Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

17 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a FF2 on the back of Ladder 31 for the Charlotte Fire Department. Rusty is as humble as they come. A Fireman who just wants to be good at the job and doesn’t mind going out training, working out, trying to make those around him better and attending conferences outside his department. IG: crowntown_truckie

Founder of Honor Supply Co, Well known photographer in the South/North Carolina region along with many other states that conduct Firefighter conferences/lectures. Christian, father and husband. What you might not know is that Chance was career Firefighter back in 2017. If you want to know more about Chance, Honor Supply Co & the meaning behind his photographs I implore you to go and listen to Jeremy Donch’s National Fire Radio episode 326. Although Chance isn’t a Firefighter per say on the books he’s still able to go out ride trucks, visit stations, talk to the men and women of the fire service and capture the images we have all learned to love. IG: chancecraven

17 years of all career fire service experience. Currently a FF/Paramedic on Truck 202 for the Sierra Vista Fire Department in Arizona. Truth bomb, mic drops, nuggets and gems alert for the conversation Matt and I had. We didn’t even put a dent in the list of topics we wanted to talk about so I’m going to have Matt on again for a part 2. All I’m going to say is we all need to have Matt’s mindset when it comes to the job and all aspects of it. IG: az_mattyb132

18 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a FF/Driver for Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District in Missouri and out of state live in for Berwyn Heights Company 14 in PG County Maryland. Justin gets a taste of both worlds where on one side he’s in the thicket of a densely populated busy suburban/urban area where it’s not uncommon to run 6 potential structural boxes in a day and on the other side is apart of a 6 station 10 personnel a shift 160 square miles of mainly rural area where mutual aid can be up to 10 minutes away. It’s all perspective and who you decide to surround yourself with if you want to be good out in the field. IG: fireman_levy & levysleatherllc

8 years of volunteer and career experience. A Engineer on Engine 16 with Columbia Fire Department in South Carolina. If you know Josh or follow him on social media he is a huge advocate for communication and fortifying a strong culture through leadership and not by rank. The conversation Josh and I had was a delight to say the least and I truly hope others can find value with our discussions. IG: joshusmc25

11 years of career experience. A backstep FF for North Port Fire/Rescue in Florida. Justin is in what he would call his second stint in within his fire service career. First and foremost he believes in a higher calling spiritually and the love for his family. What’s great about Justin’s story is his life experience and how he utilizes that within his daily life and when on shift. Justin believes FITNESS IS THE FOUNDATION for performing the job at a high level and for having LONGEVITY. IG: j_flagg

25 years of volunteer and career experience. A career FF/EMT for Guilford Fire Department in Connecticut who rides up as acting Officer when needed and an Assistant Chief with Clinton Volunteer Fire Department. Mike keeps in perspective during our conversation from giving members realistic training, having to do more with less, being a jack of all trades and wellness for the individual. Mike opened up on a few conversations some would not want to share but that’s what makes the fire service so great with the ability to being able to relate and learn from one another.IG: gfdperez

2 years of career experience. A backstep FF with the City Of Melbourne FD in Florida. Even though Zac’s young into his fire service career the individuals he looks up to, the one’s who were able to train him in recruit class, the ones he is able to work and train alongside now are one of the reasons why the fire service is in good hands. For any individual out there looking to get into the fire realm or anyone with the same or less amount of time Zac has listen to how this young man speaks and ask yourself why not me. IG: thezac_j

16 years of volunteer and career experience. An Engineer with a Metro Charleston Department who currently rides an Engine. There’s nothing complex about Pat. He’s a simple guy who loves going to fires, attending outside training conferences when possible, being around like minded individuals who take the job seriously and at the end of the day wants to go home to the one’s he loves and cares for most. IG: gaspartan43

8 years of career experience. A Master FF/Medic on Engine 10 with Virginia Beach fire department recently transferred to the training division. Matthew has a strong and I mean strong passion when it comes to Engine work, water mapping and the science of water application. Even though he only has 8 years on when you hear Matthew talk you’d think he’s been on the job longer than that. The discussions we have in this episode were simply amazing and truly hope the listeners gain a little bit of gems from it. IG: mrwuwu_

18 years of volunteer and career experience. A Captain on Ladder 301 for Summerville Fire/Rescue in South Carolina. Kevin shares an experience he had during his younger years when he thought as he describes “Being invincible” finally caught up to him. Fast forward years later as a company officer he gets a phone call that forever changed his life. Mental health is a very important topic for Kevin that he doesn’t take for granted and wants others to know the days of leaving your feelings at the door before coming into work should be past tense. IG: charlestonfences

