Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

Robert Ricci- 15 years of career of experience. Currently a Captain on Engine 16 with the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department. Robert is an instructor who has taught in various training conferences within the Florida area one being Making Engine’s Great Again. Robert is also a certified Florida smoke diver and will shed some light on a house fire that sparked some controversy on social media.IG: robricci_fl

22 years of career and volunteer experience. Lieutenant on Engine 805 in Prince George’s County. Michael believes that every individual should have pride from the way you look, how you come to work & perform on calls. That translates to how you do anything is how you do everything. You work ethic speaks for itself. IG: tip_of_the_spear_leadership

5 years of career fire service experience. Firefighter with the Eagle River Fire Protection District in Colorado. Sean believes that the senior man is a vital key role that sets the tone for any individual under them. In Sean’s words “How can we make the experiences we see on calls & turn them into educational opportunities & not opportunities to see if we can make or break you.IG:robinatheart

3 Years of career and volunteer experience within the Houston area. Although Reed is fairly new within the fire service he already has the mindset of not settling for mediocrity and believes in having a strong work ethic for getting proficient at the job and that physical fitness is a key standard Firefighters need to embrace.IG: r_hampton11

25 years of fire service experience. Currently the Assistant Chief with Petaluma FD in Northern California. Chief Costa has worked in a variety of organizations, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), rural districts, semi-rural districts. He is currently working on a masters degree in fire service leadership and emergency services management.

16 years career experience with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Currently Lieutenant and the Senior lead instructor for Miami-Dade’s training division for the past 5 years. Reginald believes whole heartedly that instructor’s are responsible for shaping, training and molding the new generation of Fire Fighter’s coming in and that they need to have these 4 pillars in order to do the job correctly and efficiently, Passion, be physically fit, humility and forever remain a student of the craft. IG:reginaldmcknightjr

Julio Ramos: 17 year veteran of the fire service. Lt with Orange County Fire Rescue assigned to Squad 3 which is a Special Operations Squad Company. Founder and Lead Instructor for Fire ground and Special Operations Concepts, LLC. Creator of “Everything Saws” program. Julio has a passion for Rescue, HAZMAT, USAR and R.I.T. operations. Julio teaches and lives by his motto of “Destiny Favors the Prepared”.IG: fsocllc

Cory Lail: 16 years of career fire service experience. Cory is a second generation FireFighter. Cory is an instructor with his local fire college where he teaches anything truck world related. Cory believes in discipline and making sure what he’s doing is positively affecting the fire service. IG: corylail

Nick Alioto- 13 years career and volunteer experience who grew up in St.Mary’s county MD. Nick is the definition of if you don’t like what you see within yourself and you want to change it DO IT!! Apply the work and maintain discipline.IG:nic.ali3

David Polikoff- A 35 year veteran of the fire service. Chief Polikoff is a retired Batt Chief who spent 34 years with Montgomery County Fire Rescue in Maryland, a Deputy Chief For Sykesville Freedom District, An Asst Chief in Frederick County Fire Rescue for a year, a life member with Kentland Fire Department and teaches a class titles Command Under fire class along with an a staff instructor with Capitol Fire Training. IG: varsity_truckie

David Rhodes- 37 years of Career and volunteer experience. Retired Battalion Chief from Atlanta Fire Dept where he rode every position. Chief Elder for the Georgia Smoke Diver program, Fire Engineering Editor In Chief along with Education Director for FDIC International. This man has so many accolades it would be hard to summarize them all. One of my favorite quotes from Chief Rhodes is this “ When you make decisions based on emotion that’s when you die.”

