Explore every episode of the podcast Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

22 years of combination experience. Captain on Tower 3 for Charlotte Fire Department and Cadre member/instructor with Insight Fire Training LLC. Growing up Thomas wasn’t really on the path of becoming a career Firefighter or attending college. It wasn’t until his senior year of high school that shed possibility of making that dream a reality. So with the advice of his Volunteer Fire Chief and college instructors Thomas found his way to North Carolina. Fast forward to today and Thomas couldn’t have imagined life without being a career Firefighter. Learning from TIC guru Andy Starnes Thomas’s whole outlook on life was shaped by the mentors he had and surrounded himself with.

IG: thomas_anderson40

14 years of combination experience. A Lieutenant on Truck 1 for Whitfield County Fire Department in Georgia. Lee had no ambition of becoming a Firefighter but one of his friends was an explorer at a local volunteer department which got Lee intrigued. Once he saw what the job entailed Lee was hooked and never looked back. Lee is as humble as they come and didn’t like talking about himself too much in the interview but once the topics switched to the job you can clearly see the humility and passion he has for the fire service.

IG: coker1059

27 years of career experience. A Captain on Engine 38 for Clark County Fire Department in Nevada, County Fire Tactics Cadre member. The conversation Clark and I had should invigorate any Firefighter who truly has love for the job, wants to leave the service better than they found it and hopefully creates change with the future generation of Firefighters within your own organization. Clark talks with such strong belief, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to anyone within the fire service, conveying such a strong sense of authenticity and genuine conviction. One of my favorite things Clark talked about was being able to sleep at night knowing you did what was best even if that means going against the grain and standing up for what you believe in.

IG: clarklamping

14 years of career experience. A Battalion Chief with Birmingham Fire/Rescue. Ben was a jack of all trades who traveled across the country while exploring what exactly he wanted to do with his life. When the recession in 2008 hit the country hard Ben decided to enter into the world of EMS where he found a huge passion and yearn for but has no problems letting others know it was very hard work. While working for a private EMS service a friend told him about Birmingham Fire hiring individuals. With age and responsibility on his shoulders Ben decided to give it a shot. Looking at where he is today it’s safe to say he made the best decision. I want the listeners to tune into Ben’s discussion and thoughts about promotions and how Firefighters need to view the good and the bad when it comes to the fire service.

Donovan Carrasco- 10 years of combination experience. A back step Firefighter for Cedar Park Fire Department in Texas, creator and founder for Coyote Fire Training. Donovan believes in PRIDE and that Firefighters possess it in all aspects of the job. Pride in your appearance, attitude, work ethic, training and camaraderie. During our conversation Donovan also discussed why you need to make sure the organization you’re apart of is the right fit for you and you alone to understand.

IG: coyotefiretraining_tx

18 years of career experience. 2nd generation Firefighter who really never had notions of becoming a Firefighter himself. When you’re a generation or legacy child sometimes you’re constantly being compared to your mother or father’s achievements and may struggle to establish your own identity. Eric was fully transparent when he openly discussed the allure of getting into this field. Once he did every skill, challenge or test, Eric made sure he was always at the top leaving no room for assumptions he didn’t earn his keep. A dream doesn’t become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination and hard work. Eric Wheaton is proof of that.

IG: ericwheaton.61

12 years of combination experience. Fire Chief for Trinity Fire Department in South Carolina. Becoming Fire Chief is never easy. When it comes to holding that title comes great responsibility. Cody achieved this rank at a very young age and most definitely went through big changes and undertaking a lot when it came to the organization he serves. I want the listeners to hear his story but also see that even though he holds a high rank he doesn’t let that cloud his judgement from remembering he still is a Firefighter at heart. When it comes to our wins no one person does it alone. It’s all about the individuals who you surround yourself with that leads to ultimate success.

IG: southernendfirechief

17 years of combination experience. A Captain on Engine 1 with Mooresville Fire-Rescue. It’s very easy for a Company Officer to talk about expectations and not execute. I’ve been fortunate to witness first hand how putting words into actions leads to building a crew that actually wants to show up to work, train, run calls and overall just get good at the job. Captain Smith said it best in his interview. “The job is much better when you’re good at it.”

