Dave Nowacki- 21 years of career experience. A Sergeant on Engine 50 with Detroit Fire Department, creator of 4th Man Fire. Dave isn’t a legacy Firefighter. He never dreamed at a young age of joining the fire service. What got Dave into the profession was a friend who told him all the things he gets to do while on the job and he gets to do it all while working only 9 days a month. Yep he admits that 100%. But once he got in he was all in making sure he continues to be the best version of himself...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Season 1Ep. 259
26 years of career experience. Battalion Chief for City Of Mesa Fire & Medical Department. Chris actually wanted to be a police officer. While volunteering for a local sheriffs department he was able to meet Firefighters who explained to Chris the skills he had in mountain rescue most definitely translates to Fire Departments. With the being said the wheels started spinning for Chris and he applied to Phoenix & Mesa. Mesa was faster out the gate and Chris never looked back. I want the li...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 1Ep. 258
2nd generation Firefighter with 27 years of combination experience. Captain with The Training Division for Little Rock Fire in Arkansas. From an early age Bo watched his Grandfather operate as a volunteer. There were times when they were completing a task and a call comes in and his Grandfather would stop what he was doing to run the call and from there Bo knew he wanted to do just that. Bo applied everywhere he could around him until Little Rock called and gave him what he always dreamed of. Fr...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 257
Joel Kanasky- 46 years of combination experience. Retired Firefighter from the FDNY who rode Rescue 1 for 16 out of his 20 year career. From a young age Joel knew he was destined to become a Firefighter following 3 of his 4 brothers who were volunteers. Joel started out with Alexandria FD moving up the rank of Lieutenant before deciding to switch departments after 9 years. The move wasn’t easy but well worth it after listening to Joel’s experiences and the individuals who he had the pleasure of ...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 256
45 years of combination experience. Retired Deputy Assistant Chief of the FDNY who has held many ranks within the organization including Chief of Fire Academy, Training & Safety. Currently Managing Director of the First Responder Center For Excellence which focuses on addressing crucial issues like firefighter cancer, mental health, and suicide. Frank started out as a volunteer Firefighter following after his brother. The FDNY was never on the radar but the individuals within the East Farmin...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 255
21 years of combination experience. First career Firefighter within his family which has a long tradition of volunteers. Technician for Fairfax Fire/Rescue on Engine 436. Creator of “The Art Of The Company Chauffeur.” This episode is a little different from the rest as Brian and I discuss what it truly means being a driver/operator for fire departments and seeing how the art form of holding that position is slowly getting lost in today’s world. One of my favorite quotes from my conversation with...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Season 1Ep. 254
19 years of career experience. A Captain with Montgomery County Fire/Rescue assigned to the Rockville Station. Becoming a Firefighter wasn’t a goal for Enrique. While in college he heard an ad on the radio promoting Montgomery. With college tuition bills on the brain Enrique decided to apply to see what would happen. To his shock he received a phone call that would change and view the way he looks at life for the better and hasn’t looked back since. A quote that stood out to me stated by Enrique...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 253
12 years of combination experience 2nd generation Firefighter. Part time Firefighter with Greene County Fire Department in Georgia & Creator of Next Rung whose mission is to help combat mental health issues among Firefighters and First Responders. I had the privilege to sit on a presentation at this past Carolina Fire Days where Blake discussed having love and passion for the job, family and faith. Blake has a strong christian belief and isn’t afraid to let others know. He also has something...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 252
31 years of career experience. 2nd generation Firefighter. A Battalion Chief in the 4th Battalion on B Shift for the City Of Detroit. As a young child Dave watched how his father treated and respected all aspects of the fire service. Unfortunately due to the nature of the job Dave’s father passed. But during those times he was also able to witness first hand the true side of brotherhood of the fire service. Dave knew on the inside he wanted to become a Detroit Firefighter. Dave’s experience’s wi...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 251
