When the call comes for an immediate-need strike team assignment, wildland firefighters respond within a moment's notice, sometimes only with their out-of-county bags. Also referred to as red bags, these bags are packed with essential survival items for a 14-day assignment. Depending on the operational assignment, these red bags are weighed and hav...
Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department (AZ) Assistant Chief Rayne Gray as we dig into what truly shapes our profession: mentorship, and the constant ebb and flow of leadership changes that test our adaptability and resilience. We talk about the recruitment and retention challenges we're facing in Arizona, and a...
You never know what to expect when you sign up to be a volunteer. I had the opportunity to serve as an Ambassador for the Firehouse Expo 2015 Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. I was very fortunate to assist with setting up the inaugural Legends and Icons Event for the Firehouse Hall of Fame. This opportunity was one of the most memorable volunteer...
Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Laramie County Fire Authority (WY), Fire Chief Jason Caughey, as they discuss firefighter mentorship, his internship with the Phoenix Fire Department (AZ), and leadership lessons from Chief Alan V. Brunacini. We also discuss national recruitment and retention issues, as well as volunteer and career o...
Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Erik Scott, Los Angeles Fire Captain II/Paramedic and lead Public Information Officer (PIO), for a powerful discussion on firefighter mentorship. This episode explores the critical role of motivation, trust-building, and professional relationships—both within the organization and across the communities fir...
Throughout my fire service career, I have worked nearly every shift schedule available. When I first started as a volunteer, I signed up for 24-hour shifts on a Kelly Schedule as a paid reserve. About a year later, I received the opportunity to be a wildland firefighter and transitioned to the 72-hour shift schedule. As a wildland firefighter, I so...
One of my mentors, the late Chief Bobby Halton, gave me the opportunity to create and host The Future Firefighter Podcast, discussing Firefighter Mentorship through Fire Engineering Blog Talk Radio, in December 2017. From January 2018 to June 2022, I highlighted and discussed firefighter mentorship with several of my mentors across 41 episodes, as ...
This show is in memory of Fire Chief (Retired) Alan V. Brunacini (April 18, 1937 – October 15, 2017) and Chief (Retired) Dr. Harry R. Carter, FIFireE, CFO (July 29, 1947 – Jun 17, 2022). In this encore presentation from The Future Firefighter Podcast, Host Christopher Baker speaks to Dr. Harry R. Carter about the value of education in the fire...
If you quit you will regret it for the rest of your life. Quitting never makes things easier. - Admiral William H. McRaven Entry Level Hiring Process In this episode, Host Chris Baker breaks down the application phase of the entry-level firefighter hiring process and explains how candidates can become resilient, standout applicants. The discus...
From our first day in the fire service, we have the opportunity to be a leader and lead throughout probation and well beyond, until long after our retirement. This article is not a perfect recipe or a golden ticket to passing probation. It takes more than a list of rules to be successful in passing probation. Ultimately, the responsibility of passi...
Join Host Christopher Baker and guest California State Fire Marshal, Chief Daniel Berlant, as they discuss the foundation and history of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, firefighter mentorship, and leadership lessons on the importance of communication, customer service, consistency, and trust. We also discuss recruitment and retentio...
A Journey of Resilience, Discipline, Education, and Athletic Excellence Before I pursued my dream career in the fire service, my original dream was to represent our country as an Olympic hopeful in Greco-Roman wrestling. For the majority of my childhood and early adult life, I dedicated myself to preparing for the opportunity to become a member of ...
In December 2017, I was given an incredible opportunity by my mentor, the late Chief Bobby Halton, to create and host The Future Firefighter Podcast on Fire Engineering Blog Talk Radio, focused on firefighter mentorship. From January 2018 through June 2022, I had the privilege of highlighting mentorship in 41 episodes, featuring many mentors w...
Mentorship is vital to the future succession planning of the fire service. Everyone can positively benefit from having a mentor. Mentorship is how we bring continuous improvement to our profession. There is value in having an established advisor in your life to offer you counsel and guidance throughout your career. I have immensely benefited from t...