IG: russell.smith528

9 years of combination experience. A newly promoted Lieutenant on Ladder 96 with Woodlawn Fire Department. From a very young age Zak always wanted to be a Firefighter. The path that it took to get there wasn’t as easy as most would like but Zak was able to maintain persistence, resilience, continuously learning and adapting, built a strong support network, and overcame challenges with determination and ultimately found his home with Woodlawn Fire Department.

IG: firemanzak_cf

3rd generation Firefighter with 19 years of career experience. A Captain with Shawnee Fire Department in Ohio. Mike believes that you can teach the skill set when it comes to the mechanics of being a Firefighter but you can’t teach passion to go with it. That must come within the individual. At the workplace not everyone is passionate, so it's extremely important for organizations and Leaders to identify and differentiate their passionate employees as they are pivotal to success.

28 years of combination experience. 2nd generation Firefighter. A Captain on Squad 7 with City Of Camden Fire Department in New Jersey. Published author, creator and owner of Eckert Fire Tactics. Love him or don’t Bobby has a huge passion and love for the fire service and will let you know that. There’s a story behind every person. There’s a reason why they are the way they are. Think about that before you judge someone. As an officer Bobby believes that he is there to serve for his people and not the other way around. Leading by example in everything that you do.

IG: eckert_335

14 years of combination experience. Former tiller-man now driver on Ladder 1 for Tacoma Fire Department in Washington. Jon got his start a little later on in life with the fire service but it was always something he thought of doing. His wife pushed him to fulfill his dream and he did just that. The road wasn’t easy upon entering but Jon stayed true to himself and sought out mentors and attended conferences that would propel him to the Firefighter he is today. Sometimes in life especially when it comes to your career in the fire service we must take OWNERSHIP.

IG: quonzie

19 years of career experience. A floating Lieutenant with Montgomery County Fire/Rescue. And creator of When The Smoke Clears Podcast. Russell had an Uncle who served with the FDNY and on top of that he has always been into anything related to Fire trucks. So upon moving back into Maryland he would often visit and ride with members of Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Department Company 34 in PG county. From there he turned to the cadet program in PG obtained all his certifications and began applying to career departments when Montgomery called and gave him his shot. Russell is a very humble Lieutenant that remembers its more about just pointing and giving commands. Russell is going to get in the trenches and be the first to perform whatever skill or task is needed. One of his biggest pet peeves is learning to “Control the things we can control.”

IG: reverend.pain

4th generation Firefighter with 17 years of combination experience. 2024 Texas Fire Chief’s excellence and Fire Instructor of the year winner. Division Chief Of Training along with Wellness and Fitness director for Cypress Creek Fire Department in Texas. Creator and founder for Ironclad Wellness that provides mentoring, coaching and peer support to first responders struggling with their own mental health. Jason certainly did not have to come on the podcast and openly discuss his own struggles. But I applaud him for doing so because in this day and age we need more individuals like him to openly discuss their own battles which in return can show others out there who maybe hiding in plain sight that help is out there and they’re not alone. I truly truly hope the listeners can listen and pick up the nuggets Jason drops within this episode. I can’t thank Jason enough for coming on and talking shop.

IG:guardiangrounds &ironcladwellnesjc

Jim Petruzzi- 48 years of combination experience. Captain with City Of Pittsburgh Bureau Of Fire who retired back in 2020 stationed at 8 Engine & Truck. One thing about retired members within the fire service is even though they’re not on the job anymore they still can listen, teach, give sound advice, and can relate to so many different situations and experiences because they have been in our shoes. Jim got a little bit of a late start within his career but was able to absorb and learn from the individuals he wanted to emulate. And when he talks you can see just how much of an impact they had with his mindset and how he chose to lead.

47 years of combination experience. Retired Chief Of Department with the FDNY back in 2023. At a very young age Tom was surrounded by the fire service starting with his father who was a volunteer. After joining that same volunteer department as his Father and a few ride alongs with neighbors who were with FDNY it was inevitable for Tom to find his passion. Upon entering the FDNY Tom was surrounded by senior men who were not on the job but into it and within the interview Tom explains why we all should be. I truly hope the listeners can gain a little bit of knowledge from what Tom speaks.

