HAZARD CLASS

We sit down with Captain Rob Ramirez, a veteran firefighter and lead instructor of Mayday Mindset. With over 20 years in the fire service Captain Ramirez shares invaluable insights into Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations, Mayday prevention, and firefighter survival.

The conversation covers everything from his journey into the fire service to the critical role of realistic, data-driven training in preventing Mayday situations. Captain Ramirez also discusses the challenges of traditional RIT assignments, the effectiveness of stress-inoculation training, and the need for a cultural shift in fireground operations.

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class

Follow us on the social media!

Thanks for listening and watching!

Timestamps & Key Segments

Introduction & Guest Background (0:00 - 1:08)

- Host welcomes listeners to the Hazard Class Podcast.

- Introduction to guest Captain Rob Ramirez.

- Rob’s extensive background in fire service and rescue operations.

The Wheel of Stupid Questions! (1:08 - 3:11)

- Would you rather fight a man-sized chicken or 20 chicken-sized men?

- Hilarious debate about strategy, intellect, and whether small attackers could outsmart a firefighter.

Rob's Journey into the Fire Service (3:11 - 5:55)

- How a visit to a Miami-Dade firehouse during high school changed everything.

- The camaraderie and team dynamic that drew him in.

- The first fire he ever fought and how that moment solidified his passion.

Cuban Coffee vs. Crystal Meth? (4:32 - 4:59)

- Rob’s take on Cuban coffee: "It’s the reason crystal meth never took off in South Florida."

- The host’s first-time excitement about trying it.

Becoming an Instructor & Finding a Niche in RIT (6:05 - 8:53)

- Transitioning from firefighter to instructor.

- The frustration with outdated and ineffective training.

- Why he gravitated toward Mayday Mindset and firefighter self-rescue.

Maydays by the Numbers: When & Why They Happen (11:16 - 13:19)

- Why most Maydays are predictable.

- Key risk factors: disorientation, building failure, unexpected fire behavior.

- Importance of identifying these risks early through training.

Two-In, Two-Out: Does It Work? (15:19 - 18:06)

- The inefficiencies of holding firefighters back for "RIT standby."

- The reality that most rescues happen from within the structure, not outside.

- "If you only have six people on scene, you’re better off putting all six inside than leaving half outside."

The Future of RIT Operations (18:06 - 19:48)

- Will fireground strategies change based on real-world data?

- How resistance to change is one of the fire service’s biggest hurdles.

The Perfect Incident Commander Response to a Mayday (30:53 - 34:30)

- "Make it personal. Don’t be robotic."

- Why location matters more than anything in an initial Mayday call.

- Common failures in radio communication.

Firefighter Rescue vs. Civilian Rescue (37:24 - 38:57)

- "Firefighter rescue is actually easier—Mrs. Smith feels suction-cupped to the floor!"

- The importance of prioritizing quick and efficient drags.

Training for the Real Thing (35:00 - 36:46)

- Why stress inoculation must be ongoing, not a one-time drill.

- How training in zero visibility and working with SCBAs under pressure is essential.

How Company Officers Can Make Their Crew Mayday-Ready (39:32 - 41:56)

- Mastering SCBA operations as the foundation.

- Regular training in zero-visibility conditions.

- Developing muscle memory for firefighter rescue techniques.

we sit down with Captain Rob Ramirez, a veteran firefighter and lead instructor of Mayday Mindset. With over 20 years in the fire service Captain Ramirez shares invaluable insights into Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations, Mayday prevention, and firefighter survival.

The conversation covers everything from his journey into the fire service to the critical role of realistic, data-driven training in preventing Mayday situations. Captain Ramirez also discusses the challenges of traditional RIT assignments, the effectiveness of stress-inoculation training, and the need for a cultural shift in fireground operations.

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class

Follow us on the social media!

Thanks for listening and watching!

Timestamps & Key Segments

Introduction & Guest Background (0:00 - 1:08)

- Host welcomes listeners to the Hazard Class Podcast.

