Student Of The Game Fire Podcast

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.

Brett Graham

25 years of combination experience. Deputy Chief with Lower Paxton Township Bureau Of Fire in Pennsylvania. Growing up Brett wanted to be in Law Enforcement. But starting at an early age he was able to join a local volunteer organization where he became a junior Firefighter. While growing up throughout that time he was able to secure a position in Law Enforcement but it wasn’t the organization he was going for. In life they’re roads that we are meant to be on even if we don’t understand it at the time. So as he was able to obtain years in the fire service he decided that he was going to try and make it a career. Fast forward to the position Brett is in now it’s safe to say he made the right choice. Brett was able to be apart of something that I personally think most areas within the country are struggling with when it comes to volunteers and being able to get rigs out the doors with proper staffing. I don’t want to give the episode away but I truly hope the listeners can tune in and listen to what happens when you realize it’s not about your pride and ego when it comes to the citizens we serve. The paint scheme or name on the side of the rig means nothing to the person who is calling for help. Sometimes we must look in the mirror and ask ourselves are we truly doing what’s best "For THEM?' Brett most certainly dropped some truth bombs in this episode and I hope you all enjoy the conversation.

JD Knapp

13 years of combination experience. Captain in the Training Division with Summerville Fire/Rescue in South Carolina. JD’s focus was going the military route. But in life what we have planned for ourselves doesn’t always go as planned. With that JD shifted and started out as a volunteer. After a few years he discovered that he could do this full-time and began obtaining all his certifications to hopefully get hired on at a career organization. Fast forward to now where at Summerville JD has a tremendous amount of responsibility being in the training division where he has a direct impact on how new members will view the job before hitting the floor and at the same time keeping the organization progressing with tactics and training. While JD is new to the role he is fortunate to be surrounded by mentors who will continue to help him every step of the way. IG: jd.knapp

Justin Carter

12 years of career experience 2nd generation Firefighter. Firefighter for Anderson City Fire Department in South Carolina. Justin doesn’t have an elaborate story to why he became a Firefighter. It was simple because of his dad and family history of being in emergency services. Once he was of age and able he hit the ground running obtaining all his certifications to get on the job. Once in he finally realized there were things he had to change about himself and those around him to effect positive change. Having mentors or individuals within your life that are able to let you know when you’re not on the right track are crucial. We can’t win or do things alone in life. It takes a team and relationships to get us to where we need to be. Justin realized this and is doing all he can to leave the service better than he found it. IG: justin_carter_

Eric Juergen

Eric Juergen- 18 years of combination experience. A Lieutenant on Engine 1 C shift with Sugarland Fire Department in Texas. Eric didn’t have aspirations of being a Firefighter when he was young. In high school at their local career day Eric’s cousin who at the time was a Houston Firefighter was there and she was able to to talk and show him things about the fire service that got him intrigued. She extended him an invitation to come and do a ride along. After he did Eric knew this was a profession he wanted to be apart of. He has been apart of 3 different organizations which isn’t uncommon in today’s fire service. You have to find the one that fits and fulfills all your needs. I want the listeners to carefully listen to Eric’s story. Listen to the key nuggets and gems he’s dropping for others to pickup that can hopefully assist with their own career. Be sure to get your respective crews together to listen as Eric hits on a life changing incident that has helped shape his career, who he is today and why he sees and views the fire service. Feburary 15th, 2013 1500 Grossback Street Bryan Texas. An incident that is talked about in “30 Fire’s You Must Know.” Eric was the first due nozzle man and shares his story. If you think you know it all and don’t need to train the fire service will find a way to humble you and bring you back to reality. In this profession we must take it seriously and hold ourselves and others around us accountable. Because today can be the day that reshapes your entire life. Knights Of Columbus Fire NIOSH Report: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/163438/cdc_163438_DS1.pdfIG: e_juergen