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

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

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Administration: @haileygreenfitness

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@rescue_squad_ironworks

@truenorthfools

@ffrescueontario

@firefighterfitnesscanada

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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

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

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Marketing: @m.pletz

Administration: @haileygreenfitness

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@rescue_squad_ironworks

@truenorthfools

@ffrescueontario

@firefighterfitnesscanada

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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.

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @m.pletz

Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

@rescue_squad_ironworks

@truenorthfools

@ffrescueontario

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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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Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

Mid-roll Sponsor: @rescue_squad_ironworks

@truenorthfools

@ffrescueontario

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Phil Montgomery is a Captain with Central York Fire Services with twenty three years on the job. He is energetic about teaching high rise and mid rise firefighting. and technical rescue skills. He has learned from some of North Americas best and seeks to emualte them as a motivational role model to others. Phil is passionate about building confident firefighters, who are enthusiastic, determined and hard working.

@montgomeryphilkatie

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Matthew Lysy is a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Prince George's County, MD Fire and EMS Department and 10 year veteran of the emergency services.  As a second generation firefighter and continuous student of the profession, Matthew has come to recognize the need to incorporate the human element into operations. With the advancements in technology, apparatus, and PPE the human response is still largely removed from operations. Hailing from New Jersey and growing up along the beach has helped to shape an active and disciplined lifestyle. It is Matthew's belief that although we are a high performance profession in many ways there is still a lot we can learn from in the advancements of other high performing industries. Matthew holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology from King's College and is a State of Maryland Level II fire instructor. Matthew is a lead fire instructor with Task Force 1 Inc and an assistant instructor with O2x Human performance. For fun Matthew enjoys spending time with family and exploring new places. Matthew currently lives outside of Baltimore, MD. 

@matthewlysy12

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Kyle Romagus is a 23-year veteran with East Montgomery County Fire Department, holds the rank of Battalion Chief and is in love with engine work.  Kyle is the owner of Smoothbore Cartel and founder of Engine Company Resurrection. 

Kyle teaches engine operations for several well-known fire service instructor groups such as:

• FD tactics

• Elkhart Brass

• Brothers in Battle

• County Fire Tactics

• Oathkeepers engine cadre 

He is also the admin of engine company resurrection.  His primary objective is to share knowledge about the value of Engine work with his fellow firefighters.

Kyle travels the country providing lectures and hands-on training on engine company skills and provides one of the most compelling lectures on fire attack in the industry.

@smoothborecartel

@firehousevigilance

@countyfiretactics

@brothersinbattlellc

@elkhartbrass

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

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Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

Administration: @haileyfirefit

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Aaron recently retired as a 25-year veteran of Seattle Fire and assumed the role of Assistant Chief of Training and Operations with Camano Island Fire and Rescue in August of 2025. Acknowledged by his peers at Seattle FD as Firefighter of the Year in 2011, awarded the Fire Engineering/International Society of Fire Service Instructors George D. Post Instructor of the Year award in 2017, and creator of the Nozzle Forward Program, Aaron has been described as articulate, dynamic and magnetic. He identifies most as a 'Sharer of ideas'. He and his Cadre have taught over 70,000 members of the fire service across North America since the program's inception. He has delivered a keynote at FDIC and contributed to the work of the FSRI as a member of their Fire Attack Technical Panel. He is married with two children. 

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @m.pletz

Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

Mid-roll Sponsor: @rescue_squad_ironworks

Photo Credit: @justinidephotography

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Rob “Robbie” Fisher is a retired battalion chief from Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue. He has been a student of the fire service for over 36 years. Before his promotion to Battalion Chief, Rob spent 20 years as a company officer, 15 of those assigned to the department’s only ladder company. He was also a member of Snohomish County’s regional technical rescue team. Additionally, Chief Fisher has held multiple assignments in the Training Division, including serving as the former Chief of the Snohomish County Fire Training Academy (SCFTA) and as a cadre instructor for live-fire and truck operations.

Rob instructs with multiple cadres. In addition to Brothers in Battle, he is affiliated with County Fire Tactics, Roof Pervs, and the Highwaymen. Rob also co-founded Young Officers on Fire, an online mentoring/leadership group.

Robbie has been an active member with the Puget Sound FOOLS since 2002. He has been on the International’s E-board since 2013. He was the Education/Training Chair until he accepted a new position within the International as the West Coast Region Representative in 2022.

 When not instructing or talking about the job, Rob enjoys travelling with his wife of 33 years, Jodie. He enjoys cooking, wine, music, and spending time with his two granddaughters.

