Join us in this powerful episode as we sit down with Brian Daliege, Fire Captain of James City County Fire Department, to explore the realities of modern firefighting, the evolution of leadership in fire services, and the life-changing impact of mentorship in high-stress professions.

Brian opens up about his early life, his path into fire service, and the intense world of wildland firefighting. He breaks down how climate change is reshaping fire seasons, why community support matters more than ever, and the critical role volunteer firefighters continue to play.

This episode also dives deep into leadership. How to guide teams during crisis, connect with the next generation of firefighters, and build a culture rooted in trust, resilience, and accountability.

Whether you're interested in firefighting, public service leadership, emergency response, or the power of mentorship, this conversation delivers valuable insight from a leader who lives it every day.

Follow The Colonel and The Coach

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Colonel-and-The-Coach-LLC/61574148098223/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecolonelandthecoach/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106794699

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PwaqNdtEijgwMYh3aShzZ

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-authentic-leadership-podcast/id1815956469

BlueSky: @colonelandthecoach.bsky.social‬

TikTok: @thecolonelandthecoach

thecolonelandthecoach.com

[email protected]

(802) 203-3371

Schedule A Meeting with The Colonel and The Coach

https://calendly.com/d/cs26-dq6-f73/meeting-with-tcatc

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brian Daliege

01:20 Brian's Journey: From Childhood to Firefighting

05:02 Wildland Firefighting: A Different World

09:52 The Impact of Climate Change on Fire Seasons

13:59 Family Life and Community Service

15:43 The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Firefighter

21:06 The Role of Volunteer Firefighters

24:39 Challenges Faced by Volunteer Firefighters

26:32 Understanding Emergency Response

28:41 Management Styles in Fire Services

34:14 Connecting with the New Generation

38:03 Acknowledging Mentorship and Support

This Episode is Sponsored by Cloche Hockey

Proud supporters of leadership, teamwork, and giving back.

Authentic leadership meets championship culture.

Founded by Colonel Matt Smith (USAF, Ret.) and Coach Cam Ellsworth, The Colonel and The Coach bring decades of military command and elite coaching experience to help build authentic leaders who create lasting impact.

Our apparel carries that mission forward — representing resilience, authenticity, and team spirit. 20% of all sales are donated to AirPeyton and child cancer research.

https://the-colonel-and-the-coach-apparel.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Learn More About Cloche:

https://clochehockey.com/

Keywords

firefighting leadership, fire captain interview, wildland firefighting, fire service mentorship, emergency response, volunteer firefighters, first responder leadership, climate change fire season, leadership podcast, public service leadership