In this episode, Nate House, a 24-year firefighter, 20-year paramedic and 15-year police officer shares his journey in the emergency services and the importance of mentorship. He discusses the field training officer (FTO) model, its impact on new officers, and his experience as a K9 handler. Nate emphasizes the need for standardized mentorship programs and the adverse effects of poor mentorship. He also shares a memorable story from his time as a K9 handler.

Nate House shares his experience transitioning from law enforcement to the fire service and his passion for mentorship. He discusses his role as a public safety officer overseeing the fire division and his challenges in implementing change.

Nate explains how he started In-House Solutions, a company focused on mentorship in the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the fire service and the need for standardized training for all firefighters. Nate also highlights the difference between leadership and mentorship and the role of mentorship in entry-level positions.

The conversation explores the importance of having trained and dedicated Field Training Officers (FTOs) in the fire service. It highlights the need for FTOs who genuinely want to mentor and support recruits rather than just going through the motions. The conversation also touches on the value of mentorship programs for company officers and the benefits of formalizing the FTO role.

The FTO program is seen as a way to improve recruitment and retention in the fire service by creating a positive work environment and providing support for new hires. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy and creating a culture of success within the fire service. In this conversation, Nate House discusses the importance of mentorship in the fire service and shares his experiences and insights. He emphasizes the need for reverse mentoring, where newer firefighters have something to teach the more experienced ones.

Nate also discusses his field training officer (FTO) role and its challenges and opportunities. He highlights the significance of being relevant and staying engaged in the fire service. Nate shares his pride in being published in Fire Engineering and his goal of spreading the message of mentorship to fire departments across the country.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor

01:12 Nate House's Background and Introduction

02:28 Starting in the Emergency Services

04:16 Transitioning to Law Enforcement

08:04 The Field Training Officer (FTO) Model

12:34 The Role of a Field Training Officer

19:11 FTO Training and Individual Agency Standards

25:08 Becoming a K9 Handler

27:29 Memorable K9 Handler Story

27:57 Transitioning from Law Enforcement to the Fire Service

32:31 Implementing Change in the Fire Service

38:44 The Importance of Mentorship in the Fire Service

50:31 In-House Solutions: Focusing on Mentorship

56:42 Differentiating Between Leadership and Mentorship

01:00:23 The Role of Entry-Level Mentorship in the Fire Service

01:01:33 The Importance of Trained and Dedicated FTOs

01:03:36 Mentorship Programs for Company Officers

01:06:36 Creating a Positive Work Environment

01:10:33 Understanding the Power of Mentorship

01:19:36 Challenging the Fire Service Culture

01:27:19 Implementing Change for Safety and Efficiency

01:33:58 Creating a Culture of Yes

01:37:10 The Role of Champions in the Fire Service

01:38:03 The Value of Reverse Mentoring

01:45:47 The Role of a Field Training Officer (FTO)

01:56:01 The Importance of Relevancy

02:01:39 Spreading the Message of Mentorship