HAZARD CLASS

Chief Rob Ramirez returns to the show to talk about one of the most unique opportunities in modern firefighting: helping build a brand-new fire department from the ground up. He shares stories of leadership, culture, training, and staying sharp after leaving the fire truck.Segment Breakdown & Timestamps[0:00 – 0:07] Intro & Career LeapRob returns to the podcast, recounting his jump from 20+ years in operations to a command role in a new department.[0:07 – 0:14] Why Start Now? The Motivation Behind the MoveRob explains the rare opportunity to help shape something from scratch and how it aligned with his career goals.[0:14 – 0:21] Starting from Zero: Gear, Trucks, and PoliciesDetails about acquiring vehicles, setting SOPs, navigating town bureaucracy, and learning fast.[0:21 – 0:28] Building the Team: Hiring & Leadership PhilosophyRob outlines their recruitment strategy, training plans, and what type of people they’re looking for.[0:28 – 0:35] Laying the Training FoundationWhy training won’t be optional. Rob discusses shift-based training, officer development, and ongoing standards.[0:35 – 0:42] The Isolation of LeadershipWhat it feels like to be out of the action, staying connected to fireground competency, and the temptation to slip into admin-only thinking.[0:42 – 0:49] How Culture is Built: People, Trust, and AccountabilityThe role of informal leaders, gatekeepers of culture, and using character-first hiring to prevent future problems.[0:49 – 0:56] Handling Mistakes & Measuring GrowthAfter-action reviews, creating safe learning environments, and how Rob approaches performance evaluation.[0:56 – 1:03] Search Urgency, Real-World Fire Talk & Caring About the JobRob and the host dissect a recent fireground situation involving victim removal, and what it reveals about urgency and culture.[1:03 – 1:11] Mentorship, Mastery, and Long-Term VisionMentorship models, when to promote, and how the right people and structure create long-term excellence.Key Moments“You can’t read your own label from inside the jar.”Rob’s final fire call as a captain, ending with gratitude and fireground clarity.The skunk-in-the-parking-lot moment—and what it teaches about perspective.“Our people are our greatest ambassadors.”Resources & Mentions:https://www.instagram.com/robramirez1075_official/?hl=enhttps://www.jupiter.fl.us/firerescueGuest Info: Chief Rob RamirezDivision Chief of Training, Jupiter Fire RescueFounder of Mayday MindsetNational fire instructor and speaker

Dr. David Griffin shares his transformation from minor league baseball player to fire service leader, shaped by one of the most devastating tragedies in firefighting history—the 2007 Sofa Superstore Fire in Charleston, SC. Griffin recounts the incident in vivid detail, reflecting on how it reshaped his view of leadership, mental health, and responsibility. Nearly two decades later, he continues to advocate for cultural change, peer support, and meaningful leadership within emergency services. This episode offers a candid look at trauma, recovery, and the evolution of a career dedicated to honoring the past while improving the future.Episode Breakdown & Timestamps:[0:00] Introduction and Background of Dr. David GriffinOverview of Griffin’s career and his shift from baseball to firefighting.[0:02] Journey to the Fire ServiceHow a conversation with a fire chief led to an unexpected but lifelong career.[0:07] Training and Early Career ReflectionsDiscussion on early training gaps and how outdated practices shaped his outlook.[0:10] Mental Health and Organizational ChangeThe fire service’s growing focus on emotional well-being and leadership accountability.[0:18] Sofa Superstore Fire IncidentA detailed, moment-by-moment account of the tragic fire that claimed nine lives.[0:27] Aftermath and RecoveryThe emotional toll, public reaction, and the beginning of personal and organizational healing.[0:34] Leadership Evolution and LegacyPost-incident changes and the long-term impact of the Charleston Nine on policy and culture.[0:40] Therapy, Speaking, and Personal ImpactGriffin’s battle with PTSD, the healing role of therapy, and the emotional cost of public speaking.[0:51] Principles of LeadershipThe five core values that now guide his leadership style and mentorship philosophy.Key Moments:First-hand description of the 27-minute window that changed Charleston Fire forever.Reflections on leading with humility and empowering the next generation.The mental and emotional challenges of revisiting trauma through public speaking.How the loss of fellow firefighters spurred sweeping department-wide changes.Exploration of non-traditional therapies and long-term recovery strategies.Resources & Mentions:Rowley Report (Sofa Superstore Fire investigation)Upcoming book: 27 Minutes by Dr. David GriffinWaves of Recovery (Ibogaine therapy documentary)Related discussions: Travis Howes’ podcast on traumaGuest Information:Dr. David GriffinAssistant Chief, Charleston Fire DepartmentAuthor and national speaker on leadership and mental health in public safetyWebsite: drdavidgriffin.comInstagram: @drdavidgriffin

