Firefighters Global Consulting - Behind The Smoke

Today's episode focus: apparatus operations, pump panel basics, mindset behind the wheel, and critical mistakes to avoid when you are in the driver seat. Any new recruits, aspiring drivers, and even officers who want to better support their engineers/operators should have a listen!

Today we’re diving into the major differences between being a career firefighter and a volunteer firefighter. We’ll break down the pros, the cons, the training, the lifestyle, and help you figure out which one might be the right fit for your goals.

In this episode, we go over our own beliefs into what constitutes good mentorship of a probationary firefighter. What our expectations are, limitations, and how we approach those new firefighters that want to do better, and those that go against the flow.

In this episode, we go rank by rank; from the lowest little tadpole recruit to the big Croc/Chief. We talk about rank structure, why we have it, and how it works for the most of the Fire Departments out there.

Whether you are thinking about getting into the Fire Service or whether you are halfway through a process, visiting a Firehall / Fire Station should be on your to-do list. In this episode, we break down steps you need to take to ensure your visit goes well, and what to expect once you are inside.

In this episode we go over the Do’s and Don’ts for probationers and ways to make you stand out in a positive way and avoid the negatives.

Think you’re ready to be a firefighter? In this episode, we lay it out raw: if you're in it only for the T shirt, the days off, or the badge — we don’t want your business. FGC gets real about what separates true professionals from paycheck scavengers. We talk attitude, entitlement, and the hard truth about why the fire service isn't for everyone. If that offends you, good — it’s probably n...

Crush your firefighter panel interview with FGC’s tried and true 8 Rules of Communication. In this episode, we break down exactly how to present yourself, build trust fast, and speak with clarity under pressure. Whether you're walking into your first interview or trying to fix a broken process, these rules give you the edge you need to stand out in front of any panel. Confidence, structure, an...

In this episode, we break down the top 3 reasons you're likely failing the Firefighter Panel Interview. Whether it's rambling, dodging the actual question, or showing up unprepared—we dig into exactly what's holding you back from landing the job.

In this episode, we take you coast to coast across Canada. We explore the average salary, cost of living, and tie-breaking factors you may be considering if planning on moving towns. We hope these small glimpses into the firefighter life across the country helps you on your journey West...or East!

Jamie Flynn is a former British Special Forces operator turned professional BASE jumper, Security Specialist and wingsuit pilot. Now based in Squamish, BC, he’s also a firefighter, Search & Rescue member and mental health advocate. With thousands of jumps and a world championship title, Jamie shares his journey from combat zones to cliff edges to his transition into the Fire Service. Follow hi...

A former law enforcement officer turned ultra-endurance athlete, is on a mission to break the silence around mental health in the service community. He’s raised over $78,000 through the Sach-in-Motion Fund and is set to run 7,500 km across Canada in 75 days — all to support first responders and veterans. You can find more on him here: https://sachinmotion.ca/

In this episode, we reconnect with an old friend whose journey has taken him from the front lines of the military to the front lines of the fire service. Together, we reflect on our time in the army, share stories from the fireground, and dive into the lessons learned along the way. Now serving as an Assistant Deputy Chief in the country’s large metropolitan fire department, James brings a wealth...

Today we take you through a regular day of a 24hr Firefighter shift. What we do from the moment we walk into the fire hall, to the coffee table during shift change a day later. Join us for a small glimpse into our humble day.

Today we sit down and chat with Mike Varga, an 18 year veteran of the fire service and Master Chef finalist. Mike takes us through his passion for firefighting as well as cooking. We explore the tie between the two vocations and how they come together at the fire station.

In this special guest episode, we sit down for a chat (over Zoom) with Big White Fire Department's Chief Josh Foster. We dig into how the Work Experience Program functions, duties of a firefighter, and what a Chief may look for in firefighter applicants.

In this very special episode, we catch up with Shawn Albrecht, owner and head coach of Frontline (formerly Ascension) - where he trains numerous first responders. Shawn has been grappling for 24 years and works as a Paramedic full time.

In this special episode, we speak with Roger Takahashi, former Vancouver Canucks conditioning coach with decades of experience. Roger also works with new Firefighter recruits in the field of hydration, breathing techniques, training strategies, VO2 testing, and more. You do not want to miss this one!

Got big gaps in your resume or multiple short stint jobs? Have you been self-employed for the last 10 years? In this episode, we go over some potential red flags that the Firefighter Interview Panel might prod into, and some (what we call) "orange" flags that you'll have to justify on the spot. Get ready!

In this special episode, we have our very first guest - Will Brodie! Will is the team lead for his Fire Department's Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. He also sits on the BCPFFA Mental Health Subcommittee. The 3 of us go into mental health, resiliency, and resources available for aspiring and veteran Firefighters alike.

In this episode, we go over 6 questions a Firefighter Interview Panel may ask that you should answer without hesitating. Hesitating on Questions such as "Why do you want to be a Firefighter?" or "Tell us about yourself?" may cause red flags and you should prepare accordingly.

In this short but sweet episode, we go over the Firefighter Written Exam a.k.a. the Aptitude Test. Simple tricks, dos and don'ts to ensure you move onto the next step. Check out our website store page for a copy of our practice exam!

In this episode, we discuss Firefighting tools we like, tools we carry on us, and tools that have given us some trouble in the past on calls. What are your favourite tools or what tool have you found completely useless? We'd love to know!

Firefighters face emergencies and witness events that most people never will - but how do we handle the weight of those experiences? In this episode, we explore the challenges Firefighters carry home, how our families can support us on tough days, and how we can be there for them in return.

In this episode of FGC Behind the Smoke, we dive into the difference between proactive and reactive firefighting. Discover how staying ahead of the game can elevate your skills and career!