05/22/2026
When we started the Firefighter Rescue Survey (FFRS), the pushback was loud.
Not from the public. From the fire service itself.
“Big names” talked s**t about Brian, Nick, Shane and I because we didn’t fit their mold. Wrong departments. Wrong cities. Wrong backgrounds. Wrong patch on the sleeve.
Years ago, while traveling and teaching out of state, I sat listening to a speaker I had never heard before. When I used the restroom, I walked past three well-known fire service celebrities standing in the lobby trashing the guy.
“Where’s he from?”
“He doesn’t have experience.”
Not discussing ideas. Not debating tactics. Just attacking the person.
The first time we taught at FDIC, we landed, checked into the hotel, and met our cadre in the lobby. A group of “big name” instructors looked at us and said:
“What are you guys doing here?”
We said, “Teaching.”
They laughed and said:
“No… why are you staying HERE? This is the senior instructor hotel. You guys are supposed to be by the airport.”
That mentality is exactly what holds the fire service back.
Too many are obsessed with protecting status, circles, cities, and names instead of actually pushing the job forward.
I’m all for discussion. Face to face. FaceTime. Social media. Doesn’t matter. But I have zero interest in tearing down people who are trying to contribute, learn, teach, or make the job better.
I don’t care if someone is from a small town, volunteer house, big city, or somewhere nobody’s ever heard of.
For those that want to trash instructors or say they shouldn’t be able to “preach” — maybe start with a conversation first.
Reach outside your circle. Ask around. Get some backstory.
Don’t hide behind being vague, be bold and say “their” name or …
And before deciding who has enough wisdom to teach, maybe check whatever standard you’re using to justify your own ability to judge it.
Good ideas don’t require permission from celebrities.
Experience isn’t owned by a zip code.
And insecurity disguised as “standards” is still insecurity.
