Stop Recruiting Warm Bodies — Start Recruiting Warriors
Please Suck Less
💥 We’ve gotten soft. Somewhere along the line, we started begging people to join the fire service instead of challenging them to earn it. This job isn’t for everyone — and it damn sure shouldn’t be. If you’re not willing to bleed a little, sacrifice sleep, and take the hits that come with this profession, don’t bother applying. We don’t need bodies in seats. We need firefighters with heart, pride, and grit. 👉 If you think you’re good enough, prove it. 👉 If not, move aside for someone who is. Do better. Suck less. You can contact me pleasesucklessnow@gmail.com
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Put the Phone Down, Leave Politics Out, Train Hard — or Get Out
Please Suck Less
Too many firefighters are wasting time doom-scrolling, arguing politics, and ignoring what matters. The firehouse isn’t a lounge or a debate club — it’s where we sharpen skills, build trust, and get ready to save lives. This episode of Please Suck Less tears into: Why your phone is killing your growth and your crew’s future. Why politics have no place in the firehouse. How to create a culture of nonstop training that actually makes you better. 👉 Do better. Suck less.
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Leaders Who Don’t Train First, Eat Last, or Protect Their Crew… SUCK
Please Suck Less
💥 If you’re a fire officer who cuts the line at chow, skips reps in training, or throws your people under the bus — you’re failing. Period. This episode of Please Suck Less rips into what real leadership looks like: Command done right: Life Safety, Incident Stabilization, Property Conservation. Why leaders eat last… but damn sure train first. Taking care of your people so they know you’ve got their back. No ego. No excuses. Just raw truth for the fireground and the firehouse. 👉 Do better. Suck less.
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Don't be an Ass, Don't be spiteful
Please Suck Less
I call out the wannabes and fast-trackers in the fire service. If you want that next set of bugles, you’d better master your current rank first. Remember—this career is supposed to be enjoyed, not just endured. Stop making emotional, knee-jerk decisions that wreck your credibility. Learn when to compromise without selling out your people. I push firefighters to find real mentors, ditch the shortcuts, and step into leadership with grit, brains, and purpose. If you’re serious about leading, this episode is your wake-up call.
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Shut up and let your officers make a decision
Please Suck Less
Summary In this episode, I break down the brutal truth about decision-making on the fireground. When seconds count, we don’t need chiefs calling shots while still responding—we need officers who are empowered to make the call. I dive into why real leadership means trusting your people, not babysitting them. We talk about building a culture where mistakes become lessons, not career-enders, and where leaders back their crews, not break their confidence. If you want to build warriors on the line, you’ve got to give them room to lead.
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Train for everything; High Frequency and Low Frequency incidents
Please Suck Less
I discuss the critical importance of training in the fire service, emphasizing the need to balance training for high-frequency and low-frequency calls. I highlight the public's expectations regarding rapid response and ethical conduct, and stress the importance of accountability and transparency in firefighting operations.
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Accountability, the dirty word. You Ain't Hijacking June!
Please Suck Less
I discuss the importance of accountability for all people, particularly within the fire department. I emphasize the need for discipline and adherence to policies, explaining how these elements contribute to a healthy work environment. Additionally, I highlight June as Men's Mental Health Month, urging listeners to support one another and seek help when needed.
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Lead by example, don't be lazy. Politicians Suck!
Please Suck Less
In this episode, I discuss the essential qualities of effective leadership, particularly in the context of the fire service. I emphasize the importance of leading by example, setting clear expectations, and maintaining core values such as approachability and accountability. The conversation also touches on local political issues in Maryland, highlighting the need for leaders to be aware of their responsibilities and the impact of their decisions.
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Are there any adults in the room
Please Suck Less
In this episode, I discuss the importance of respectful disagreement in leadership and organizational culture. I emphasize that it's essential to voice disagreements with facts rather than feelings and propose solutions. I also critique the current political climate, calling for politicians to act as responsible leaders and find common ground rather than engage in divisive rhetoric. The conversation highlights the need for accountability and constructive communication in professional and political settings.
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If you can do the job, you will have a seat at the kitchen table.
Please Suck Less
In this episode, I discuss the ongoing challenges faced by the fire service, particularly regarding budget cuts and the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Iemphasize the importance of adequate funding for the fire service to ensure public safety and the need for a focus on performance over identity politics. I argue that firefighters are dedicated professionals who deserve proper resources and respect, regardless of their background.
info_outlineIn the fire service when the firefighters are not performing it is the Lieutenants and Captains fault. If the line officers suck it is the fault of the Battalion Chiefs fault and the fault continues up to the chief. The same is true for the civilian world. This is called the chain of suck.
Hold your people accountable set the example and provide expectations.
Don't allow your people to only point out problems. Set a rule that no employee can point out problems or complain if they don't offer solutions. Your people must have the confidence to make decisions and offer solutions. Support their ideas and encourage them to speak up.
Just because some people are not into the job like you are does not make them bad employees. Some don't eat and breath the job like you are. Don't compare someone else to your views. Look at their performance on the job, you will find they are every bit as good as you.
SUCK LESS DO BETTER