- Introduction to guest Captain Rob Ramirez.

- Rob’s extensive background in fire service and rescue operations.

The Wheel of Stupid Questions! (1:08 - 3:11)

- Would you rather fight a man-sized chicken or 20 chicken-sized men?

- Hilarious debate about strategy, intellect, and whether small attackers could outsmart a firefighter.

Rob's Journey into the Fire Service (3:11 - 5:55)

- How a visit to a Miami-Dade firehouse during high school changed everything.

- The camaraderie and team dynamic that drew him in.

- The first fire he ever fought and how that moment solidified his passion.

Cuban Coffee vs. Crystal Meth? (4:32 - 4:59)

- Rob’s take on Cuban coffee: "It’s the reason crystal meth never took off in South Florida."

- The host’s first-time excitement about trying it.

Becoming an Instructor & Finding a Niche in RIT (6:05 - 8:53)

- Transitioning from firefighter to instructor.

- The frustration with outdated and ineffective training.

- Why he gravitated toward Mayday Mindset and firefighter self-rescue.

Maydays by the Numbers: When & Why They Happen (11:16 - 13:19)

- Why most Maydays are predictable.

- Key risk factors: disorientation, building failure, unexpected fire behavior.

- Importance of identifying these risks early through training.

Two-In, Two-Out: Does It Work? (15:19 - 18:06)

- The inefficiencies of holding firefighters back for "RIT standby."

- The reality that most rescues happen from within the structure, not outside.

- "If you only have six people on scene, you’re better off putting all six inside than leaving half outside."

The Future of RIT Operations (18:06 - 19:48)

- Will fireground strategies change based on real-world data?

- How resistance to change is one of the fire service’s biggest hurdles.

The Perfect Incident Commander Response to a Mayday (30:53 - 34:30)

- "Make it personal. Don’t be robotic."

- Why location matters more than anything in an initial Mayday call.

- Common failures in radio communication.

Firefighter Rescue vs. Civilian Rescue (37:24 - 38:57)

- "Firefighter rescue is actually easier—Mrs. Smith feels suction-cupped to the floor!"

- The importance of prioritizing quick and efficient drags.

Training for the Real Thing (35:00 - 36:46)

- Why stress inoculation must be ongoing, not a one-time drill.

- How training in zero visibility and working with SCBAs under pressure is essential.

How Company Officers Can Make Their Crew Mayday-Ready (39:32 - 41:56)

- Mastering SCBA operations as the foundation.

- Regular training in zero-visibility conditions.

- Developing muscle memory for firefighter rescue techniques.

We sit down with Mahlon Mitchell, a fire lieutenant from Madison, Wisconsin, and a major player in the fire service labor movement. Mahlon has served as the longtime president of Madison Professional Firefighters Local 311, the president of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin, and was most recently elected as the IAFF Fifth District Vice President in 2024. We talk about his journey in the fire service, his transition into union leadership, and some of the most pressing issues facing firefighters today, including occupational cancer, PFAS in turnout gear, and the IAFF’s role in disaster relief.  

Timestamps & Segment Breakdown:

(0:00 - 0:12) | Intro to the Hazard Class Podcast

- Host introduces the show’s concept: asking tough (and sometimes stupid) questions to some of the smartest people in emergency services.

(0:12 - 0:54) | Guest Introduction: Mahlon Mitchell

- Background on Mahlon Mitchell:  

 - Fire lieutenant in Madison, WI  

 - President of Madison Professional Firefighters Local 311  

 - President of Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin  

 - Elected in 2024 as IAFF Fifth District Vice President

(1:10 - 1:37) | The Wheel of Stupid Questions

- Fun segment: “Is John Rambo the good guy or the bad guy in *First Blood*?”  

- Mahlon reveals he’s never seen *Rambo: First Blood*, leading to some friendly ribbing from the host.

(2:33 - 4:10) | Mahlon’s Journey into the Fire Service

- Originally pursued a career in culinary arts before transitioning to firefighting.

