on Truck 553 for The City Of Euless Fire Department in Texas. Husband, Father, Oklahoma Smoke Diver and creator of Die To Live Ops on instagram. Ryan is a humble guy who wanted to do something positive in life. So he jumped in with both feet to obtain all the certifications needed to become a Firefighter. One who doesn’t want to be just average. Ryan believes that your reputation proceeds you when walking into the door. My favorite quote from Ryan is this “I want to learn how to suffer well for my family.”IG: dietoliveops & r.c.rowan

A Fire Wife is essentially the keeper of the castle. Although she is married to a Firefighter she also has married into the fire service. I wanted to pay tribute to the wives for all they do for their respective families 24/7/365 when there spouse is away that may sometimes go unnoticed or unrecognized. From caring of the kids, making sure meals are prepared, completing various day to day activities, management of the household & sometimes having to perform dual roles. The wife of a Firefighter plays a key component to the stability of families across the nation. Today’s guests are Kim Smith, Courtney Swick, Hannah Howes and Kimberly Beauvais. All the women mentioned are married to Firefighters who work from small urban/ suburban municipalities to large metropolitan organization.

31 years of volunteer and career experience. A Lieutenant for the District of Columbia Fire Department Truck 7 on Capitol Hill also known as the “Kool-aid Cowboys.” Robert has been apart of 2 other organizations before arriving in DC. With his experiences and whom he surrounded himself with Robert believes in STANDARDS that Firefighters must know their job from the beginning and he isn’t timid to tell you like it is even when you don’t want to hear it.