Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast
Teaching what it takes to be a successful firefighter on and off the job. Having real life conversations about topics that most people refuse to talk about. Thirdalarmcowboys.com Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys
#130 Do as I say, Not as I Do
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Promo Code- Thirdalarm (20% off first month)
The podcast episode begins with an introduction to the Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast and the host's activities on the ranch. It then covers upcoming events and engagements, sponsorship and promotional content, and a discussion on an upcoming controversial article. The host shares his experiences with chiefs and the realities of ranching, as well as the...
#129 Fire Service Cowardice
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Founding Outlaw App- https://forms.gle/rA3y9vg6UqDcB2gs9
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Promo Code- Thirdalarm
The Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast discusses the growth of the platform, the formation of the Founding Outlaws, and the issue of cowardice in the fire service. The host emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth and standing up for what is right, addressing the challenges...
#128 The Curse
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Protein- https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1-clear/?a_aid=thirdalarmcowboys
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Promo Code: TAC
The conversation delves into the real-life experiences of individuals in the fire service and the impact of personal experiences on professional behavior. It explores the challenges and dynamics of life in the fire service, shedding light on the cross-bugle curse and the need for change and accountability within the industry. The conversation delves into the themes of leadership, accountability, self-reflection, and continuous learning. It emphasizes the...
#127 State of the Fire Service- Radioactive
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The podcast episode delves into the toxic and corrupt state of the fire service, addressing issues of toxic behavior, leadership, and the mental health crisis. It highlights the culture of fear and silence, as well as the duty to act and the goldfish mentality prevalent in the fire service. Heath Meredith discusses the impact of AI in the fire service, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and...
#126 Earning That Title
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The podcast episode features Heath Meredith discussing the growth of Third Alarm Cowboys, his personal background in the oil field, and the value of hard work in the fire service. Heath emphasizes the importance of earning one's title and badge every day through hard work and dedication.
Takeaways
Hard work and dedication are essential in the fire serviceEarning one's title and badge through manual labor...#125 Bridging Gaps feat. Fire Chief Marty Cornilson
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Supplements-
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promo code: TAC
The podcast episode features a conversation between Heath Meredith and Marty Cornilson, a fire chief with 31 years of experience. They discuss topics such as fire season preparations, recruitment and retention challenges, leadership styles, and the changing dynamics of the fire service. Marty shares insights on bridging the gap between fire chiefs and firefighters, addressing staffing struggles, and promoting a positive fire service culture. The conversation covers a range...
#124 Firefighter 6-Packs feat. Captain Dan Ski FDNY
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Supplements- Protein - Energy drinks-
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Firefighter Cigars-
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The conversation covers a range of topics related to firefighter fitness, nutrition, and the challenges of maintaining physical readiness for the demands of the job. It emphasizes the importance of strength, conditioning, and injury prevention for firefighters, as well as the need for a balanced approach to fitness and performance. The discussion also touches on the cultural attitudes towards fitness and the misconceptions...
#123 Fire Officer Tactical Sheet
Fire Officer Tactical Sheet
30 day Breakdown over the real How To be a good officer.
The next generation of firefighters are different than anything we have ever seen before.
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Energy Drinks-
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Cigars-
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#122 Trust and Training
How do Trust and Training relate in the Fire Service?
Whats my biggest flaw?
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Protein and energy drinks
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Cigars
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#121 Us vs Them
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The podcast episode covers a range of topics related to the fire service, including supporting a mentor's political campaign, an upcoming fire summit, hands-on training, the 'us versus them' mentality, financial challenges, and salary disparities in leadership positions within the fire service. The conversation delves into the prevalent 'us versus them' mentality in the fire service, highlighting the impact of this divide on the relationship between firefighters and fire chiefs. It also emphasizes the importance of a mission-focused mindset for both firefighters and fire chiefs, offering insights into the challenges and solutions for...
#120 Texas Roots feat. Captain Kelcey Trotty
Texas Firefighter of the Year
SFFMA 4th Vice President Candidate
Longview Texas Fire Captain
Heath and Kelcey talk about their Texas roots. Growing up together in Nacogdoches. Kelcey is the first Chief that hired Heath for a paid fire job.
Discussion about fire service leadership and the future.
Longview Fire Departments radio tower high angle rescue.
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cigars-
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Protein-
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#119 Lateral Transfers
Are lateral transfers good or bad?
What do they mean for the future of the service?
Why should we even do laterals?
How should be pay?
I challenge Chiefs to listen to this episode and reflect on their opinions about lateral transfers!
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Book Training Today-
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Protein-
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Cigars-
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#118 What is Experience?
What is real fire experience?
Do years of service count?
Are you Brave?
Are you the same person in real life you say you are on social media?
Order your "Pick a Side" shirt today!
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Cigars-
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#117 Calling Balls and Strikes
#117 Calling Balls and Strikes
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Smoky Mountain Wkd Registration-
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Stop riding the fence on everything!
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cigars-
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#116 Violent Encounters
Jake Hecht from VEST First Responder Training comes on the show to discuss his class. Violent Encounters training is now required by NFPA.
