THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0017Dueling MustachesFeaturing: Firefighter Fenton

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!

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 creatorThe Firefighter Fenton Persona (1:07 - 1:49)How Brent adopted the Firefighter Fenton name and personaThe origins of his nickname at the fire stationThe 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 swallowingBrent’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 feltCareer 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 styleFirefighting 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 rolesThe 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 ownsContent 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 lifeThe 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 comedyFinal 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