33 years of career experience. Retired Captain on Ladder 5 with Seattle Fire Department. Mike’s love for the fire service goes unmatched. Not saying they’re aren’t others out there with the same passion and drive but I’m telling you all listen to how Mike talks regarding what the fire service has given him and done for him regarding his family and his faith. I throughly enjoyed listening to Mike preach the good word and I hope the listeners can pick up on the gems and nuggets Mike speaks along t...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 250
17 years of combination experience, 3rd generation Firefighter. Back step Firefighter with Aurora Fire Department in Illinois on Truck 2. Brothers in Battle cadre member, Firefighter Rescue Survey member, President with Fire Nuggets and one of the main support members with Firemanship. Jeffrey is a part of a ton of great things going on within the fire service. But his main focus is SERVICE. Making sure that those who are counting on us, are having their needs met when needed. After all that’s w...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 249
15 years of combination experience. Currently a Firefighter on Ladder 1 for Jacksonville Fire/Rescue. But before finding his way to the sunshine state Darius started out as a Firefighter for Columbia-Richland Fire Services where he rose to the rank of Captain before packing up and moving down South. From a very early age Darius always wanted to be a Firefighter. Luckily he was able to find a mentor that guided him and told him all he needed to know about the fire service beyond just running call...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 248
17 years of Career experience. A Battalion Chief over training with Georgetown Fire Department in Kentucky. Growing up Chris was undecided with what he wanted to do with his career. While managing a restaurant and missing a milestone in his son’s life Chris knew the job he was in wasn’t sitting right with him internally. So he quit, went to EMT school and pursued a career in the fire service. After obtaining a fire department job Chris wanted to be close to home. As a Georgetown native he knew t...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 247
Isaac Frazier- 2nd generation Firefighter with 21 years of career experience. Former Capt of Special Ops with St.John’s County Fire/Rescue in Florida. Currently a Firefighter on Truck 2 with Wichita Fire Department, Owner of Tactical Advantage Training & Creator of Into The Job Firefighter symposium. My interview with Isaac went down a few damn good rabbit holes but overall the message given was as Firefighters, husbands, fathers, mothers, wives significant others sometimes we really need to...
Mar 07, 2025•2 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 246
29 years of combination experience. Former Assistant Chief of Training, EMS, Mobile Integrated Health and Professional Development for Fort Lauderdale Fire/Rescue. Currently Deputy Fire Chief for Jupiter Fire/Rescue which goes live in 2026. Like so many others I’ve been fortunate to interview the fire service wasn’t on Stephen’s radar. It was his dad who became interested in the profession and grabbed Stephen to go on the same ride with him. After that the rest as they say was history. The conve...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 245
24 years of combination experience. Deputy Chief for Haltom City Fire/Rescue in Texas. Growing up Charlie always wanted to be a Firefighter. His dream position was riding Officer for a Ladder company. Charlie got his start with Newport Beach Fire in California and worked there for 20 years rising to the rank of Captain before deciding to move to Texas where he ultimately took the Deputy Chief position for Haltom. Throughout his career Charlie has held himself to standards higher than his departm...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 244
Matt Adkins- 14 years of combination experience. A Back step Firefighter for South Adams County Fire Department in Colorado on Tower 24. Matt never had the thought of being a Firefighter. Back at home on Summer break Matt saw a help needed sign at the local volunteer department and figured why not give it a shot. Upon entering the doors of the firehouse he was introduced to how individuals coming into the fire service need to view the job and the rest was history. It’s so important when coming i...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 243
Anna Beth Robertson- 4 years of career experience. A Engineer/Relief Officer with Starkville Fire Department in Mississippi. Firefighting was never on Anna’s radar. She has family members in the emergency service field but only working in the office setting. It wasn’t until one day a member with Starkville mentioned to Anna to come and train with them during their workouts. After a few sessions one of the members asked “When are you going to have your set of turnout gear?” Which got the wheels s...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 242
27 years of combination experience. Battalion Chief with Sevierville Fire Department and Deputy Chief for White Pine Volunteer Fire Department in Tennessee. Josh is a Chief whose mindset centers all around leading by example in everything you do. The higher the rank doesn’t mean the less you do. Josh completed the Georgia Smoke Diver program at 41 becoming the 9th candidate out of Tennessee to do so is a Chief I’d certainly want to work for. But Josh doesn’t let that go to his head. He still str...
