Ep 5. Growing Up in the Phoenix Fire Department with Deputy Chief Chris Stewart

 

Deputy Chief Chris Stewart shares with us how he got his start in the PFD and how he was “raised” by the fire department. How critical lessons occurred during pivotal moments in his career and shaped the way he considers risk and size up.

• We discussed the loss of our Brother Firefighter Bret Tarver and touched on just a couple of very important take a ways that shaped both Stewart and I during very different parts of our careers.

The impact that Bret’s death had on the PFD was profound. Please take the time to read this final report published by the PFD. There are valuable lessons that we must always remember.

• Stewart referred to Retired Chief Don Abbott’s Mayday project – Chief Abbott has done a tremendous service to the men and women of the American fire service by helping uncover the obvious and latent issues that lead to mayday events on the fireground. Take a look at the research and find ways to shore up your operations. Many of the items that lead to maydays are totally preventable. http://projectmayday.net/

 

• Early in the episode we talked of Stewart's love of mountain biking. However, I failed to come full circle and share that he is one of the co-founders of the Arizona High School Mountain bike racing league. The first of its kind in Arizona and a tremendous success. Check it out! And If you’re a local get out there and support and if you’re not - buy a t-shirt from the league and support.