Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

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.

George Khabbaz- 17 years of career experience. A Captain with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue on Rescue 19. From a young age George always wanted to be a Firefighter. The noble calling, duties and responsibilities that come with the profession something about the trucks going down the road with sirens blaring, helping individuals in need during whatever emergency the situation calls for and as an added bonus doing so within the community he grew up in. George was my humblest guest yet. Soft spoken but to the point. And when you hear him speak you to will understand.

10 years of volunteer and career experience. Firefighter 1st class for a department North West of Toronto. Mitch is a 3rd generation Firefighter. The day he was born his father was in recruit training being taught by his father about all aspects of the job. So it was inevitable that Mitch would follow suit. His mindset and how he operates being the best version of himself sets him apart from the ordinary Firefighter. Being aggressive, physically fit, caring for one another and how he trains other Firefighters is a must hear because it resounded with me. Performing well on the fire ground is a must but without formulating a sharp mind behind it can only take you so far.IG: everydayheroes.fitness

21 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a Captain with Dekalb County Fire on Engine/Truck 23 also known as Brockett Triangle. Payton has a huge love for the job when it comes to being prepared for it. From physical fitness, running calls, fire house life and training. From the minute he got on Dekalb he surrounded himself with those who emulated what he wanted out of this career and works on passing that same mindset to those who will take the torch once he’s gone.IG: my_life_at_dekalbfire23 & heavy_smoke_showing

20 years of volunteer and career experience. A Lieutenant with Birmingham Fire/Rescue on Rescue 24 and a driver for Chelsea Fire/Rescue. Clay is also an instructor with Magic City Truck Academy with Oj Kolodziej. Clay is a simple guy who goes by the principles knowing and doing your job well, be a genuine human being towards others, be the mentor you wish you had growing up within the fire service and overall care and invest with your people.

25 years of volunteer and career experience. Fire Chief for The City Of Alexander & Collegeville VFD in Arkansas. Creator of The First In Fire Conference where the goal is to help with decision making skills form command to the crews battling the incident. Chief McCormick fits the bill for a Firefighters Chief. The mindset of people first, mission priorities, knowing and doing your job, aggressiveness, caring for one another and outside training are just a few things Chief spoke the gospel on. Take notes ladies and gentleman this interview is full of nuggets and gems being dropped. My favorite quote from Chief McCormick is this “ Be A Game Changer Not A Game Player.”

28 years of volunteer and career experience. Firefighter First 1st class on Engine 35 for Annapolis Fire Department. He is a past Lieutenant with Washington DC and past Chief of the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department. Adjunct instructor with the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. Jonathan has written several articles that have been published in Fire Engineering and Firehouse Magazine. And Author of Thomas Sweatt: Inside the Mind of DC’s Most Notorious Arsonist. Johnathan is a Firefighter that wants to do the best at his job and isn’t afraid to show it. We play like we train and the individuals we keep around us is how we will act. From small to big city metropolitian organization. Johnathan is constantly learning something new everyday regardless of rank or tenure. I truly hope the listeners can pick up the gem & nuggets being dropped in this interview. IG: jonriffe

1 year of volunteer fire service experience. A Back step Firefighter for Palm Beach Shores Fire Department in Florida. Josh’s mindset is a testament to his parents, who he surrounds himself with and the mental fortitude within him to be better everyday. We’ve all heard the “This Generation” quote a thousand times around the fire service but the truth is we need to continue promoting and uplifting individuals such as Josh and many others who come in the fire service that have the desire and willingness to continue learning and bettering themselves not only physically but mentally as well. The conversation I had with Josh was amazing and truly great because I could see how just how bright this young man’s future truly is.IG: hardmode_fitness

23 years of volunteer and career experience. A Lieutenant with Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services on Engine 10 and Jackson Trail Fire/Rescue in Georgia. Web’s biggest and most influential person that led him to this field and made him who he is today is his father. Web is also a Principle technical committee member of NFPA 1970/1850. I would like the listeners to really pay attention when Web speaks on Culture, Leadership and the NFPA. It easy for us to dislike and dismiss the NFPA on various issues regarding the fire service. But as the saying goes “You don’t know what you don’t know” and that’s including myself. Web lays down all the facts and behind the scenes tasks of what goes on and even extends out an invitation to any and able’d bodies who have ideas/solutions that want to see change to come aboard and let’s make it happen. Strength in numbers, show up and show out. IG: webmarshall

