25 years of career experience. Division Chief of Training with The Colony Fire Department in Texas. Firefighting wasn’t in the Garrett scope of practice but he had a friend invite him to come by the station and as many other guests I’ve had on once he entered in the halls of the fire house that’s all he needed. The mindset Garrett has is a testament to who you’re around. If you are aspiring to be an Officer or current one regardless if it’s Company or Chief this is a MUST listen to if you want to grow as a better person whether it be father, mother, significant other or Firefighter. If you’re into the job after listening to this episode it will make you want to run through a wall due to how truthful Garrett speaks when it comes to how an organization should operate. One of my favorite quotes from Garrett is “If you want a longer leash….TRAIN.”

2nd generation Firefighter with 14 1/2 years of service with the FDNY who retired out of Rescue 3 and life member with Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department in Rockland County NY. Jeff was one of 6 members that were forced to make a difficult decision on January 23, 2005 on what is known as the Black Sunday Fire. 2 of those members were killed instantly one passed away 6 years later and the 3 who survived would forever have their lives changed. Later on that day another Firefighter Richard Sclafani was also killed at a separate dwelling fire. The thing about surviving tragedy while a traumatic event can significantly impact a person, it doesn't fully encompass their identity or future potential. Acknowledging the impact of a tragedy is important, but it's also crucial to focus on the present and future, and to not let the past define the person's identity. Reaching out to trusted friends, family members, or professional help can be very beneficial during and after a tragedy. I would like for the listeners to hear Jeff’s story and the strong message he has behind it. In this profession don’t ever think “It can’t happen here.”

20 years of career experience, 2nd generation Firefighter. Assistant Chief with Cayce Fire Department in South Carolina and co-owner of Soda City Training. My conversation with Ryan was fantastic. Upon entering into the fire service he had individuals who were helping and guiding him in a way that he might not have caught onto just yet. When you’re young and in the fire service after a few years some begin to think they know it all when the individual hasn’t even scratched the surface. Sometimes all it takes is one person to pull you aside and let you know you’re messing up to hopefully make you realize you need to change for the better. Ryan had one of those experiences that forever changed his outlook and continues to do so even today. I truly hope the listeners can take in and absorb some of the gems and nuggets Ryan’s dropping . One of my favorite quotes from Ryan is “ You are what you check.”

15 years of combination experience. Unknown to him until later 2nd generation Firefighter. At the age of 10 a grass fire accidentally started in front of his home. While his mother called 911 Nick filled up a bucket with water and extinguished the fire prior to the Fire Department’s arrival. He took a picture afterwards with one of the Firefighters who later on in life became the Chief of the volunteer organization he joined. That same Chief saw the potential in Nick and one day laid down an application for Wilmington Fire and told him there’s opportunity for growth and pushed him to apply. After getting on Nick’s mindset never changed. Every time your on shift is a day to learn and experience something new. How Nick view’s the fire service is how all should strive to achieve.

IG: shep8822 & pfhc25

Franco Martinez- 31 years of combination experience. A Captain for Company 2 Tacoma Park with Montgomery County Fire/Rescue in Maryland. Franco wasn’t seeking the fire service at first. It was a friend who essentially put him on and asked to come by and see what it was about. Once he did the smell of the bay and gear had Franco hooked and that’s all he needed. While enlisted in the military, the road of law enforcement was presented but Franco knew the fire service was calling him. One of the quotes Franco dropped during his interview that definitely resounded with me was “When was the last time you practiced that skill?”

IG: franco26_99

Dave Nowacki- 21 years of career experience. A Sergeant on Engine 50 with Detroit Fire Department, creator of 4th Man Fire. Dave isn’t a legacy Firefighter. He never dreamed at a young age of joining the fire service. What got Dave into the profession was a friend who told him all the things he gets to do while on the job and he gets to do it all while working only 9 days a month. Yep he admits that 100%. But once he got in he was all in making sure he continues to be the best version of himself. Dave is very tradition and history based when it comes to the job. After hearing his experience and viewpoints you’ll understand why.

IG: 4thmanfire

26 years of career experience. Battalion Chief for City Of Mesa Fire & Medical Department. Chris actually wanted to be a police officer. While volunteering for a local sheriffs department he was able to meet Firefighters who explained to Chris the skills he had in mountain rescue most definitely translates to Fire Departments. With the being said the wheels started spinning for Chris and he applied to Phoenix & Mesa. Mesa was faster out the gate and Chris never looked back. I want the listeners to hear Chris’s experience regarding the passion he has now didn’t develop until later on his career and most importantly how the delivery you choose when exposed to new ideas you want to bring back to your own organization can have a negative effect if not done properly. Two quotes stuck out for me in our conversation. The first is “ Risk is managed by competence.” & the second “Values dictate culture.”

IG: ffcrsleigher

2nd generation Firefighter with 27 years of combination experience. Captain with The Training Division for Little Rock Fire in Arkansas. From an early age Bo watched his Grandfather operate as a volunteer. There were times when they were completing a task and a call comes in and his Grandfather would stop what he was doing to run the call and from there Bo knew he wanted to do just that. Bo applied everywhere he could around him until Little Rock called and gave him what he always dreamed of. From there he was surrounded with individuals he wanted to emulate but also learned from those that weren’t into it as we would like. Climbing through the ranks an opportunity presented itself within the training division and Bo took it. Bo believes in accountability, standards, sweat and suffering. One of my favorite quotes from Bo is “I’ve never regretted a workout.”

IG: engine.actual

Joel Kanasky- 46 years of combination experience. Retired Firefighter from the FDNY who rode Rescue 1 for 16 out of his 20 year career. From a young age Joel knew he was destined to become a Firefighter following 3 of his 4 brothers who were volunteers. Joel started out with Alexandria FD moving up the rank of Lieutenant before deciding to switch departments after 9 years. The move wasn’t easy but well worth it after listening to Joel’s experiences and the individuals who he had the pleasure of working along side with. My favorite quote from Joel is “Company Officers have to be proficient in everything he expects his members to do.”

45 years of combination experience. Retired Deputy Assistant Chief of the FDNY who has held many ranks within the organization including Chief of Fire Academy, Training & Safety. Currently Managing Director of the First Responder Center For Excellence which focuses on addressing crucial issues like firefighter cancer, mental health, and suicide. Frank started out as a volunteer Firefighter following after his brother. The FDNY was never on the radar but the individuals within the East Farmingdale Volunteer fire department changed his mindset when they would discuss different calls and aspects they experienced while on the job. And with that Frank applied at a young age, got on with the greatest Fire Department in the world and the rest was history. Frank attributes his success to the friends and mentors he surrounded himself with. One of my favorite quotes from Frank is “ You can fool the spectators but not the players.”