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

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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

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Nick Ledin is a Captain with Eau Claire (WI) Fire Department, currently assigned to Truck 8. Ledin has been a student of the job for 18 years and is a contributor to ‘Firefighter Rescue Survey’, was the former president of the Northland FOOLS, and is a board member of FireNuggets. He’s a technical committee member for NFPA 1700, was a former technical panel member for UL FSRI’s PPA/PPV Study, and is a co-host of the FireNuggets Podcast and GRABS Podcast. Nick is also lucky enough to be a small part of UL FSRI’s Public Education Advisory Committee. He can also grow a pretty legit ‘stache.

@nick.ledin

@ulfsri

@firenuggets

@firefighterrescuesurvey

@northlandfools

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Darren was born and raised in a small town in Saskatchewan. With 25 years of experience in the fire service, he has taught and mentored at various level, always striving to pass on his knowledge and passion for the job. For the Past 16 years, Darren has been a proud member of Oakville Fire. He began as a training Officer, where he helped shape the next generation of firefighters through recruit training, firefighter survival programs, and the development and delivery of technical rescue disciplines. Now serving in Operations, Darren continues to protect the community of Oakville with the same drive and heart that brought him to the service all those years ago.

Darrens love for teaching and mentoring lives on beyond his department. He is an instructor at the South West Fire Academy, where he works hands-on with firefighter boot camps and technical rescue training, and he also teaches technical rescue for the Ontario Fire Marshel’s Office. His mission is simple to give back to the job he loves by preparing others to thrive in it.

Before joining Oakville Fire, Darren spent 18 years in the Canadian Armed Forces first 9 years with the Princess Patrica Canadian Light Infantry (P.P.C.L.I.) and 9 years as a military Firefighter. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for the fire service.

Fitness and performance have always been central to Darren’s dedication. He has proudly represented both the military and Oakville Fire in the Firefighter Combat Challenge, becoming a Muti-time national and world champion. For Darren, its not just about competition, its about pushing limits, leading by example, and showing what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

Outside of work, Darren enjoys spending time with his wife and two beautiful daughters. He is an avid outdoorsman who loves hunting, fishing, and camping, and he keeps active playing hockey in his spare time.

Whether he’s on a call, in the classroom, or out in the woods, Darren lives everyday with heart, grit, and gratitude for the career that has given him so much, and for the opportunity to keep paying it forward.

@dvanzandbergen

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Born and raised in El Paso Texas, Bobby Reichardt began his fire service journey at West Valley Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 17 and left 14 years later at the rank of Captain. He currently serves as a Logistics Lieutenant with the El Paso Fire Department and is a licensed Paramedic. He holds a Masters degree in Public Safety Administration and Leadership from ASU, a Bachelors of Emergency Management from West Texas A&M University, and is pursuing his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Bobby is married and the father of two daughters. Being the best husband and father are at the top of his to-do list, followed closely by leaving the fire department better than he found it. He’s the founding President of ChucoTown FOOLS.

@chuco_town_f.o.o.l.s.

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Josh Graham is a second-generation career firefighter with over a decade of experience in a large, fast-growing urban fire department in the Greater Toronto Area. In addition to his firefighting career, he has more than ten years of paramedic experience, having worked in both urban and rural settings.

Josh spent two years in the Training Division as the Technical Rescue lead, where he developed programs across multiple disciplines to support his department’s transition toward mandated certification. His programs focus on NFPA standards while ensuring crews are equipped with the necessary skills, training, and experience to operate effectively. He has also played a key role as a Lead Instructor in several Recruit Academies.

In late 2023, Josh returned to the Operations Division and is currently assigned to a station housing both an Engine and a Technical Rescue apparatus. He continues to contribute to the Training Division as an Acting Training Officer and serves as a Lead Instructor for Rope and Water Rescue, Engine Operations, Search and Rescue, and Firefighter Survival.

A firm believer in the historic culture of the fire service, Josh values camaraderie, craftsmanship, and the traditions that define the profession. While modern shifts emphasize safety culture and individualism, he believes that the strength of the fire service lies in its shared commitment to training, continual skill development, and the mentorship of future generations. His passion for the job is fueled by the enthusiastic passing of knowledge, experience, and tradition.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as hunting, fishing, camping, mountain biking, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Josh curates a firefighting-focused Instagram page dedicated to sharing relevant training content and fire service culture. His goal is to showcase the confidence and effectiveness of aggressive firefighting, often misunderstood as reckless or dangerous—while highlighting its critical value in saving lives and property.

@dumpdawg_jr

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Rob Thibert is an 18-year member of the Fire Service. Rob is the Deputy Fire Chief with the Minden Hills Fire Department in Ontario, Canada. Rob's leadership style is to lead from the front, aggressively progressing the department's tactics and succession all while keeping the safety of his crew in mind and always striving to leave the job better than he found it. Rob is a legacy firefighter following in his Father’s footsteps. During his down time, he loves spending time with my three sons and two dogs, being outdoors. He has instructed at Lambton College Fire School in the Pre-Service and Fire Science programs. He is the Treasurer and one of the co-founders of True North FOOLS. Rob is a student of the Fire Service and is passionate about sharing his love for the trade by passing on what has worked and what has been passed on to him. Rob founded the Smoke is Showing Conference, which builds a strong Fire Department culture through training, brotherhood, and traditions.

@mfd_deputychief

@truenorthfools

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Joey is 34 years old and a happily married father of two young boys.

