Bridget was a Deputy Sheriff in Florida, and after spending time in patrol, she transferred to the Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit (NOCU) and joined the SWAT team. Bridget knows the challenges law enforcement officers face, both outside and inside their agencies, based on her experiences with her agency and with the public.

Although Bridget loved serving the public, she realized she wanted to serve the law enforcement community in a different way, so she left and went to law school as a means to glean the knowledge and skills necessary for this purpose.

Bridget launched Lady Law Shield to help law enforcement officers and first responders alleviate legal worries.

All legal services are designed to provide comfort, ease, and support for a more balanced and joyful life.

Bridget lives with her husband and kids in Houston, Texas. 

@ladylawshield 

Hello@ladylawshield.com

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

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@rescue_squad_ironworks

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Joseph Bonanno, is a USAF veteran and veteran FDNY Firefighter who served during the rescue and recovery efforts at WTC Ground Zero. He is a certified fitness trainer, nutritionist, academy-trained chef, and 3-time firehouse cookbook author supporting health and wellness initiatives. Joseph lost his brother Michael Bonanno, of the FDNY, to suicide in 2012. Since then, he has dedicated himself to delivering seminars on prevention and surviving loss, working closely with the Firefighter Behavioural Health Alliance. He is IAFF certified in PTSD and suicide prevention and honoured to serve as an ambassador for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

@americanfirehousecuisine

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@firefighterfitnesscanada

@100firehallworkouts

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Phil and Rob have been friends for the past 7 years. This friendship started with a passion for high-rise firefighting. They were introduced through mutual friends. They have had the opportunity to teach at multiple conferences across the USA and are now finally getting the opportunity to teach in their own backyards. They will be teaching at OAFTO, FSWO and IHROC in Pensacola, Florida this year. They both love the job and want to share their passion for Firefighting. They know the value of conferences and how they can rejuvenate the passion for the job.

@rob_wig

@montgomeryphilkatie

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Britney has worked 14 years as a firefighter and currently serves as an Acting Captain with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services.

“I am no guru, master of none, simply a firefighter with passion for the job and a growth mindset. I have a particular passion for water rescue and the challenges that come with operating in high-risk, dynamic environments. 

As our department continues to grow and evolve, I’m determined to help preserve the brotherhood that has always been at the heart of the fire service. To me, that means fostering connection, truly supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and ensuring that the traditions of trust and camaraderie remain strong despite changes. 

Outside of the fire service, I’m an extreme sport enthusiast who thrives on pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and constantly stepping outside my comfort zone. I believe SISU — the Finnish concept of courage, resilience, determination, and inner strength — is the key to longevity, health, and performance. For me, training and adventure are more than hobbies; they are ways to build resilience, manage the stress and demands of the job, and stay mentally and physically strong.

I’m also a proud new mom and wife, learning to balance a demanding career, family, fitness, and the pursuit of adventure. I believe that constantly challenging myself, staying active, and having strong relationships is an essential part of living a healthy and meaningful life. 

Strong body. Strong mind. Sisu.”

@britneyholmberg

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Brad Gregory has been in the fire service for 16 years. He spent his first 5 years as a volunteer with Chatham-Kent fire department. The last 11 and a half years with the City of Sarnia. He also has served the last 7 years with Dutton Dunwich Fire Department where he is the Training Officer. 

Off the job he instructs at Lambton Fire College,  Elgin Middlesex regional fire school, and SFA. He’s been a fools member since 2019 and currently is vice Chair  of training for the True North Fools. 

He is a proud husband and father of his son Arthur

@firetrainingoperations

@truenorthfools

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Filmmaker @tommyjaydwyer guests to discuss Burnin’ Down the House, his new documentary on the living conditions & infrastructure of MA firehouses and health effects on firefighters. It will premiere at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA (his home city) on Thu, Aug 6. All listeners can get 10% off the ticket price with the code “FIRE.” www.thehanovertheatre.org‍ ‍

@burnindowndoc

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‍ ‍

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Gavin Chapman was raised in Hamilton, Ont. 

Despite having a mom, dad, and stepfather who loved him dearly, Gavin struggled with identity, depression, anxiety, and a sense of dread that followed him most of his life. 

