Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast

thirdalarmcowboys.comCigars- Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboysPromo Code-FistfightEnergy Drinks/Protein- 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysThe podcast episode delves into the toxic and corrupt state of the fire service, addressing issues of toxic behavior, leadership, and the mental health crisis. It highlights the culture of fear and silence, as well as the duty to act and the goldfish mentality prevalent in the fire service. Heath Meredith discusses the impact of AI in the fire service, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and authenticity. He also delves into the business side of the fire service and the role of firefighters in society. Finally, he encourages action to create positive change within the fire service.TakeawaysToxic behavior and corrupt leadership are pervasive issues in the fire service.The culture of fear and silence contributes to the mental health crisis among firefighters. Authenticity and real-life experience are crucial in the fire service.The role of firefighters extends beyond firefighting, impacting society and culture.Chapters00:00 The State of the Union of the Fire Service10:05 The Culture of Fear and Silence31:46 The Duty to Act and the Goldfish Mentality47:20 The Business Side of Fire Service53:28 The Role of Firefighters in Society01:00:53 Taking Action to Create Change

Thirdalarmcowboys.comCigars- Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboysPromo code: TACProtein/Energy Drinks: 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysThe podcast episode features Heath Meredith discussing the growth of Third Alarm Cowboys, his personal background in the oil field, and the value of hard work in the fire service. Heath emphasizes the importance of earning one's title and badge every day through hard work and dedication.TakeawaysHard work and dedication are essential in the fire serviceEarning one's title and badge through manual labor and dedication is a core value of the Third Alarm Cowboys brandChapters00:00 Introduction to Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast05:31 Challenges in Pursuing a Firefighting Career13:30 The Value of Hard Work and Accomplishment25:35 The Fire Service and the Value of Hard Work

Thirdalarmcowboys.comSupplements-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboyspromo code: TACThe podcast episode features a conversation between Heath Meredith and Marty Cornilson, a fire chief with 31 years of experience. They discuss topics such as fire season preparations, recruitment and retention challenges, leadership styles, and the changing dynamics of the fire service. Marty shares insights on bridging the gap between fire chiefs and firefighters, addressing staffing struggles, and promoting a positive fire service culture. The conversation covers a range of topics related to fire service leadership, training, and organizational culture. It emphasizes the importance of probationary periods, accountability, community engagement, and the need for innovative and practical training methods. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding the mindset of firefighters and the need for effective leadership and management practices.TakeawaysFire season preparations are underway in California and Texas, with a focus on pre-deployment and red flag warnings.Recruitment and retention challenges in the fire service are influenced by factors such as competition from larger departments, changing demographics, and the need to adapt leadership styles to accommodate diverse personalities.The role of leadership in the fire service is evolving, with an emphasis on understanding and accommodating different learning styles and personalities, as well as promoting a positive fire service culture. Probationary periods are crucial for identifying and addressing issues with new firefighters early on.Community engagement is essential for building trust and support for the fire service.Innovative and practical training methods are necessary for preparing firefighters for real-life emergency situations.Understanding the mindset of firefighters and providing effective leadership and management practices are key to a successful fire service organization.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Fire Season Preparations06:31 Recruitment and Retention Challenges16:58 Involvement in Conferences and Training24:15 Promoting Personnel and Leadership Styles38:35 The Importance of Probationary Periods

Thirdalarmcowboys.comSupplements- Protein - Energy drinks-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysFirefighter Cigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboyspromo code: TACThe conversation covers a range of topics related to firefighter fitness, nutrition, and the challenges of maintaining physical readiness for the demands of the job. It emphasizes the importance of strength, conditioning, and injury prevention for firefighters, as well as the need for a balanced approach to fitness and performance. The discussion also touches on the cultural attitudes towards fitness and the misconceptions surrounding physical appearance and performance in the fire service. The conversation covers a range of topics including fitness, diet, and the impact of the fire service on the body. It emphasizes the importance of education, simplicity, and self-care in maintaining physical and mental health as a firefighter.TakeawaysFirefighter fitness requires a focus on strength, conditioning, and injury prevention.Balanced nutrition and workout routines are essential for maintaining fire ground performance.Cultural attitudes towards fitness and physical appearance in the fire service can lead to misconceptions and unrealistic expectations. EducationSimplicity

Fire Officer Tactical Sheet30 day Breakdown over the real How To be a good officer.The next generation of firefighters are different than anything we have ever seen before.thirdalarmcowboys.comEnergy Drinks-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigars- Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

