22 years of combination experience. Deputy Chief of Operations with Madison Fire-Rescue in Northern Alabama. Chad has an older brother who was a volunteer firefighter which naturally intrigued him in learning more so he enrolled in the cadet program. After getting into the groove and finding his own way the thought of doing this full-time set in and Chad pressed forward by enrolling and obtaining all his certifications needed. In this interview Chad spoke facts and dropped some nuggets along the way for the listeners. He was very transparent on owning past mistakes but there’s no question he’s all in when it comes to how we should view the job. I hope you all can enjoy the interview because I sure enjoyed listening to Chad speak.

45 years of combination experience. South Carolina Fire Academy State Region 2 Coordinator (Battalion Chief rank). JD always wanted to go down the road of law enforcement with dreams of being a State Trooper. At a very young age of 16 he joined his local volunteer fire department. What I appreciate about the interview with JD is his mindset. There’s no doubt he’s been in the game for a while to see and experience many different things. But it’s so refreshing to see and hear a man who doesn’t mind change actually JD encourages it. Just because there maybe your way to accomplish a task doesn’t mean there can’t be another route. And if so that doesn’t make you or it wrong. JD drops a few gems and nuggets along the way but also remembers it’s not about him. Where he is today was guided by the help and guidance of mentors. I truly hope you all can enjoy the interview and the message being preached.

20 years of combination experience. President of IAFF local 117, Currently Captain with the logistics division of Birmingham Fire Rescue Service but before the change of position was Captain on busy Quint 20. He was introduced to the fire service by his room mate who was a volunteer. Although he had no aspirations of becoming a Firefighter once he got a taste of it everything going forward changed. Stephen laid out some facts and nuggets when it came to various topics we discussed. I truly enjoyed our conversation and hope the listeners do as well.

18 years of career experience. Captain With the City Of Issaquah East Side Fire & Rescue East of Seattle on Engine 178. The fire service wasn’t on Berlin’s radar. His parents thought he would end up being in the tech industry but everything in life occurs for a reason & we all serve a purpose regardless of what industry we are in. Once Berlin got on the key to his success was founded on two things. Betting on himself and having mentors or individuals who will push and guide you to things you would have never thought was possible. Berlin laid down the gospel on various topics we discussed especially when it came to Company Officer and leadership development. Grab you a notepad and get ready to jot a few things down with this one.

41 years of combination experience. Fire Chief With Laramie County Fire Authority in Cheyenne Wyoming. Jason has always been around emergency services so it was natural that as soon as he was able to he joined the volunteer fire service and hasn’t looked back. Jason’s route to get to his current position is outside the normal. But it doesn’t mean it wasn’t the right path. Full transparency I would encourage the listeners to tune in and listen to Jason’s message and mindset. How he views his organization and most importantly the people within it is how we all should conduct business. As the adage goes there’s no I in team. It’s not about us it’s about those we serve and work with. Jason took this interview to church preaching the good word on how he views the service. It was truly an honor to listen and pick his brain on various topics within the fire service. If you’re a Chief or Chief Officer in a combination department you might want to grab a notepad and get to writing a few ideas.

11 years of combination experience. Senior Firefighter on Engine & Ladder 82 for the City Of Hardeeville Fire Department in South Carolina. Initially his plan was going the route of law enforcement but his dad mentioned to Phillip about becoming a volunteer Firefighter instead. He gave it a go and that’s all he needed to know this was where he belonged. What I appreciate about Phillip and our conversation is how he discusses the topic of burnout. Whether your volunteer or career burnout most definitely exists and it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms before you lose sight of what truly matters in your life. As always each and every guest drops gems and nuggets for those listening to hopefully pick up on.

28 years of combination experience. Fire Commissioner with Western Berks Fire Department in Pennsylvania. From a very young age Jared knew the fire service was what he wanted to be apart of. As soon as he hit the age of 15 Jared began his journey starting out as a volunteer and after a few years began applying any and everywhere he could to try and become a career Firefighter. Once he was able to obtain that goal he Jared remained all in when it came to the job. Making sure he remembers why he’s there and who he’s there for. Mentorship and who you surround yourself with play’s a huge factor in how you view the job. Fortunately for Jared he picked up on the good and bad experiences which has shaped him to he is today. A Chief who knows it’s not all about him, and does everything he can for the betterment of his department and community. Jared drops a few nuggets along the way in the interview which were spot on. I hope you all enjoy the conversation.

26 years of combination experience. Battalion Chief 20 with Naval District Washington Fire/Emergency Services. Did Randy always know the fire service was what he wanted to be in? No. In a funny way it was like he was pressured into doing it by his friends who were volunteers. Randy kept putting it off but one day gave in and went to ride along with them. From that day going forward everything changed for Randy. Unbeknownst to him he was surrounding himself with individuals who represented what the fire service embodies. Selfless servants who understood the mission. But with anything in life Randy went through the challenges of finding himself to become a better person and Firefighter. Randy shares a heartfelt story I hope can resonate with the listeners when it comes to the job. I sincerely thank him for coming on and sharing his story for others to listen to.

14 years of combination experience, 3rd generation Firefighter. Firefighter/Paramedic with Franklin Fire Department In Tennessee where he’s currently assigned to Engine & Tower 2. Beau’s journey into the fire service started at a very young age. When he turned 18 he ventured away from home and did what a good number of individuals are doing now which is becoming out of state members with Organizations that uphold the traditions of being a Firefighter and into the job. Throughout his career Beau has been apart of some top notch organizations including the City of Murfreesboro & Memphis Fire Department. But sometimes the man upstairs has a different path for us that puts us exactly where we need to be. Beau is a huge advocate for mentorship and showing any new individual coming into this profession what the job should be and I truly hope the listeners can pick up on what he’s putting down. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and hope you all do as well.

IG: beaudoss86

20 years of combination experience. Fire Instructor 2 with Tennessee Fire/Codes Academy. Former Firefighter/Driver Operator with Charlottesville Fire Department In Virginia where Andy served for 9 years. Owner and creator of The Water Thieves LLC and author of Water Thievery: The Art of Water Supply Operations. If your a current or aspiring driver/operator and want to know the ins and outs of pumping, moving water more than what your organization gives you Andy is most certainly the subject matter expert when it comes to this particular field. In this interview we discussed pumping, moving water, the importance of the driver/operator role and a few other topics. Andy was genuine and sincere in all his answers and truly wants to leave the fire service better than he found it. I throughly hope all passionate drivers enjoy the interview.