In this episode of Trial By Fire: Untold Stories, we dive into the incredible journey of Todd Howell, the man behind Howell Rescue Systems and Crash Course Village—two names that have shaped the fire service for decades.

Todd’s story isn’t just about building a business; it’s about building a legacy. From growing up watching his father lead one of the top volunteer rescue squads to pioneering game-changing rescue tools and creating one of the most respected firefighter training programs in the country, Todd has dedicated his life to helping first responders save lives.

He shares how he fought through setbacks, industry changes, and competition to build Howell Rescue Systems into a leader in rescue tool innovation. At the same time, he saw a critical gap in firefighter training and founded Crash Course Village, where thousands of firefighters have honed their skills in extrication, survival, and hands-on rescue scenarios.

In this episode, we cover:  How Howell Rescue Systems revolutionized fire and rescue tools  The birth of Crash Course Village and why firefighter training needed to change  Todd’s relentless drive to support first responders with the best tools and training possible  The personal sacrifices, challenges, and victories along the way  What’s next for the Howell legacy and the future of fire rescue

This episode is more than just a history lesson—it’s a tribute to Todd’s impact on the fire service and the thousands of firefighters who are better trained and better equipped because of him. If you're a firefighter, first responder, or just someone who respects the grit and passion of those who dedicate their lives to saving others, this one’s for you.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Crash Course Village. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.CrashCourseVillage.org

In this powerful episode of Trial By Fire: Untold Stories, hosts RJ and Jared sit down with Alison Fienning, a licensed mental health clinician and founder of the largest first responder-exclusive mental health agency in Ohio. With firsthand experience and deep connections to the fire service, Alison shares insights into the mental health challenges firefighters and first responders face, the stigma surrounding therapy, and the importance of resilience. From her personal journey to founding a multi-state mental health network to her hands-on approach of riding alongside crews, Alison provides raw, real, and much-needed perspective on the state of mental health in emergency services. Whether you're a firefighter, first responder, or someone who cares about them, this episode is a must-listen.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.jaredbuckley.com

Rick Best is a former firefighter for the city of Westerville, OH. He has been an Advocate Manager for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and an instructor at the State Fire Academy. 

Currently Rick runs the firefighter program at Eastland - Fairfield Career Center.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.jaredbuckley.com

Paul Andrix is a firefighter in the city of Dayton, Ohio. He began his career as a part-time firefighter and worked his way into a full-time position with The Dayton Fire Department. In this episode, we talk about the work-life balance, current challenges in the fire service, and lessons learned through a career in the fire service.---

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.jaredbuckley.com

in this episode, RJ and Jared recap the first 9 episode of the Trial By Fire Podcast. Each discuss their favorite episodes and leadership lessons learned from guests.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.jaredbuckley.com

Lieutenant Dan Roudebush, a 30-year veteran of law enforcement, is with us in this episode. Lt. Roudebush has dedicated 16 years of his career to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, where he now serves as the Lieutenant of Investigations. With 15 years on SWAT and expertise as a firearms and physical tactics instructor, Lt. Roudebush has a lot of experience to share.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.jaredbuckley.com

In this episode of Trial By Fire: Untold Stories, Captain Matt Sherrill from the Dayton, OH Fire Department shares his approach to cultivating a strong team. Matt dives into his leadership philosophy, revealing how he continually strives to improve himself and his crew. His insights on fostering growth, trust, and accountability offer valuable lessons for anyone leading under pressure.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.jaredbuckley.com

In this episode of the Trial By Fire Podcast, Scott Smith speaks about his career journey through the fire service. Scott has served in a shift work role, fire department leadership role, fire inspector, administrative, and ultimately serving as Chief. Scott's vast experience in the fire service gives him a unique perspective. Listen in as Scott provides solid advice and key takeaways from his career as a firefighter.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.jaredbuckley.com

Tune in to this episode featuring Kevin Sears, a Battalion Chief in the Chicago metro area with a lifelong dedication to the fire service. Kevin shares valuable leadership insights and lessons learned throughout his career, rising through the ranks to his current role. He discusses his journey, including a harrowing experience where he was trapped in a burning garage, offering a compelling narrative of lessons learned and leadership in the fire service.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.jaredbuckley.com

In this episode of Trial by Fire, we delve into the groundbreaking research of Ann Light, a former curriculum developer at the State Fire School at Bowling Green University in Ohio. Ann has dedicated her career to exploring leadership in the fire service, with her dissertation focusing on metropolitan fire chiefs and their journeys to becoming effective leaders.

Through extensive interviews with fire chiefs from across the nation, Ann uncovered critical lessons about the challenges and triumphs these leaders face in their roles. Join us as she shares fascinating insights into the preparation, experiences, and areas for improvement in the fire chief role. Ann's research provides a unique perspective on what it takes to lead successfully in the fire service, revealing both common hurdles and the innovative solutions chiefs employ to overcome them.

Whether you're a current leader, aspiring chief, or interested in the dynamics of fire service leadership, this episode offers valuable lessons from the frontlines of firefighting leadership.

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This podcast is proudly sponsored by Howell Rescue Systems, Inc. and Jared Buckley, Fire Chief Coach. For more information, please visit them at: www.howellrescue.com and www.jaredbuckley.com