What its all about

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog site. Trial by Fire is dedicated to advancing the Fire Service through strong leadership, training, professionalism, and a hunger for everything firefighting. I am passionate about the Fire Service and where it is going. It is up to every single one of us to strive to be the experts in our craft. We should have no room for complacency and stomp out mediocrity. It is my hope that the experiences and thoughts that I share will have an impact on you and what you may be going through in your fire service career.


I believe in the value of strong leadership and setting the example as a Company Officer. If we don't make things important to us, why should we expect our firefighters to make it important to them? Colonel Mike Malone, author of Small Unit Leadership once said that setting the example is the essence of leadership. I truly believe this and try to live by this every day I come to work.


I had one of my mentors tell me that every day you should strive for perfection. You will most certainly will fail some days, but that is what you strive for. Every day you come to work, try to be better today than you were yesterday. Live by this, and you will do just fine.


I started in the military as a junior sailor and moved up the ranks and left as a supervisor of a division of 22 sailors. I was able to see as follower the traits needed to be a good leader, and what makes a bad one. In my firefighting career I have been extremely fortunate to be surrounded by firefighters and officers who were top notch and helped me grow along the way. What I do see is a need for accountability up and down the ranks, as well as the need to keep ourselves trained and ready. I am currently serving as a Company Officer and I couldn't ask for a better crew. The guys that I am privileged to influence are top notch, engaged firefighters. They set the bar high for themselves and push the others around them to do the same. I am a firm believer that if you are not mentoring junior members in your departments or organizations, you are not doing your job. Whether you are formal or informal leader where you are currently at, lead by example, look out for your guys/girls, and make them your biggest priority when you walk into work.


I chose the name Trial by Fire because I wanted a name that would describe the journey we are all on. We learn by trial and error, so trial by fire seemed fitting. I don't know it all. I make mistakes, and I am still a student of the Fire Service. Again it is my goal that my content will motivate you, inspire you, challenge you, and ultimately keep you hungry for this outstanding profession that you competed for. Everything I post is my opinion and thoughts. What I write about may or may not reflect the views of my organization, but in the end are meant to challenge the status quo and provoke thought. We all raised our right hands to protect those we serve. We need to make sure we all act like it. Thank you again and I look forward to interacting with all of you.


You can visit and follow me on Facebook as well. The page is open for anyone to post on, share our successes and pitfalls, as well as post training related material.

Jarrod