Feb 24, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 241
27 years of combination experience. Chief of Fire and Emergency Services for Cranberry Township. Scott got into the emergency services field from his father but it was the EMS route which led Scott to finding his passion with public safety starting out as a junior Firefighter. Scott believes in empowering individuals to be better versions of themselves. Scott also had a hand in forming the Standard Actions for Emergency Response group (SAFER) within Butler county in which 5 different Fire Depart...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 240
9 years of combination experience. 2nd generation Firefighter. A Lieutenant on Ladder 1 for Roanoke Fire/EMS and Assistant Chief with Bedford Volunteer Fire Department. Matt is what I call bit by the fire bug and after hearing him talk you will clearly see why. Matt talks about the fire service with so much passion and conviction it’s contagious to go out there and want to better yourself which we should all strive for. Matt also openly discusses his trials and tribulations when it comes to find...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 239
15 years of career experience. A Backstep Firefighter for New Braunfels Fire Department in Texas. When I invited Joshua to come on his response was why me? I’m just a nobody from nowhere. But when you hear Joshua’s story and most importantly his why the invite to come on will make sense. The conversation had was genuine and flat out awesome. It’s so easy to let getting better at this job sometimes distract our attention from what matters the most. What we need to keep in mind is finding the righ...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 238
22 years of combination experience. Captain on Tower 3 for Charlotte Fire Department and Cadre member/instructor with Insight Fire Training LLC. Growing up Thomas wasn’t really on the path of becoming a career Firefighter or attending college. It wasn’t until his senior year of high school that shed possibility of making that dream a reality. So with the advice of his Volunteer Fire Chief and college instructors Thomas found his way to North Carolina. Fast forward to today and Thomas couldn’t ha...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 237
14 years of combination experience. A Lieutenant on Truck 1 for Whitfield County Fire Department in Georgia. Lee had no ambition of becoming a Firefighter but one of his friends was an explorer at a local volunteer department which got Lee intrigued. Once he saw what the job entailed Lee was hooked and never looked back. Lee is as humble as they come and didn’t like talking about himself too much in the interview but once the topics switched to the job you can clearly see the humility and passio...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 236
27 years of career experience. A Captain on Engine 38 for Clark County Fire Department in Nevada, County Fire Tactics Cadre member. The conversation Clark and I had should invigorate any Firefighter who truly has love for the job, wants to leave the service better than they found it and hopefully creates change with the future generation of Firefighters within your own organization. Clark talks with such strong belief, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to anyone within the fire service, conveyin...
Feb 08, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 235
14 years of career experience. A Battalion Chief with Birmingham Fire/Rescue. Ben was a jack of all trades who traveled across the country while exploring what exactly he wanted to do with his life. When the recession in 2008 hit the country hard Ben decided to enter into the world of EMS where he found a huge passion and yearn for but has no problems letting others know it was very hard work. While working for a private EMS service a friend told him about Birmingham Fire hiring individuals. Wit...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 234
Donovan Carrasco- 10 years of combination experience. A back step Firefighter for Cedar Park Fire Department in Texas, creator and founder for Coyote Fire Training. Donovan believes in PRIDE and that Firefighters possess it in all aspects of the job. Pride in your appearance, attitude, work ethic, training and camaraderie. During our conversation Donovan also discussed why you need to make sure the organization you’re apart of is the right fit for you and you alone to understand. IG: coyotefiret...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 233
18 years of career experience. 2nd generation Firefighter who really never had notions of becoming a Firefighter himself. When you’re a generation or legacy child sometimes you’re constantly being compared to your mother or father’s achievements and may struggle to establish your own identity. Eric was fully transparent when he openly discussed the allure of getting into this field. Once he did every skill, challenge or test, Eric made sure he was always at the top leaving no room for assumption...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 232
12 years of combination experience. Fire Chief for Trinity Fire Department in South Carolina. Becoming Fire Chief is never easy. When it comes to holding that title comes great responsibility. Cody achieved this rank at a very young age and most definitely went through big changes and undertaking a lot when it came to the organization he serves. I want the listeners to hear his story but also see that even though he holds a high rank he doesn’t let that cloud his judgement from remembering he st...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 231
17 years of combination experience. A Captain on Engine 1 with Mooresville Fire-Rescue. It’s very easy for a Company Officer to talk about expectations and not execute. I’ve been fortunate to witness first hand how putting words into actions leads to building a crew that actually wants to show up to work, train, run calls and overall just get good at the job. Captain Smith said it best in his interview. “The job is much better when you’re good at it.” IG: russell.smith528
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 230
