Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

Clyde Gordon- 38 year veteran of the fire service with volunteer and career experience. Currently a District Chief with the City of Houston FD. Chief Gordon’s principle’s are simple: Strong work ethic, exceptional fire ground operations/management along with building integrity & responsibility within a crew. When you listen to Chief Gordon speak you’ll understand why he’s a fan favorite to those wanting to make a positive impact within the fire service.

Tony DeMarco- 33 years in the fire service all volunteer. Currently a back step FireFighter after having served as Chief of Department having held all the ranks leading up to that. Tony has a beautiful outlook on how members should be in regards to relationships with each other from the senior man all the way down to the newest member. What I love even more is how Tony describes what being a leader should be regardless of rank. Lots of great gems can be taken away from this episode for those listening. IG: chief32tonyd

Kyle Gorrell- 1st generation Firefighter with 10 1/2 years of volunteer and career experience. A back step Firefighter for The City Of Decatur FD in Illinois who is assigned at the downtown Rescue specialty house of Engine 1, Ladder 1 & Battalion 1. Kyle is an Instructor at the Illinois Fire Service Institute where he has a love for teaching anything Truck company ops from ventilation to VES. When you listen to Kyle speak you can hear the love of the job he has with distinct conviction.

**This is the last episode before the premiere of the next round of interviews (11-3-2023) with different questions/topics that the guests have chosen to speak on.Over 20 years of volunteer and career experience. Senior Firefighter with Mooresville Fire Department assigned to Tower Ladder 6. Work ethic, attitude and the way you carry yourself speaks volumes. I’m just a guy who stays in my lane works on improving myself through training, physical fitness reading/studying what I enjoy and hope that I can see retirement and leave the job better than I found it.

Nick Papa- 2nd generation Firefighter with 20 years of volunteer and career experience. Captain with New Britain Fire Department in Connecticut. Currently acting in an administrative role where he’s the Chief’s XO. A huge passion for hand line operations. Nick loves the work of a Truckie but hands down can’t pass up an opportunity to ride downtown in the Engine. Founder of Fire Side Training where they are dedicated to providing the highest quality education by passing on vetted, practical information for the fire ground.

Jason Joannides- 22 years of volunteer and career experience. A backstep Firefighter who rides Ladder 333 in Lexington County South Carolina. One of the Creators & Co Founders of Soda City Training. Jason is one of those guys who puts the FUN in fundamentals. From how shift life with the guys within the station should be, his meticulous knowledge of anything Ladders, saws & forcible entry down to his love of going to fires and just overall loving the job. We hit on some good topics that all should listen to.IG: sodacitytraining

Dan Shaw- 30 years of fire service experience. Started out as a volunteer in Howard County Maryland. Began his career experience in Fairfax County Virginia in 1995 where he has held every position and rank and is currently the Assistant Chief of Operations overseeing nearly 2000 personnel. Vice President with Traditions Training & Co-Author of 25 to survive which examines the cause of Line of duty deaths & residential building fires. Chief Shaw is what I call a Firefighters type of Chief who never forgot where he came from and when you listen to this episode you will see why. My favorite quote from Chief Shaw is this “The Fire Always Gets A Vote.” IG: chiefdshaw

8 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a Captain for Athens Fire Department in East Tennessee. Creator of The Citizens Fireman where he discusses important topics within the fire service such as physical fitness, leadership, the individuals we are here to serve and training. Even though Tyler is a young Captain his mindset aligns with many of the fire service greats who came before him.IG:the_citizens_fireman

20 years of career and volunteer experience. A former Assistant Fire Chief in a department North east of Georgia. Creator and founder of Bearers Of The Oath cadre where their message is simple. They’re not out to alienate you but to make you evaluate yourself and the oath you took when you decided to enter into the fire service and to make sure you are truly upholding that commitment to the citizens who rely on us on their worst. Shane has a strong religious faith in god and family. All these words that describe Shane, his mission and the cadre are all true but when you meet him in person you will be able to see just how much love, drive & dedication he has into making the fire service and those who truly care about it that much better. The conversations we share in this episode are close at heart and should resonate with any individual who truly wants to leave the service better than they found it.IG:bearersoftheoath

3rd generation Firefighter with 15 years of career and volunteer experience. Currently a backstep with the City Of Long Branch FD in NJ. James believes in hard work, training, not belittling one another and that the job should and forever remain Blue collar.