23 years of combination experience. A Capt/Station commander at Station 6 with Montgomery County Fire/Rescue where he’s been at for 19 years. The conversation Jason and I had was one that should start discussions with others you work with but most importantly within yourself internally. Are you being the best version of you within the organization you serve regardless of rank? If you’re a Company officer I want you to listen to an incident that occurred with Jason and ponder what would you have done in that situation? One of my favorite quotes from Jason is “We train from probable to possible.”

36 years of combination experience. Deputy Chief in Division 13 Queens South Command with the FDNY. Chief Ditaranto wholeheartedly believes in CHARACTER. How you carry yourself when no one is paying attention. Upon entering the FDNY Gene was fortunate to be surrounded by very seasoned veterans which laid down the foundation of how he treats others. A very humble gentleman who took all the skills and traits he learned coming up into the fire service and applies them when dealing with the men and women he serves with. Just because Gene is a Deputy Chief he still put’s forth the effort of stopping in at different firehouses under his command to check in on the well being of the Firefighters he is very proud of.

LinkedIn: Eugene Ditaranto Jr.

36 years of combination experience. Captain with Baltimore City on Truck 5. Mike Started out as a volunteer Firefighter which he credits raised and kept him on the straight path, created a strong work ethic internally and credit’s his experience along with who he surrounded himself with shaped him to be the Firefighter he is today. Truck 5 consistently runs over 5000 calls a year. One of Mike’s key points with being a Company Officer is looking out for the men and women you serve with. Making sure that they have what they need and most importantly that they’re okay mentally.

IG: eastsidehookman

45 years of combination experience. 2nd generation Firefighter. Like a good number of individuals I’ve been fortunate to interview being Chief was never on Rick’s radar. He just wanted to be the best Firefighter Paramedic for his organization. And Rick could not settle for mediocrity. So he took the advice of a great mentor in his life who told him if he wasn’t happy with the way things were to consider becoming a Fire Chief to effect change and that’s exactly what he did. I don’t need to further explain what this man has been able to do for the fire service as his work, reputation and name speaks for itself.

IG: chieflasky

17 years of career experience. Tailboard Firefighter on Ladder 4 for the City Of Jacksonville Fire Rescue. Co-founder of Build Your Culture LLC. Pablo is a straight shooter type of Firefighter who loves the job with so much passion and energy you can clearly hear it by the way he speaks. He’s going to tell the truth no matter who’s around. But what’s important is that he speaks all FACTS. I truly appreciate the conversation I had with Pablo and I hope the listeners will too.

IG: pgen305

22 years of career experience. Division Chief Of Training with Rural Metro Fire in Knox County Tennessee. Firefighting wasn’t on his radar for Brandon but after having a discussion with his father he decided to apply and within a few weeks into his academy he fell in love with it. What I like about Brandon’s story is the fact that with any occupation there’s going to be high’s and low’s but all it takes is that one individual to see the potential that you might not see within yourself that forever changes the path in your career.

IG: brandonsdouglas

16 years of combination experience. A Firefighter Driver for the City Of Butler Bureau Of Fire and part time Firefighter for the City Of McKeesport in Pennsylvania. Sean is a man of few words and doesn’t like the lime light being shined on him. But was a key component in making the Jimmy Ellis Training Weekend a success along with members of the Butler County Fire Chief’s Association. It’s no secret that to become professionals whether career or volunteer we must not let training take a back seat and allow complacency to make a home within ourselves or our organization and Sean drives home why that and leadership go hand in hand.

IG: ssokołowski23

16 years of combination experience. A Lieutenant, Paramedic & Police Officer with Bald Head Island Department Of Public Safety in North Carolina. No your ears aren’t deceiving you as Steve holds all 3 positions. Bald Head has a very unique and challenging way of operating for the residents and visitors. While you don’t hear very many stories like Bald Head what I hope the listeners appreciate is how Steve and others within the department view their situation and not let it deter them from being all in when it comes to physical fitness, training and basic skills of the job. Steve also openly discusses his struggles when it comes to Firefighter wellness and how he overcame what some cannot.

IG: dad_bod_running

30 years of combination experience. A Division Chief Of Operations & Training with Estero Fire Rescue in Florida. An instructor with When Things Go Bad, and creator of the Grabs podcast. Grant has a strong passion and yearn for everything and anything search. Why, because he experienced an incident that changed the way search was approached and performed within his organization. Grant is definitely a Fire fighters Chief who at any chance he can get still rides the truck and runs calls with the men and women of his organization when possible.

