Firefighter Recruitment Podcasts

One of my mentors, the late Chief Bobby Halton, gave me the opportunity to create and host The Future Firefighter Podcast, discussing Firefighter Mentorship through Fire Engineering Blog Talk Radio, in December 2017.

From January 2018 to June 2022, I highlighted and discussed firefighter mentorship with several of my mentors across 41 episodes, as of November 2023, accumulated 194,696 listens/downloads. The final episode was a memorial podcast featuring my good friend and mentor, the late Dr. Harry R. Carter, in which we discussed the value of education in the fire service at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) on Friday, April 27, 2018.

It is paramount to effectively engage every member of your agency, from recruit school through the senior firefighter ranks, with an assigned mentor and mentee. Fire service personnel of all positions can positively benefit from mentorship.

Please share with anyone interested in joining the fire service.

The Future Firefighter Podcast discusses the importance of implementing a plan and the process of becoming a firefighter through mentorship by engaging the future members of the fire service in a positive way. This podcast discusses the importance of planning for success mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Los Angeles County Fire Department

Cosumnes Fire Department

Join Host Chris Baker and guest Fire Captain Julie Rider, Recruitment Coordinator for the Cosumnes Fire Department as they discuss the Sacramento Regional Fire Services Diversity Committee and how the Cosumnes Fire Department provides opportunities and strategies for recruiting women into the fire service. During this episode, they also discuss the recruitment for the Cosumnes Fire Department and an overview of the entry-level fire recruit hiring process.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District

Join Host Chris Baker and guest Firefighter Paramedic Tim White, Recruitment Coordinator for the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, as they discuss the various active recruitment and outreach programs, including the Single Role Paramedic and EMT programs. During this episode, they also discuss the Metro Fire Mentor Program and how it influences and assists the next generation of Metro Firefighters through the hiring process.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department

Join Host Chris Baker and guest Fire Captain Jason Shanley, Recruitment Officer for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department as they discuss the various recruitment programs, including Brothers United, a group of African American firefighters in San Diego, California, the Women's Fire Prep Academy (WFPA) and Girls Empowerment Camp. During this episode, they also discuss the 2022 Fire Recruit recruitment and an overview of the entry-level firefighter hiring process for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Fire Captain Jason Shanley is a veteran of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, with more than 21 years of experience. He currently serves as the first-ever dedicated Recruitment Officer. The goal of the SDFD Recruitment Office is to have a department that mirrors the diversity of the City they serve. 

City of Los Angeles Fire Department

Host Chris Baker talks LAFD recruitment with the City of Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Rick Najera.