Episode 019 – In this episode, we respond to questions submitted by our listeners. We discuss tips for getting hired, being successful in the academy, and creating buy-in as a junior firefighter. We also touch on exercises and equipment that have worked well for us in preparation for the fire ground, and the importance of knowing your body like you know your firefighting skills.
Engineering For Leaders
Nov 05, 2017
Show notes
Episode 018 – Zac Varela is a 10 year veteran of the fire service, and an Engineer with East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue. Over the years, the engineer role has taken on many different roles and responsibilities, but Zac shares what he expects of himself in this position. We cover a wide range of topics in this episode, including having tough conversations with your officer or others on your crew, leading not only at work but also at home, and how age comes into play in a physical profession such as ours.
No Exceptions Leadership
Oct 23, 2017
Show notes
Episode 017 – Jason Hoevelmann is a Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal with the Sullivan Fire Protection District, a combination department, and a career Captain and Training Officer with the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District (MO). His experience spans more than 20 years and he has been an instructor for more than 15 years. Jason shares where it all started for him, how he “chases the kinks” with his crews, and the ways in which he prioritizes his day at the firehouse. Jason is the author of No Exceptions Leadership: The Leadership Handbookand is behind EngineHouseTraining.com.
Making The Move To A New Department
Oct 08, 2017
Show notes
Episode 016 – Brian Brush, an 18-year veteran of the fire service, is a firefighter at Edmond (OK) Fire Rescue. Prior to Edmond, Brian was a Lieutenant with West Metro Fire Rescue (CO). Brian shares why he got into the fire service and why he made the decision to move departments. It takes humility, passion, commitment, and compromise to excel at this profession, and he says without any of these, it can’t sustain. Brian contributes regularly to Fire Engineering, teaches at various conferences, and will be at the Mile High Firefighter’s Conference next week, October 13-15 2017.
A Chief That Says Yes
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
Episode 015 – We talk with our former EMFR Training Chief, Hunter Hackbarth, on the topic of leading a cadre, which at times means just facilitating or simply getting out of the way. We touch on the importance of pride around the fire station and throughout the department, and how failure should be looked at as an opportunity to get better. Also, does there have to be separation or a barrier between the officer and his/her crew? Between the Chief and his/her staff? Not if you are authentic and have a clear purpose.
SAFD FF Eric Schultz
Sep 16, 2017
Show notes
Episode 014 Xtra (Uncut) – A short collection of thoughts that surrounded Eric and I’s conversation on Episode 014. Maybe it will prompt some discussion around your firehouse, or with your brothers and sisters.
Mayday In San Antonio
Sep 16, 2017
Show notes
Episode 014 – On May 18, 2017, Firefighter Scott Deem passed away while operating on a 4-alarm fire with San Antonio Fire Department. Eric Schultz was an academy brother of FF Deem and discusses that tragic night as well as the effects it has had on him and the department following the LODD. We also talk about the value of training when part of a major metropolitan Rescue Company, and what our daily priorities should be in the station and while on duty. Eric is a 10 year veteran of the fire service, 6 of those with SAFD, and is currently assigned to Rescue 11. He is a fireman’s fireman – one that values blue collar work, high standards, and humility.
Would You Want You Instructing You?
Aug 24, 2017
Show notes
Wednesday Burn 002 – What is the level of instruction that every recruit deserves? What creates buy-in within an academy or a crew as an officer or an instructor? Why do some leaders tell you what to do, but don’t always show you what to do? What do recruits expect from an instructor? We answer all of these questions and more when we burn on “Would You Want You Instructing You?”
Episode 012 – Tim Sendelbach is a 30-year student and educator of the fire and emergency services, currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief for Firehouse. He is responsible for the content and editorial direction of Firehouse® Magazine, Firehouse.com, Firehouse Expo, and Firehouse World. He has served as an Assistant Fire Chief with the North Las Vegas (NV) Fire Department, as the Chief of Training for Savannah (GA) Fire & Emergency Services, and as Assistant Fire Chief for Missouri City (TX) Fire & Rescue Services. Tim shares how buy-in is immediate when instructors are participating in the physical fitness with recruits, how important education is to creating a well-rounded firefighter and human being, and the need for critiquing yourself and fire service traditions to bring out the best ideas going forward.
Hiring The Right Firefighter
Jul 29, 2017
Show notes
Episode 011 – Jeff Clark has been the Fire Chief at East Side Fire & Rescue (WA) since February of 2016. Prior to that, he spent 25 years with Chandler (AZ) Fire Department, rising through the ranks to become that organization’s Fire Chief in 2008. Chief Clark introduces a recruiting model that all departments should emulate, as he believes in finding the right firefighter to fit the organization, not just the next applicant that walks through the door. We discuss the challenges of leading an organization after leaving another, how a socially intelligent approach can create greater buy in, and why it is that well-trained crews are rewarded with greater responsibility on the fire ground.
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