How do Trust and Training relate in the Fire Service?Whats my biggest flaw?thirdalarmcowboys.comProtein and energy drinks1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigarspaynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

thirdalarmcowboys.comThe podcast episode covers a range of topics related to the fire service, including supporting a mentor's political campaign, an upcoming fire summit, hands-on training, the 'us versus them' mentality, financial challenges, and salary disparities in leadership positions within the fire service. The conversation delves into the prevalent 'us versus them' mentality in the fire service, highlighting the impact of this divide on the relationship between firefighters and fire chiefs. It also emphasizes the importance of a mission-focused mindset for both firefighters and fire chiefs, offering insights into the challenges and solutions for addressing these issues.TakeawaysReal-life situations in the fire serviceImpact of leadership and promotions on firefighters Us versus them mentality in the fire serviceThe importance of a mission-focused mindsetChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast12:27 Us Versus Them Mentality in the Fire Service19:30 Financial Challenges and Disparities in the Fire Service26:55 Salary Disparities and Leadership Positions33:04 The Role of Fire Chiefs46:36 Mission-Focused MindsetProtein and Energy Drinks:1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboyspromo code: TAC

Texas Firefighter of the YearSFFMA 4th Vice President CandidateLongview Texas Fire CaptainHeath and Kelcey talk about their Texas roots. Growing up together in Nacogdoches. Kelcey is the first Chief that hired Heath for a paid fire job. Discussion about fire service leadership and the future.Longview Fire Departments radio tower high angle rescue.thirdalarmcowboys.comcigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboysProtein-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys

Are lateral transfers good or bad?What do they mean for the future of the service?Why should we even do laterals?How should be pay?I challenge Chiefs to listen to this episode and reflect on their opinions about lateral transfers!linktr.ee/thirdalarmcowboysBook Training [email protected]/thirdalarmcowboysCigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

What is real fire experience?Do years of service count?Are you Brave?Are you the same person in real life you say you are on social media?Order your "Pick a Side" shirt today!thirdalarmcowboys.comProtein and energy drinks-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

#117 Calling Balls and Strikeslinktr.ee/thirdalarmcowboysSmoky Mountain Wkd Registration-www.smokymtnweekend.orgStop riding the fence on everything!thirdalarmcowboys.com1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboyscigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

Jake Hecht from VEST First Responder Training comes on the show to discuss his class. Violent Encounters training is now required by NFPA. ITS ABOUT TIME! We have all had issues with crazy folks on scene or drug addicts. FINALLY someone is addressing the issue! vestfirstresponder.comthirdalarmcowboys.com1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys.comcigars- paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

Do we even know the basics?Complacency isn't killing us in the future... its ignorance!Fire Chiefs... here is your challenge!Whats the difference between ball and the fire service?thirdalarmcowboys.com1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboyscigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

How are policies killing todays fire service?Whats more important... your guys family or department policy?Why cant you hire enough people to fill your departments ranks?Why does the whole service see a decline in staffing and retention?Why is the civilian fire death toll increasing?thirdalarmcowboys.com1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys

Firefighter critical thinking is dead....We have to teach them how to stay alive!Are you just collecting a check?thirdalarmcowboys.comMarch Mayhem Cigar PreorderPromo Code-MAYHEMWILLCALLhttps://paynemason.com/shop/handmade-cigars/event-pre-order-third-alarm-cowboys-march-mayhem-fire-conference-smoke-out/March Mayhem Shirt-https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLVJXV3ZMB07Q/checkout/RBZDCJGCYL2XYTWGEVR3RRUCLIFT Shirt- https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLVJXV3ZMB07Q/checkout/HXCG7GRDVVO5CMIGR5IH7JIC

#112 Composure, Character, the Company Officerthirdalarmcowboys.comComposure even in the hard timesFirefighter Character MattersHow to set the expectations as a company officerVirtual TAC Lecture scheduled for Feb 20 2026Book your seat today at thirdalarmcowboys.com1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys (energy drinks)Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys (cigars)

Order your LIFT and March Mayhem Exclusive shirts today-thirdalarmcowboys.comIts time to piss everyone off! Firefighters have to do better!