- Inspired by his older brother, who joined the fire department in Atlanta.

(4:12 - 5:11) | First Fire and Early Firehouse Experiences

- Recalls his first fire vividly, including stepping on a cat in a smoke-filled home.

- Talks about how his older brother set the foundation for firefighting becoming the family business.

(5:11 - 7:04) | Entering Union Politics

- First exposure to union politics was through a hard-nosed lieutenant who pushed him to attend meetings.

- Mahlon’s first union meeting and how he got involved in Local 311.

(9:11 - 11:42) | Becoming a Union Leader

- Mahlon’s rise through the ranks of union leadership, from trustee to president of Local 311 and later state president.

- Unconventional path: became state president before becoming local president.

(11:43 - 12:47) | Differences Between Local and State Union Leadership

- Local union work is more hands-on, focusing on contracts and member relations.

(20:17 - 23:04) | Social Security Fairness Act: A Landmark Win

- Explanation of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and its impact on firefighters’ pensions.

- How the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act restores rightful benefits to retired firefighters.

- The bill’s bipartisan support and its significance in IAFF history.

(24:05 - 26:27) | PFAS in Turnout Gear: The Fight for Safer Equipment

- Ongoing IAFF efforts to remove harmful PFAS chemicals from firefighter turnout gear.

- NFPA 1970 standards update and legislative actions underway.

(26:56 - 29:42) | IAFF Disaster Assistance and Wildfires in California

- IAFF’s role in supporting firefighters affected by wildfires.

- How IAFF disaster assistance programs provide relief to first responders and their families.

(30:16 - 33:34) | Public Perception and Fire Service Advocacy

- How high-profile disasters impact funding and policy decisions.

- The importance of SAFER and Fire Act grants in securing resources for fire departments.

(33:56 - 37:46) | 2025 Priorities for the IAFF

- Addressing occupational cancer as a line-of-duty concern.

- Expanding PTSD and mental health support for firefighters.

- Legislative efforts to secure additional funding for fire service programs.

(38:07 - 43:47) | IAFF Resources and Getting Involved

- Overview of IAFF training programs, disaster assistance, and financial analysis tools.

- How firefighters can engage with their union at local, state, and national levels.

THMG Presents: Hazard Class

Episode 0018

Labor, Leadership and The Fire Service

Featuring: Mahlon Mitchell

In this episode of Hazard Class, we sit down with Mahlon Mitchell, a fire lieutenant from Madison, Wisconsin, and a major player in the fire service labor movement. Mahlon has served as the longtime president of Madison Professional Firefighters Local 311, the president of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin, and was most recently elected as the IAFF Fifth District Vice President in 2024. We talk about his journey in the fire service, his transition into union leadership, and some of the most pressing issues facing firefighters today, including occupational cancer, PFAS in turnout gear, and the IAFF’s role in disaster relief.  

We also discuss the landmark passing of the Social Security Fairness Act, the importance of legislative action in securing better working conditions for firefighters, and how the IAFF is leading the charge in advocacy for fire service professionals across North America.

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class

Follow us on the social media!

Thanks for listening and watching!

Jake sits down with Brent, better known by his online persona Firefighter Fenton. A fire captain and paramedic from Arizona, Brent has built a massive following as a firefighting comedian and parody music creator. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey in the fire service, the inspiration behind his viral videos, and how he balances firefighting, family life, and social media fame.

Resources and References:

Follow @FirefighterFenton: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter(@FirefighterFent)

Fire Department Coffee: ⁠www.firedeptcoffee.com⁠

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class

Follow us on the social media!

Thanks for listening and watching!

