Joined on this episode by my man Brandon Chapman! Brandon is the Co-Founder and Instructor of GRIT Fire Training LLC, Driver on Truck 17 in the City of Pittsburgh, Assistant Fire Chief for Stowe Township Fire Department, and firefighter with West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Company 28 in Prince George's County, Maryland.

With 17 years of combined career and volunteer fire service experience, Brandon has earned a reputation as both a passionate student of the fire service and a respected instructor. As a PA State Suppression Instructor, City of Pittsburgh Recruit School Instructor, and Lead Instructor for Butler County Community College, he has dedicated himself to developing firefighters through realistic training and proven systems.

This was a killer conversation as we dove into what it really means to train firefighters with purpose. We talk about predetermined assignments, SOPs, SOGs, JOGs, and why having clear systems in place builds confidence, accountability, and consistency on the fireground. One topic I was especially looking forward to discussing was experience. Brandon has strong opinions on the difference between time served and experience earned.

As always, the audience was huge for this one with their big beautiful questions and drove the conversation!!!

Joined on episode 358 by Jason Worthy of South Spartanburg Fire Department.

A second-generation firefighter with 18 years on the job—many of them spent riding the truck. Jason currently serves as Captain on Ladder 24. Throughout his career, he has continually invested in his craft, completing OBT2, the NC Breathing Equipment School, Truckman Academy, and the South Carolina Fire Officer’s Academy.

A true student of the game, Jason leads by example. He is passionate about mentoring those around him while remaining humble, coachable, and committed to growth. Whether on the training ground or in the world of fitness, he is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others.

During this conversation, we'll dive into the influence of his father and the path that led him into the fire service. We'll also discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with taking a lateral Captain's position, building and shaping department culture from the bottom up, the art and science of truck work, and the importance of family both on and off the job.

As always, the live audience helps drive the conversation. Every week you all bring outstanding questions, and the discussion goes wherever the curiosity takes it.

The Weekly Scrap - Episode 358 made possible by these amazing folks at: Snap-Tite Hose, Fire Station Furniture, and Yaw On Fire.

Joined on this episode by the one and only Tom Richardson, retired FDNY Chief of Department!

Chief Richardson walks the walk, serving 42 years with the FDNY, rising through every rank to lead as the top uniformed officer in the busiest fire department in the nation. A lifelong firefighter, he’s been a volunteer in Deer Park since 1978 (serving as Chief of Department there in 1999-2000 and 2009-2011) and currently serves on the Board of Fire Commissioners. He holds a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School - Center for Homeland Defense and Security, along with extensive leadership training including the FDNY Advanced Leadership Course, Fire Officers Management Institute, and West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center.

We’re going deep into leadership in the fire service - everything from command presence, to the critical importance of trust in the firehouse and on the fireground, building crews that operate with implicit authority (no constant micromanaging), the make-or-break role of the first hoseline, staffing and response challenges facing the volunteer fire service, and effective communication with the troops.

Hard-earned lessons from the highest levels of command, and practical wisdom that applies to every firefighter and officer out there. As always, the live audience one hundred percent light this one up with questions, and we go wherever the conversation takes us. Because we all know that’s what makes The Scrap the absolute best live firefighter podcast out there!