In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, we sit down with Deputy Chief Daniel DeYear, a 45-year veteran of the fire service, including notable positions such as U.S. Department of State Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief of Dallas Fire Rescue. In a candid conversation, Chief DeYear shares stories from his extensive career, including his early days in the fire service, the evolution of EMS and fire tactics, and the importance of training and accountability in today's fire departments.

00:00 - Introduction to Chief Daniel DeYear

• Introduction of Chief DeYear and his illustrious 45-year career in the fire service.
• Overview of his roles in Dallas Fire Rescue and as an international fire marshal with the U.S. Department of State.

02:00 - Early Days in the Fire Service

• Chief DeYear reflects on his upbringing in the Bronx during the 1960s and 70s, and how he was drawn to the fire service from a young age.
• Becoming a junior volunteer firefighter at the age of 14.
• The early influence of the Emergency! TV show and Dennis Smith's Report from Engine Company 82.

05:30 - Firefighting in the 70s and 80s: Primitive Tools and Communication

• Description of early fire gear, including 15-minute SCBAs, and the lack of radios for firefighters.
• A look at the culture of firehouse accountability before formalized systems were introduced.
• Chief DeYear's early experiences with dangerous fires, such as the incident where he helped rescue a firefighter trapped under a collapsed beam at the age of 15.

09:40 - Realizing the Fire Service Was the Career Path

• Chief DeYear talks about his decision to pursue firefighting as a lifelong career and how his family supported his path despite their initial reservations.
• The competitive job market in the fire service at the time and his journey to becoming a firefighter in Texas.

14:00 - Transition to the Dallas Fire Department and Working as a Fire Marshal

• Chief DeYear’s move to Texas and his time at the Carrollton Fire Department.
• His work as a Fire Marshal, public educator, and later, a training officer.
• His time as an international fire marshal and what that role entailed while traveling to over 35 countries.

22:00 - The Evolution of EMS and Paramedicine

• Early days of EMS in the U.S. and Chief DeYear’s experience as a paramedic in the early 80s.
• How paramedic training was much less extensive back then compared to today, and the impact of the AIDS epidemic on fire service safety protocols.

28:00 - Fire Tactics and Safety: A Changing Landscape

• Discussing the evolution of fire tactics, including changes in firefighting gear, communication, and building construction.
• The shift from traditional fire tactics to more advanced practices, including better understanding of fire science and building construction.

34:00 - The Role of Company Officers and Leadership

• Chief DeYear’s thoughts on what makes a good company officer in the fire service.
• A look at how company officers should serve their crew and foster a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
• The importance of mentorship, investing in the crew, and avoiding complacency.

43:00 - Line of Duty Deaths and Safety Culture

• Chief DeYear reflects on his experiences with line of duty deaths and the fire investigations that shaped his perspective on safety.
• The importance of assessing risk versus reward and the need for smart decision-making on the fireground.

50:00 - Training and Improving the Fire Service

• The value of continuous training, even after years of service, and the importance of self-assessment.
• Chief DeYear’s thoughts on how to cultivate a training culture that embraces learning, even among experienced firefighters.
• How company officers can prevent complacency and foster a positive training environment.

1:00:00 - Handling Critiques and Learning from Mistakes

• Chief DeYear discusses how to properly handle post-incident critiques without turning them into punitive sessions.
• The importance of balancing positive reinforcement with constructive feedback in fire department training.

1:05:00 - Chief DeYear’s Advice for Young Firefighters

• The role of company officers in shaping the career trajectories of young firefighters.
• How to guide rookie firefighters and ensure they remain engaged and passionate about their work.

• "The fire service is about service to the community—everything else is secondary."
• "A company officer’s job is to serve their crew, to ensure they have the training, the tools, and the support they need to succeed."