Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

Erik Vidal- 4 years of career experience. A back step Firefighter for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Although Erik is a new comer to the service he’s not a new comer to life experiences. Erik’s mindset of wanting to be better not only in the fire service but with everything he does with his life is a goal I’m sure each and everyone of us stride for. We go down a few rabbit holes but the conversation we had was a great one.IG: iamerikvidal

Tank Morris- 14 years of career and volunteer experience. A back step Firefighter at his career department and a Battalion Chief with his volunteer department over at South Roane County in Tennessee. I want everyone who listens to this episode to remember one word. ACCOUNTABILITY. The fact of being responsible for what you do and able to give a satisfactory reason for it. An obligation or willingness to accept. Being true to one self. I appreciate Tank for coming on and openly discussing his situation and hopeful others who might be in the same predicament can find their own purpose.IG: tankamus_prime

Ric Jorge- 29 years of career and volunteer experience. Retired 5 years ago as driver with Palm Beach Fire/Rescue in Florida. Author of Developing Firefighter Resiliency, creator and owner of Tactical Resiliency Training. Ric’s ground support in life first and foremost is GOD and his love for all he has done and been through. This episode is far different from all my others and after listening you’ll understand why.

10 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently an Engineer with Kissimmee Fire Department in Florida on Engine 14. Logan is no stranger to most who are involved and dialed in with the fire service. I could list some of his accomplishments but I can honestly say from experience and getting to meet and converse with him that he’s so humble about it that there is no need to.IG: loganbrobergfit & roguefiremanshiptraining

Paul Watlington- 23 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently Chief of Training for The City Of Burlington FD in NC. Creator and owner of Impact Fire Training. Paul speaks at various conferences/lectures throughout FD’s across the nation. His interests are tactics, leadership, development and a strong love for anything pumps. If you have had the chance to sit in one of Chief Watlington’s lectures then you know he’s all in for the job and wants no part of mediocrity.IG: Impact_Fire_Training

30 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Capt on Rescue 1 for Norfolk Fire-Rescue in VA. From a young age all Bobby knew was the fire service with his dad being a blue collar member. Cadre member with Fill The Box training. Bobby loves all aspects of the fire service from team work, camaraderie and going to fires. He truly enjoys Rescue and Ladder work but knows as the first line goes so does the Engine.IG: robertmoic

Marcos Orozco- 16 years of career experience currently a backstep Firefighter with Brighton Fire/Rescue in Colorado. Marcos has a strong and I mean strong passion for training and physical fitness which to him then correlates to being able to do your job on the fire ground which in turn is better for not only yourself but your crew and the citizens we serve. Marcos drops some truth bombs that some may not like but may need to hear. IG: hardknoxsunday

AB Turenne- 25 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Captain of Training/Safety for a Fire Department in Middlesex County CT. AB is one of those guys who didn’t forget that his love and passion for the fire service came from being a volunteer first and foremost. There is no denying when you hear AB talk he’s “All In” when it comes to giving a damn about the service and making it better than he found it.IG: hopsandhalligans

31 years career and volunteer experience. Retired this past August as Deputy Chief Of the Milwaukee Fire Department where he was assigned under operations overseeing 6 battalion’s. National Fire Service instructor and & author for over 20 years. Board advisory member for Fire Safety Rescue Institute, former associate editor for Fire Engineering and former editor in chief Fire-Rescue & Urban Firefighter Magazine. The nuggets and gems Chief Roden drops and his view points of Leadership and learning to soak in the job makes this interview a fantastic conversation and self reflective episode.IG: erichroden

Jason Worthy- 15 years all career with Pelham-Batesville Fire Department in South Carolina. A newly promoted Lieutenant on platform 55. Jason was around the fire service most of his life while being able to watch his father perform blue collar work. Jason believes in physical fitness and that it is paramount we continue pushing forward making positive strides rising to the best level of our ability for the ones who will need us most. IG: jgworthy

Chris Tennyson- 22 years of career fire service experience. Currently Batt Chief Of Training with Summerville Fire/Rescue in South Carolina. I honestly could say many different positive things about this interview but I’m going to keep it short and simple. It’s a MUST listen from every rank of the fire service!! IG: tennyson1980

Wesley Cox- 28 years of Career experience. Currently a Lieutenant with Winder FD just outside Athens GA who’s getting ready to become Captain in February. Cadre member with Bearers Of The Oath and one of the most down to earth Firefighter you’ll ever get to meet. Wesley’s mindset of being humble is a great trait you can have as a Firefighter but also when becoming a Company Officer.IG: wesley_cox233

