HAZARD CLASS

Chad Costa, Assistant Fire Chief at Petaluma Fire Department, has over 25 years of experience in municipal, rural, and wildland fire operations. In this episode of Hazard Class Podcast, he shares his journey from growing up in rural Sonoma County to becoming a seasoned leader in the fire service. Chief Costa discusses early career challenges, recruitment and retention issues, and the balance between structural and wildland firefighting. With insights on leadership, community involvement, and the evolving fire service, he offers advice for aspiring firefighters and emphasizes the importance of building a strong, well-rounded department.
www.chadcosta.org
[0:00 - 2:00] – Introduction
Introduction to Chief Chad Costa and his role. Overview of his career and background.
[2:01 - 7:26] – Why the Fire Service?
Chief Costa talks about his rural upbringing and how a friend’s encouragement led him to pursue firefighting, despite having no prior connection to the field.
[7:26 - 8:55] – Early Career Challenges
His first volunteer experience and the challenges he faced in gaining acceptance and building his skills.
[8:56 - 9:56] – Lessons from Early Days
The importance of hard work, reliability, and building relationships in the fire service.
[9:57 - 12:22] – Instilling Values in New Firefighters
Chief Costa discusses how he imparts core values like dedication and reliability to new recruits and the challenges of hiring firefighter-paramedics.
[12:23 - 15:30] – Recruitment Challenges
The evolving challenges in attracting and retaining qualified firefighter-paramedics in today’s job market.
[15:30 - 16:16] – The Changing Landscape
How the fire service has evolved, with new generations of recruits leaning more towards tech roles than traditional blue-collar jobs.
[16:16 - 20:27] – Becoming a Firefighter
The path to becoming a firefighter, emphasizing education, certification, and gaining experience. Chief Costa stresses the importance of mentorship and decision-making.
[20:27 - 24:16] – Balancing Wildland & Structural Firefighting
The difficulty in excelling at both wildland and structural firefighting and how departments balance these two critical disciplines.
[24:17 - 31:39] – Transition from Volunteer to Career Firefighter
Chief Costa reflects on his transition from volunteer to career firefighter and the steps required to build a successful career.
[31:40 - 38:37] – Promotion and Career Growth
How Chief Costa knew it was time for promotion and the role of the organization in making these decisions.
[38:39 - 41:35] – Leadership and Feedback
The challenges of staying connected with frontline firefighters and how Chief Costa seeks feedback to refine his leadership.
[41:36 - 42:36] – Handling Criticism
How Chief Costa processes both positive and negative feedback and adjusts his leadership style accordingly.
[42:36 - 46:03] – Department Morale
Chief Costa discusses how morale is managed at various levels of the department and strategies for fixing morale issues within a fire service organization.
[46:04 - 49:00] – Balancing Service and Budget
The challenge of maintaining high-quality service while managing a department’s budget, especially with dual-role firefighter paramedics.
[49:00 - 57:11] – Dual Role vs. Single Role EMS
A discussion on the pros and cons of dual-role firefighter paramedics and the push towards single-role EMS services as a solution to firefighter burnout.
[57:12 - 1:00:21] – Career Reflections and Legacy
Chief Costa reflects on his proudest achievements, including creating a career camp for high school students interested in the fire service.
[1:00:21 - End] – Closing Thoughts
Chief Costa shares his future plans and final advice for those entering the fire service.

Dr. Michael Guirguis, an emergency medicine physician whose career has defied every conventional path. From hoisting patients off cliffs with the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Air Rescue, to advising executive protection teams and serving as Chipotle’s medical director, Dr. Guirguis has lived multiple lives in one. This conversation explores the gritty truths of ER medicine, the high stakes of protective health care in elite circles, and the challenges of raising kids with a trauma-informed lens.

0:00 — Introduction & Guest Background
Jake introduces Dr. Guirguis and his remarkable multidisciplinary resume.
0:07 — Childhood Dreams to Medical Reality
Dr. Guirguis recounts his early passion for law enforcement and how a sports injury rerouted him into medicine.
0:19 — From UCLA to Harvard: Medical School Insights
He discusses the intense journey from back surgery to earning a spot at Harvard Med and how pass/no-pass grading shaped collaboration.
0:28 — Emergency Medicine & Burnout Realities
Why he chose emergency medicine and how ER shows influenced that choice, plus the emotional toll of the modern ER system.
0:42 — Systemic Failures in U.S. Health Care
A candid critique of ER overuse, homelessness, and lack of primary care access.
0:51 — Law, Violence & Accountability in ERs
Dr. Guirguis on legal handcuffs, hospital violence, and where administrators get it wrong.
0:56 — Training with the Sheriff’s Department
Details of how he combined ER residency with tactical air rescue and law enforcement work.
1:04 — Building Raven Medical & Executive Protection Work
Behind the scenes of high-profile security medicine, global protocols, and unique travel logistics.
1:14 — Inside Corporate Medicine: Chipotle & XPJ
How medical infrastructure is built for corporations, and why brands like Chipotle are ahead of the curve.
1:21 — Parenthood, Risk Awareness & Mental Load
How emergency medicine shaped his parenting, emotional resilience, and risk perception.
1:31 — Career Evolution & What’s Next
What drives Dr. Guirguis today: industry education, client care, and raising kids with purpose.
Key Moments
“You’re only as good a doctor as what you take out of it.”

