Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

22 years of volunteer and career experience. A recently promoted technician on Rescue Squad 3 for the DCFD. As Eric began his career deep down he always wanted to go and work for a metropolitan size department. In 2014 he took a leap of faith and applied for a lateral transfer and was accepted thus living the dream. Eric started out on the Engine but the ultimate goal was to be assigned to one of the 3 Squads in DC. There’s no secret that if you have a goal in mind and want to achieve it the work has to be put in point blank and Eric Budd is a true example of this.IG: huntinfishinfireman

20 years of career and volunteer experience. A floating Captain with Howard County Fire Rescue in Maryland. I was fortunate to be able to meet Josh at the 2024 Training Days in Greensboro a few weeks back where he presented a fantastic presentation on RIT/Mayday & being overall fit for duty. The conversation Josh and I had was very informative, insightful and should make us all think as Firefighters what we can do to improve and be better. But also the very real and true realities of the job when it comes to actually facing a mayday situation within our own department. IG: forged_and_unbroken_fire

Comes from a long line of volunteer Firefighters. 4th generation Firefighter with 18 years of volunteer and career experience becoming the first Career Firefighter within his family. Currently a Lieutenant with the City of Xenia Fire Division in Ohio. Cory believes strongly in outside training, transparency within respective crews and forming a positive culture within firehouses. Although we need Fire department leaders to be on board with certain changes in culture water boils from the bottom and in order to effect change we must first look within ourselves. IG: cstroup30

4th generation Firefighter with 19 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a Firefighter/Training Officer with the Decatur Fire Department in Texas on Squad 115. James has a huge love for being physically prepared for what the job can bring and passion for adequate training. What sets James apart from others is his willingness and openness to discuss a part of his life some would never want to share out in the open. The term Mistake means a wrong judgement, wrong action proceeding from faulty judgement. The truth is whether you want to admit it or not we all have had our own mistakes in life no one is perfect and we weren’t made to be. What’s important is that we learn from it, correct it and keep moving forward while surrounding ourselves with individuals who don’t judge us.IG: cookiebravo1

Jesse Horton, a seasoned firefighter, discusses family legacy, fire department operations, formation of a training company, community initiatives, complexities of emergency services, discipline, policies, gray areas in firefighting, truthful communication, and firefighter wellness in an engaging conversation.

20 years of career experience. A senior backstep Firefighter with the Philadelphia Fire Department on Ladder 14 which is one of the busiest ladders in Philly. Jesse is a second generation Firefighter. Although he wanted nothing to do with the fire service at first he ended up following the footsteps of his father (Also a truckie)who retired with over 25 years of dedicated service. Jesse loves the job and has a smile on his face every time he shows up for duty. His end goal is simple, leave the job better than he found it and also going to fires.IG: firedog4514

16 years of volunteer and career experience. A Lieutenant with Harrison Township Division Of Fire in Ohio. Owner of Western Buckeye Training. Jordan is no stranger when it comes to doing more with less with the department he serves. From a young age the moment he ran his first call as a volunteer it was a wrap and Jordan knew this is what he wanted to do. From our conversation you can tell Jordan has the a love for the fire service just like the rest of us who are into the job. Episode 13IG: Hempker

18 years of career and volunteer experience. A Captain with Horry County Fire Rescue in South Carolina on Squad 1 at the “Socastee” station. Creator of “The Company Officer” where Mike posts so many truth bombs and nuggets regarding anything fire service related. The only one’s who probably get offended by the posts are the ones who aren’t quite living up to the standard Michael’s preaching. What’s great about his page is the fact that Michael’s Fire Chief is in 100% support of what he’s doing for the betterment of the fire service.IG: thecompanyofficer

Erik Vidal was one of 2 Miami-Dade Firefighters that earned the coveted title of Georgia Smoke Diver. With the various Smoke diver programs out there I wanted to conduct an episode where Erik can describe how individuals can prepare themselves physically and mentally to hopefully be successful. Erik shares various attributes one needs to take on the task. Now this is no secret formula or recipe for success but hopefully can give some insight to prepare. IG: iamerikvidal

8 years of career experience. Currently an Engineer with Cal Fire assigned to the Merced County division. Creator and owner of Change the CDF which stands for Culture, Department & Future. If you haven’t heard of Robert I implore you to please, please, please listen to his episode on John Spera’s Fit to fight fire & Corley Moore’s Weekly Scrap where he breaks down his journey of his past to the individual he is today. All I’m going to say about this episode is truth bombs & nuggets were dropped and it was a fantastic conversation. IG:change_the_c.d.f_llc