Deane Benninghoven, a certified hypnotherapist who specializes in treating anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and emotional trauma through hypnosis. Deane shares his personal journey from chronic pain and opioid dependency to healing through self-hypnosis, leading to a decades-long career helping others unlock the power of their subconscious. This conversation challenges common misconceptions, dives into how hypnosis works, and explores its surprising compatibility with traditional therapy.00:00 – 01:16 | IntroductionJake introduces Deane and sets the tone for a curious, open-minded exploration of hypnosis.01:17 – 07:57 | Deane's Origin StoryDeane recounts how a life-altering car accident led him to discover hypnosis as a tool for pain management and emotional healing.07:58 – 12:08 | What Hypnosis Really IsA breakdown of hypnosis, the subconscious mind, and how symptoms like anxiety or addiction often stem from unresolved patterns.12:09 – 16:42 | The Critical Faculty & Pattern ProtectionDeane explains the “guard” between the conscious and subconscious, and how hypnosis temporarily suspends it for healing.16:43 – 23:41 | Natural Hypnotic States & Trauma LoopsExamples of everyday hypnosis (e.g., driving, daydreaming) and how trauma gets “stuck” in the subconscious.23:42 – 34:20 | Rewiring Trauma with HypnosisThe mechanism behind changing one’s relationship to trauma without re-experiencing it, using Deane's "splinter" analogy.34:22 – 40:47 | Guided Hypnosis SessionDeane leads a short, safe, and relaxing live hypnosis session—ideal for first-time listeners.40:48 – 45:11 | How Hypnosis Empowers ChangePost-session discussion and anchoring techniques that help retrain emotional responses long-term.45:12 – 51:54 | Certifications, Credibility & Finding a PractitionerTips for finding a credible hypnotherapist and info on Deane’s work, especially with first responders."Hypnosis saved my life." – Deane shares how desperation led him to self-teach hypnosis after conventional treatments failed.“It’s not my hypnosis, it’s yours.” – Deane clarifies that hypnosis taps into the listener’s own natural state of mind.“Your subconscious doesn’t know you’re safe now.” – A powerful insight into how past trauma continues to echo through present-day behaviors.“Hypnosis is not sleep. It’s that in-between place we all experience.” – On the true nature of trance states.Summit Hypnosis NW: www.summithypnosisnw.comNational Guild of Hypnotists (Certification Body): www.ngh.netDeane BenninghovenCertified by the National Guild of HypnotistsOver 20 years of experienceSpecializes in working with trauma, anxiety, and first respondersOffers free consultations and hypnotherapy trainingWebsite: summithypnosisnw.com

This explosive episode dives into the story of Erik Holt, a former fire chief fired after reporting alleged election fraud—an election that installed the very board that terminated him. From military service and firefighting to confronting corruption, Holt walks us through his journey, decisions, and consequences.LINKS:https://www.gofundme.com/f/free-speech-retaliation-and-the-cost-of-integrity https://www.facebook.com/justiceforholt/Segment Breakdown & Timestamps:[0:00:00] Origins in Fire ServiceErik recounts his start in emergency services, high school recruitment, army firefighting in Iraq, and career progression in Colorado.[0:10:00] Becoming Fire Chief & Rebuilding a DepartmentTaking the helm in 2022, Erik discusses the chaos he inherited and his success in rebuilding a rural department—cutting response times from 19 to 7 minutes and increasing qualified responders from 4 to 62.[0:20:00] The Election SetupHe details the special district board’s structure and how all five seats unexpectedly opened for election—introducing a slate of opposition candidates.[0:30:00] Election Day AnomaliesErik responds to complaints about the election. He later reviews hours of surveillance footage (which anyone could legally access), discovering a pattern of coordinated, likely illegal poll watcher behavior and vote tracking.[0:40:00] The Scheme UnfoldsEvidence emerges of pre-counting ballots, illegal electioneering, and poll watchers using clickers to track compliant voters. The alleged “offsite coordinator” turns out to be the campaign manager’s husband.[0:50:00] Retaliation BeginsDespite no operational or disciplinary issues, Erik receives dubious orders—like disabling security systems—and the new board freezes fire department bank accounts just before a holiday weekend.[1:00:00] Fire Department Shut DownErik is ordered to shut down operations despite the insurance bill being paid. The board blames him, leading to a four-hour service disruption and massive public fallout.[1:10:00] Public Smear & TerminationDespite not controlling finances, Erik is fired under the pretext of “not paying insurance.” The event is turned into a bizarre celebration by the board with popcorn and lemonade.[1:20:00] Legal Fallout & Personal CostErik files a federal lawsuit (currently under appeal). Blackballed from firefighting, he loses his home and lives in a camper with his daughters while fighting to clear his name.Key Moments:Erik's rebuilding of a failing fire district into a professionally functioning agency in less than a year.Discovery of illegal poll watcher behavior including vote tracking and ballot manipulation.Board’s retaliation including bank account freezing and misuse of authority.Shocking termination under false pretense just 33 days after whistleblowing.Resources & References:Video evidence and court filings shared by Erik on his social media accounts.Colorado election statutes and open records laws (CORAs).Lookup: “Florrissant Fire Muster” for footage of the department’s final major public event.Guest Bio:Erik Holt is a former Army firefighter and veteran of Iraq, former chief of a Colorado fire district, and a whistleblower involved in an ongoing legal and public battle over local election integrity.