After 10 years in the fire service, I was diagnosed with PTSD. My symptoms included panic attacks, disassociation, suicidal ideations, sleep issues, anxiety and depression. As I began my treatment, I found it lacking as the conventional treatment was aimed at giving pharmaceuticals to help my symptoms while failing to address the nervous system and the body. This approach placed me in a victim mindset and has been ineffective for me. After trying the conventional approach, I started to experiment with things outside the mainstream. Ice baths, saunas, breath work, meditation, journaling, TRE, float tanks, EMDR, neurofeedback, plant medicines and many other non-conventional approaches ended up being what gave me relief and allowed me to pull myself out of despair. Fast forward 3 years from my initial treatment and I am now working to give people skills before pills.

Through Conscious Movements, participates are introduced to the language of body and taught how to use their breath and movement to regulate themselves. Conscious Movements works on a physical, mental, emotional, and energetic level and encourages the practitioner to tune into the body and allow the mind to settle back. Through conscious attention, breath and movement we are able to connect to deeper parts of ourselves and encourage healing in a way conventional medicine doesn’t offer. Learning the skill of self-regulation allows you to be the best version of yourself, whether that’s a friend, parent, partner, boss, employee, athlete, or student.

@conscious_movements

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To celebrate, the team comes together to talk all things MCP.

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Gareth Lockhart is a career Firefighter and Acting Officer with over 14 years of experience in a medium-sized suburban department outside Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gareth is best known for being a leader in driving successful lobbying of staffing, health & safety issues through political action as a union executive board member. He presents on cognitive priming and deliberate practice to instill foundational skills in firefighters. His passions lie in Operations and Training, ensuring all firefighters can access modern, aggressive strategies and tactics through inclusive, data-driven methodologies, supported by those who actively participate and demonstrate the skills they teach. The battle against complacency starts with a “we” not “me” ethos.

@lockhart63

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Stephanie White is a 21-year veteran of the fire service. She started her journey as a volunteer, and has been a career firefighter/paramedic in Virginia for the past 19 years. 

Over her career she’s been actively involved in firefighter health and wellness while being assigned to some pretty great companies. She is currently enjoying the challenge that is spelling and writing while living the shift-work life. 

Stephanie is the managing editor of Firefighter Nation.

@thatpaperworkff

@thefiveaftermidnightpodcast

@firefighternationhq

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Kyle Beaumont is a senior firefighter with 20 years of fire service experience. Kyle currently serves with the Oak Bay Fire Department in Victoria, BC, Canada as an acting Lieutenant and acting assistant Chief. With a strong passion for the fire service and a formal education in Organizational Leadership from Royal Roads University, Kyle recognizes the integral connection between effective training and department culture. Kyle is an instructor for Prepare 4 Rescue Ltd., a department IAFF Fireground Survival Instructor, and actively contributes to the development of training programs within his department. Drawing from personal experience and observation, he firmly believes that tackling challenging physical tasks is essential for fostering both individual and team resilience.

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Manny Barajas has been with San Antonio Fire for the last 8 years. He’s a Marine Combat Veteran and proud San Antonio Southsider. After 7 years on the front lines, he was promoted and is now in the EMS division.

@manny_b210

@andyfredericksghost

Manuelbarajas210@gmail.com

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Dave “Chops Phillips” is a retired EMS (Ornge) Helicopter Pilot, whose life took an unexpected turn in 2015 when he confronted the challenging reality of PTSD, a battle that many first responders face. He is currently an advocate for mental health awareness, with his company Code33 Apparel. Code33 Apparel is not just about fashion, but about making a difference. Every purchase supports PTSD and mental health awareness initiatives.

www.code33apparel.com

@thecode33apparel

@theschops

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Narration of the article published online at Firefighter Nation.

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Kevin Pfluger is a 18 year veteran of the fire service and is currently a Lieutenant at the Live Oak (TX) fire department. He is the President of the Live Oak Professional Firefighters Association Local 4098.  Through the local, Kevin is the lead organizer of the Dagum Texas Fire Conference. He teaches as the lead instructor for THE DAGUM PUSH engine ops cadre, helps teach firefighter rescue and survival skills on the “No Quit RIT” Cadre, teaches with the Bearers of the Oath Cadre out of Georgia and teaches with the Ambassadors of The Craft Cadre on the West Coast.  Kevin works for Mercedes Textiles Hose as a Consultant and is on the UL 19 Technical Committee for 0219-Fire Hose. 

@kevin_pfluger_

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Sean is a devoted husband to his best friend Colleen, proud father of Lochlan and Ireland. He is a life long student in the fire service with 1 volunteer and 24 career. 

He completed the Seneca College Fire Protection Technologist Program and is a lead instructor in many disciplines favouring Building Construction, Auto Extrication, and Fire Behaviour. He is pushes to learn something new everyday.

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Captain Rob Ramirez was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He has been a passionate student of the Fire  Service for over 22 years and holds degrees in Fire Science and Public Administration. Rob is a state-certified Fire Instructor II, Fire Officer II, Safety Officer, and Live Fire Training Instructor. Since 2005, he has served as a Rescue Team Manager for the Department of Homeland Security F.E.M.A. U.S.A.R.Florida Task Force out of Miami, FL. He has deployed on many national and international high-profile USAR missions, including the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and major Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, Florence,Michael, and Ian. Rob is the founder and Lead Instructor of Mayday Mindset Consulting LLC. Rob is also the lead instructor for the Firefighter Rescue programs at the Ft. Lauderdale Fire Expo Conference and travels nationally and internationally as a guest instructor, speaker, and keynote at various Fire Conferences throughout the year. During his Fire Service career, Rob has held the ranks of Fireman, Paramedic, Lieutenant, Dept. Training Officer, and Fire Captain. He is currently assigned to a busy Truck Company in Broward County, South Florida.

robramirez@maydaymindset.com

@robramirez1075_official

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