2026 is kicking off with a BANG! What is the brand of a firefighter? Why do we let people that will openly say they could never do our job tell us how to do our job?Order your firehouse fistfights shirts today!thirdalarmcowboys.com

How to deal with haters and leeches in the fire service.What are hater and leeches?Since when did we stop trying to make things better?Get in on the virtual TAC Channel lecture.Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Finally discussing the article about the four firefighters hazing incident.What is the most important thing in a hiring process? What does it feel like trying to get that first fire job? What should I do or say in my interview? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

What is tolerance? He’s been that way for 20 years. What’s the current culture on rescuing one of our own in your department? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

First video podcast! Discussing the $30 million dollar case law to fix the fire service!! Operations matter. Go follow and subscribe on YouTube. Linktr.ee/thirdalarmcowboys

This episode we talk about how to cheat the system to get out of running calls all night. How did not have to deal with the crackhead. How to get ahead in our career with promotions. What’s the mindset of these young firefighters coming up? Thirdalarmcowboys.com [email protected]

1. We keep trying with this guy, but he isn’t getting it. Do we get rid of him? 2. How do I give work references to people? 3. How do I describe leadership? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Today’s fire service on life vs death Are we profiting off the death of firefighters? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Thank you to Gilmer County for bringing us out! Charlie Kirk and the fire service Thirdalarmcowboys.com

How is the fire service split? How do we fix it? Record number of submissions this year?Silver spoon firefighters? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Do you have freedom of speech as a firefighter? What is a public sector employee? What is hate speech? Are you a poopy pants? Thank you for 100 episodes! Thank you to the Fire chiefs that believe in the constitution!Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Did you know there’s such a big fight between Chiefs? You are living beyond your means! Says some Chiefs across the country. Let’s talk about money in today’s fire service. Thirdalarmcowboys.com

This episode is a continuation of #97 Fast Growing Departments. With that I discuss how I believe the EO position is the most attacked position in the fire service. thirdalarmcowboys.com

Q&A style episode where I answer the question…How do fast growing departments handle the balance of needed to grow the staffing vs keeping traditions and standard alive. Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Q&A episode Talking shit on a department vs a chief Why is there a feud between career and volunteer firefighters? Where do policies and SOGs fit on the fireground? Facebook comments….Thirdalarmcowboys.com

CRINGE fistfight shirts. Debrief of San Marcos Training. Huge thank you to South Hays Fire Department for hosting training day!! Let’s talk about what a fire service loser is. What mindset gets you in the loser bracket? How are we winning today? Telling people the equipment they have or are “allowed” to have is stupid?Thirdalarmcowboys.com

The question keeps getting asked who is to blame for the devastating Texas floods. Who is to blame?I’ve spent the last week digging in and trying to find out why emergency response is such an issue in Texas. This episode I lay out the foundation of how emergency services are funded and controlled in Texas. Why departments aren’t saying yes to helping their neighbors. Share this episode with everyone you know Thirdalarmcowboys.com

A great discussion with Chief Blume talking about today’s fire service. The mentality of riding for the brand and how it relates to the fire service. We discuss the different timelines of your career. As an Idaho fire chief, we also discussed the horrific events recently happening with the murder of first responders. Thirdalarmcowboys.com

What’s professionalism in the fire service? Prayers for Idaho Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Why did Chicago fire pass this new policy? How do we save our jobs? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Is there something wrong with you? 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys

What’s up with the fistfight tshirt?? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

How does daddy ball in sports relate to the fire service?Why am I still a firefighter and not promoted? Do you want someone that can get your guys at your department back to the mission?Who do attorneys really work for? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

What is the only acceptable way to lose firefighters from your department?What is the number one issue in today’s fire service? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Want to be remembered? Want to promote? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

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Relationships are more powerful than a 1500 GPM pump! Fire service is a service. The organization isn’t there for the organization. Would you drain the swimming pool before making entry? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

At no point did you give up your freedom of speech to become a firefighter.Who are these Chiefs that given an oath to protect the citizens at all costs but do not believe in the constitution of the United States? Thirdalarmcowboys.com

This episode we discuss many aspects of the fire service paid and volunteer. Today’s volunteer service and how rank should be handled. What do you owe the fire service and the community. Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Risk a lot to save a lot. Risk a little to save a little.Let’s break down that phrase. Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Chief Eric Wheaton from the great state of Florida. Expert in Vent Enter Search and truck ops joins us on the podcast to discuss his decision making process as a chief. How to balance family and the fire service. Trust and honesty in a marriage. Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Fire service business model. What’s the business model is for the Fire Chiefs today. Accountability for decisions and performance. How to improve your department. Thirdalarmcowboys.com

Set the record straight over some personal issues.