***Originally recorded live on June 8th, 2019***

On this episode, which has a live-interview feel (before Coronavirus social distancing), my family and I traveled out west last year to visit my parents. While there, I got to sit down with Retired Assistant Chief Charlie Cook from Central Yavapai Fire District in Arizona.  Charlie is a friend of my father’s whom he had met through their church’s Men’s group in Prescott, AZ.  

He had an outstanding 27yr. career in the fire service and he shares his wisdom on the topics of:

• What it’s like to deliver a baby on your very first EMS run,
• How he started in law enforcement, but found his way in the fire service,
• His personal journey from being a 24hrs. on / 48hrs. off firefighter to Fire Administration and creating the Fire Pals program,
• The evolution of wildland firefighting in the varying terrain and weather of Arizona, 
• And the June 30th, 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire tragedy that claimed 19 of the 20 Granite Mountain Hotshots. 

If you’ve enjoyed the interview and would like to connect with Charlie, he can be emailed direct at: [email protected].