@robfisher72

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Robert Policht is a lieutenant with Ladder Company 2 of the Passaic Fire Department, where he also serves on the Fire Investigation Unit.

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Policht is a former volunteer chief and has taught at academies, including the Bergen County Fire Academy, and is the President of the Liberty F.O.O.L.S. He holds a master’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Arizona State University. He serves on the NJ Division of Fire Safety’s Fire Threat Task Force, is a Safety Officer for the NJ-AHIMT, and contributes to the Firehouse Magazine editorial advisory board.

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His work has been featured in Firehouse, Fire Engineering, NJFMBA newsletters, textbooks, and through the Blue Collar Firemen cadre. As founder of Flow and Vent, Policht leads international training, consulting, and podcasting focused on fireground readiness, legacy, and innovation.

@flowandvent

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

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Administration: @haileygreenfitness

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Amanda Harry is a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist who specializes in supporting firefighters and other first responders through trauma-informed care. Drawing on over two decades of frontline and clinical experience, Amanda helps those who serve their communities navigate the impact of high-pressure work—addressing trauma, managing stress, and staying connected to their sense of purpose. Through evidence-based approaches like EMDR, mindfulness, and self-compassion, she equips first responders with tools to prepare for and process critical incidents, sustain emotional wellness, and continue doing the work they value most.

Beyond her clinical role, Amanda consults on mental health program design and delivery and continues to advocate for accessible, compassionate care across the fire service community.

Learn more at www.amandaharry.com or contact info@amandaharry.com.

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing: @bradshea

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Administration: @haileygreenfitness

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Jeff Bryant’s fire service career began in 2007 when he joined his small town volunteer fire department as a third-generation firefighter. He served a couple suburban fire departments until 2014 when he was hired by the Aurora (IL) Fire Department. He is currently assigned to Central Station Truck 2.

Bryant’s true passion lies in training and cultivating the next generation of firefighters. He’s an instructor for the Southern Kane County Training Association, past organizer of the Amboy Fire & Extrication School and Blackhawk Firefighters Association School, founder of the Midwest Area Fire Academy & FireNuggets Search School, collaborator of the West Coast Truck Conference, FireNuggets Webinar Series, Firemanship 2024, and more. 

He started a FireNuggets affiliate for Illinois (Illinois FireNuggets) in 2018 and has brought many training opportunities to the IL area. He has assisted in the creation of multiple other state affiliations and selflessly contributed to their efforts to run their first few events. As of January 2024, Bryant has been selected by the board to serve as the President for FireNuggets, Inc. Bryant then joined Firefighter Rescue Survey in 2019 to assist with data dissemination through social media, training, and seminars. He was able to help secure a non-profit status and make FFRS a 501c3. 

He proudly joined the Brothers in Battle cadre in October of 2022.

Behind Bryant is his very supportive wife, Ashley, and three pretty cool children - Everly, Emmy, and Brody.

@jeffbryant591

@brothersinbattlellc

@thefirenuggets

@firefighterrescuesurvey

@firemanshipconference

@midwestareafireacademy

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @m.pletz

Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

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Mitch is a 3rd generation firefighter from Ontario, Canada.He has been on the job for over a decade and has merged my passion for fitness and firefighting to found Everyday Heroes, a platform that allows first responders to realize their true potential and prioritize their physical and mental health.

He has felt firsthand how the job and life can pile up, and it’s his learned experience that he leverages to motivate others to make the shifts that have been so transformative for him

Helping the public in acute, high-stress situations is something he is proud of, but helping the helpers, coaching those on the front lines, is his passion. 

@everydayheroes.fitness

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing: @bradshea

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Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

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Julie, LPC, PhD is a licensed professional counselor and professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She specializes in treating trauma, substance use disorders, and resilience-building. She has a special interest in the mental health and well-being of first responders. She is a critical incident stress debriefing facilitator with the Chippewa Valley Emergency Support Service and has conducted numerous trainings on the impact of traumatic stress throughout the Midwest.

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @m.pletz

Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

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Jacob is a Lieutenant with the Cibolo Fire Department and has been proudly serving in the fire service for over 10 years. He’s passionate about leading with strong values, building deep relationships, and helping firefighters find purpose in their work. Jacob has been married for 7 years and is a proud dad of two kids. 

