The Larry Conley Show: Cultivating Leadership and Passion in Fire Service Training

The Larry Conley Show: Cultivating Leadership and Passion in Fire Service Training

In this episode of the Larry Conley Show, David Conley and Larry Conley sit down with DJ Stone, division chief of training, South Walton (FL) Fire District. Stone shares his journey into the training officer role, revealing the challenges and profound responsibilities that come with shaping a fire department’s culture and capability. The conversation dives into five critical steps for training officers: surveying the landscape before initiating change, harnessing passion without alienation, earning respect through humility and authenticity, playing the long game by explaining the “why” behind change, and understanding the importance of building a supportive network. Both hosts emphasize character development and personal leadership as the foundation of effective firefighting, exploring how passion must be balanced with self-care and empathy. 

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