Jason Patton | West Palm Beach, FL
Photo Credit: CRACKYL Magazine “Be okay with being the outlier sometimes.” How did your journey begin in the fire service? Jason Patton’s journey into the fire service began like any classic turning point in a story. It all started with a casual conversation with a friend. At the time, he was working as a mechanic, […]
Jeremy Donch | Franklin Lakes, NJ
“Don’t ever let somebody else blow out your candle. The love for the fire service is yours to have and to find.” Photo Credit: Firehouse Magazine What initially inspired you to become a firefighter? In the world of firefighting, inspiration often strikes early, and for Jeremy Donch, it was no different. Growing up in a […]
Georgina Gilbert | Wales, UK
“Just challenge yourself! You’ll not only amaze yourself but others too.” Firefighter Georgina Gilbert Firefighter Georgina Gilbert is a force of nature and an inspiration – a person who believes in saying “Yes!” to the challenges that life offers. Firefighter Gilbert (George) has been with the fire service for the last 20 years. She […]
Daniel Higuera, PhD | Orange, CA
Dr. Daniel Higuera shares insights on reducing stress and improving firefighter wellness in a firefighter wellness course. “Your wellness is in your hands.” In the demanding world of firefighting, where stress and health challenges are ever-present, Dr. Daniel Higuera stands out as a passionate advocate for firefighter wellness. His journey into the fire service and […]
Kory Pearn | London, ON
“Be who you want to be for the people who matter.” Kory Pearn didn’t grow up dreaming of firefighting. At 23, he was set to take over his father’s refrigeration business—until a recruitment night flipped the script. Now a veteran firefighter and founder of CRACKYL magazine, Kory’s journey blends resilience, creativity, and a hard-earned lesson: […]
Julian Serrano | West Palm Beach, FL
“It is our duty to improve.” Firefighter Julian Serrano In the world of firefighting, every individual’s journey is unique, and shaped by personal experiences and challenges. One such inspiring story is that of Julian, a firefighter with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, who has a passion for bringing out the extraordinary in himself and […]
Rebecca “Bex” Openshaw-Rowe | Bridgend, South Wales
“I like helping people, I’ve just always been drawn to that.” – Firefighter Rebecca “Bex” Openshaw-Rowe Firefighter Rebecca “Bex” Openshaw-Rowe has always tried to make people’s lives a bit easier, a bit better. In her earlier years, she was a lifeguard, did professional sports, and eventually became a high school PE teacher. In her early […]
Paul Fitzgerald | Toronto, ON
“Consider two people: the person you were when you joined, and the person you will be when you retire… those two perspectives will keep you grounded, and remind you that this career can be some of the best days of your life.” Paul Fitzgerald is the Deputy Fire Chief for Toronto Fire Services (TFS), overseeing […]
Chris Harrow | Minto, ON
“We’re at a point in the fire service where we have to change. We have to be ready to adapt to the environment we’re in.” What initially inspired you to join the fire service? Chris Harrow was raised in a traditional firefighting family. With a father in the fire service, he grew up in a […]
Patric Young | Jacksonville, FL
“Humility is the precursor to confidence. It is the precursor to learning.” Basketball star Patric Young shares his story and his beliefs, explaining how his life lessons have helped him grow and become the inspiring person that he is today. By telling his story, he gives first responders a glimpse into his life, a life […]