IG: gscwalbe

39 years of combination experience. Fire Chief with Florissant Valley Fire Protection District in Missouri. Jason is a contributor to Fire Engineering, Fire/Rescue Magazine, instructs at FDIC, various conferences and departments throughout North America on leadership, officer development and fire ground operations. Jason is another prime example of a Chief who remembers his roots but also hasn’t forgotten that the men and women of his organization are the fore front and important in providing excellent customer service to the community but also EXPECTS them to meet the benchmarks of the organization.

23 years of career experience. A driver on Ladder 7 for Honolulu Fire Department in Hawaii. When I asked Ken to come on and talk he was hesitant at first but so far since starting this podcast I haven’t been wrong with the guests I’ve been fortunate to talk to. Ken is a firm believer in putting in the work over running that mouth. Actions always win and Ken continues to put in the work within the fire service when it comes to humility, training and physical fitness. My favorite quote from Ken is “It’s better to stay in shape, than to get in shape.”

IG: hfdbackseatdriver

22 years of combination experience. Fire Chief for Brighton Fire/Rescue in Colorado who made his way through the ranks of the organization. Brycen believes in “QUALITY” hard work. And that individuals who want to be successful in whatever path they choose need to invest within yourself take it seriously do your best and bring it back to your respective organization. Brycen is a prime example of a Firefighter’s Chief who remembers that you need to get out of your office go out to listen & communicate with the boots on the ground.

20 years of combination experience. Back step Firefighter for Ann Arbor Fire Department on Engine 4. Co founder of Build Your Culture LLC, one half of the Make Due Suburban Fireman Podcast published author, national speaker who has instructed all over the country including internationally. And in my opinion a subject matter expert when it comes to search on the fire ground. Sean is humble yet very passionate about the fire service in all aspects of the job and isn’t afraid to let you know that. I hope the listeners can enjoy the message and tune in on the little nuggets and gems being dropped along the way.

IG: seanduffy86

20 years of combination experience. From a young age Rob always wanted to be a Firefighter with his Uncle having served with Dallas Fire Department in Texas. With knowing what he wanted in life Rob joined as a volunteer with Frisco Fire Department where he surrounded himself with go getters who set the tone for him with culture, training & knowing the job. Rob is also a big proponent towards mental health as he openly discussed his own struggles and how having the right individuals in your corner allows you to rise above adversity. My favorite quote from the interview with Rob is “This Job Has A Shelf Life.”

IG: robcstone

27 years of combination experience 1st generation firefighter, currently serving as a Division Chief for the Charlotte Fire Department. While growing up, the fire service always interested him and after he became a volunteer firefighter in college, it didn’t take much convincing for him to pursue the job as a career. Now, years later everything has come full circle, and while the job has changed, it’s still about the people.

IG: charlottefirecar07

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/david-farnum-cfo

Chief Matt Knierim 2nd generation Firefighter with 28 years of combination experience. Division Chief Of Training who after completing his tenure decided he wanted to go out back on the floor and is Battalion Chief for B Shift. From a very young age Matt always wanted to be a Firefighter and got his chance with Stockton Fire. From day one the blueprint of how you are going to treat, act & perform when it comes to Stockton was engrained and made Matt the individual he is today. Your expectations won't change the result, but your standards will". This quote suggests that standards are more important than expectations, and that exceptional people have high standards for themselves and others. Matt Knierim embodies that along with other individuals whom he surrounded himself with.

Ken Johnson- 32 years of combination experience. Fire Chief of Lodi Fire Department in California. Before becoming Chief of Lodi Ken got his start with Stockton Fire Department where he served for 23 years. During that time Ken promoted through the ranks going all the way from Firefighter to Division Chief Of Training and finally Fire Marshal. The experiences Ken had coming up is second to none which truly in my opinion has shaped the way his mindset is when it comes to the job that can resonate with most Firefighters. Along the interview Ken dropped so many gems and nuggets that I truly hope the listeners can catch on to. One of my favorite quotes from Ken is this. “ I think when you look at making your career path, the path of the fireman you have to do a lot of self introflection and say do I have courage? Do I have courage to do things that are hard when they matter?.”