His family plays a huge role in shaping who he is—both at home and at the firehouse. He brings that same sense of connection and care into his leadership, believing that when you set clear expectations, build trust, and truly care about your team, great things happen. Based in the fast-growing I-35 corridor in Texas between San Antonio and Austin, Jacob is proud to serve a community that’s expanding quickly—and he’s just as committed to growing the people around him. At the heart of everything he does is one simple belief: firefighters are here to serve, and we do it best when we serve each other first.

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @m.pletz

Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

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THE GROWTH EXPERIENCE was born of a deep need among men for a deeper sense of connection, meaning and presence in an increasingly chaotic and lonely world.

Many of the social, tribal and cultural institutions that used to support men have lost relevance and meaning in the digital age, yet healthy spaces for men to connect are needed more than ever.

THE GROWTH EXPERIENCE empowers men and creates community through shared experiences that allow men to push beyond their boundaries and gain new skills and brotherhood to support their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth.

@thegrowthexperiencecollective

@thegrowthexperience_ryan

@thegrowthexperience_matt

@thegrowthexperience_nathan

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

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Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

Mid-roll Sponsor: @fhtribune

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Marcos Orozco was born and raised in Texas and became passionate about fitness at the age of 12 when his Dad bought him his first gym membership.  He played sports throughout high school and ran track for ASU (400m and 4x400m relay) where he got a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology.  

Marcos has been a career fireman for 17 years and has been training and working out in gear for about 15 + of those years.  

His passion for fitness as it relates to performance on the fire ground is what he is passionate about and what he is best known for.  He has spent the past decade plus training “tactical athletes” and helping them become the best version of themselves, making them an asset rather than a liability.  

Marcos is the owner of Hardknox Sunday where he has programs designed to help firefighters improve their fitness as it relates to performance on the fire ground.  He is a big believer in “you are either an asset or a liability, there is no in between.”

Marcos is co-founder of The Crucible with John Spera and Logan Broberg.  The Crucible is a 24hr class where the participants will do 12 in full-gear workouts over that 24hr period where a standard must be met under the required time frame.  This class is meant to help build that mental fortitude and resiliency, and to share with the participants what has worked for us, the cadre.  We will be focusing on building the participants up and helping them work through those dark moments.  In addition, The cadre will be doing the workouts with the participants, and embracing the shared suffering. 

Marcos is also co-owner of True Grit Training, where they provide realistic “live fire” trainings as well as RIT and Search and Rescue classes in the Denver metropolitan area.  

Marcos has been an instructor for over 11 years and travels all over the country teaching HOT classes and giving his lecture “Improving fire ground performance through fitness and mental fortitude” as well as being on several podcasts in the last couple of years.

@hardknoxsunday

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @m.pletz

Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

Mid-Roll Sponsor - @firehumorcompany

Some of his fire conferences include:  

Ft Lauderdale Fire Expo (Ft Lauderdale, FL)

Fire Shows West (Reno, NV)

FDIC (Indianapolis, IN)

The Castillo Way, (Houston, TX)

Mile High Fire Conference (Denver, CO)

Mid America Fools OKC Conference (OKC, OK).

Some of his podcasts include:

Behind The Shield Podcast

Tailboard Misfits Podcast

Fit to Fight Fire Podcast

Student of the Game Podcast

Undisclosed Agents Podcast

The Sheepdog Society Podcast 

 Some of his “HARD” accomplishes include completing the Dunes 100-mile Ultra Race (2019-FL), completing the Georgia Smoke Diver Program at age 45 (2022-GA), running Pikes Peak Ascent (13.3 miles up to 14,115ft of elevation) in bunker coat/pants (2023-CO), and completing OBT 6 (2024-FL).

Challenging himself and others is what Marcos is passionate about, and he enjoys showing others what is possible. 

Marcos moved from south Florida to Colorado in January of 2023 and has been working for Brighton Fire District where he was in the Training Division for all of 2024 teaching at The North Area Fire Academy (NAFA 14 & 15), sharing his knowledge and passion. 

Marcos believes you must do HARD things you do not want to do daily; you are only as good as what you are currently doing, and what are you currently doing to make people around you better.

“It is our responsibility to show them what is possible.”

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Andrew Pristach is a 14 year firefighter, currently a Sergeant on a heavy rescue with the City of Spartanburg Fire Department in Upstate South Carolina. He is an instructor with the Mississippi State Fire Academy, a founding member of Dixie Firemanship, the owner of Tradesman Fire & Fabrication, and the co-designer of the Council Tool TD30 halligan bar and FE6 and FE8 axes.

@andrew.tff

@tradesman_fire

@dixiefiremanship

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @m.pletz

Administration: @haileygreenfitness

Partnership: @firefighternationhq

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