Episode Breakdown & Timestamps

Introduction & Guest Welcome (0:00 - 1:07)

Host introduces the show and this week’s guest, Brent, also known as Firefighter FentonBrent’s background as a fire captain and paramedic in ArizonaHis rise to fame as a firefighter comedian and music parody creator

The Firefighter Fenton Persona (1:07 - 1:49)

How Brent adopted the Firefighter Fenton name and personaThe origins of his nickname at the fire station

The Wheel of Stupid Questions (1:50 - 3:03)

A fun segment where the guest answers random humorous questionsDiscussion on whether chewing gum’s calorie count includes swallowing

Brent’s Firefighting Journey (3:03 - 8:28)

How Brent got into firefighting after initially wanting to be a copHis father’s role in steering him toward the fire serviceHis first ride-along experience and how it changed his career pathThe experience of witnessing his first fire during a ride-alongHis first real fire as a professional firefighter and how it felt

Career Progression and Promotion to Captain (8:28 - 14:23)

The time gap between his first fire experience and getting hiredHis career trajectory from firefighter to captainThe challenges and process of taking promotional examsWhy he decided to promote and his thoughts on leadership in the fire serviceHis father’s influence on his leadership style

Firefighting Lessons and Advice (14:23 - 22:35)

The biggest lessons he has learned in his two-decade careerThe myth that time in the job equals experienceThe importance of decision-making skills for firefightersAdvice for new firefighters on preparing for leadership roles

The Birth of Firefighter Fenton (22:35 - 27:34)

The accidental creation of his firefighter comedy personaHow a parody song about EMS calls became an instant hitThe inspiration behind his famous mustacheFinding the perfect mustache and the massive stockpile he now owns

Content Creation and Social Media Journey (27:34 - 35:50)

His background in video production and music before creating contentThe unexpected viral success of his first videoThe pressure to follow up with more viral contentLearning to balance social media with his fire service career and family life

The Impact of Social Media on His Career (35:50 - 42:33)

How his online persona has been received in the fire serviceEncounters with chiefs and officers who either love or hate his contentBeing recognized on calls and in publicThe balance between maintaining professionalism and creating comedy

Final Thoughts and Where to Find Firefighter Fenton (42:33 - 47:18)

The support from his wife and family for his online successWhere to follow him on social media (@FirefighterFenton)His work with Fire Department Coffee and upcoming projects

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Brent, better known by his online persona Firefighter Fenton. A fire captain and paramedic from Arizona, Brent has built a massive following as a firefighting comedian and parody music creator. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey in the fire service, the inspiration behind his viral videos, and how he balances firefighting, family life, and social media fame.

Resources and References:

Follow @FirefighterFenton: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter(@FirefighterFent)

Fire Department Coffee: www.firedeptcoffee.com

Video Exclusively on YouTube

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class

Follow us on the social media!

Thanks for listening and watching!

Jake sits down with Gwyn Winfield, the editor-in-chief of CBRNE World Magazine, a seasoned journalist with over 20 years in the field of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) response. From exploring the humor of “hot dog sandwiches” to dissecting global security threats, the conversation delves into Gwyn’s journey through journalism, insights into the CBRNE world, and his take on current international issues. Prepare for laughs, learning, and a touch of British wit.

Resources & Links:

**CBRNE World Magazine:**

⁠www.cbrneworld.com⁠

 (Access free online issues, subscribe for hard copies, or explore 20 years of archived content.)  

**CBRNE Convergence Conference**

Information on the next event in Charleston, SC.  

**Gwyn Winfield on LinkedIn:**

Connect with Gwynne for industry insights and updates.

Video Exclusively on YouTube

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class

Follow us on the social media!

Thanks for listening and watching!

Timestamps & Segment Breakdown:

- **0:00 - 0:30**  

 **Introduction:** Jake introduces the show and welcomes Gwyn Winfield, highlighting his esteemed career and signature humor.

- **0:30 - 2:03**  

 **Meet Gwynne:** A humorous exchange about Gwyn's voice resembling a famous cartoon character.

- **2:04 - 4:16**  

 **Wheel of Stupid Questions:** The debate begins—Is a hot dog a sandwich? Gwyn’s verdict: absolutely. 

- **4:18 - 6:31**  

 **Starting in Journalism:** Gwyn shares his career trajectory, from defense journalism to becoming a CBRNE expert.

- **6:31 - 9:27**  

 **Challenges in CBRNE Journalism:** Discussion on navigating gatekeepers, finding reliable information, and shifting industry landscapes.