6 years of career and volunteer experience. A Lieutenant with Garden City Fire/Rescue in Georgia assigned to Engine 201. Mike comes from an array of government work that ultimately led him to finding his path into the fire service. What’s truly remarkable about Mike is his sense of humility that although he is a company officer he doesn’t put himself above the rest of the individuals he works with. Yes he’s an Officer but still a Firefighter at heart that’s still learning and just wants to be “Out in the streets” doing Engine work. IG: mg_mm77

Nate Shuler- 17 years of career experience. A Lieutenant with the City Of Winder Fire Department where he is assigned on Engine 1. Bearers Of The Oath Cadre member who has formed a strong passion with everything Search. Nate was a Fireman who was afraid to get out of his comfort zone when it came to training until one day a co-worker invited him out to the MAFFC conference. After attending that one outside event it was game over and forever changed the way Nate viewed outside training and getting out of your own bubble to explore what the fire service truly is.IG: natethagreat207

22 years of volunteer and career experience. A recently promoted technician on Rescue Squad 3 for the DCFD. As Eric began his career deep down he always wanted to go and work for a metropolitan size department. In 2014 he took a leap of faith and applied for a lateral transfer and was accepted thus living the dream. Eric started out on the Engine but the ultimate goal was to be assigned to one of the 3 Squads in DC. There’s no secret that if you have a goal in mind and want to achieve it the work has to be put in point blank and Eric Budd is a true example of this.IG: huntinfishinfireman

20 years of career and volunteer experience. A floating Captain with Howard County Fire Rescue in Maryland. I was fortunate to be able to meet Josh at the 2024 Training Days in Greensboro a few weeks back where he presented a fantastic presentation on RIT/Mayday & being overall fit for duty. The conversation Josh and I had was very informative, insightful and should make us all think as Firefighters what we can do to improve and be better. But also the very real and true realities of the job when it comes to actually facing a mayday situation within our own department. IG: forged_and_unbroken_fire

Comes from a long line of volunteer Firefighters. 4th generation Firefighter with 18 years of volunteer and career experience becoming the first Career Firefighter within his family. Currently a Lieutenant with the City of Xenia Fire Division in Ohio. Cory believes strongly in outside training, transparency within respective crews and forming a positive culture within firehouses. Although we need Fire department leaders to be on board with certain changes in culture water boils from the bottom and in order to effect change we must first look within ourselves. IG: cstroup30

4th generation Firefighter with 19 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a Firefighter/Training Officer with the Decatur Fire Department in Texas on Squad 115. James has a huge love for being physically prepared for what the job can bring and passion for adequate training. What sets James apart from others is his willingness and openness to discuss a part of his life some would never want to share out in the open. The term Mistake means a wrong judgement, wrong action proceeding from faulty judgement. The truth is whether you want to admit it or not we all have had our own mistakes in life no one is perfect and we weren’t made to be. What’s important is that we learn from it, correct it and keep moving forward while surrounding ourselves with individuals who don’t judge us.IG: cookiebravo1

19 years of public service with 8 of those being a career backstep Firefighter in the Nevada area. Jesse specializes in structural firefighting with a passion for leadership and mentorship. Jesse is also one of the owners and instructors of Hortons & Hunt which is a fire service training company specializing in progressive fire ground tactics and techniques. If his voice sounds familiar it’s because he is one of the hosts of the Undisclosed Agents Fire Podcast. The conversation between Jesse and I should hopefully spark some self reflection within one self and hopefully makes you ask am I truly doing all I can within the fire service.

20 years of career experience. A senior backstep Firefighter with the Philadelphia Fire Department on Ladder 14 which is one of the busiest ladders in Philly. Jesse is a second generation Firefighter. Although he wanted nothing to do with the fire service at first he ended up following the footsteps of his father (Also a truckie)who retired with over 25 years of dedicated service. Jesse loves the job and has a smile on his face every time he shows up for duty. His end goal is simple, leave the job better than he found it and also going to fires.IG: firedog4514

16 years of volunteer and career experience. A Lieutenant with Harrison Township Division Of Fire in Ohio. Owner of Western Buckeye Training. Jordan is no stranger when it comes to doing more with less with the department he serves. From a young age the moment he ran his first call as a volunteer it was a wrap and Jordan knew this is what he wanted to do. From our conversation you can tell Jordan has the a love for the fire service just like the rest of us who are into the job. Episode 13IG: Hempker

