Undisclosed Agents Firefighter Podcast

For the first time ever, we have a repeat guest, and there probably isn’t a better person to hold that title than Brian Brush.

Brian is the Training Chief for Midwest City Fire Department, a longtime Fire Engineering author, an FDIC instructor, a 2023 FDIC keynote speaker, and a member of the FDIC advisory board.

In this episode, we talk about the first quarter civilian rescue numbers for 2026, including the Firefighter Rescue Survey reporting about 11.5 victims a day being given a chance at life through firefighter action.

We also get into FDIC 2026, live fire training, why realistic reps still matter, and a topic every firefighter needs to take seriously: heart health. Brian had a recent scare that brought this issue front and center for him, and I talk a little bit about my own heart issues as well.

It is one of those conversations that goes from the fireground, to training, to the reality that if we want to keep doing this job at a high level, we have to take care of the machine carrying us into the fight.

This is a solid conversation with one of the best voices in the job.

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Today we’re joined by Paul Shoemaker.

Paul brings nearly two decades of fire service experience and an incredible depth of operational and instructional knowledge. He currently serves as a Lieutenant in Colorado and has spent more than 13 years specializing in truck company operations.

While the truck is his passion, Paul’s instructional background extends well beyond that. He teaches advanced hose deployment, fireground tactics, forcible entry, search, ventilation, and modern vehicle extrication. He’s also become a nationally recognized voice on electric vehicle emergencies and lithium-ion battery incidents.

Beyond the fireground, Paul has collaborated with organizations including UL FSRI, the NFPA, and SAE International to advance firefighter safety and improve emergency response practices surrounding modern vehicles and battery technology.

Paul is also the founder of the Next Level Training Network, where he’s helping prepare firefighters for the rapidly evolving challenges facing today’s fire service.

This was an outstanding conversation with a firefighter who is constantly learning, constantly teaching, and relentlessly pushing himself, and the fire service to the next level. We know you’re going to enjoy this one.

https://hortonsandhunt.com/ 

Stephen Tyler is an engine captain with Eagle Fire in Idaho, where he has served since 2007, beginning as a volunteer firefighter before transitioning to career service in 2013. Over the years, he has worked every seat on the rig including backseat firefighter, driver engineer, training captain, and now company officer on Engine 44 B.

Stephen is passionate about engine company operations and still loves pulling lines, pulling locks, and pulling barbells. A respected instructor across the country, he has taught HOT classes at FDIC International as well as numerous local and regional conferences with Brothers in Battle and VES cadres.

Outside the station, he’s an avid reader, lifelong student of the craft, and a strong advocate for firefighters staying engaged, educated, and physically capable throughout their careers. 

I have attached a link to his firefighter nation article titled Read Fiction, which is an excellent read and one of the topics we cover in this episode. This is a great conversation with another engaged firefighter. 

https://www.firefighternation.com/fire-leadership/career-development/read-fiction/ 

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Bob Ryser began his fire service career in 2002 and has served full time with two combination departments. He is currently the Fire Chief of the Storey County Fire Department in Nevada, where he leads from the front and sets the standard by doing the work alongside his people.

Chief Ryser is a leader who still puts his turnouts on, still trains, and still participates in the same evolutions he expects of his firefighters, allowing him to hold high standards with real credibility. He previously served as a Shift Battalion Chief responsible for training and has been an instructor with the Nevada State Fire Marshal’s Office for more than 15 years, with a strong focus on leadership development.

A graduate of the Truckee Meadows Community College Fire Academy, Reiser spent over 12 years with the program, including his final three years as Program Commander. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from TMCC, a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno, and completed the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Programin 2019.

Chief Ryser is a mentor, a friend and a leader who never looses sight of the mission. 

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Noah Katz Captain on Engine 15 in the City of Phoenix where he began his career in 2013. Noah is also the founder and owner of Priority Fire Training LLC. 

Noah is extremely passionate about training and the fire service. And because of that passion he has traveled the country learning and educating himself. 

In 2011 Noah graduated the Georgia Smoke Diver Program, class 59 as Smoke Diver 1100 and Arizona Smoke Diver number 1. 

In addition to teaching classes with Priority Fire Training, Noah is the lead instructor for the Dagum Promise Search class and has been an instructor at both National and International at conferences teaching and spreading No Good Dude culture. 