27 years of career and volunteer experience. A Battalion Chief over Special Operations & Hazardous Materials for Montgomery County Fire/Rescue & Former Fire Chief for 6 years now Firefighter for Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company in Carroll County Maryland. Even though Ivan is a Chief who rides the car at his career department he still dabbles in being a backstep, riding the seat and driving the Engine, Tanker, Rescue or Ladder truck at Mount Airy. He’s a Chief who has never forgotten his roots still loves running calls and remembers what it’s like as a Firefighter. Ivan’s humility and outlook towards the job shows how much passion he still has for it and is a great example of leadership. IG: enginecompany

4 years of career experience. Currently a Lieutenant on Quint 20 for Cibilo Fire Department in Texas. When showing up to shift we must bring “The Energy” as Luke states. When you have individuals who are trying to better the organization, those around them including themselves a target will be directed toward that individual by the naysayers. What you do with that target is up to the individual. We are all human and will have days when we just don’t feel it. But from day one if we can establish within our crew/ organization a culture promoting positivity, good energy, and wanting to be better at the job when we have days were one isn’t up to par we have the rest of the crew to pick up the slack and provide what we need to get the job done. IG: lukedoesnotusethisapp

15 years of career experience. Currently a back step for the City Of Schertz Fire/Rescue in Texas. Philip assists with the Daggum Conference, Legacy Conference and with No Quit RIT. Former instructor for Ridge Fire Academy In Winter Haven Florida. Philip has had his shares of up and downs and is not afraid to talk about it. But with the help of being around true friends and brothers he is now back into the profession he loves and truly is out here trying to make a positive difference for himself and those around him. Leaving the job better than he found it is all we could strive for. IG: felipemas1979

6 years of career structural firefighting experience who came over from 13 years of living the wild land life. Smoke jumper, hotshot, Georgia Smoke Diver & Tillerman. Chris has done and seen a lot. His transition from one side to the other wasn’t easy but Chris was determined to not let that stop him from being the best version of himself. Assigned to Truck 50 for a Northern Nevada Department. I throughly enjoyed our conversation and I think you all will too. My favorite quote from Chris is this. “ The Fire Service Is So Small When You Start Giving A Shit.”IG: theboyerman

10 years of career experience. A Captain on Engine 313 with Lexington County Fire Services. Assistant cadre member for Soda City Training and Hornet Fire Training. Michael never had aspirations of being a Firefighter. As a veteran of the armed forces and a professional MMA fighter upon completing his services he was trying to find a career that would align with what he was used to such as being on a team, camaraderie and a sense of purpose. Michael had a friend suggest he try the fire department and once he did the rest is history. Listen to Michael talk and you can clearly hear how being around the right individuals and attending outside training can make a huge difference in your career and mindset.IG: mikerobmma

3 1/2 years of career experience. A Lieutenant with the City Of Pooler Fire Department in Georgia on Engine 604. Before getting into the fire service Alex was in the 75th Ranger Regiment and a former CIA contractor. From both of these life experiences Alex’s notion when it comes to the topic of leadership simply put was just beautiful. Leaders need to remember that they are here for the women and men under them and not for self glory. There’s no I in team and if you can set aside ego and remember the mission there should be nothing your crew can’t achieve. IG: the_alexaguilar

16 years of career experience. A Technician with Loudon County Fire/Rescue in Virginia on Rescue 20. Creator and operator of the Daily Refinery page on social media. My conversation with Dave was as if we’ve been Bro’s for a longtime that were catching up at a restaurant over drinks. Shooting the shit about the fire service but also having key conversations and not tip toeing over deficiencies that we have both experienced and seen. My favorite quote from Dave is this “ I’ve been on the job for 16 years but into the job for the past 2.”IG: daily_refinery

8 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a Lieutenant with Bullock County Fire Department in Georgia. Brian is no stranger when it comes to the phrase having to do more with less. When arriving on scene at a working structure fire as a company officer Brian has to give a size-up, establish command, pull a line, conduct a 360, team up with his driver and get after it. There are no excuses with Brian as to why you can’t get anything done with what you have. Brian also experienced a tremendous loss within his family. I want the listeners to really listen and focus to what occurred and ask yourself whether you make the decisions within your organization or not are you able to look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you do everything in your power to be the best Firefighter and version of yourself?IG: mcree68

1 1/2 years of volunteer experience. Currently a Firefighter for Balgonie Fire Department in Saskatchewan Canada. Joey caught my eye with his posts he has on social media that shows off his rigorous workouts whether it’s in his gear or not. Although he’s new to the fire service his mindset and ultimate goal of wanting to be a career Firefighter or something related to the fire service shows when you hear him speak. It may sound cliche or cheesy but most Firefighters are in this business to help individuals in need when that emergency arrives and deep down that’s all Joey wants to. IG: foreverjoey1982