18 years of career and volunteer experience. A Captain with Horry County Fire Rescue in South Carolina on Squad 1 at the “Socastee” station. Creator of “The Company Officer” where Mike posts so many truth bombs and nuggets regarding anything fire service related. The only one’s who probably get offended by the posts are the ones who aren’t quite living up to the standard Michael’s preaching. What’s great about his page is the fact that Michael’s Fire Chief is in 100% support of what he’s doing for the betterment of the fire service.IG: thecompanyofficer

Erik Vidal was one of 2 Miami-Dade Firefighters that earned the coveted title of Georgia Smoke Diver. With the various Smoke diver programs out there I wanted to conduct an episode where Erik can describe how individuals can prepare themselves physically and mentally to hopefully be successful. Erik shares various attributes one needs to take on the task. Now this is no secret formula or recipe for success but hopefully can give some insight to prepare. IG: iamerikvidal

8 years of career experience. Currently an Engineer with Cal Fire assigned to the Merced County division. Creator and owner of Change the CDF which stands for Culture, Department & Future. If you haven’t heard of Robert I implore you to please, please, please listen to his episode on John Spera’s Fit to fight fire & Corley Moore’s Weekly Scrap where he breaks down his journey of his past to the individual he is today. All I’m going to say about this episode is truth bombs & nuggets were dropped and it was a fantastic conversation. IG:change_the_c.d.f_llc

20 years of career experience. Currently a Battalion Chief with Storey County Fire District in Virginia City, Nevada. From the moment our conversation begins Bob drops some truth bombs and nuggets for all to hear regardless of rank. What puts the icing on the cake is the fact that although Bob is a Battalion Chief his mindset and outlook towards his position is what Firefighters across the country want. A leader with bugles who never forgot his roots and actually puts forth the effort making sure the line is dialed in when it comes to training and standards. IG: fyremed

13 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a Senior Firefighter/Relief Driver for a municipality in South Carolina where he is housed with an Engine/Truck & Hazmat unit. Chris is the creator for Tailboard Leadership where he is trying to promote positive morale/culture, Empowering Fire service excellence and igniting firefighter passion. If you ever seen any of his quotes or reels he posts a lot of his thoughts are spot on regarding different topics/situations within the fire service.IG: tailboardleadership

41 years of volunteer and career experience. A retired Captain/Acting Battalion Chief with Baltimore County Fire Department out of the Pikesville Station. Currently un retired and is now an Engineer with Lexington County Fire Services out of the Round Hill Station. Bill has a wealth of knowledge and understands that times are different with today’s fire service but also just because things were done a certain way back in the day doesn’t mean it’s acceptable for todays standards and has a big passion towards the mental health side of the job.

13 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently an acting Sergeant on Engine 63 for Spartanburg City FD in South Carolina. In 2016 Andrew created and started Tradesman Fire & Fabrication where he had a desire to bring realism to firefighter training. Andrew is also apart of Dixie Firemanship & the Mississippi State fire academy. Andrew has a vast knowledge in forcible entry and the tools we utilize out in the field. I won’t go into too much detail as you’ll find out from the conversation. IG: andrew.tff

37 years of volunteer and career fire service experience. Retired Firefighter with Town of Greenwich Fire Department in Connecticut. Currently Fire Coordinator & Director Of Fire Emergency Services for Rockland County NY where he oversees 26 different volunteer Fire Departments, approximately 10,000 runs, with a population of over 338,000 and a booming of construction both residential and commercial. Chris started his volunteer career in Rockland and has never forgot where he came from. He’s got a ton on his plate but relies on his team who works with him in trying to provide the best for the 3citizens.IG: cgk249

US Navy veteran, Founder & CEO for Flame Natural Decon. Flame decon products are made to remove PFAS, VOCs, soot, metals, mold, combustion gasses, pesticides, diesel particulates, and particulates from cleaning supplies and many other carcinogenic materials. Tara is what I call a certified badass. She had an idea in which she put forth all her effort in deep diving the research, invested her time with focus, drive and her own money and created a product for Firefighters for the betterment of the service. Tara has skin in the game as well as her brother is a Firefighter in San Diego. IG: flamedecon

10 years of career experience. Currently a back step Senior Firefighter/Acting Officer in charge for Company 20 over at Dekalb County Fire/Rescue. If you don’t know anything about Dekalb they see plenty of work and are aggressive towards protecting life and property. Talking to Josh Dekalb has a huge sense of pride and tradition which is what Fire Departments were founded on. And for Josh his love is going to fires and eventually promoting to Driver Operator.IG: jkhester_22

23 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Lieutenant who’s in the Captain’s process for Dalton Fire Department in Georgia on Ladder 3. Robbie is a straight shooter who will tell it like it is whether you want to hear it or not. As a Company Officer Robbie has great advice for anyone wanting to promote to that level or for anyone currently in that role that may need to evaluate whether they're doing all they can for their respective crews and themselves to be successful.

