Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

JD McCarley

45 years of combination experience. South Carolina Fire Academy State Region 2 Coordinator (Battalion Chief rank). JD always wanted to go down the road of law enforcement with dreams of being a State Trooper. At a very young age of 16 he joined his local volunteer fire department. What I appreciate about the interview with JD is his mindset. There’s no doubt he’s been in the game for a while to see and experience many different things. But it’s so refreshing to see and hear a man who doesn’t mind change actually JD encourages it. Just because there maybe your way to accomplish a task doesn’t mean there can’t be another route. And if so that doesn’t make you or it wrong. JD drops a few gems and nuggets along the way but also remembers it’s not about him. Where he is today was guided by the help and guidance of mentors. I truly hope you all can enjoy the interview and the message being preached.

Stephen Cook

20 years of combination experience. President of IAFF local 117, Currently Captain with the logistics division of Birmingham Fire Rescue Service but before the change of position was Captain on busy Quint 20. He was introduced to the fire service by his room mate who was a volunteer. Although he had no aspirations of becoming a Firefighter once he got a taste of it everything going forward changed. Stephen laid out some facts and nuggets when it came to various topics we discussed. I truly enjoyed our conversation and hope the listeners do as well.

Berlin Maza

18 years of career experience. Captain With the City Of Issaquah East Side Fire & Rescue East of Seattle on Engine 178. The fire service wasn’t on Berlin’s radar. His parents thought he would end up being in the tech industry but everything in life occurs for a reason & we all serve a purpose regardless of what industry we are in. Once Berlin got on the key to his success was founded on two things. Betting on himself and having mentors or individuals who will push and guide you to things you would have never thought was possible. Berlin laid down the gospel on various topics we discussed especially when it came to Company Officer and leadership development. Grab you a notepad and get ready to jot a few things down with this one.

Jason Caughey

41 years of combination experience. Fire Chief With Laramie County Fire Authority in Cheyenne Wyoming. Jason has always been around emergency services so it was natural that as soon as he was able to he joined the volunteer fire service and hasn’t looked back. Jason’s route to get to his current position is outside the normal. But it doesn’t mean it wasn’t the right path. Full transparency I would encourage the listeners to tune in and listen to Jason’s message and mindset. How he views his organization and most importantly the people within it is how we all should conduct business. As the adage goes there’s no I in team. It’s not about us it’s about those we serve and work with. Jason took this interview to church preaching the good word on how he views the service. It was truly an honor to listen and pick his brain on various topics within the fire service. If you’re a Chief or Chief Officer in a combination department you might want to grab a notepad and get to writing a few ideas.

Phillip Ellenburg

11 years of combination experience. Senior Firefighter on Engine & Ladder 82 for the City Of Hardeeville Fire Department in South Carolina. Initially his plan was going the route of law enforcement but his dad mentioned to Phillip about becoming a volunteer Firefighter instead. He gave it a go and that’s all he needed to know this was where he belonged. What I appreciate about Phillip and our conversation is how he discusses the topic of burnout. Whether your volunteer or career burnout most definitely exists and it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms before you lose sight of what truly matters in your life. As always each and every guest drops gems and nuggets for those listening to hopefully pick up on.