Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

Joel Kanasky- 46 years of combination experience. Retired Firefighter from the FDNY who rode Rescue 1 for 16 out of his 20 year career. From a young age Joel knew he was destined to become a Firefighter following 3 of his 4 brothers who were volunteers. Joel started out with Alexandria FD moving up the rank of Lieutenant before deciding to switch departments after 9 years. The move wasn’t easy but well worth it after listening to Joel’s experiences and the individuals who he had the pleasure of working along side with. My favorite quote from Joel is “Company Officers have to be proficient in everything he expects his members to do.”

45 years of combination experience. Retired Deputy Assistant Chief of the FDNY who has held many ranks within the organization including Chief of Fire Academy, Training & Safety. Currently Managing Director of the First Responder Center For Excellence which focuses on addressing crucial issues like firefighter cancer, mental health, and suicide. Frank started out as a volunteer Firefighter following after his brother. The FDNY was never on the radar but the individuals within the East Farmingdale Volunteer fire department changed his mindset when they would discuss different calls and aspects they experienced while on the job. And with that Frank applied at a young age, got on with the greatest Fire Department in the world and the rest was history. Frank attributes his success to the friends and mentors he surrounded himself with. One of my favorite quotes from Frank is “ You can fool the spectators but not the players.”

21 years of combination experience. First career Firefighter within his family which has a long tradition of volunteers. Technician for Fairfax Fire/Rescue on Engine 436. Creator of “The Art Of The Company Chauffeur.” This episode is a little different from the rest as Brian and I discuss what it truly means being a driver/operator for fire departments and seeing how the art form of holding that position is slowly getting lost in today’s world. One of my favorite quotes from my conversation with Brian is “Don’t give up. That’s why we have all these letters in the alphabet. What’s your next play?.”IG: dieselman264

19 years of career experience. A Captain with Montgomery County Fire/Rescue assigned to the Rockville Station. Becoming a Firefighter wasn’t a goal for Enrique. While in college he heard an ad on the radio promoting Montgomery. With college tuition bills on the brain Enrique decided to apply to see what would happen. To his shock he received a phone call that would change and view the way he looks at life for the better and hasn’t looked back since. A quote that stood out to me stated by Enrique was “You have a responsibility to your people as company officers.”IG: rickyescolero

12 years of combination experience 2nd generation Firefighter. Part time Firefighter with Greene County Fire Department in Georgia & Creator of Next Rung whose mission is to help combat mental health issues among Firefighters and First Responders. I had the privilege to sit on a presentation at this past Carolina Fire Days where Blake discussed having love and passion for the job, family and faith. Blake has a strong christian belief and isn’t afraid to let others know. He also has something special about him when he speaks on whatever the subject maybe. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and truly believe others will too.IG: blakestinnett_nextrung

31 years of career experience. 2nd generation Firefighter. A Battalion Chief in the 4th Battalion on B Shift for the City Of Detroit. As a young child Dave watched how his father treated and respected all aspects of the fire service. Unfortunately due to the nature of the job Dave’s father passed. But during those times he was also able to witness first hand the true side of brotherhood of the fire service. Dave knew on the inside he wanted to become a Detroit Firefighter. Dave’s experience’s with Detroit is truly one of a kind. One of his viewpoints is how Firefighters should get out of their own bubble and experience training outside the confines of your own organization. If you know nothing about Detroit I implore you to do your research and see what the men and women have been through and how they continue to persevere with pride day in and day out.

33 years of career experience. Retired Captain on Ladder 5 with Seattle Fire Department. Mike’s love for the fire service goes unmatched. Not saying they’re aren’t others out there with the same passion and drive but I’m telling you all listen to how Mike talks regarding what the fire service has given him and done for him regarding his family and his faith. I throughly enjoyed listening to Mike preach the good word and I hope the listeners can pick up on the gems and nuggets Mike speaks along the way. IG: gaglianomike

17 years of combination experience, 3rd generation Firefighter. Back step Firefighter with Aurora Fire Department in Illinois on Truck 2. Brothers in Battle cadre member, Firefighter Rescue Survey member, President with Fire Nuggets and one of the main support members with Firemanship. Jeffrey is a part of a ton of great things going on within the fire service. But his main focus is SERVICE. Making sure that those who are counting on us, are having their needs met when needed. After all that’s why Fire Departments across the country exist. The way Jeffrey discusses and talks about the fire service suggests irrefutably how much passion and love he truly has for it.IG: jbryant591

15 years of combination experience. Currently a Firefighter on Ladder 1 for Jacksonville Fire/Rescue. But before finding his way to the sunshine state Darius started out as a Firefighter for Columbia-Richland Fire Services where he rose to the rank of Captain before packing up and moving down South. From a very early age Darius always wanted to be a Firefighter. Luckily he was able to find a mentor that guided him and told him all he needed to know about the fire service beyond just running calls and training. Darius drops many gems and nuggets that I hope the listeners are able to catch on to and apply within their own lives.IG: deejay.216

17 years of Career experience. A Battalion Chief over training with Georgetown Fire Department in Kentucky. Growing up Chris was undecided with what he wanted to do with his career. While managing a restaurant and missing a milestone in his son’s life Chris knew the job he was in wasn’t sitting right with him internally. So he quit, went to EMT school and pursued a career in the fire service. After obtaining a fire department job Chris wanted to be close to home. As a Georgetown native he knew that Georgetown fire was home. After finally getting on Georgetown his dreams were fulfilled and with whom he surrounded himself with and what he wanted to achieve in his life has come full circle. Leave it better than you found it is all Chris wants to do.