A 24 year veteran of the fire service all volunteer and with the same organization..Fort Washington Fire Company in PA. Zach holds the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. Zach believes in order to do the job correctly you have to want to be good at this and remembering it’s all about the basics. IG: zvelivis

8 years of fire service experience all volunteer. Currently the Assistant Chief with Chester FD in Orange County NY. Tom is also a 911 dispatcher and knows first hand in the in’s and out’s when it’s related to emergencies within our field. Tom’s message is simple he “Wants to leave the job better than he found it.”IG: firemantom193

18 year’s of fire experience. Founder of Trial By Fire, Author of No-Nonsense Leadership published back in 2019, Instructor at Real Fire Training, Captain with Norfolk Fire-Rescue in VA and recent University graduate with a Masters of Arts in Executive leadership. Jarrod is the most down to earth, humble, intelligent & very passionate Firefighter when it comes to knowing how to do and operate within your job. IG: tbf_jarrod.sergi

21 year student of the fire service with 18 of those being Career. Currently an Engineer on Engine 3 in Mooresville. Recently state certified to being a lead instructor on Engine pumps Jeff love for the job is un matched. All he wants to do is come into work have a good time, train break bread and of course go to fires. IG: jeff_russell45

Kevin Pfluger- 15 year veteran of the fire service. Lieutenant with The Live Oak FD in Texas. Bearers of the Oath Instructor, Cadre member with MV Fire-Rescue, part of No quit RIT, 1st Line Engine Ops and President Of Live Oak Professional Firefighters Association Local 4098. Kevin is an example of what it means to define your odds after being given a second chance. IG: kevin_pfluger_

Started his career back in Jan of 1986 in Charleston SC with the US Air Force in Joint Base Charleston. Instructor Cadre for disaster response, has held numerous Assistant Chief’s positions in different Air Force Base’s around the globe, Fire Chief for 3 years for King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia and most recently is the Asst Chief For Special Ops within the US Air Force. Chief Siddiq can be found on IG where he shares his thoughts on various topics on leadership with the most important reminder being he never forgot what it’s like being the men and women on the front line. I will have Chief Siddiq back for a part 2 where he discusses being the Fire program manager in Kandahar Afghanistan back in 2009 where he spearheaded a multi-disciplinary team of staff members, high-value programs valued at $80M from inception to completion, along with building eight fire stations with over 350 multi-national firefightersIG: thoughtsonleadership

32 years of Fire fighting experience with 28 of those being career. Some of his accolades includes Captain with Lewisville FD & East Lincoln FD, Asst Chief for 10 years with South Iredell FD, Fire Investigator with Charlotte FD, The Fire Marshall rank positions with Mooresville, Statesville and Forsyth along with canine handler for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms and most recently Fire Chief for Clemmons FD. Gary has a wealth of knowledge within the fire service field and investigations.

15 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently Tech 2 with Fauquier Fire Rescue in VA. Creator of F.D.I.R where he loves teaching anything related to Truck work and tactics and making sure it’s done right. IG: f.d.i.r

14 years career and volunteer experience. Currently a recently promoted driver with the Garden City FD in Kansas who still gets to ride as back step from time to time and loves it. Cadre member of Valor Fire Training. Ljay is very passionate on aggressive search and fire attack culture.IG: geistljay

Generational FF with 41 years of being a Stuart of the game from Christiana Delaware. Retired Captain from Fairfax FD. Currently Emergency Management planner and Assistant Coordinator in Iredell Co.IG:todd410marshall

28 year veteran both volunteer and career. Special Ops Chief with Witchita FD. Keith simply loves going to fires and making sure he leaves the job better than he found it when the time comes to hang it up. IG: knemo963

Lieutenant with 10 years of experience with Fountain Inn Fire Rescue in SC and also an Engineer with Belton FD where he’s been there for 13 years. Stephen has a passion and I mean a passion for anything Rescue related from ropes, to rigging to chainsaws. IG: stephen_eller

Back step FF for the past 14 years in Miami-Dade on busy Engine 7. Creator of the Cadre group “Way Of The Nozzle” passionate about teaching others to love the craft and to never give up. Recently promoted to Lieutenant now riding Rescue 202.IG: the_wayofthe_nozzle

16 years of career and volunteer experience. Casey is currently the Capt on Engine 171 in Irmo, SC. Casey was taught by a role model of his this quote “Influence who you can when you can.”IG: casey_clink