Before becoming a firefighter Noah spent 5 years playing ice hockey professionally across the United States and in Germany. 

This was another excellent conversation with a passionate dialed in firefighter.

https://hortonsandhunt.com/ 

Steve is a veteran of the fire service recently retiring after 35 1/2 years. 

Steve retired as the LT of engine 18 of the Columbus Ohio Division of Fire. 

Steve has been a classroom instructor at FDIC for the past several years teaching engine company operations. Additionally, Steve is the lead instructor of the FDIC HOT program Stretching For Success. 

Steve is also an instructor for County Fire Tactics and has taught engine company tactics nationally including the High Rise Operations Conference, Command Officers Bootcamp, and Water on the Fire conference all in Pensacola Beach, Florida.

Steve is a no nonsense engine boss. His unapologetic, experienced and insightful views on engine work will defenetly help you solidify your processes and stimulate your mind when talking about water delivery. 

In this episode we discussed  

• Steve’s 5 keys to a winning engine
• Mid-rise operations and his new program Mid-rise Mayhem 
• Water application with a rescue mindset 
• And several other though provoking topics centered around engine work 

https://hortonsandhunt.com/ 

The Undisclosed Agents Firefighter Podcast is proud to feature Captain Anthony Rowett of the Mobile (AL) Fire Rescue Department in its latest episode. Captain Rowett brings two decades of fire service experience, leadership insight, and instructional expertise to the discussion.

Anthony has served with the Mobile Fire Rescue Department for the past 17 years and began his career with the Ogdensburg (NJ) Volunteer Fire Department. Over his 20 years in the fire service, he has earned multiple degrees in Fire Science and Emergency Services Management and is a graduate of the prestigious Alabama Smoke Diver course.

Beyond his operational role, Anthony is the owner of Port City Fire Training and the President of the National Firefighters Training Foundation, organizations dedicated to advancing firefighter education and operational excellence nationwide. He is also a contributing author for several leading fire service publications, including Fire Engineering, Firehouse, Fire Rescue, Fire Department Training Network, and Firemanship Journal.

In addition to his extensive teaching at fire service conferences and departments across the country, Anthony also co-hosts the Generation Engine Podcast on Fire Engineering Blog Talk Radio, where he shares his passion for engine company operations and professional development.

Tune in to hear Captain Rowett discuss leadership, training culture, and the continued evolution of the American fire service  

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On this episode we’re joined by Captain Clark Lamping. 

Clark is a 27-year veteran of the Clark County fire department in Las Vegas Nevada. 

Clark has spent the last 16 years serving as a captain and is currently assigned to Firehouse 38 on B-shift.

Clark holds a master’s degree in Crisis and Emergency Management from UNLV. 

Beyond the firehouse, Clark is a well-respected instructor who has taught both classroom and hands-on training throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. 

He’s known for blending his real-world fireground experience with modern best practices. 

On the podcast today, we do deep into the mindset and tactical considerations needed for big box store and commercial fires. 

This was a great conversation with a hard charger. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. 

https://hortonsandhunt.com/ 

On this episode we sit down with Jeff Bryant — third-generation firefighter, Aurora (IL) Fire Department member, and one of the most connected fire service trainers in the country.

From founding the Midwest Area Fire Academy & Illinois FireNuggets to leading FireNuggets, Inc. and serving with Brothers in Battle, Jeff’s passion is building the next generation of firefighters. He’s organized major training events nationwide, helped launch multiple state FireNuggets chapters, and continues to push firefighter education through classes, seminars, and the FireNuggets Podcast.

Join us as we talk training, mentorship, and the drive to make the fire service better. 

https://hortonsandhunt.com/ 

Micah Rains has been in the fire service for 18 years and is the Captain of West End Firehouse at Greenville City Fire Department in South Carolina.

Micah is a member of the South Carolina Carolina Task Force 1 USAR team and has a masters degree in Organizational Leadership.  

Micah has taught at many conferences including the NFPA Fire Conference, Florida Fire Conference, Metro Atlanta Fire Conference, South Carolina Fire Rescue Conference,internationally in Ecuador, and many other conferences and departments. 

Along with this experience, Rains has been published by Fire Engineering Magazine and operates Palmetto Fire Tactics LLC.

https://hortonsandhunt.com/