Finding Your Leadership Why as a Next Generation Fire Chief – Justin Sherwood

Justin Sherwood, who became fire chief in Bemidji, MN, nearly five years ago, reflects on the journey and shares what he learned at both personal and professional levels. Sherwood didn’t plan to follow his father’s footsteps into the fire service and pursued a degree in education, but that changed following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. In 15 years, Sherwood climbed the ranks and was named fire chief, starting a journey focused on serving the community and his members, while also navigating life. During the podcast, he reflects on the small moments that made big impacts on his life and helped shore up the foundation for the bigger challenges he would face. As the ranks of the fire service continue to see turnover, Sherwood shares advice for the next group of fire service leaders, from a serious personal struggle to daily fire service scenarios. Related links: Justin Sherwood biography and article on Firehouse.com Every Face Has a Name, Every Name Has a Face Am I Out of the Game or in a Different One?