Through years of crippling addiction and mental health struggles, Gavin found redemption through an intervention, a life saving heart surgery, recovery, and finally, a life of service. 

Now a husband to a wonderful wife, a father to both biological and adopted children, a proud full time firefighter of 2 years, volunteer firefighter of 4 years, and active Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach and practitioner, Gavin has found a peace he never thought attainable.  

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @m.pletz

Administration: @haileygreenfitness

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@rescue_squad_ironworks

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Clark Lamping is a 28-year veteran with the Clark County (NV) Fire Department.  He has been a Captain for 17 years and is currently assigned to Firehouse 38B.  Clark has a Masters degree from UNLV in Emergency Management.  He is a rescue squad officer with Nevada Task Force 1 and has deployed to disasters across the country, including the Maui and Pacific Palisades fires in LA.  Clark teaches HOT and lectures in locations around the US, Canada, and London.  

@clarklamping

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Josh is a first-generation firefighter with 21 years of experience. He started with Bradford West Gwillimbury as a Volunteer, then Oshawa Fire Services for 13 years, left as a Training Officer and continued as a Training Officer with Innisfil Fire and Rescue. He now proudly serves with Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire and Emergency Services. He is motivated to support his colleagues with shift training, new tactics, techniques and procedures. Josh is a strong advocate for mental health and mission driven training throughout the fire service.

He is a proud husband, and father of two. His downtime is filled with family, construction, and the outdoors.

@josh.j.doyle

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Eileen lives in Pearl River, New York, in the same home she and her firefighter husband, John, purchased after their 1995 marriage. She raised their four children there—alongside their dad, who continues to watch over them from heaven.

Inspired by her daughter Katreana’s screenplay, Black Sunday: Trial By Fire (currently in development), Eileen wrote After John Jumped to share her journey through loss, healing, and hope. She continues John’s legacy through the John Bellew Memorial Fund, has returned to teaching, and lives with her husband, Kevin, and their dog, Blue.

@afterjohnjumped

eileenbellewauthor@gmail.com

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Orion Rich has been in the fire service for over 15 years. Rich is a US ARMY veteran. He started as a volunteer and paid on call, eventually transitioning to working in the suburbs of Chicago and currently for the City of Chicago at a busy South Side truck company. His experience ranges from rural water supply and TRT to urban fire tactics. As the owner of The Working Truck Company LLC, his goal is to provide real-world experiences and training with the best Cadre the fire service has to offer.

@theworkingtruckcompany

https://the-working-truck-company.printify.me/

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

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@rescue_squad_ironworks

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Kiel Samsing is a firefighter, paramedic, neuroscience coach, and author. He serves as a Lieutenant with the Newport News Fire Department and has almost 20 years of cumulative experience.  Kiel has taught across the US on firefighting, decision-making, and leadership. He is also the author of a bestselling book on decision-making, “Mind of Fire”.

@kielsamsing

www.mindoffire.com

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

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Destiny Morris is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California, specializing in trauma work with first responders, their families, and high-stress populations. She works with adults, couples, and teens navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and the cumulative impact of critical incidents. As both the daughter of a first responder and a former first responder partner, Destiny brings lived experience alongside clinical training, including EMDR therapy and First Responder Counselor certification. Her approach blends directness, cultural competence, and genuine connection creating a space where dark humor, honesty, and real conversations are welcome parts of the healing process. Destiny provides telehealth therapy throughout California. She can be reached at 805-743-3453, destinymorristherapy@gmail.com, or online at www.destinymorristherapy.com

@on_being_resilient

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Riley McGilloway is a third-generation firefighter, carrying on a family legacy rooted in service, pride, and hard work. Raised in Acton, Ontario, he grew up around the fire service and developed a deep respect for the job early on—something that continues to drive how he operates today.

In addition to his role on the truck, Riley is an instructor with Southwest Fire Academy, where he’s committed to helping develop the next generation of firefighters. He believes the job is earned daily—through training, discipline, and showing up ready to perform when it counts.

Riley also serves as President of True North FOOLS, leading an organization focused on brotherhood, training, and creating real opportunities within the fire service. Through sold-out events, hands-on training, and a strong culture, his mission is to make those around him better and give back to the job.

