Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

Ken Oishi, a dedicated firefighter with 23 years of service in the Honolulu Fire Department, shares his journey from California to Hawaii, emphasizing hard work and humility. He discusses the importance of continuous learning in firefighting and the unique challenges of 24-hour shifts in Hawaii. Ken emphasizes the crucial balance of physical fitness and gear acclimatization, along with fostering relationships within the fire service community to drive positive change. His mantra, 'It’s better to stay in shape than to get in shape,' resonates throughout their conversation.

22 years of combination experience. Fire Chief for Brighton Fire/Rescue in Colorado who made his way through the ranks of the organization. Brycen believes in “QUALITY” hard work. And that individuals who want to be successful in whatever path they choose need to invest within yourself take it seriously do your best and bring it back to your respective organization. Brycen is a prime example of a Firefighter’s Chief who remembers that you need to get out of your office go out to listen & communicate with the boots on the ground.

20 years of combination experience. Back step Firefighter for Ann Arbor Fire Department on Engine 4. Co founder of Build Your Culture LLC, one half of the Make Due Suburban Fireman Podcast published author, national speaker who has instructed all over the country including internationally. And in my opinion a subject matter expert when it comes to search on the fire ground. Sean is humble yet very passionate about the fire service in all aspects of the job and isn’t afraid to let you know that. I hope the listeners can enjoy the message and tune in on the little nuggets and gems being dropped along the way. IG: seanduffy86

20 years of combination experience. From a young age Rob always wanted to be a Firefighter with his Uncle having served with Dallas Fire Department in Texas. With knowing what he wanted in life Rob joined as a volunteer with Frisco Fire Department where he surrounded himself with go getters who set the tone for him with culture, training & knowing the job. Rob is also a big proponent towards mental health as he openly discussed his own struggles and how having the right individuals in your corner allows you to rise above adversity. My favorite quote from the interview with Rob is “This Job Has A Shelf Life.”IG: robcstone

27 years of combination experience 1st generation firefighter, currently serving as a Division Chief for the Charlotte Fire Department. While growing up, the fire service always interested him and after he became a volunteer firefighter in college, it didn’t take much convincing for him to pursue the job as a career. Now, years later everything has come full circle, and while the job has changed, it’s still about the people.IG: charlottefirecar07LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/david-farnum-cfo

Chief Matt Knierim 2nd generation Firefighter with 28 years of combination experience. Division Chief Of Training who after completing his tenure decided he wanted to go out back on the floor and is Battalion Chief for B Shift. From a very young age Matt always wanted to be a Firefighter and got his chance with Stockton Fire. From day one the blueprint of how you are going to treat, act & perform when it comes to Stockton was engrained and made Matt the individual he is today. Your expectations won't change the result, but your standards will". This quote suggests that standards are more important than expectations, and that exceptional people have high standards for themselves and others. Matt Knierim embodies that along with other individuals whom he surrounded himself with.

Ken Johnson- 32 years of combination experience. Fire Chief of Lodi Fire Department in California. Before becoming Chief of Lodi Ken got his start with Stockton Fire Department where he served for 23 years. During that time Ken promoted through the ranks going all the way from Firefighter to Division Chief Of Training and finally Fire Marshal. The experiences Ken had coming up is second to none which truly in my opinion has shaped the way his mindset is when it comes to the job that can resonate with most Firefighters. Along the interview Ken dropped so many gems and nuggets that I truly hope the listeners can catch on to. One of my favorite quotes from Ken is this. “ I think when you look at making your career path, the path of the fireman you have to do a lot of self introflection and say do I have courage? Do I have courage to do things that are hard when they matter?.”

11 years of combination experience, 3rd generation Firefighter. Currently a probationary Firefighter on the Nine-Two engine with the FDNY. Michael is no stranger to the fire service as he’s been surrounded by this profession his whole life. He got his start as a live-in with a little ole Fire Department called Christiana Fire Company in Delaware not sure if any of you have heard of it. The way Christiana operates plays a huge role in how Michael believes all Firefighters need to view the job. From there he knew he wanted to become a career Firefighter wherever he could get the chance but always had dreams of the big city. IG: bench_press_

Jacob Johnson 24 years of combination experience. Assistant Chief with Pearland Fire Department in Southeast Texas. It’s been said that you don’t need rank to lead and I wholeheartedly agree with that. You can be a leader when it comes to any profession. The difference is matching words with actions, being directly intentional, having the humility to let others know your faults/weaknesses, working to improve on them and most of all being truly genuine with yourself. I literally was at a lost for words when talking to Chief Johnson during this interview. I implore all and any of you who listen to this episode to share this with your friends, colleagues & co-workers. Have round table discussions, smoke a stogie in the back of your bay but do yourself a favor and listen to the words that Jacob speaks. No script, no rehearsal just words from the heart from a man that truly wants to help change his organization for the better. I want to give Chief Johnson his flowers along with many other Chief’s, Company Officers & Firefighters that I have had the pleasure of talking to since I’ve started this podcast. You all are making a difference and don’t ever forget that.

25 years of career experience. Currently Fire Chief for Meridian Fire Department in Idaho. Kris is a Chief that wholeheartedly believes in a mission driven culture. The Chief position was never on his radar but sometimes individuals need to rise up and step in uncomfortable and uncharted territory. Some of Kris viewpoints are outside training, embracing the mission driven culture and my favorite quote “Why You Do The Job Is More Important Than Where You Do The Job.”