11 years of combination experience, 3rd generation Firefighter. Currently a probationary Firefighter on the Nine-Two engine with the FDNY. Michael is no stranger to the fire service as he’s been surrounded by this profession his whole life. He got his start as a live-in with a little ole Fire Department called Christiana Fire Company in Delaware not sure if any of you have heard of it. The way Christiana operates plays a huge role in how Michael believes all Firefighters need to view the job. From there he knew he wanted to become a career Firefighter wherever he could get the chance but always had dreams of the big city.

IG: bench_press_

Jacob Johnson 24 years of combination experience. Assistant Chief with Pearland Fire Department in Southeast Texas. It’s been said that you don’t need rank to lead and I wholeheartedly agree with that. You can be a leader when it comes to any profession. The difference is matching words with actions, being directly intentional, having the humility to let others know your faults/weaknesses, working to improve on them and most of all being truly genuine with yourself. I literally was at a lost for words when talking to Chief Johnson during this interview. I implore all and any of you who listen to this episode to share this with your friends, colleagues & co-workers. Have round table discussions, smoke a stogie in the back of your bay but do yourself a favor and listen to the words that Jacob speaks. No script, no rehearsal just words from the heart from a man that truly wants to help change his organization for the better. I want to give Chief Johnson his flowers along with many other Chief’s, Company Officers & Firefighters that I have had the pleasure of talking to since I’ve started this podcast. You all are making a difference and don’t ever forget that.

25 years of career experience. Currently Fire Chief for Meridian Fire Department in Idaho. Kris is a Chief that wholeheartedly believes in a mission driven culture. The Chief position was never on his radar but sometimes individuals need to rise up and step in uncomfortable and uncharted territory. Some of Kris viewpoints are outside training, embracing the mission driven culture and my favorite quote “Why You Do The Job Is More Important Than Where You Do The Job.”

19 years of combination experience. A Captain with Rutherford County Fire/Rescue in Tennessee on Rescue Engine 51 and cadre member with Dixie Firemanship. Dustin had an experience that forever changed his outlook on how the minimum standard failed him as a Firefighter because as the saying goes “You don’t know what you don’t know”. I truly hope the listeners can listen to Dustin’s story and ask yourself what are you doing to become a better Firefighter?

IG: dustin_david88

18 years of combination experience. A Lieutenant with Cincinnati Fire Department on Engine 12 & President with Queen City Fools. Charles wholeheartedly believes in outside training, Engine work is the backbone of the American fire service and the fact that the community expects top notch experts on arrival so act like it.

27 years of career experience. 2nd generation Firefighter who rose through the ranks of his department with Town Of Kearny NJ and retired as Deputy Fire Chief. Author of 10 yes 10 books including the best seller’s Step Up And Lead and Step Up Your Teamwork. Since retiring Frank has traveled all across the world offering many seminars, workshops, and keynotes on the topics of leadership and team development. One of the quotes that stuck out to me in our conversation was this “Conceive it before you achieve it.” I truly hope the listeners can gain a little bit of value from what Frank spoke on.

IG:frank_viscuso

28 years of career experience. Fire Chief for Clark County Fire Department in Kentucky. Steve had dreams and intentions to become a Police Officer, but it was his dad who gave him a nudge and asked him to at least try for the local Fire Department in their area that was hiring. Steve was a little hesitant but once he applied got offered the job and finished recruit class the rest was history. One of the things I enjoyed with my conversation with Chief was when he hit on for individuals to try and find the right department that aligns with your interests, beliefs, never settling & the things he wish he knew before becoming Fire Chief.

40 years of combination experience. Currently a Battalion Chief for the City Of Goose Creek FD in South Carolina. Retired Lieutenant from the FDNY with over 21 years where he spent most of his time in the Bronx, including 13 years in Special Operations. Steve is a peer counselor for the Low Country Firefighter Support Team and gives one hell of a lecture on the topic of PTSD from his own experiences.

22 years of career experience. Creator of Crew 1st Culture which was born in 2019. The thing about humans is we are biologically wired to seek comfort & security. But in life there are going to be hills & hurdles we will encounter that will test our courage, perseverance & faith. It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop. It’s been a while since Jeremy’s blessed the microphone so needless to say I truly was humbled when I asked if he would come on to share his journey for others to hear. One of my favorite quotes from Jeremy is this “ Never give your identity to something than can be given away.”

