TCFP S1E6 with Bobby Eckert

In this conversation, Tyler talks shop Bobby Eckert, a second-generation firefighter and the owner of Eckert Fire Tactics. They discuss the challenges and issues in the fire service, including the disconnect between fire service literature and actual street firefighting, the shortcomings of the Firefighter 1 program, and the questionable practices of organizations like the NFPA. Bobby emphasizes the importance of authentic street experience and the need for a more practical and realistic approach to training and education in the fire service. Bobby discusses the importance of utilizing the expertise of experienced firefighters to contribute to fire service literature. He suggests that firefighters who may not be comfortable authoring an entire textbook could still contribute by writing chapters or notes on specific topics. He emphasizes the need for collaboration and collective thinking within the fire service to find better solutions. Bobby also talks about the disconnect between what firefighters are learning in academies and what they encounter on the job, highlighting the importance of practical, experience-based training. He shares his passion for teaching and the satisfaction he gets from seeing his students apply what they've learned in real-life situations. Bobby also discusses the challenges of being a business owner in the fire instructor world and the need for more support and collaboration among instructors. He emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and mentally prepared for the ever-changing nature of firefighting. Bobby also shares his love for all aspects of the job, including driving fire apparatus and training pump operators. He encourages firefighters to be humble, passionate, and to pass on their knowledge to the next generation.