33 years of combination experience 3rd generation Firefighter. Battalion Chief for A shift in the 4th Battalion for the City of Durham Fire Department. Firefighting is in the bloodline for the Ray family so it was inevitable that Richard was going to gravitate towards it. Going career wasn’t exactly what Richard planned but it was in his cards. If you ever get a chance to hear Richard speak when you do there is no doubt that he truly loves the job and wants anyone around him to be better versions of themselves. To get there one must find or seek out that mentor who can show you a side of yourself you didn’t know existed. One of my favorite quotes from Richard is “ If we’re going to be aggressive Firefighters, It can’t just be lip service.”

IG: rhray

Gary “Yeti” Bullock- 15 years of combination experience 2nd generation Firefighter. Captain on Engine 31 with Tulsa Fire Department in Oklahoma. Build your culture cadre member, Smoke diver graduate from Georgia and Oklahoma. At first glance Gary looks intimidating. 6’6 weighing in at 260 could have that effect on a man. Being quiet and keeping to himself make no doubt about it Gary is all in when it comes to the profession. What allured him in was the team aspect and being intentional when it comes to purpose. The goal was always Tulsa Fire Department but the road leading there made Gary realize the areas he needed to improve on. Gary spoke the truth when it comes to the job and I’m sure most of you will agree upon listening. My favorite quote from him was “Sometimes it’s not your ambition but what’s best for the department.”

IG: gsd1039

7 years of combination experience. A Engineer on Truck 1 with the City Of Salisbury. Christian always wanted to be a Firefighter. When you watch movies such as Backdraft and Ladder 49 it’s only apparent to live out your dreams and that’s exactly what he did. Salisbury was ultimately where Christian wanted to be due to the positive reach and influence of social media. He wanted to go to jobs and that’s where the jobs are. Christian has a huge love and passion for anything truck related and when you hear his responses to the questions I ask it just all makes perfect sense. My favorite quote from Christian is “You’ll never go from zero to hero.”

IG: lambis148

27 years of career experience. Captain on Engine 6 with Nampa Fire Department who will be getting made as Battalion Chief in a few months. Most of Frank’s family is in the armed forces which is the path he thought he would also go down. But was always intrigued with the fire service. At a young age Frank obtained most of the certifications he needed and applied to Nampa and was accepted. Frank absolutely, whole heartedly loves the job and all aspects with it. It’s easy to focus or harp on negative things within the service but what’s the point? Stay focused on getting better and staying positive. Frank is a leader who believes leadership is an action word that also encompasses these 3 things: Communication, Trust & Competency.

IG: beauvaisfrank

26 years of combination experience. A Captain On Truck 2 with Wichita Fire Department. Mark was a mechanic in the automotive industry and told himself he just doesn’t see his future in this field. He had a friend tell him about a volunteer opportunity in the fire service within the county he lived. Once Mark joined he formed relationships and friendships with individuals within the fire service who were truly into being the best version of themselves. When Mark decided to go full-time career mode Wichita gave him his chance and once he got on his career speaks for itself. I truly hope the listeners tune and hone in on the truth Mark speaks. One of my favorite quote from Mark is “ If you’re not going to be the guy to pull back the reigns don’t be in LEADERSHIP.”

17 years of career experience 2nd generation Firefighter. A Captain on Engine 4 with Norfolk Fire/Rescue. Kamal had zero intentions of becoming a Firefighter. During his junior year in college things weren’t working out. His father told him if his plans didn’t make he was going to become a Firefighter. His first day in recruit school on a lunch break Kamal was not feeling the journey he was in. But his mother told him do it for at least one week then they can both evaluate it. Fast forward to today and obviously things worked out for Kamal. One of the main gems that stood out in this interview was the fact that all Kamal needed was for someone to believe and show him the route he needed to go which laid down the ground work to where is now. My favorite quote from Kamal is “No matter where you grew up or what you look like, If you want to do it there are avenues to do it.”

IG: rock_and_kim_son

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