Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

Jared Renshaw

28 years of combination experience. Fire Commissioner with Western Berks Fire Department in Pennsylvania. From a very young age Jared knew the fire service was what he wanted to be apart of. As soon as he hit the age of 15 Jared began his journey starting out as a volunteer and after a few years began applying any and everywhere he could to try and become a career Firefighter. Once he was able to obtain that goal he Jared remained all in when it came to the job. Making sure he remembers why he’s there and who he’s there for. Mentorship and who you surround yourself with play’s a huge factor in how you view the job. Fortunately for Jared he picked up on the good and bad experiences which has shaped him to he is today. A Chief who knows it’s not all about him, and does everything he can for the betterment of his department and community. Jared drops a few nuggets along the way in the interview which were spot on. I hope you all enjoy the conversation.

Randy Feltner

26 years of combination experience. Battalion Chief 20 with Naval District Washington Fire/Emergency Services. Did Randy always know the fire service was what he wanted to be in? No. In a funny way it was like he was pressured into doing it by his friends who were volunteers. Randy kept putting it off but one day gave in and went to ride along with them. From that day going forward everything changed for Randy. Unbeknownst to him he was surrounding himself with individuals who represented what the fire service embodies. Selfless servants who understood the mission. But with anything in life Randy went through the challenges of finding himself to become a better person and Firefighter. Randy shares a heartfelt story I hope can resonate with the listeners when it comes to the job. I sincerely thank him for coming on and sharing his story for others to listen to.

Beau Doss

14 years of combination experience, 3rd generation Firefighter. Firefighter/Paramedic with Franklin Fire Department In Tennessee where he’s currently assigned to Engine & Tower 2. Beau’s journey into the fire service started at a very young age. When he turned 18 he ventured away from home and did what a good number of individuals are doing now which is becoming out of state members with Organizations that uphold the traditions of being a Firefighter and into the job. Throughout his career Beau has been apart of some top notch organizations including the City of Murfreesboro & Memphis Fire Department. But sometimes the man upstairs has a different path for us that puts us exactly where we need to be. Beau is a huge advocate for mentorship and showing any new individual coming into this profession what the job should be and I truly hope the listeners can pick up on what he’s putting down. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and hope you all do as well. IG: beaudoss86

Andy Soccodato

20 years of combination experience. Fire Instructor 2 with Tennessee Fire/Codes Academy. Former Firefighter/Driver Operator with Charlottesville Fire Department In Virginia where Andy served for 9 years. Owner and creator of The Water Thieves LLC and author of Water Thievery: The Art of Water Supply Operations. If your a current or aspiring driver/operator and want to know the ins and outs of pumping, moving water more than what your organization gives you Andy is most certainly the subject matter expert when it comes to this particular field. In this interview we discussed pumping, moving water, the importance of the driver/operator role and a few other topics. Andy was genuine and sincere in all his answers and truly wants to leave the fire service better than he found it. I throughly hope all passionate drivers enjoy the interview.

Brett Ashworth

Brett Ashworth- 20 years of combination experience. Battalion Chief with Homewood Fire Department, Assistant Fire Chief with Columbiana Fire Department in Alabama & cadre member with County Fire Tactics. From a very young age Brett knew the fire service was what he wanted to be apart of. What helped get him in the door was mentorship and having individuals in your corner that will steer you in the direction you didn’t know you needed to be in. Once Brett was in every position he held he made damn sure to be the subject matter expert within that field. Brett’s mindset is simple and to the point but 100% accurate. ”What you do matters & what you do is important.” Nothing but truth bombs and nuggets in this interview. We certainly need more Chief officers in organizations with the mindset of Brett. At the end of the day if you are in a position of leadership the job is not about YOU. It’s about the men and women who you serve alongside with.