“Burnout is real, but I chose to do this on my own terms now.”

“Executive protection isn’t just brawn—it’s brains, logistics, and medicine.”

“The bane of my existence is calling someone a ‘medic’ after a weekend course.”

“If something bad happens, you don't want to be the guy who didn’t prepare.”

Resources & Mentions
XPJ — High-risk medics for executive protection

Raven Medical Support Group — Dr. Guirguis' organization

“Untold Stories of the ER” — TLC TV show featuring Dr. Guirguis

EMTALA Laws (Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act)

TCCC / TECC training distinctions in security medicine

Jake sits down with one of the most revered names in the American fire service—Captain Mike Dugan. With over 40 years of firefighting experience, including a distinguished career with the FDNY and multiple valor awards, Captain Dugan shares a raw, heartfelt, and unfiltered look into the culture, brotherhood, and challenges of the fire service. From childhood inspiration to rooftop rescues, and from leadership lessons to life after 9/11, this conversation is a masterclass in service, humility, and integrity.
00:00 – Introduction
Jake introduces Captain Mike Dugan and highlights his 40+ year legacy in the fire service, including his FDNY tenure and national teaching contributions.
03:10 – Childhood Inspiration: The Fire That Started It All
Mike recounts the fire at his grandmother’s house that sparked his lifelong passion for firefighting.
08:50 – Growing Up Dugan
A glimpse into Mike’s upbringing in a big, loving Irish-Catholic family and the community values that shaped him.
15:00 – Entering the Fire Service & Early Days Volunteering
His transition from volunteer firefighter to NYPD officer, and ultimately joining FDNY.
23:00 – Academy Stories & First Assignments
A dive into his "sleep officer" training, first slow company assignment, and the career-defining transfer to Spanish Harlem.
34:10 – Firehouse Culture & Leadership Lessons
The importance of pride, ownership, and tradition in building elite fire companies.
43:30 – The Famous Roof Rope Rescue
A gripping retelling of the 1991 rooftop rescue that earned Mike high departmental honors and media attention.
57:00 – The Reality of Recognition
Navigating media attention, departmental politics (including the infamous “mustache incident”), and public recognition.
1:04:20 – From Firefighter to Officer
His decision to promote, lessons learned as a lieutenant and captain, and how to prepare others to lead.
1:15:00 – Morale, Accountability & Culture
Why company culture is built from within, and how great companies self-regulate and support each other.
1:25:00 – The Anatomy of a Great Firefighter
Heart, humility, and relentless curiosity—Mike defines what makes someone exceptional in this calling.
1:35:00 – Training for the Unthinkable
Why training for the 90% and the 1% are both vital—and how to make the most of your district time.
1:47:00 – 9/11 Reflections
An emotional segment on being at the FDNY training academy on 9/11 and losing close friends from the firehouse the day before.
1:55:00 – Legacy and Final Thoughts
Mike shares how the fire service continues to evolve and his hopes for future generations of firefighters.

Captain Mike Dugan is a retired FDNY firefighter and former captain of Ladder 123. He has received numerous awards for bravery and served as a national instructor and keynote speaker. Known for his integrity, mentorship, and practical leadership, he continues to shape the fire service through writing, teaching, and speaking.
Fire Engineering Profile

Notable Speech: FDIC 2011 Keynote: Why Are You Here?

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Battalion Chief Marc Aloan of the West Columbia Fire Department discusses his two-decade career in the fire service. From chasing fire trucks as a child to becoming a battalion chief, Marc reflects on his experiences, including the challenges, leadership lessons, and learning from mistakes along the way. He also shares insights into the role of education in his career, the value of hands-on firefighting, and how he navigates the complexities of leadership in the fire service.
0:00 - 1:49: Introduction to Battalion Chief Marc Aloan
Topic: Marc’s Early Fire Service Connection
Marc Aloan, Battalion Chief at West Columbia Fire Department, is introduced. He shares how he was drawn to the fire service at a young age, starting with his fascination with fire trucks and following them on his bike.

1:49 - 5:38: Marc’s Early Fire Service Journey
Topic: Starting in the Fire Service and Volunteering
Marc discusses his early days in the fire service, including his experiences as a junior firefighter and his time training to be a paramedic, before eventually joining the Air Force.