Known for his relentless mindset, Riley approaches his career with the belief that he’s never “arrived.” He continues to push himself through training, leadership, and mentorship as he works toward the next step. Whether on the fireground, in the classroom, or building something bigger for the fire service community, he’s committed to leaving it better than he found it through hard work.

@rileymcgilloway

@truenorthfools

 Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

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 @ffrescueontario

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Paul Hollingshead is the Chief Training Officer with the Oakville Fire Department. He began his career in December 1996 with the Milton Fire Department, initially answering 911 calls before becoming a volunteer firefighter in 1998 and joining the department full-time in 1999. Over the years, Paul worked his way through the ranks, serving as Captain and later Training Officer.

Paul later joined the Oakville Fire Department in 2018 as Training Officer and now serves as Chief Training Officer, where he is responsible for developing and guiding firefighter training and professional development. He has a deep passion for the fire service and takes great pride in mentoring firefighters and helping them grow into excellent stewards of the profession.

Outside of the fire hall, Paul enjoys working on old cars and motorcycles, traveling with his wife, and spending time with friends.

@hollywood_milton

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Rob Wiggins has been in the fire service since 2007 and is a proud member of the Barrie Fire and Emergency Service. Rob is an international fire service instructor but more importantly a father and husband.

@rob_wig

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Ziad Hameed is a dedicated firefighter and NFPA certified instructor with six years of frontline and instructional experience in the fire service. He began his career as a volunteer with Tiny Fire and Emergency Services after responding to a local recruitment call an opportunity that quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to community protection and professional excellence.

Ziad has earned multiple NFPA certifications and maintains a strong commitment to operational readiness, physical fitness, and technical proficiency. He is recognized for fostering team cohesion and camaraderie, contributing to a culture of preparedness and mutual trust within the fire service.

His foundational training at Southwest Fire Academy solidified his passion for the profession and inspired his continued pursuit of mentorship and volunteerism. Committed to lifelong learning, Ziad is currently enrolled in the Fire Protection and Prevention Engineering program at Seneca College, expanding his expertise in fire science, prevention strategies, and system design.

In addition to active service, Ziad serves as an instructor with Waswanay Consulting, delivering fire service education and training to Indigenous communities across Canada. His instructional work focuses on building local capacity, enhancing emergency preparedness, and supporting the development of sustainable, community-led emergency services.

Originally from Baghdad, Iraq, Ziad brings resilience, perspective, and a deep sense of purpose to his profession, which is all part of his personal story.

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Brent Brooks is a fire service executive, researcher, and international advisor with over 30 years of experience. He currently serves as an Assistant Deputy Chief with the City of Fredericton and previously served as an Acting District Chief with Toronto Fire Services, specializing in highrise and complex-building operations. Brent is widely recognized for bridging frontline firefighting with building design, engineering, and policy. His career includes the development of innovative high-rise tactics, response plans, and equipment packages that have been adopted by multiple fire departments internationally. He has served as a subject matter expert on national and international standards, including contributions related to NFPA integration and complex incident operations. An active leader in the global fire service community, Brent is an advisor to FDIC International, a board member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (Canada), and a member of the Tall Building Fire Safety Network (T70) based in London, England. He is also a member of the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). He actively supports professional development and equity initiatives within the fire service, including Fire Service Women of Ontario (FSWO). And has spoken three times at the Fire and Life Safety Directors’ Association of Greater New York (FLSDA) symposium in Brooklyn. Brent is a frequent international speaker and published author, with contributions to Fire Engineering, Fire & Safety Journal, International Fire & Safety Journal, Fire Apparatus Magazine, and CTBUH conference proceedings. He is a co-author of The Book of Search and a regular panellist on Fire Engineering’s Humpday Hangout. He continues to donate his time to more than 100 fire departments worldwide in support of training, research, and firefighter safety.

@highrisefirefighting

@fdicindy

@nfpadotorg

@tallbuildingfiresafetynetwork

@fswo

@fireengineering

@countyfiretactics

@intfireandsafetyjournal

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

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Mid-roll Sponsor: @rescue_squad_ironworks

@truenorthfools

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