ITS ABOUT TIME! We have all had issues with crazy folks on scene or drug addicts. FINALLY someone is addressing the issue!
vestfirstresponder.com
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#115 Small Ball Ignorance
Do we even know the basics?
Complacency isn't killing us in the future... its ignorance!
Fire Chiefs... here is your challenge!
Whats the difference between ball and the fire service?
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cigars-
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#114 Policies are Killing the Service
How are policies killing todays fire service?
Whats more important... your guys family or department policy?
Why cant you hire enough people to fill your departments ranks?
Why does the whole service see a decline in staffing and retention?
Why is the civilian fire death toll increasing?
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#113 Hope Is Not a Tactic
Firefighter critical thinking is dead....
We have to teach them how to stay alive!
Are you just collecting a check?
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March Mayhem Cigar Preorder
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#112 Composure, Character, the Company Officer
#112 Composure, Character, the Company Officer
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Composure even in the hard times
Firefighter Character Matters
How to set the expectations as a company officer
Virtual TAC Lecture scheduled for Feb 20 2026
Book your seat today at thirdalarmcowboys.com
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#111 The Mirror
Order your LIFT and March Mayhem Exclusive shirts today-
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Its time to piss everyone off! Firefighters have to do better!
#110 Still Goin Up
2026 is kicking off with a BANG!
What is the brand of a firefighter?
Why do we let people that will openly say they could never do our job tell us how to do our job?
Order your firehouse fistfights shirts today!
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#109 Fixing Haters and Leeches
How to deal with haters and leeches in the fire service.
What are hater and leeches?
Since when did we stop trying to make things better?
Get in on the virtual TAC Channel lecture.
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#108 The Truth about Hiring
Finally discussing the article about the four firefighters hazing incident.
What is the most important thing in a hiring process?
What does it feel like trying to get that first fire job?
What should I do or say in my interview?
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#107 Tolerance
What is tolerance?
He’s been that way for 20 years.
What’s the current culture on rescuing one of our own in your department?
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#106 Case Law
First video podcast! Discussing the $30 million dollar case law to fix the fire service!! Operations matter.
Go follow and subscribe on YouTube.
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#105 Gettin Out of Running Calls
This episode we talk about how to cheat the system to get out of running calls all night. How did not have to deal with the crackhead. How to get ahead in our career with promotions. What’s the mindset of these young firefighters coming up? Thirdalarmcowboys.com Thirdalarmcowboys@gmail.com
#104 Q&A
1. We keep trying with this guy, but he isn’t getting it. Do we get rid of him?
2. How do I give work references to people?
3. How do I describe leadership?
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#103 Death
Today’s fire service on life vs death
Are we profiting off the death of firefighters?
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#102 Be Who You Claim to Be
Thank you to Gilmer County for bringing us out!
Charlie Kirk and the fire service
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#101 Divided
How is the fire service split? How do we fix it?
Record number of submissions this year?
Silver spoon firefighters?
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#100 Fire Service v. Constitution
Do you have freedom of speech as a firefighter?
What is a public sector employee?
What is hate speech?
Are you a poopy pants?
Thank you for 100 episodes!
Thank you to the Fire chiefs that believe in the constitution!
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#99 Fire Chief Civil War
Did you know there’s such a big fight between Chiefs?
You are living beyond your means! Says some Chiefs across the country. Let’s talk about money in today’s fire service.
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#98 The Engine Operator
This episode is a continuation of #97 Fast Growing Departments. With that I discuss how I believe the EO position is the most attacked position in the fire service.
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#97 Fast Growing Departments
Q&A style episode where I answer the question…
How do fast growing departments handle the balance of needed to grow the staffing vs keeping traditions and standard alive.
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#96 Feuds and Gotcha’s
Q&A episode
Talking shit on a department vs a chief
Why is there a feud between career and volunteer firefighters?
Where do policies and SOGs fit on the fireground?
Facebook comments….
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#95 Fire Service Losers
CRINGE fistfight shirts. Debrief of San Marcos Training.
Huge thank you to South Hays Fire Department for hosting training day!!
Let’s talk about what a fire service loser is.
What mindset gets you in the loser bracket? How are we winning today?
Telling people the equipment they have or are “allowed” to have is stupid?
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#94 Who is to Blame?
The question keeps getting asked who is to blame for the devastating Texas floods. Who is to blame?
I’ve spent the last week digging in and trying to find out why emergency response is such an issue in Texas. This episode I lay out the foundation of how emergency services are funded and controlled in Texas. Why departments aren’t saying yes to helping their neighbors. Share this episode with everyone you know
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#93 Destiny to Legacy Riding for the Brand feat. Idaho Fire Chief Kris Blume
A great discussion with Chief Blume talking about today’s fire service. The mentality of riding for the brand and how it relates to the fire service. We discuss the different timelines of your career.
As an Idaho fire chief, we also discussed the horrific events recently happening with the murder of first responders.
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#92 Real Professionals
What’s professionalism in the fire service?
Prayers for Idaho
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#91 The Chicago Effect
Why did Chicago fire pass this new policy?
How do we save our jobs?
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