Send us a text

In this episode, Chief Jay Hurley shares his experiences and insights from over 25 years in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of mastering basic skills, maintaining physical fitness, and the role of mentorship. He reflects on his journey through the Georgia Flames and Smoke Diver programs, the legacy of Chief Mo Baxter, and the evolving culture of firefighting. The conversation highlights the significance of personal endeavor over the pursuit of success and the obligation firefighters have to mentor and support one another.

Jay Hurley is a 25-year fire service veteran and the current Fire Chief of a suburban department in Georgia. A lifelong student of the job, Jay has completed extensive advanced training, including Firefighters Laboring and Mastering Essential Skills (F.L.A.M.E.S.), the Georgia Smoke Diver Program, and the North Carolina Breathing Equipment School.

He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs, and serves as Task Force Leader for Georgia Search and Rescue Task Force 6 in Northwest Georgia.

Since 2017, Jay has been an FDIC HOT Instructor, as well as a lead instructor at the Metro Atlanta Firefighter’s Conference. In addition, he regularly contributes to fire service blogs and online publications, sharing knowledge and experience with the broader firefighting community.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Prepared by Fire podcast I engage with Carlos, a seasoned firefighter, discussing the importance of authenticity, community, and mental health in the fire service. We explore the challenges of navigating criticism, the significance of mentorship, and the need for continuous learning and personal growth. Carlos shares his insights on leadership, the power of humility, and the importance of setting long-term goals. The conversation emphasizes the duty to help others and the necessity of self-care in a demanding profession.

Carlos Martinez is a 23-year Fire Service veteran and Rescue Lieutenant in the Miami-Dade area. He began his career in 2001 as a U.S. Air Force firefighter after 9/11, later deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Carlos has served at military installations across the Middle East, Europe, and the Southern Caribbean, and has been educating Emergency Medicine and Paramedic students since 2014. 

Carlos owns and operates eCerts Now Inc. (www.eCertsNow.com), he provides educational services to first responders, fire service professionals, and the public.

Contact: [email protected]

Send us a text

In this episode with Scott Chappell we discuss his journey in the fire service, the importance of leadership, structure, and personal development. Highlighted are the challenges and lessons learned from the Smoke Diver program, the significance of teamwork, and the need for continuous self-assessment in one's career. Scott shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of leadership while maintaining humility and the value of asking questions. The conversation emphasizes that the fire service is just one chapter in a person's life, and it's essential to embrace growth and change.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Prepared to Fight Fire podcast, Nic Pluskota & I discuss their experiences in the fire service, focusing on the importance of training programs like Georgia Flames. They explore the mental and physical challenges faced during training, the significance of mindset and effort, and the role of mentorship in overcoming complacency. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on the fire service and the necessity of continuous improvement through basic skills and attention to detail.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Prepare to Fire podcast, Stephanie White and i discuss the complexities of mental health within the fire service, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving culture of firefighting. 

They explore the challenges of leadership, the impact of social media, and the necessity of creating a supportive environment for all firefighters.

The conversation emphasizes personal growth, the balance between old and new school values, and the significance of sharing experiences to foster change in the fire service.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Prepared to Fight Fire podcast, Tony Gillan and i discuss the warrior mindset, the journey of recovery from a severe injury, and the importance of leadership in the fire service. We explore how mentorship and a positive mindset can inspire others, even in the face of adversity. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability and empowerment in leadership roles, highlighting the significance of believing in oneself and others to foster growth and resilience.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Prepare to Fire podcast, host Julian Serrano speaks with firefighter Samuel Jacobs about the power of a growth mindset and the impact of coaching in the fire service. 

They discuss the challenges of training, the importance of humility and resilience, and how failure often fuels the most meaningful growth.

The conversation highlights how authentic leadership, mental toughness, and mentorship shape not just better firefighters, but better people. 

Physical fitness, mindset, and a deeper purpose beyond technical skills are emphasized as critical components of lasting success in the fire service.

Send us a text

In this episode, Julian Serrano shares his personal journey of growth and challenges faced while preparing for two intense firefighting programs: One Bad Tour and Georgia Flames. 

He emphasizes the importance of accountability, mental toughness, and the need for proper preparation and nutrition. 

Throughout the conversation, Julian reflects on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of community support, and the key takeaways from his experiences that can help others in their firefighting careers.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Prepared to Fire podcast, Julian Serrano discusses the importance of fitness for firefighters, outlining the unique challenges they face and how to build a solid foundation of fitness. 

He emphasizes the need for stamina, strength, and endurance, and provides practical advice on training and maintaining fitness throughout a firefighter's career.

 The conversation also touches on the importance of continuous improvement and the mindset required to succeed in this demanding profession.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube @preparedtofightfire

Send us a text

Brendan has been a paramedic since 2016 and a firefighter since 2018. As an entrepreneur with multiple businesses, he founded Black Smoke in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to boost morale in a struggling department. What started as a passion project has grown into a movement, continuing to make an impact five years later.