Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

4th generation Firefighter with 27 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Captain on Truck 5 with Gwinett County Fire & Emergency Services in Georgia, part time FF for the City of Jefferson & cadre member with Bearers of the Oath. Scott lives and breathes the fire service and isn’t afraid to talk about the ups and downs it can bring to an individual mind, body & spirit. He also wants others within the service to be sure not to forget what’s truly important and that’s FAMILY. IG: scottie740

Jeff Burks- 12 years of career experience. A Major on Ladder 7 for Oklahoma City Fire/Rescue. Jeff has learned things from both good and bad officers while climbing through the ranks of OKC. As a Major he surrounds himself with like minded, positive forward thinking & aggressive Fire Fighters whom all just want to be great at the job they love for the citizens and communities they took an oath to protect.

3 years of career experience. A back step Firefighter for Lexington County Fire Services in South Carolina who rides Engine 330. Owner of Carolina CrossFit and an overall good human. Reilly doesn’t care what rank you are and how long you’ve been in the service as he treats everyone he meets as equal. He has the drive and dedication to strive to be the best version of himself day in and day out with a contagious smile.IG: reillykilbride & carolinacrossfit

18 years of career and volunteer experience. Battalion Chief for C shift at Cibolo FD in Texas. Lead instructor for NO QUIT RIT, cadre instructor with Bearers of the oath. The conversation Tom and I had should resound with every individual regardless of rank that believes within the mission. We are in this profession to truly be masters of our craft. This episode might ruffle some feathers and it’s only because we want to provide the best level of service for the communities we serve and never want to settle for being just subpar.IG: hollicktom

27 years of career and volunteer experience. Recently promoted Engineer/Paramedic with Balch Springs FD in Texas just east of Dallas. Matt is the creator and owner of Free Burn Podcast which was started to help brothers and sisters in the first responder community struggling with mental illness and in need of resources. Matt also does speaking engagements on mental health awareness for first responders and shares his journey with mental health.IG: free_burn2023

10 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Rescue Capt at Hollywood VFD in St.Marys Co Maryland and a back step Firefighter on Rescue 109 in Arlington County FD in VA. Tyler is fortunate and is able to see and experience working hand in hand with his dad following the same footprint bestowed upon him. When asked between Engine work, Truck work & Squad work which he loves more his answer was a humbling response of which ever would take me to a fire.IG:tyler_73

21 years of career and volunteer experience. Division Chief of Training & Safety for Pike Township FD in Indianapolis Indiana. James believes that your never a prophet in your own land and just because you have bugles that doesn’t give you the right to think your above being a Firefighter. One thing I truly like that James does being a Training Chief is that he believes in bringing outside instructors/educators into your department for the betterment of your members.

22 years of volunteer and career experience. Currently a Captain on Engine 13 for Kitty Hawk Fire/Rescue in the outer banks of North Carolina. Chris comes from a long history of men in his family involved with the fire service. And also knows what’s it’s like switching from career departments. His mindset of always remembering that you’re a Firefighter first regardless of rank is definitely a mindset we all need.

Erik Vidal- 4 years of career experience. A back step Firefighter for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Although Erik is a new comer to the service he’s not a new comer to life experiences. Erik’s mindset of wanting to be better not only in the fire service but with everything he does with his life is a goal I’m sure each and everyone of us stride for. We go down a few rabbit holes but the conversation we had was a great one.IG: iamerikvidal

Tank Morris- 14 years of career and volunteer experience. A back step Firefighter at his career department and a Battalion Chief with his volunteer department over at South Roane County in Tennessee. I want everyone who listens to this episode to remember one word. ACCOUNTABILITY. The fact of being responsible for what you do and able to give a satisfactory reason for it. An obligation or willingness to accept. Being true to one self. I appreciate Tank for coming on and openly discussing his situation and hopeful others who might be in the same predicament can find their own purpose.IG: tankamus_prime