5:38 - 10:56: First Fire Experience
Topic: Marc’s First Fire and the Impact of Compassion
Marc recounts his first fire response during a mutual aid call. He shares the emotional experience of dealing with a family’s loss and the importance of compassion alongside the thrill of firefighting.

10:56 - 13:56: Transitioning to Battalion Chief and Leadership Philosophy
Topic: Leadership and Empowering the Team
Marc reflects on his leadership journey as a Battalion Chief, discussing how he empowers his team while balancing the role of a leader and a firefighter. He highlights the importance of allowing individuals to develop their own styles while maintaining department standards.

13:56 - 18:30: Learning from Mistakes and Constructive Criticism
Topic: The Importance of Post-Incident Reviews
The discussion shifts to Marc’s approach to post-incident debriefs. He explains how focusing on mistakes and failures helps the team improve and evolve. He emphasizes the need for candid reflection and learning from each experience.

18:30 - 23:45: Grinders vs. Naturally Gifted Firefighters
Topic: Hard Work vs. Natural Talent in the Fire Service
Marc talks about the difference between grinders, who work tirelessly to improve their skills, and naturally gifted firefighters. He explains why he aligns more with grinders and how their consistent effort leads to success over time.

23:45 - 29:41: Balancing Leadership with Hands-On Firefighting
Topic: Staying Involved as a Battalion Chief
Marc shares how his role as a Battalion Chief requires balancing leadership responsibilities with staying active in the field. He emphasizes the importance of being present for his team while supporting them with resources and leadership when necessary.

29:41 - 35:07: Conducting Effective Critiques
Topic: Accountability and Constructive Feedback
Marc discusses how he approaches critiques and feedback in the fire service. He stresses the importance of leading by example, being self-reflective, and creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and learning from mistakes.

35:07 - 39:49: The Role of Education in Marc’s Career
Topic: The Value of Formal Education for Firefighters
Marc shares his experience with formal education, including his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He highlights the value of education for career development, leadership skills, and personal growth within the fire service.

39:49 - 45:36: Reflecting on Early Career and Mistakes
Topic: Growth Through Challenges and Learning from Mistakes
Marc reflects on his earlier years as a firefighter and the lessons learned through mistakes. He shares how these experiences shaped his approach to firefighting and leadership, emphasizing the importance of continuous self-improvement.

Contact Information:
Blog: The Fire Inside

Facebook: The Fire Inside Facebook Page

Instagram: @TheFireInside

Jake dives deep into the multifaceted career of Gary Oldham, a veteran in public safety with experience as a police officer, dispatcher, and global strategist at Apple. Gary shares the evolution of his career—from the front lines of law enforcement to managing major technological transitions in emergency services, and now running his own consulting firm, Accelerant 4. This episode is rich with leadership insights, practical innovation in emergency response, and a strong advocacy for tech that genuinely serves first responders.

Introduction and Gary's Background (00:00 – 06:00)
Early start in public safety

Police Explorer to full-time officer at 18

Initial career motivations

Transition from Police Work to Dispatch (06:00 – 15:00)
Burnout and cynicism in law enforcement

Finding new purpose in dispatch

Differences between fire and police public perception

Challenges in Emergency Dispatch Systems (15:00 – 27:00)
Evolution from manual dispatch to Pro-QA

Misuse of 911 and liability concerns

Complexity of triage and human judgment

Public Sector to Private Sector Shift (27:00 – 36:00)
Transitioning to project management roles

Working with San Diego and navigating bureaucracy

Managing layoffs and organizational changes

Tech Leadership and Working with Vendors (36:00 – 45:00)
Leading expert teams as a non-expert

Avoiding micromanagement

Managing expectations in large-scale projects

Joining Apple and Building Public Safety Programs (45:00 – 1:00:00)
Overcoming skepticism and 0% market share

Building global police summits

Influencing product features like CarPlay integration

Creating Impact and Culture at Apple (1:00:00 – 1:12:00)
Apple’s unique culture and hiring practices

Commitment to privacy and ethical leadership

Working with first responders worldwide

Launch of Accelerant 4 and Consulting Focus (1:12:00 – 1:20:00)
Why Gary left Apple

Helping companies better engage with public safety

Tailoring technology to solve real-world problems

Leadership Insights and Future of Public Safety Tech (1:20:00 – 1:30:00)
Balancing team dynamics and technical talent

Evolving responder technology

Building realistic, scalable solutions

Gary Oldham is a seasoned public safety expert with over three decades of experience. His career spans police work, dispatch leadership, and tech innovation. At Apple, he led global public safety strategy, taking their market share from 0% to 70%. Now, he runs Accelerant 4, a consultancy helping companies and agencies implement effective, meaningful technology solutions in emergency services.
Website: accelerant4.com