27 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Captain on Engine 13 for Kitty Hawk Fire. Jeremy was fortunate enough to learn from what I call legends of the fire service such as Tony T2 Kelleher, Mark Edward “Mick” McKenzie, Peter Lund, Nick Martin and many other great Kentland Firefighters who have moved on to career departments and have done great things. Jeremy has a great mindset when it comes to the fire service and what it truly means to be into the job.

Ben & Sam Back Of The Bay- Both Ben & Sam work for the same fire department in the metro Atlanta area. Both are currently Lieutenants. Ben has 9 years of career experience and is assigned to a Quint while Sam has 8 years of career experience and is assigned to an Engine company with both stations seeing a fair amount of calls and work. Together they came up with the idea of Back Of The Bay which has a tremendous following on social media. Both men do not care for mediocrity and the fact that Bugles shouldn’t allow you to feel like you’re above or better than the men and women who work under you. IG: backofthebay

15 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Lieutenant on Engine 1 & Marine 1 for Passaic Fire Department in New Jersey. Robert started his career as a volunteer where he served as the Chief of Department for the Allendale Fire Department also in New Jersey. He is also founder and contributor of Flow and Vent, a site dedicated to fire and rescue training. Robert is very humble and open on how having great mentors around him helped mold and shape the Company Officer he is today.IG: flowandvent

3rd generation Firefighter with 32 years of career and volunteer fire experience. Currently a Battalion Chief with Montgomery Fire/Rescue in Maryland who climbed through the ranks. Sam is a Battalion Chief who wants to be around his guys and gals in which he serves making sure they have not only what they need to succeed within their fire service careers but also within themselves on a personal level. Mental health is a huge priority for Sam and he isn’t afraid to talk about it. IG: bc_sammy_v

13 years of volunteer and career experience. A relief driver on C shift with the Town of Winterville Fire Rescue on the eastern side of North Carolina & active out of state back step Firefighter with Kentland Vol Fire Department for the past 4 years. Alex has nothing but love for the fire service and isn’t afraid to let anyone know about it. To Alex it doesn’t matter if he’s riding on the Engine, Rescue or Ladder whatever is going to take to him a fire he’s all about it and knows we are here for one thing and one thing only….the citizens we serve.

22 years of career fire service experience. Back step Firefighter with South Metro Fire/Rescue on Engine 13. Creator and owner of Fit to fight fire where he has a strong belief first and foremost in his faith with his lord and savior along with a passion that as Firefighters mediocrity should not be tolerated and that we must be physically fit to do our job for who we serve. I have a deep respect for John for being one of the reasons I even started this podcast and for him accepting the invite to come on and talk shop with me.IG: fittofightfireusa & jjspera

10 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a back step Firefighter for the City of Kannapolis on Engine 31 & cadre member of Twisted Fire Industries. I want to truly thank Tim for coming on and discussing a situation that he most certainly did not have to divulge for anyone who listens to this podcast. Tim’s message centers around family and that hopefully you have the right individuals in your corner if things should ever go awry within your life.IG: freerangeirish

Chris James- 30 years of career experience. Currently a Captain on Tower 1 for Denver Fire Department in Colorado & Division Chief of Training for Eaton Fire also in Colorado. Chris started his fire service experience young at 21. Upon graduation from the academy Chris was fortunate to ride for some busy companies such as Engine 11, Engine 1, Rescue 1 which was citywide until 2018 and Rescue 2 was formed followed by his current assignment Tower 1. Although Chris is a Capt and a Training Chief when you hear him talk you can tell his roots of always being a Firefighter first is a delight to hear. Chris loves staying busy and of course going to fires.IG: _homie_

