Adams County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Clinton Garner talks about becoming the Fire Chief in the same community he grew up in. What are the current challenges of being a Fire Chief in 2025, why he chooses the leadership style of putting people first, and what he loves about this profession. Plus, he shares some of his shenanigan stories of being on the line!

A very brave conversation with Retired ACFR Captain Russ Homer on going to the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery during his time with us at Adams County Fire Rescue. For anyone that is thinking they may have an alcohol or substance abuse problem, or knows someone that may, this is an invaluable listen. It is an honest conversation about an issue some First Responders struggle with.

Chief of Investigations Jerry Means and Fire Investigator/Inspector Ryder Robison share tales from the field. What have been some of their most interesting cases, and what are they looking for when they get one scene? Plus, a new Foundation they have started to keep the Arson dog program going nationwide!

Wildland fires have caused incredible damage nationwide this year. Unfortunately, we have also had our share of damage in Colorado. The Alexander Mountain Fire burned almost 10,000 acres near Loveland as 28 homes and 21 other structures were also destroyed. Our crew from Brush Truck 11 was part of the efforts to contain the fire. Hear from Lt. Rob Haberer and Firefighter Matt Mason about their experience and why being a wildland firefighter is so important to them.

We always hear about the police vs fire rivalry, but exactly what is the rivalry all about?? We talk to ACFR Captain Mike Tavalez, ACSO Sergeant Adam Sherman, and ACFR Firefighter Jesse Jerome about the kidding, camaraderie, and strong bond between these two First Responder groups.

We sit down with ACFR Training Chief Bret Williamson, who is retiring this summer after 33 years in the fire service. What lessons he learned along the way, and lessons learned from the younger generation. Plus, how do you keep up with all of the training trends in the fire service, and should you keep up with all of those trends?

So you think you want to promote at your agency? Hear from two members of ACFR who finished number one on the Captains and Lieutenants list. Lt.Dave Carpenter and Fire Medic Charlie Koyle share their thoughts about the promotion process and the keys to preparation, interviewing, and the right mindset heading into the process. They will be the first to tell you they "just had a good day," but a lot preparation went into ensuring those results went their way.

It was a call the crew from Engine 12 have never experienced. A 155-pound St. Bernard, Mumford, had fallen through the ice and was struggling to stay above water. To the rescue came Captain Jason Seitz, Firefighter Dustin Wuestner and Engineer Mike Angelo. Hear how the rescue went down, and, spoiler alert, the happy ending. The guys also share a few other happy stories they've experienced dedicating their lives to the fire service.

A fire academy is just one of the first steps in a firefighter's career. Next up is a probationary year, where they learn what it's really like to be a firefighter. in this podcast, we interview two new ACFR members about their experience in the academy and the first couple of months of being a probationary firefighter. Advice on what to do and what not to do!

Interviewing at a fire department can be a nerve-wracking experience if you aren't prepared. Hear tips and advice on the most effective ways to interview from ACFR Deputy Chief Troy Patterson and Fire Medic Dwight Killpack, who has a business designed to prepare people for the big interview. We take you behind the curtain to learn what to do, and most importantly, what not to do in the interview!

Battalion Chief Clinton Garner and Captain Jason Seitz share their stories of what life was like as volunteer firefighters, and how much the fire service has changed since those days. Plus, advice on those stressful firefighter interviews, and what not to say!

Like many agencies, ACFR sent some of our firefighters to Boulder County to help fight the Marshall fires. Hear first hand from our firefighters about what it was like to experience the worst fire in Colorado history, and the challenges they faced. From family members being evacuated, to fighting fire in 100 plus miles per hour, our firefighters experienced a situation like none other.

We sit down with two of our firefighters Mike Eason and Brandon Donner, both of whom have fought some of the biggest fires in Colorado history. With wildfires currently raging all over the country, we talk about what a day in the life of a wildland firefighter really looks like and the challenges they face on a constant basis.

We sit down with Chief of Investigations Jerry Means as he explains his journey to ACFR. From being a Captain in the Fire Service, to a 20 year stint at the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, to a certified K-9 handler, Chief Means has done it all. He shares his stories from along the way, and the challenges and rewards of his current job at Adams County Fire Rescue.

We sit down with Adcom's Fire Operations Manager Jackie Reynolds who has been in the business 35 and has heard it all! Jackie shares memorable calls, the training involved in being a dispatcher, and what she wants to the public to know about calling 911.

Although many people in our society struggle with various addictions, some studies show that an alarming number, 40%, of all First Responders struggle with substance misuse. In this podcast, we talk to Revital Colorado's Jordan Long, who is a former firefighter now focused on supporting the mental health of our Frontline. We also talk to FireMedic Rob Haberer who has successfully overcome addiction and now shares his journey with others.

As we come up on the one year anniversary of the Boyer's fire, we take a look back at one of the biggest fires in our district with two of the firefighters who were first on scene. Lieutenant Mike Tavalez and firefighter Mark Meredith re-live the fire that went from one extreme to the other very quickly. They fill us in on the lessons learned, share the images they will never forget, and remind us how dangerous their jobs really can be.

Firefighter and Wildland team member Brandon Donner joins the show as we get a behind the scenes look at what it was like to fight the East Troublesome Fire. Plus, an insight into a Fire Union, and what's it like to be an identical twin???

Kristen Brodie and Lindsay Gooden join the podcast this week as they offer up a very unique perspective as the spouses of two of our ACFR firefighters. It takes a certain kind of person to be a firefighter, and a certain kind of person to stand next to them and support them in this mentally demanding career. Kristen and Lindsay share their experiences along the way.

Statistically, firefighters are at a much higher risk of getting cancer than the general population. ACFR engineer Jimmy Martinez opens up about his battle with prostate cancer, and his advice to all firefighters. Firefighter Katie Bender also joins the podcast as we talk to her about juggling the job, being the mother of toddler twins, and running a business. We are exhausted just hearing about it.