You’re Always a Firefighter First – Ryan Pennington
Mon Feb 02 2026
Charleston, WV, Battalion Chief Ryan Pennington joins Peter Matthews to talk about his approach to every shift, reminding himself that he’s a firefighter first and foremost. With that approach, Pennington’s foundation remains rooted in the basics while he has promoted through the fire department.
Pennington falls back on the principles he used to launch his training company, The Views from the Jumpseat, reminding listeners that the jumpseat is where all firefighters plant their roots in the fire service.
They talk about climbing the career ladder and reacting to the number of podcasts, articles and social media talking calling for better fire service leadership and discuss the recurring challenges faced in departments across the country.
How do you start every day as with a firefighter first mentality? Listen to the podcast to find out!
Related links:
Ryan Pennington’s biography and articles on Firehouse.com
Views From The Jumpseat book
More
Charleston, WV, Battalion Chief Ryan Pennington joins Peter Matthews to talk about his approach to every shift, reminding himself that he’s a firefighter first and foremost. With that approach, Pennington’s foundation remains rooted in the basics while he has promoted through the fire department. Pennington falls back on the principles he used to launch his training company, The Views from the Jumpseat, reminding listeners that the jumpseat is where all firefighters plant their roots in the fire service. They talk about climbing the career ladder and reacting to the number of podcasts, articles and social media talking calling for better fire service leadership and discuss the recurring challenges faced in departments across the country. How do you start every day as with a firefighter first mentality? Listen to the podcast to find out! Related links: Ryan Pennington’s biography and articles on Firehouse.com Views From The Jumpseat book