Frontline Mindset Episode 40. Leadership, Loss, and Legacy – A Conversation with Lt. Mark Bender

In this powerful episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob sits down with Lieutenant Mark Bendel, recently retired from the Greenville Fire District, to reflect on a career of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Mark opens up about the tragic loss of his friend and fellow firefighter, Vito Sciavillo, and how that grief led to the creation of his children's book, Scout the Firehouse Mascot. Together, they explore the critical role of mental health in the fire service, the weight of leadership, and the evolving responsibilities firefighters face in their communities. From department transitions to mentoring the next generation, Mark's insights offer a heartfelt and inspiring look at what it means to truly support one another in the brotherhood.