- **9:27 - 14:23**  

 **CBRNE Evolution:** From military dominance to civilian innovation and back again, Gwyn tracks the field’s development over two decades.

- **14:24 - 17:52**  

 **Global Perspectives:** How geographic proximity to conflict zones shapes views on CBRNE preparedness worldwide.

- **17:54 - 20:21**  

 **Gwynne’s Career Journey:** The creation of CBRNE World Magazine and reflections on the challenges of publishing.

- **20:21 - 31:19**  

 **CBRNE Magazine & Events:** Gwyn describes the magazine’s mission, its eclectic art direction, and the success of CBRNE convergence events.

- **31:20 - End**  

 **Closing Thoughts:** Gwyn reflects on the rewarding aspects of working in the CBRNE community and invites listeners to learn more through the magazine and upcoming events.

Resources & Links:

**CBRNE World Magazine:**

www.cbrneworld.com

 (Access free online issues, subscribe for hard copies, or explore 20 years of archived content.)  

**CBRNE Convergence Conference**

Information on the next event in Charleston, SC.  

**Gwyn Winfield on LinkedIn:**

Connect with Gwynne for industry insights and updates.

Video Exclusively on YouTube

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class

Follow us on the social media!

Thanks for listening and watching!

Timestamps & Segment Breakdown:

- **0:00 - 0:30**  

 **Introduction:** Jake introduces the show and welcomes Gwyn Winfield, highlighting his esteemed career and signature humor.

- **0:30 - 2:03**  

 **Meet Gwynne:** A humorous exchange about Gwyn's voice resembling a famous cartoon character.

- **2:04 - 4:16**  

 **Wheel of Stupid Questions:** The debate begins—Is a hot dog a sandwich? Gwyn’s verdict: absolutely. 

- **4:18 - 6:31**  

 **Starting in Journalism:** Gwyn shares his career trajectory, from defense journalism to becoming a CBRNE expert.

- **6:31 - 9:27**  

 **Challenges in CBRNE Journalism:** Discussion on navigating gatekeepers, finding reliable information, and shifting industry landscapes.

- **9:27 - 14:23**  

 **CBRNE Evolution:** From military dominance to civilian innovation and back again, Gwyn tracks the field’s development over two decades.

- **14:24 - 17:52**  

 **Global Perspectives:** How geographic proximity to conflict zones shapes views on CBRNE preparedness worldwide.

- **17:54 - 20:21**  

 **Gwynne’s Career Journey:** The creation of CBRNE World Magazine and reflections on the challenges of publishing.

- **20:21 - 31:19**  

 **CBRNE Magazine & Events:** Gwyn describes the magazine’s mission, its eclectic art direction, and the success of CBRNE convergence events.

- **31:20 - End**  

 **Closing Thoughts:** Gwyn reflects on the rewarding aspects of working in the CBRNE community and invites listeners to learn more through the magazine and upcoming events.

Hosted by Jake Ryks of THE HAZARD CLASS PODCAST

This is a bite-sized opinion podcast, where I have a chance to share my personal opinion about things in and around the world of emergency response.

Like - Follow - Subscribe - Share

Check out the video version exclusively on YouTube.

Check out the main podcast, HAZARD CLASS, for interviews with interesting people in and around the world of emergency response. New Episodes released every Wednesday at 7am CST.

The Rant and The Ramble

#0003 - Firefighter Fitness Obsession

Hosted by Jake Ryks of THE HAZARD CLASS PODCAST

This is a bite-sized opinion podcast, where I have a chance to share my personal opinion about things in and around the world of emergency response.

Like - Follow - Subscribe - Share

Check out the video version exclusively on YouTube.

Check out the main podcast, HAZARD CLASS, for interviews with interesting people in and around the world of emergency response. New Episodes released every Wednesday at 7am CST.