Robert Vasquez- 7 years of volunteer and career experience. Lieutenant with Bexar County ESD #5 in Texas near San Antonio, part time FF with Guadalupe Fire Rescue & Cadre member with Citizens First Fire Training. Robert is not shy to admit that although he’s been in the career side for 2 years and already an Officer he’s always learning attending various lectures, getting his hands dirty participating in hot classes and when possible helping teach with Citizens first & Bearers Of The Oath. Robert remembers what the FD brotherhood provided him when facing hard times in his life but also has a huge sense of humility.IG: vasquezrob13

Stew Sherrill- 11 years of volunteer and career experience. A Lieutenant on Ladder 1 for the City Of Concord Fire Department in North Carolina & Assistant Fire Chief for South Iredell Fire Rescue. Stew has a background within the emergency services field following after his father who was a part of Iredell Rescue for many years and now has his brother following suit. Stew’s love for the fire service is unmatched once we get to talking shop.IG: stew_sherrill90

Meet the Clark’s: Don, Chris & Cody.Combined all 3 men have 60 years of career and volunteer fire experience. Don is a Capt On Truck 1 in Salisbury, Chris is a back step Firefighter on Ladder 24 for the City of Charlotte & Cody is a back step Firefighter on Ladder 34 for the City of Kannapolis. All 3 men teach for the cadre group Twisted Fire Industries and all share the same love, drive and passion for the fire service and make sure they can do the job and do it well. It’s not often you meet a father & 2 son duo but its even rare when all 3 ride Ladders.IG: cody_mac_clark & the_ate_up

4th generation Firefighter with 27 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Captain on Truck 5 with Gwinett County Fire & Emergency Services in Georgia, part time FF for the City of Jefferson & cadre member with Bearers of the Oath. Scott lives and breathes the fire service and isn’t afraid to talk about the ups and downs it can bring to an individual mind, body & spirit. He also wants others within the service to be sure not to forget what’s truly important and that’s FAMILY. IG: scottie740

Jeff Burks- 12 years of career experience. A Major on Ladder 7 for Oklahoma City Fire/Rescue. Jeff has learned things from both good and bad officers while climbing through the ranks of OKC. As a Major he surrounds himself with like minded, positive forward thinking & aggressive Fire Fighters whom all just want to be great at the job they love for the citizens and communities they took an oath to protect.

3 years of career experience. A back step Firefighter for Lexington County Fire Services in South Carolina who rides Engine 330. Owner of Carolina CrossFit and an overall good human. Reilly doesn’t care what rank you are and how long you’ve been in the service as he treats everyone he meets as equal. He has the drive and dedication to strive to be the best version of himself day in and day out with a contagious smile.IG: reillykilbride & carolinacrossfit

18 years of career and volunteer experience. Battalion Chief for C shift at Cibolo FD in Texas. Lead instructor for NO QUIT RIT, cadre instructor with Bearers of the oath. The conversation Tom and I had should resound with every individual regardless of rank that believes within the mission. We are in this profession to truly be masters of our craft. This episode might ruffle some feathers and it’s only because we want to provide the best level of service for the communities we serve and never want to settle for being just subpar.IG: hollicktom

27 years of career and volunteer experience. Recently promoted Engineer/Paramedic with Balch Springs FD in Texas just east of Dallas. Matt is the creator and owner of Free Burn Podcast which was started to help brothers and sisters in the first responder community struggling with mental illness and in need of resources. Matt also does speaking engagements on mental health awareness for first responders and shares his journey with mental health.IG: free_burn2023

10 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Rescue Capt at Hollywood VFD in St.Marys Co Maryland and a back step Firefighter on Rescue 109 in Arlington County FD in VA. Tyler is fortunate and is able to see and experience working hand in hand with his dad following the same footprint bestowed upon him. When asked between Engine work, Truck work & Squad work which he loves more his answer was a humbling response of which ever would take me to a fire.IG:tyler_73

21 years of career and volunteer experience. Division Chief of Training & Safety for Pike Township FD in Indianapolis Indiana. James believes that your never a prophet in your own land and just because you have bugles that doesn’t give you the right to think your above being a Firefighter. One thing I truly like that James does being a Training Chief is that he believes in bringing outside instructors/educators into your department for the betterment of your members.

22 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a Captain on Engine 13 for Kitty Hawk Fire/Rescue in the outer banks of North Carolina. Chris comes from a long history of men in his family involved with the fire service. And also knows what’s it’s like switching from career departments. His mindset of always remembering that you’re a Firefighter first regardless of rank is definitely a mindset we all need.