Episode 109 – Embracing Change with Chris Sleigher
In this episode, we’re joined by Battalion Chief Chris Sleigher—who spent 17 years as a captain and isn’t afraid to shake things up. We dive into why change in the fire service can feel like pushing a boulder uphill, and why staying curious (instead of just comfortable) is key to evolving our profession.
Chris shares his take on how change should be rooted in evidence-based practices—not just tradition or opinion—and isn’t shy about discussing some of the more controversial ideas he’s brought to the table. From challenging long-held policies to rethinking operational norms, this conversation gets real.
It’s a healthy, thought-provoking, and honest chat that’ll leave you thinking about how we lead, adapt, and grow. Give it a listen and enjoy.
A little more about today’s guest…
Chris and his significant other, Joanna, have four kids. He is the father of two girls, Mackenzie and Blake, and his bonus family members, Jenna and Chase.
Chris is a battalion chief with the Mesa Fire Department in Arizona. With over 26 years on the job, he has held the ranks of firefighter and engineer and served as Captain for over 17 years. Chris is also a lead instructor with Fire By Trade and has taught at numerous fire conferences, including Firemanship, Mile High, HROC, North Florida Expo, New England FOOLS, Mid-west Area Fire Academy, Lake Effect, Command and Courage, Back Step, Arizona State Fire School, and several others. As the former president of Firenuggets, he has facilitated over twenty outside classes ranging from leadership to interior firefighting, along with four major fire conferences, and collaborated with David Rhodes and Fire Engineering to complete the Book of Andy Fredericks. Chris excels in engine company operations, drawing on his diverse experiences handling everything from single-family homes to high-rise buildings.
________________________________________________________________________
You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email! If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: thefirenuggets
IG: FireByTrade
YouTube: firenuggets
FB: FireNuggets
FB: Fire by Trade
On the web: https://www.firenuggets.com
and https://www.firebytrade.com
Email: ffcrsleigher@gmail.com
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Popular Podcasts
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.