Scott Hewlett- 25 years with the City Of Brampton Fire/Emergency Services in Canada where he holds the rank of Firefighter 1st class also known as a backstep. Scott is the creator of the Multiple Calls Podcast where they have conversations with individuals within the emergency services field about the how and why each guest got into the job. What challenges they have faced, how they made it through them, the struggles they see for our service, and their ideas on how each of us can help progress in the job. The conversation Scott and I had should definitely spark some good conversation for those who truly want to make the job better for future generations.IG: multiplecallspodcast

Kane Nixon- 20 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Deputy Chief with the Arizona Fire/Medical Authority in Arizona. Chief Nixon noticed a short coming within Fire Departments around the country and started the “I Care Movement” which emphasizes a journey of transformation and empowerment. A new era of leadership that begins with caring for ourselves, our people and our communities. When you listen to Chief Nixon speak you can tell he hasn’t forgotten his roots and truly cares and wants the best out of the men and women of his department and Fire departments around the country.IG: drchiefnixon

Sean Ryan- 21 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently the Lead instructor for Albermarle County Fire/Rescue in Virginia. From the moment Sean talks anything regarding the fire service you will have no doubt on how much love and drive he has for the service. Sean was able to battle a huge obstruction that came into his life and I believe your mindset plays a huge part in obtaining a positive outcome. Many gems were dropped in this interview in regard to the different topics we spoke on.IG:spryan27

Ben Peel- 14 years career and volunteer fire experience. Currently a Captain on Engine 1 with Georgetown Fire rescue in Kentucky. Training Trustee with the Central Kentucky FOOLS group. One of Ben’s responsibilities outside of being a husband and father is lead coordinator for the Georgetown Fire Symposium. That’s right his own Fire Department hosts training events for the men and women of their department allowing for great outside training and lecture opportunities. Ben has a fantastic mindset for the job and it shows from this interview.IG:theboobearbenny

3 years of career and volunteer experience. A back step Firefighter with Southern Stone County Fire Protection District in Missouri. Even though JP is young into his fire service career the responsibilities bestowed upon him with his department having to do more with less is eye opening. Sometimes we as Firefighters tend to gripe over the small things when in actuality we really have it better than most. IG: jpgardner417

7 years of volunteer experience. Currently a back step FF for the Crystal Fire Department in Southwest Little Rock Arkansas and also a full-time paramedic. For only being 24 years old Logan’s mindset and outlook towards the fire service is very bright. For those whose careers are winding down there should be no question that the fire service will be in great hands with individuals such as Logan Hinkle. IG: hinkle_04

Ian Schulte- 16 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a training Chief With The City Of Pooler FD in Georgia. Ian is all for making the fire service better through stress based & realistic training. Ian’s passion towards the job, physical fitness and making sure one is competent to the citizens we serve is a must for everyone to hear. IG: iaff_carl_357

Clyde Gordon- 38 year veteran of the fire service with volunteer and career experience. Currently a District Chief with the City of Houston FD. Chief Gordon’s principle’s are simple: Strong work ethic, exceptional fire ground operations/management along with building integrity & responsibility within a crew. When you listen to Chief Gordon speak you’ll understand why he’s a fan favorite to those wanting to make a positive impact within the fire service.

Tony DeMarco- 33 years in the fire service all volunteer. Currently a back step FireFighter after having served as Chief of Department having held all the ranks leading up to that. Tony has a beautiful outlook on how members should be in regards to relationships with each other from the senior man all the way down to the newest member. What I love even more is how Tony describes what being a leader should be regardless of rank. Lots of great gems can be taken away from this episode for those listening. IG: chief32tonyd

Kyle Gorrell- 1st generation Firefighter with 10 1/2 years of volunteer and career experience. A back step Firefighter for The City Of Decatur FD in Illinois who is assigned at the downtown Rescue specialty house of Engine 1, Ladder 1 & Battalion 1. Kyle is an Instructor at the Illinois Fire Service Institute where he has a love for teaching anything Truck company ops from ventilation to VES. When you listen to Kyle speak you can hear the love of the job he has with distinct conviction.

**This is the last episode before the premiere of the next round of interviews (11-3-2023) with different questions/topics that the guests have chosen to speak on.Over 20 years of volunteer and career experience. Senior Firefighter with Mooresville Fire Department assigned to Tower Ladder 6. Work ethic, attitude and the way you carry yourself speaks volumes. I’m just a guy who stays in my lane works on improving myself through training, physical fitness reading/studying what I enjoy and hope that I can see retirement and leave the job better than I found it.

Nick Papa- 2nd generation Firefighter with 20 years of volunteer and career experience. Captain with New Britain Fire Department in Connecticut. Currently acting in an administrative role where he’s the Chief’s XO. A huge passion for hand line operations. Nick loves the work of a Truckie but hands down can’t pass up an opportunity to ride downtown in the Engine. Founder of Fire Side Training where they are dedicated to providing the highest quality education by passing on vetted, practical information for the fire ground.