10 years of career experience. Currently a Captain on Truck 201 with Loane Peak Fire Department in Utah. Jameson’s mindset when it comes being a Firefighter and a Company Officer is as solid as they come. Remember your why, have an all in attitude, respect the job, care for the people you work with and the community you’re serving to protect. It’s really not a hard formula but you must have it within you to set the example. IG: brothers_of_culture

20 plus years of volunteer and career experience. A Firefighter/Backup Engineer on Ladder 301 for St.Andrews Fire Department in South Carolina. Tim is no stranger to the fire service as his family line runs deep with Firefighters. He entered the service at 14 and never looked back. His experience and journey is why I want to share, continue and feel very very fortunate that I’m able to listen and speak to others about why the fire service is the greatest job in the world. No profession is perfect but what matters is what you do in the face of adversity to set yourself apart from the others. IG: _spray9

17 years of career experience. A Battalion Chief with a Metro Atlanta department. Even though Tyler is a Chief Officer he is still a Firefighter at heart who gets down in the trenches with his members ranging from physical fitness and drilling in the training yard. Upon entering his journey into the fire service Tyler surrounded himself with seasoned veterans whom he wanted to learn and absorb as much information and skill possible. Bearers Of The Oath Cadre member and overall just a good dude. My favorite quote from the interview is this “Company Officers make sure there crews are capable of doing their job as needed.”

14 years of volunteer and career experience. A Tailboard FF on Engine 71 and Tillerman on Ladder 71 for the Pleasant Grove Fire Department in Utah. Owner and product creator for the Stache Salt. Griffin’s journey into the fire service has a lot of meaning to him and when you hear the quote he uses to remember his why it makes perfect sense. His experience from going to a small then to a very large and back to small department is one all should hear. When it comes to whether your a big city firefighter or not the experiences, call volume and amount of jobs won’t be the same but it’s truly about who you work and surround yourself with that will make the job truly worth it. IG: that_stache_guy & stache.salt

As promised part 2 with Mr.Sierra Vista himself. Where we sat down and talked about what it is to Becoming a relief driver, Leadership, Zero Impact, Promotions and Health & Wellness. Once again Matt delivers some truthful thoughts and nuggets with his opinions on these topics and I can honestly say I loved every minute of our discussions.IG: az_mattyb132

14 years of volunteer and career experience. A Lieutenant with Roanoke Fire/EMS on Ladder 7 and Assistant Fire Chief with Bedford Fire Department in Virginia. Stacey grew up with no intentions of being in the fire service. Sometimes things within our lives change us to become better versions of ourselves. Who we decide to surround ourselves with can make the difference between just settling with what we have or finding out how great life can be if we just take a leap of faith and get out of our own comfort zone. IG: s_wills143

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

Steve Pope- 30 years of volunteer and career experience. A Captain on Quint 12 for Kansas City Kansas Fire Department. Steve is not shy on stating it wasn’t until a friend noticed something off that started a change in his trajectory for the better which was just not in the fire service but also his home life, himself and others around him. First Responder Golf Foundation grew from the Firefighter Golf to bring awareness to PTSD in the first responder professions. Steve who founded the organization desired a way to share his story and reach as many first responders as he could through the power of social media. Steve’s story is real and so is PTSD in the first responder fields.IG: firefighter_golf

10 years of volunteer and career experience. A back step Firefighter on 24 Engine with the DCFD and Chief Of Department for Marlboro VFD Company 20 in PG County. Kendall was definitely raised right and surrounded himself with individuals who wanted to see his full potential and it shows when you hear Kendall speak. From a young age he knew he wanted to be a Firefighter and the ultimate goal was DC which has now come to fruition. I throughly enjoyed hearing Kendall’s views on the fire service and hope you all do to. IG: trippykenny20

8 years of career experience. Currently a backstep FF for Nampa Fire Protection District in Idaho who occasionally rides as an acting Officer. Eric had dreams of pursuing a career in sports but sometimes things don’t always shape out as we would like but everything happens for a reason and the Fire service has gained what I would call a good one for sure with Eric. A man who believes in the mission and that we must train ourselves at being good at the basics before wanting to be better in specialty fields.IG: Firehouse_sc

28 years of volunteer and career experience. Fire Chief for North Myrtle Beach FD in South Carolina. Billy was exposed to the fire service at a young age being fortunate to watch and learn things from his father. As the head man in charge of his department the mentality and focused mission Chief has is paramount if you want to have a successful organization. Make no mistakes about it there is no perfect department out there but Chief Floyd realizes that you must put your people first and foremost through communication and transparency for a successful outcome.IG: lilchilly29582