17 years of volunteer firefighting experience. He is currently a Captain with Harvest Vol Fire Rescue in Alabama. Jake’s work ethic is simple…being proficient at the basics. And if you follow him on social media you will see what exactly sets and reps gets you.IG: goodjake_23

Career Backstep FF in Florida for the past 10 years, Prepared To Fight Fire Owner, Endurance athlete, Florida Smoke Diver & Leadville 100 achiever. When Julian speaks he grabs you with his passion and conviction you can hear in his voice.IG: preparedtofightfire

15 year career backstep FF recently promoted to Engineer with the Del Rio FD in Texas. James believes you must train like you play. If the area you’re in is hot train in it to get your body acclimated to the weather….for THEM!IG: borderbombero

Stephanie White: Has been a backstep FF/Paramedic for the past 18 years in Fairfax County VA where she is currently assigned at Station 9 Engine 9. Stephanie has been fortunate to educate various FD’s nationally with creating policies that focus on reproductive health of female Firefighters along with publishing various articles for Fire Engineering Magazine.IG: thatpaperworkff

Dena Ali: Is a 15 year member of the Raleigh Fire Department where she currently serves as Battalion Chief. Dena was a police officer for 5 years before moving to the fire department. She is the founding member for NC Peer support and recognizes how critical it is to simply be heard and understood. Dena is also a graduate student and has spent the last couple of years researching firefighter behavioral health and learning methods to prevent firefighter suicides. https://www.ncffps.org/IG:dma1096

For this week this episode along with the next goes along with mental health for not only first responders but also any family members, close loved ones, & friends. Mrs.Crystal Hobbs shared her story of her son Tristen who unfortunately took his own life. My hope is the information and conversations shared in this episode can be kept and stored in the back of your mind and make you a little more aware of any potential future signs or dangers. Crystal’s energy to me embodies the following quote. “You can either be crushed by a horrific event and lose your sanity, your family and your life. Or, you can take this pain that was thrust upon you, to propel into greatness.” www.tmans5k.comNAMI.org/Lakenormaniredellwww.partnersbhm.orgText: Talk to 741741704-881-2084 Crystal Hobbs Certified Gatekeeper

Travis Huffman started as a volunteer FF with the Propst Crossroads FD since 2008 and a career FF with the Hickory FD since 2014 where he currently serves the role as Fire Apparatus Operator. Travis message is simple..."Just stay positive, love doing the job, & be the best you can for community you serve. IG:tchuff83

Steven Vanness: 13 years of volunteer and career experience. Backstep Firefighter on Engine 30 in Washington DC and current volunteer with Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department in St.Mary’s County. Steven believes that the “Pipeman” is the backbone of success on the fire ground.IG: fireman_steve

Creator of The Rogue Tailboard, President of The Piney Woods Fools Chapter, Peer Supporter @ Next Rung. Chris has a strong passion in his faith for Jesus Christ, believes in family, & physical fitness is a MUST for fire ground success.IG: ffchrissnowmma

18 years of career fire service experience. Firefighter on Rescue 2 with Witchita Fire Department. Tim's passion for the fire service is simple love the job, love what you do, be good at the job & love going to fires.IG: riggs1272

Owner operator of North Florida Fire & EMS training, creator of the North Florida Fire Expo, Co-host of The Make Due Suburban Fireman Podcast with Sean Duffy. Avid instructor in many fire conferences around the country including FDIC. Nick is passionate about training and helping others to better themselves so that we as Firefighters can better help serve & protect those we care for in our own first due area's.IG: nickpeppard

Captain on Truck 5/Station 5 at Boca Raton Fire Rescue where he has served for the past 16 years. Recent Author of The Modern Fire Officer where Jared believes in building competency, leading confidently to overcome anything. The Modern Fire Officer Link: https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Fire-Officer-Communicate-Motivate/dp/B0BRDG5XXQ

