002 - The Young Officer & Dealing w/ the New Generation

For episode two, Cody brings on two guys from Princeton Fire Department in Illinois: Lieutenant Eli VanAutreve and Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Lavanway.Eli opens up about what it's like being promoted young and leading guys who were your peers just a couple years ago—especially in a small department where everyone knows everyone. He also dives into his life as a dedicated athlete in the Firefighter Combat Challenge and his accomplishments with the Lions Den club.Nick brings a different perspective as a firefighter/paramedic and Lead instructor of the Princeton Fire Department Fire Academy. Before landing full-time in Princeton, he worked in Freeport, IL, so we pick his brain about the differences between departments, the pros and cons of each, and what it's really like navigating the fire service job market.This one's got leadership, athletics, honor guard stories, and real talk about small department life. Whether you're a young officer trying to figure it out, an athlete grinding in the fire service, or just someone who loves hearing from guys in the trenches, this episode's got something for you.Pull up a chair. Let's get into it.Give [email protected]🎄Christmas Giveaway 🎄Christmas Giveaway Entry Form: https://gleam.io/wOp57/christmas-giveaway-2025Engine House DesignsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/enginehousedesigns/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Engine-House-Designs-LLC-100067086849977/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@enginehousedesignsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EngineHouseDesignsWebsite: https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/Become an Affiliate: https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/pages/collabCustomer Store: https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/pages/customer-storesTopics Covered:Struggles of being a new LieutenantBeing a Member of the Honor GuardSwitching departments: pros/cons, differences in culture, ect.Guests: Eli VanAutreve, Nick LavanwayHost: CodyBrought to you by Engine House Designs | enginehousedesigns.com