The FireDawg Podcast

What does it take to become an Indiana Smoke Diver?
In Episode 68, Chris Bauchle and Austin Perry sit down with Corey Gotay to talk about choosing discomfort, pursuing excellence, and refusing to settle for average in the fire service.
Corey began his career with the 128th Wisconsin Air National Guard in 2020 and quickly developed a reputation for pushing himself beyond the standard. After becoming the Top Graduate of the DoD Firefighter Rescue & Survival (FRAS) Course in 2023-where he also set the course record for the air consumption drill-he continued chasing growth by earning the title of Indiana Smoke Diver in 2024.
Now serving as a civilian firefighter in Wisconsin, Corey shares the mindset behind constantly seeking challenge and putting himself in difficult environments to grow.
Listen now on FireDawg.us or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of The FireDawg Podcast, we sit down with Kim Jolly, CEO of AOS Services Inc., to discuss the critical role equipment testing, maintenance, and compliance play in keeping fire departments operational and mission ready.
With more than 30 years of experience, Kim shares how AOS supports fire departments and military installations worldwide through specialized services including SCBA testing, hose testing, hydrostatic testing, fire trainer inspections, and comprehensive equipment maintenance.
We dive into why proper certification matters, the value of expert technicians, how departments can maximize equipment lifespan, and what fire chiefs should know when balancing compliance, readiness, and budget constraints.
Whether you’re a firefighter, officer, or fire service leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into the systems and services working behind the scenes to ensure your equipment performs when it matters most.
In this episode, we cover:
• Fire equipment testing and NFPA compliance
• SCBA, hose, and hydrostatic testing requirements
• The importance of specialized technicians
• Fire trainer inspections and maintenance
• Extending equipment lifecycle and maximizing value
• Best practices for fire department readiness

In Episode 66 , Matt sits down with Flip Griffin. Flip’s journey spans from Navy corpsman to Search and Rescue professional, ultimately serving as a Command Master Chief—one of the highest enlisted leadership roles in the Navy—before transitioning into fire service leadership consulting.
This conversation dives into the realities of Naval Search and Rescue, the scope of military medical and aviation support, and the leadership responsibilities that come with operating in complex, mission-driven environments. Flip shares how his experiences shaped his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the critical role of communication, accountability, and structured systems in building effective teams.
Matt and Flip also explore the transition from military service to consulting, discussing the creation of leadership frameworks and how those principles apply directly to the fire service. From generational challenges to organizational culture, this episode provides actionable insights for leaders at every level.
Whether you’re in the fire service, military, or leading in any capacity, this episode offers practical takeaways on building stronger systems, developing people, and leading with purpose.

In 1977, the Honda Canyon Fire swept across Vandenberg Air Force Base—now Vandenberg Space Force Base—becoming one of the most significant wildfires in the installation’s history and reshaping how the department approached wildland firefighting.
Nearly four decades later, the 2016 Canyon Fire once again challenged the installation, reminding firefighters how complex a wildfire at Vandenberg can become. During the incident, crews faced challenging conditions and a dangerous situation that ultimately resulted in a fire shelter deployment.
In this episode of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt sits down with Chief Mark Smith, who has served at Vandenberg since the early 1990s and has spent years studying and briefing these fires.
Together they discuss:
• The wildland fire environment at Vandenberg
• The events of the 1977 Honda Canyon Fire
• The creation of Vandenberg’s Hotshot program
• The 2016 Canyon Fire and shelter deployment
• Lessons learned that still apply today

What does it really mean to be ready?
In this episode of The FireDawg Podcast, we explore the moments that test more than skill — they test judgment. The moments when your training is pushed, policy isn’t perfectly clear, and culture either empowers you… or makes you hesitate.
Our guest, Terrell Thomas, a nearly 20-year Air Force leader with experience spanning operational response and executive leadership, shares powerful response stories from his career. Together, we discuss autonomy on scene, deviation from SOPs, organizational accountability, and how leaders build firefighters who are prepared for the moment of truth.
Because readiness isn’t proven in routine calls.
It’s proven when everything is on the line.