Phillip Beehler 37 years of Career & Volunteer experience. Battalion Chief Brighton Fire Rescue. Loves to teach and mentor the new members coming into the fire service but also wants them to be aware of what this job can do not only physically but also mentally. IG: Sixfingerfiremenwoodworking

Chief Cowperthwait started his fire service career in 1981 with the Pennsville Fire Company in NJ where he also served as Fire Chief. Kevin Joined Christiana FD in 2000. Kevin currently holds the position of Fire Chief. Kevin is a retired Paramedic with New Castle County EMS. In September of 2013, Kevin was awarded the Companies "Medal of Valor" for assisting in the rescue of trapped occupant from the 3rd floor of their burning apartment. If you don’t know anything about Christiana you’re missing out on one hell of an aggressive and progressive FD in Delaware.IG: deputychief12

Battalion Chief Of Training in for New Albany FD in Indiana. Jake is also the creator of 3 Point Firefighter Podcast where he believes those in this profession must have the 3 elements of Pride, Training & Physical Fitness to do the job to the best of their ability.Facebook: 3 Point FirefighterIG:3pointfirefighter

Kyrie Harris has 9 total years of FF experience both Volunteer and paid. Kyree is with the Atlanta Fire Department where he currently rides as a back step on Engine 20 which proudly serves the Capitol View and Pittsburgh neighborhoods since 1926 and is still an active member with the Bryon Fire Department. Kyree believes that certain traditions within the fire service such as camaraderie, training, and running fires are what makes Firefighters the best they can be to the citizens they serve.IG: k_harris922

Daniel Sundahl is a FF/Paramedic in Western Alberta Canada for the past 20 years. Daniel is well known for his illustrations within the EMS field. Daniel has a strong passion to bringing light and awareness about mental health for first responders and that this topic shouldn't be a negative stigma. Instagram: dansunphotoart

Brian Bastinelli is a Battalion Chief for The Harrisburg Bureau Of Fire in Harrisburg, PA. Chief Bastinelli has been in the fire service for more than 32 years both career and volunteer. You can find Chief Bastinelli sharing the jobs the men and women in Harrisburg catch on his youtube channel. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brianbastinelli

CJ Dwiggins is a Engineer With the Winston Salem FD for the past 7 1/2 years along with a Lieutenant with the Mocksville Fire Department. CJ is a cadre member for Passion Of The Craft & just recently Twisted Fire Industries. CJ believes that the fire service is starving for knowledge but drowning in information. Instagram: dcleatherhead

Nate Harpster believes in physical fitness and that it should go hand in hand with Firefighter success. Nate's motto..." Perform better, recover faster & live healthier.IG: natervisionXendurance.com 15% Discount code: Natervision15

Nichole Mann: No matter the gender put in the work so that your able to perform the job to the best of your ability. "Treat yourself like a tactical athlete because you are." Nichole MannIG: angrymoosefitness

“If I have the ability then I have the responsibility. Until I don’t have the ability anymore then I feel like I have the responsibility to contribute to the greater good.” Manny BarajasIG: manny_b210

Back in October 2022 Mooresville Fire Department suffered a huge loss within our staff following the sudden loss of Captain Brian Yon. As the Department and personnel grieved a few of our members wanted to do something special for the Yon family as Brian left behind his wife and 2 children. Engineer Scott Hauck, Captain Bart Ellingson & Captain Russell Smith set a plan in motion, turned that plan into action and the results that came from it shows why this is “The Greatest Job In The World.” As a tribute to Captain Brian Yon please listen to (Especially Mooresville Fire personnel) Episode 4: Run For Yon.

“This new generation doesn’t know anything. All they do is look at their phones.” Anonymous Senior to the job Firefighters…All we need to make sure is that knowledge, the micro conferences, the passionate cadre’s and positive messages continue to spread throughout Departments all over the country letting individuals know it’s ok to love this job and to keep progressing forward. Well ladies and gentlemen I think the Fire service is in good hands with people like Von Brown.

Charlottesville Fire Department, Captain of Engine 5 where is his passion is learning and teaching the capabilities of "The Can".IG: jrodzinka