IG: crew1stculture

Matthew Stewart- 37 years of combination experience. Assistant Chief Of Operations for Wayne Township FD in Indiana. 2nd ever out of state candidate to complete the Georgia smoke diver program who then decided to implement what he learned bringing it back to his home state and started Indiana Smoke Diver in which he currently serves as President. Indiana Task Force 1 member and an overall Chief who has never forgotten that he is still a Firefighter. The discussions Chief and I had should make for great conversation amongst the listeners. My favorite quotes from Chief were “ Nothing we do is safe.” & “You are your own best project.”

IG: stew662

9 years of career experience. Currently a Firefighter/Medic on Truck 553 for The City Of Euless Fire Department in Texas. Husband, Father, Oklahoma Smoke Diver and creator of Die To Live Ops on instagram. Ryan is a humble guy who wanted to do something positive in life. So he jumped in with both feet to obtain all the certifications needed to become a Firefighter. One who doesn’t want to be just average. Ryan believes that your reputation proceeds you when walking into the door. My favorite quote from Ryan is this “I want to learn how to suffer well for my family.”

IG: dietoliveops & r.c.rowan

A Fire Wife is essentially the keeper of the castle. Although she is married to a Firefighter she also has married into the fire service. I wanted to pay tribute to the wives for all they do for their respective families 24/7/365 when there spouse is away that may sometimes go unnoticed or unrecognized. From caring of the kids, making sure meals are prepared, completing various day to day activities, management of the household & sometimes having to perform dual roles. The wife of a Firefighter plays a key component to the stability of families across the nation. Today’s guests are Kim Smith, Courtney Swick, Hannah Howes and Kimberly Beauvais. All the women mentioned are married to Firefighters who work from small urban/ suburban municipalities to large metropolitan organization.

31 years of volunteer and career experience. A Lieutenant for the District of Columbia Fire Department Truck 7 on Capitol Hill also known as the “Kool-aid Cowboys.” Robert has been apart of 2 other organizations before arriving in DC. With his experiences and whom he surrounded himself with Robert believes in STANDARDS that Firefighters must know their job from the beginning and he isn’t timid to tell you like it is even when you don’t want to hear it.

Juan- 10 years of career experience. A driver on Engine 16 with Fort Lauderdale Fire/Rescue. Creator of Working Fire Co on social media. From the moment Juan entered the fire service he knew he always wanted to go big city which is every single individuals right. But what set him apart was the work, mental fortitude and grind he put in behind the scenes that set him up for success down the road. One of Juan’s quotes was “I always stayed uncomfortable being comfortable.” And even in the eyes of defeat Juan never let off on the pedal of determination.

IG: workingfireco

43 years of volunteer and career experience. Former Chief of Prince George’s County Fire/EMS where he served as 2nd longest Chief in history. Former public safety director in Highlands County Florida along with former emergency manager in Mineral Springs West Virginia. Chief Bashoor cut his teeth within PG county at some of the busiest stations where being mediocre wouldn’t cut it. From physical fitness, training, education, communication & community Marc explains his successful journey within the fire service while also dropping a few gems and nuggets along the way.

43 years of volunteer and career experience. Fire Chief for The Colony Fire Department in Texas. Husband, father of two sons which also serve in the fire service, published author, instructor at FDIC since 2002, has held numerous leadership roles while coaching fire officers & firefighters for the last 25 years. The list of accomplishments and accolades could go on and on but one of the most important factor is this, America’s Fire Chief who has never forgotten his roots, supports the role of the mission first mindset, the men and women of respective organizations and always being “Cowboy Ready.”

3rd generation family member within the public safety field. 34 years of volunteer and career experience. Fire Chief for Lugoff Fire/Rescue in South Carolina. Chris never had intentions of being a Fire Chief but in life you will end up arriving at a fork in the road in which you choose which track you head down. It’s either going to be toward breakdown or breakthrough. Chris chose the latter but with that choice came difficult times which in return made him the Chief he is today and a Chief that Firefighters want. Aggressive, Blue Collar and most importantly one who has never forgotten that he will always remain a Firefighter first.