Jason Joannides- 22 years of volunteer and career experience. A backstep Firefighter who rides Ladder 333 in Lexington County South Carolina. One of the Creators & Co Founders of Soda City Training. Jason is one of those guys who puts the FUN in fundamentals. From how shift life with the guys within the station should be, his meticulous knowledge of anything Ladders, saws & forcible entry down to his love of going to fires and just overall loving the job. We hit on some good topics that all should listen to.IG: sodacitytraining

Dan Shaw- 30 years of fire service experience. Started out as a volunteer in Howard County Maryland. Began his career experience in Fairfax County Virginia in 1995 where he has held every position and rank and is currently the Assistant Chief of Operations overseeing nearly 2000 personnel. Vice President with Traditions Training & Co-Author of 25 to survive which examines the cause of Line of duty deaths & residential building fires. Chief Shaw is what I call a Firefighters type of Chief who never forgot where he came from and when you listen to this episode you will see why. My favorite quote from Chief Shaw is this “The Fire Always Gets A Vote.” IG: chiefdshaw

8 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Captain for Athens Fire Department in East Tennessee. Creator of The Citizens Fireman where he discusses important topics within the fire service such as physical fitness, leadership, the individuals we are here to serve and training. Even though Tyler is a young Captain his mindset aligns with many of the fire service greats who came before him.IG:the_citizens_fireman

20 years of career and volunteer experience. A former Assistant Fire Chief in a department North east of Georgia. Creator and founder of Bearers Of The Oath cadre where their message is simple. They’re not out to alienate you but to make you evaluate yourself and the oath you took when you decided to enter into the fire service and to make sure you are truly upholding that commitment to the citizens who rely on us on their worst. Shane has a strong religious faith in god and family. All these words that describe Shane, his mission and the cadre are all true but when you meet him in person you will be able to see just how much love, drive & dedication he has into making the fire service and those who truly care about it that much better. The conversations we share in this episode are close at heart and should resonate with any individual who truly wants to leave the service better than they found it.IG:bearersoftheoath

3rd generation Firefighter with 15 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a backstep with the City Of Long Branch FD in NJ. James believes in hard work, training, not belittling one another and that the job should and forever remain Blue collar.

49 year veteran of the fire service with 29 of those being a Chief Officer. Some of his titles include retired Battalion Chief for Cherry Hill NJ, Fire Chief with Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District, Fire Chief with City Of Pittsburg in Kansas. Owner and creator of First Line Fire Training LLC and US Army veteran who deployed as part of Operation Desert Storm. Dennis is as humble as they come and his mantra is simple “Leave it better than you found it.”IG: firstline850

Devin Craig- 23 years of career and volunteer fire experience. A Ladder/Tanker Captain in the Houston area, Georgia Smoke Diver & One of the founding members of Train Or Die out of Texas. Devin loves anything fire related, believes in being physical fit for the job no matter the rank & loves to train and if he could have it his way would burn every recliner found within all fire house’s.

20 years of career and volunteer experience. A Battalion Chief with the West Columbia FD. Creator of The Fire Inside blog which is committed to preserving the calling of the fire service by restoring the core values of passion, dedication and accountability. Marc is a Battalion Chief that never wants to forget his roots of what’s it like being a Firefighter and practices this through training, camraderie and fellowship.

Zac Varela- 16 years of career experience. Currently an Engineer with a Fire Department in the Denver Metro Area for 12 of those years. Zac is an Engineer who will never promote. Not because he can’t, but because he believes that the Engineer plays a significant key role in making sure the crew remains uniformed & intact. To Zac there’s no greater position within the fire service than the individual that gets to the wheel the crews to and from emergencies. As Zac states “ I’m Just A Ghetto Fireman.” IG: zukarela

Patrick Mckiernan- 20 years of combination fire experience. Currently an Engineer for Lexington County Fire Services on Engine 19. Patrick has a simple yet effective message he wants other to know and it’s simply if you feel like your not getting the type/kind of training you want get outside your Department and go attend the many micro conferences out there. IG: pmckiernan

Shannon Stone- 32 year veteran of the fire service. Started as a back step Firefighter and rose to the rank to Battalion Chief in Fort Walton Beach Fire Department where he retired. Now serving as a division Chief of Operations with Midway Fire District. Chief Stone is a Firefighters kind of Chief. No nonsense leadership who never forgot what it’s like to be one of the boots on the ground. If you have never listened to Chief’s Stone’s speech on your Children’s Standards Size-up you need to. IG: stoney_850

22 1/2 year veteran of the fire service. Began his journey young at the age of 19 when he joined the Charlotte Fire Department. Currently a back step Firefighter on Rescue 10 where he has rode for the last 20 years as the senior man. Aaron believes in family, brotherhood, and having a tight bond beyond the 4 walls of the firehouse. IG: aaronlamarwebb

38 years of combined volunteer and career experience. Both backstep Firefighters in Lexington County South Carolina. And Columbian Engine Company members back home in Rockland County also known as Department 17.

