Leadership in the fire service isn’t about the badge — it’s about the lives that depend on you. In this episode, Ralph Suppa opens up about the sleepless nights, the toll of responsibility, and the lessons learned from failure. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough for your crew, this one hits home.

What You’ll Take Away:

• Why real leadership means putting your people first — even when it costs you sleep or worse
• How to face the crushing weight of responsibility without breaking under it
• The mindset shift every officer needs to keep their crew safe
• Why failure in leadership can become your greatest teacher

If you’re a firefighter who’s stepping up to lead — or wants to — and you feel the weight of that responsibility, this one’s for you.

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🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!

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Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

Promotion changes everything — not just your title. In this episode, Captain Ralph Suppa opens up about his journey from rookie firefighter to respected officer, the wins that built him, and the failures that shaped him. From grueling tests to unexpected lessons in leadership, Ralph shares what it really takes to step up without losing your crew or yourself.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to build unshakable trust with your crew — even after you make mistakes.
• Why finding the right mentors can change your entire career.
• The truth about the “competition” in promotion processes (and how to turn rivals into allies).
• How to handle the backlash when your success doesn’t sit well with everyone.
• The mindset shift that separates great firefighters from great leaders.

If you’re a firefighter who’s grinding for the next step or struggling with the politics of promotion, this one’s for you.

Support the show

🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!

>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<

Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

You can build something incredible and still serve.

In Part 2, Mike gets real about growing Frontline Optics while staying grounded in firefighter values. He shares the emotional highs and gut checks of going all-in on a brand, how he manages burnout, and why giving back to the fire service is built into his business. If you’ve ever felt torn between your calling and your next move, this one hits hard.

What You’ll Learn:

• The moment Mike knew it was time to leave the fire service, and how he handled it
• Why firefighter grit is your superpower when building a business
• How Frontline Optics supports firefighter mental health through nonprofit giving
• What actually happens after you step away from the job
• How to grow a mission-driven brand without losing your identity

If you’re a firefighter who wants to leave the job better than you found it - and build something meaningful after - this one’s for you.

Grab a pair of firefighter-built sunglasses at Frontline Optics, then check out our training tools at keepthepromisefire.com.
Subscribe, share, and keep the promise - in service and beyond.

Support the show

🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!

>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<

Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!