THMG Presents: Hazard Class

Episode 0017

Dueling Mustaches

Featuring: Firefighter Fenton

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Brent, better known by his online persona Firefighter Fenton. A fire captain and paramedic from Arizona, Brent has built a massive following as a firefighting comedian and parody music creator. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey in the fire service, the inspiration behind his viral videos, and how he balances firefighting, family life, and social media fame.

Resources and References:

Follow @FirefighterFenton: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter(@FirefighterFent)

Fire Department Coffee: www.firedeptcoffee.com

Video Exclusively on YouTube

“ASK STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at HazardClassPodcast@Gmail.com

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class

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Thanks for listening and watching!

Episode Breakdown & Timestamps

Introduction & Guest Welcome (0:00 - 1:07)

Host introduces the show and this week’s guest, Brent, also known as Firefighter Fenton

Brent’s background as a fire captain and paramedic in Arizona

His rise to fame as a firefighter comedian and music parody creator

The Firefighter Fenton Persona (1:07 - 1:49)

How Brent adopted the Firefighter Fenton name and persona

The origins of his nickname at the fire station

The Wheel of Stupid Questions (1:50 - 3:03)

A fun segment where the guest answers random humorous questions

Discussion on whether chewing gum’s calorie count includes swallowing

Brent’s Firefighting Journey (3:03 - 8:28)

How Brent got into firefighting after initially wanting to be a cop

His father’s role in steering him toward the fire service

His first ride-along experience and how it changed his career path

The experience of witnessing his first fire during a ride-along

His first real fire as a professional firefighter and how it felt

Career Progression and Promotion to Captain (8:28 - 14:23)

The time gap between his first fire experience and getting hired

His career trajectory from firefighter to captain

The challenges and process of taking promotional exams

Why he decided to promote and his thoughts on leadership in the fire service

His father’s influence on his leadership style

Firefighting Lessons and Advice (14:23 - 22:35)

The biggest lessons he has learned in his two-decade career

The myth that time in the job equals experience

The importance of decision-making skills for firefighters

Advice for new firefighters on preparing for leadership roles

The Birth of Firefighter Fenton (22:35 - 27:34)

The accidental creation of his firefighter comedy persona

How a parody song about EMS calls became an instant hit

The inspiration behind his famous mustache

Finding the perfect mustache and the massive stockpile he now owns

Content Creation and Social Media Journey (27:34 - 35:50)

His background in video production and music before creating content

The unexpected viral success of his first video

The pressure to follow up with more viral content

Learning to balance social media with his fire service career and family life

The Impact of Social Media on His Career (35:50 - 42:33)

How his online persona has been received in the fire service

Encounters with chiefs and officers who either love or hate his content

Being recognized on calls and in public

The balance between maintaining professionalism and creating comedy

Final Thoughts and Where to Find Firefighter Fenton (42:33 - 47:18)

The support from his wife and family for his online success

Where to follow him on social media (@FirefighterFenton)

His work with Fire Department Coffee and upcoming projects