20 years both career and volunteer experience. Currently a backstep Firefighter in a suburban metro department north of Denver. Creator of Fit Fire Fortitude where skills such as developing hardened mindsets, fitness focused & relentlessly contesting mediocrity are the main goals.

13 years all with the West Columbia Fire Dept in South Carolina. Creator of the First Due Truck page where he shares tips and tricks on anything truck related. Patrick believes “Everything we do as professionals is dedicated to putting THEM First.”IG: first.due.truck

22 year veteran of the fire service all career who states he’s still learning things to this day. District Chief with the Apopka Fire Department. Nate is a Chief that never forgot his roots and remembers what’s it's like being a Firefighter. You can follow Nate on social media where he shares conducting his various rigorous workouts in the Florida heat. One of my favorite quotes from Nate is this “A good home life makes for a better fire life.”IG: mustacheman_75

21 years of combined volunteer and career experience. Captain on Rescue 1 in Mooresville NC. Chris loves being in the middle of the action on the fire ground. Whether it’s riding in the back or sitting in that right front seat. One of my favorite quotes from Captain Goforth is "To learn to control things within the 4 walls of your firehouse anything else is just noise."IG: cbgoforth

3rd generation Fireman with 14 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a backstep Firefighter on Engine 3 for the District of Columbia Fire department which is first due to the US Capitol. A Truck Lieutenant on West Lanham Fire Department Co 28 in PG County & one of the founding members for Grit Fire Training. Alex believes the term Fireman must be earned through hard work, determination, daily drills, experience and knowledge.IG: gritfiretraining

17 years of both volunteer and career experience. Creator and owner of MV Fire Rescue LLC out of Texas, backstep Firefighter on Engine 18 for San Antonio FD a huge passion and love for anything auto-extrication and forcible entry. And above all one of the most humble human beings you can have the pleasure of interacting with.IG: mvaldez1812

8 years of career experience with a department in Blount County Tennessee where he operates as an Engineer. One of the founding members for Black Flag Fire Training. Caleb believes in having passion for the fire service and “What we say matters.” When you listen to what his first experience as a Firefighter going to his first structure fire was it should spark a thought within your head of are you sure you’re ready for this profession.IG: blackflagfire

A 27 year veteran of the fire service. He is a Lieutenant with Chesterfield Fire/EMS in Virginia currently assigned to Truck 3 at station 3. Jack is a self proclaimed “Bull” of the fire service & an unapologetic aggressive truck fireman and is ok with that. To get it you gotta listen to the episode! He has a huge love for truck work with a specialty in search. Jack also believes being humble & vulnerable which in return can go a long way for the individual within the fire service.IG: 3truck_jack

22 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently an acting Battalion Chief with Fort Myers Beach Fire Department. He is a State of Florida fire and EMS instructor as well as a Level 1 infrared (IR)-certified. Joe is a member of the Florida Gulf Coast Fools and the Kill the Flashover Project. Joe loves teaching thermal imaging, a tool he feels is under utilized in the fire service. 2 of my favorite quotes from Joe are “If your TIC changes modes, so should your tactics" & "Be into the job not on the job.”IG: joed911

Has been in the fire service for the past 3 1/2 years. Miles is a prime example of why making sure you should continue to contribute postively and act accordginly towards the fire service for future generations because Miles is the future and has one hell of mindset towards it. All listeners who tune into this podcast whether a probationary member or senior member should listen in to the passion and drive Miles has. IG: miles.r23

Is a 41 year veteran of the fire service. Dale retired from Houston FD as a Senior Captain on Ladder 7. He continues to teach to this day on various topics including forcible entry, search and ventilation. If you’ve ever wanted to know what you need to be great at this profession Dale believes it’s Passion & Drive.

16 years of career and volunteer fire service experience. A Engineer on Engine 3 with Casper Fire Department in Wyoming. One of 3 founding members of the High Plains Fire Conference Cadre. Garrett is all about going out and training with your crew/members to get better at this profession. IG: highplainsfireconference

Captain with Phoenix Fire Department on busy Engine 15 with 10 years on the job. A certified Georgia Smoke Diver with class 59 and is the first Arizona Firefighter to do so. Noah belief’s that were instilled in him as back step rookie is making sure you take the time to get in training, physical fitness & meals which in return is setting the crew up for success. In Noah’s words “Don’t sacrifice a relationship for an outcome.”