2nd generation Firefighter with 15 years of volunteer and career experience. A driver on 17 Truck for the City Of Pittsburgh Bureau Of Fire, Assistant Fire Chief for Stowe Township VFD and out of state member for West Lanham Co 28 in PG County. My conversation with Brandon was an absolute delight due to the fact of how humble and open he was when it comes to not knowing every aspect of the job, continuing to better himself through books, attending classes/conferences, and listening to the members before him. Brandon’s mindset when it comes to being a Firefighter and a Chief Officer is without a shadow of a doubt what I hope we all try to strive for with the key take away being we can’t forget where we came from and just because you have rank doesn’t mean your better.

IG: gritfiretraining

Josh Banks- 10 years of volunteer and career experience. A Lieutenant with Garden City Fire Rescue on Engine 201. I’m not quite sure what’s in the water over at Garden City but the Officers I’ve been fortunate to interview are most certainly dialed in. One of my favorite quotes from Josh is this. “As a Company Officer You Need To Set EXPECTATIONS For Your Crew.” For only being 2 years in as a Company Officer I have no doubt Josh will go very far in his career with his mindset and who he aligns with in his inner circle of mentors and friends.

IG: josh_banks

34 years of volunteer and career experience. Chief Of Department with Harwich Fire Department in Massachusetts. I was very fortunate to attend one of Dave’s lectures a few months back and was even invited to eat dinner with the man where I got to see him up close and personal. Dave is a Chief that cares first and foremost about the citizens we serve, the mission and the men and women of the organization. Be sure to catch the gems and nuggets being dropped along the way as you hear his viewpoints on various topics.

IG: blancety

Was on the podcast back on Episode 35 and at the end I told him we have to do a part 2. In this interview we briefly hit on his Afghanistan project he was tasked to oversee and complete as well as discussing how the Department Of Defense operates their Fire/EMS departments. Because I never knew and wanted to expand my knowledge. This episode is kind of different from the rest because of how heavily the government is involved with decision making when it comes to practices and policies. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing how the DOD operates and hope you will as well. And of course you know I had to ask Chief various leadership questions and his thoughts. So sit back and enjoy the conversation I had with Chief Siddiq.

IG: thoughtsonleadership

20 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently Fire Training Captain with North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue. Ken always knew he wanted to become Training Captain to oversee and make others within his organization better and he does this not to gloat or boast. Ken believes in outside training, getting out of your own bubble and most importantly being there as Firefighters for each other. How can we depend on one another if we’re not on speaking terms? Make it make sense and when you hear Ken talk you’ll see why.

IG: kennyray1305

22 years of volunteer and career experience. A former Lieutenant with Augusta Fire Department. Currently a Field Training Coordinator with Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security. Although Ali might not be engaged within the fire service full-time he still a fire instructor who helps teach RIT & FF Survival training. A Georgia flames graduate who loves anything related to Truck work. Ali’s biggest passion is Firefighter fitness & training and has the mindset that as Firefighters we must have our own “WHY” that keeps us mission focused on obtaining the goal.

IG: mimzfire

17 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Lieutenant on an Engine company in an upstate Department in South Carolina. Owner and creator of Palmetto Fire Tactics. Micah believes everything we do in the fire service matters and there’s so much truth in that. From how we react, treat others, train and prepare for the job it all matters. Micah and I conversation was refreshing as everything he said has validity in which we truly need to remember why this is the greatest job in the world.

IG: palmetto_fire_tactics

16 years of career experience. A backstep Firefighter on Squad 41 for at least in my opinion the most famous initials within the American fire service F-D-N-Y. My discussion with Alex was a great one regarding his journey into becoming a Firefighter, the way things are done within the FDNY and what I thought was most important in that all you have when becoming a Firefighter is your last name and the reputation it holds. I loved having Alex come on and he is willing to do a part 2 so stay tuned for that.

16 years of volunteer and career experience. A Senior Firefighter with the Houston Fire Department housed at company 51 on the Southwest side which is dubbed as “Always Rolling.” When you hear the run stats and hear the yearly working fires statistics they go to then the motto will make sense. My conversation with Michael is a testament to what the fire service should be about. Upholding traditions, keeping each other accountable, wanting to go out and train for the unknown, being physically/mentally prepared and sometimes being vulnerable and letting others know you’re not ok. I truly appreciate Michael for opening up and sharing his story and hope others hear the gems and nuggets being dropped along the way.

IG: official_mr_mg

22 years of volunteer and career experience. A Firefighter 2 on the back of Engine 43 which Jordan dubs “Best Engine Company In The City” for Charlotte Fire Department. Jordan is all about the basics and believes you can never go wrong with lines in the street, a patent water supply and ladders thrown on the building. What I truly love about his message is the fact that we must remember our why we joined our respective organizations. They didn’t come and find us we came to them.

IG: jho71