Join us in this powerful episode as we sit down with Brian Daliege, Fire Captain of James City County Fire Department, to explore the realities of modern firefighting, the evolution of leadership in fire services, and the life-changing impact of mentorship in high-stress professions.
Brian opens up about his early life, his path into fire service, and the intense world of wildland firefighting. He breaks down how climate change is reshaping fire seasons, why community support matters more than ever, and the critical role volunteer firefighters continue to play.
This episode also dives deep into leadership. How to guide teams during crisis, connect with the next generation of firefighters, and build a culture rooted in trust, resilience, and accountability.
Whether you're interested in firefighting, public service leadership, emergency response, or the power of mentorship, this conversation delivers valuable insight from a leader who lives it every day.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Brian Daliege
01:20 Brian's Journey: From Childhood to Firefighting
05:02 Wildland Firefighting: A Different World
09:52 The Impact of Climate Change on Fire Seasons
13:59 Family Life and Community Service
15:43 The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Firefighter
21:06 The Role of Volunteer Firefighters
24:39 Challenges Faced by Volunteer Firefighters
26:32 Understanding Emergency Response
28:41 Management Styles in Fire Services
34:14 Connecting with the New Generation
38:03 Acknowledging Mentorship and Support
This Episode is Sponsored by Cloche Hockey
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Keywords
firefighting leadership, fire captain interview, wildland firefighting, fire service mentorship, emergency response, volunteer firefighters, first responder leadership, climate change fire season, leadership podcast, public service leadership