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, we sit down with Deputy Chief Daniel DeYear, a 45-year veteran of the fire service, including notable positions such as U.S. Department of State Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief of Dallas Fire Rescue. In a candid conversation, Chief DeYear shares stories from his extensive career, including his early days in the fire service, the evolution of EMS and fire tactics, and the importance of training and accountability in today's fire departments.00:00 - Introduction to Chief Daniel DeYearIntroduction of Chief DeYear and his illustrious 45-year career in the fire service.Overview of his roles in Dallas Fire Rescue and as an international fire marshal with the U.S. Department of State.02:00 - Early Days in the Fire ServiceChief DeYear reflects on his upbringing in the Bronx during the 1960s and 70s, and how he was drawn to the fire service from a young age.Becoming a junior volunteer firefighter at the age of 14.The early influence of the Emergency! TV show and Dennis Smith's Report from Engine Company 82.05:30 - Firefighting in the 70s and 80s: Primitive Tools and CommunicationDescription of early fire gear, including 15-minute SCBAs, and the lack of radios for firefighters.A look at the culture of firehouse accountability before formalized systems were introduced.Chief DeYear's early experiences with dangerous fires, such as the incident where he helped rescue a firefighter trapped under a collapsed beam at the age of 15.09:40 - Realizing the Fire Service Was the Career PathChief DeYear talks about his decision to pursue firefighting as a lifelong career and how his family supported his path despite their initial reservations.The competitive job market in the fire service at the time and his journey to becoming a firefighter in Texas.14:00 - Transition to the Dallas Fire Department and Working as a Fire MarshalChief DeYear’s move to Texas and his time at the Carrollton Fire Department.His work as a Fire Marshal, public educator, and later, a training officer.His time as an international fire marshal and what that role entailed while traveling to over 35 countries.22:00 - The Evolution of EMS and ParamedicineEarly days of EMS in the U.S. and Chief DeYear’s experience as a paramedic in the early 80s.28:00 - Fire Tactics and Safety: A Changing LandscapeDiscussing the evolution of fire tactics, including changes in firefighting gear, communication, and building construction.The shift from traditional fire tactics to more advanced practices, including better understanding of fire science and building construction.34:00 - The Role of Company Officers and LeadershipChief DeYear’s thoughts on what makes a good company officer in the fire service.The importance of mentorship, investing in the crew, and avoiding complacency.43:00 - Line of Duty Deaths and Safety CultureChief DeYear reflects on his experiences with line of duty deaths and the fire investigations that shaped his perspective on safety.The importance of assessing risk versus reward and the need for smart decision-making on the fireground.50:00 - Training and Improving the Fire ServiceThe value of continuous training, even after years of service, and the importance of self-assessment.Chief DeYear’s thoughts on how to cultivate a training culture that embraces learning, even among experienced firefighters.1:00:00 - Handling Critiques and Learning from MistakesChief DeYear discusses how to properly handle post-incident critiques without turning them into punitive sessions.The importance of balancing positive reinforcement with constructive feedback in fire department training.1:05:00 - Chief DeYear’s Advice for Young FirefightersThe role of company officers in shaping the career trajectories of young firefighters.How to guide rookie firefighters and ensure they remain engaged and passionate about their work.