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 a 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, following in his father’s footsteps despite his dad's advice against it. One day, his friend suggested a career shift to the fire service which required Jason to attend EMT school. This suggestion became the first domino in a remarkable journey. EMT school piqued Jason's interest in the human body and the world of medicine, setting the stage for what was to come. This eventually led to medic school and fire school, where he found his true passion for the fire service.
Today, Patton is a firefighter and paramedic with the Riviera Beach Fire Department. He has now been serving his community for the past 17 years, making a positive impact both within the department and the broader firefighting community. You may know him as the hilarious host of Fire Department Chronicles and/or the VP of Fire Department Coffee (FDC). This is where Patton’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he and FDC Co-founder/CEO Luke Schneider spearheaded the FDC’s meteoric growth as one of the fire service’s favorite staples.
What is your message to fellow firefighters?
Throughout his career, Jason has witnessed the unwavering dedication and passion of his fellow firefighters. His message to them, whether they are rookies or seasoned officers, is rooted in the core values of the profession. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's mental health. It's not just another task on the list – it's the foundation for everything else. He encourages his colleagues to recognize the significance of mental well-being.
Jason also shared the importance of embracing diversity and keeping an open mind. He believes in speaking up, in a respectful manner, against the norm.
“Be okay with being the outlier sometimes.”
It's all about fostering collaboration within the fire department. Instead of having a single leader calling the shots, he envisions a group of individuals coming together to make collective decisions, making the department and its members even better.
How do you enjoy your time outside of work?
Patton poses with Fire Department Coffee and a flame thrower.
When Jason isn’t at the fire station for his full-time job, creating hysterical content, or travelling around the country to build a coffee empire, he enjoys being physically active and spending time with his wife and daughter. Working out is a big part of his life – a fun and healthy way to blow off steam and keep growing. Spending time with his daughter is one of his greatest joys, and it's a two-way street – she teaches him patience while he imparts life lessons. On top of all this, he owns a CPR company where he blends life-saving skills with humor to create a unique and engaging learning experience.
“I try to find fun in everything while keeping a realistic understanding that what is fun today will not be fun tomorrow. I always look for something new to adapt to and try to make my days as diverse and routine as possible.”
What can you tell us about Fire Department Coffee and future plans?
Patton (left) and co-founder Luke Schneider (middle) celebrate the Golden Ticket awarded to FDC by Walmart.
What started as a modest e-commerce venture in 2016 has transformed into a thriving business with multiple production facilities and products that are featured in 5,000+ retail stores across the United States. The next big step for FDC is right around the corner as they were recently awarded a Golden Ticket to have its products sold in Walmart stores nationwide!
What changes do you foresee in the fire service's future?
Looking ahead, Jason envisions several changes within the fire service in the next five years. These changes include a continued focus on cancer prevention, with the adoption of clean cabs and mental health initiatives. He expects a growing reliance on electronic technology in firefighting operations, despite the initial discomfort such changes may bring. Additionally, he believes electric engines and trucks will become a reality, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the ever-evolving fire service.
For Jason’s story, he shared a life lesson learned by a colleague who had a challenging moment.
While precepting a young firefighter who had just failed her test, he witnessed her emotionally break down. As they pulled back into the station, she gave herself a pep talk, ‘No, we don’t cry!’ fighting back her emotions. But instead of telling her to hold back her tears, Jason encouraged her to let them flow.
“Crying is such an incredibly powerful thing. Although it can be painful at first, the physiological release you get from crying can be extremely helpful.”
Patton believes that it's crucial for both men and women in the fire service to embrace their emotions and not suppress them. By creating a safe space for emotional expression, we can foster a healthier and more supportive fire service that allows for each person to do their job more effectively.
After failing that inconsequential preceptor test, she has gone on to become a rockstar firefighter for her department and she is engaged to another firefighter. Jason will be officiating the wedding.
In his closing thoughts, Jason urges individuals in the fire service to keep an open mind, engage in respectful discussions, and not fear challenging the status quo. He cherishes the unique bonds that develop within the fire service and values the camaraderie that comes with the territory.
Jason Patton's journey, mission, and message serve as an inspiration for firefighters and all those who encounter his story. His dedication to mental health, commitment to diversity, and his entrepreneurial ventures in the world of Fire Department Coffee make him a true role model in the firefighting community. As the fire service continues to evolve, Jason Patton stands at the forefront, advocating for positive change and fostering a culture of open dialogue.
Jason and EaseAlert co-founder, Blake, at the 2023 FRI Conference in Kansas City, MO.
To enjoy some of Jason’s hilarious content, follow Fire Department Chronicles on YouTube, Instagram (@firedepartmentchronicles), and/or TikTok (@firedepartmentchronicles). To fill your cup with some delicious Fire Department Coffee, visit the FDC Shop here. To learn more about Jason’s story, check out this cover feature by CRACKYL Magazine here.
EaseAlert is designed to reduce stress and improve efficiency for firefighters like Jason.