The Firehouse Yak: Jesiah Newsome – Removing the Ego from Today’s Firefighter Training

Peter Matthews talks with Reading, PA, firefighter Jesiah Newsome about the importance of keeping training both motivational and inspiring, especially for younger firefighters. They also discuss how a big hurdle in today’s training is the ego of instructors, and how they can lead to negative experiences.
July 1, 2024
2 min read

Peter Matthews talks with Reading, PA, firefighter Jesiah Newsome about the importance of keeping training both motivational and inspiring, especially for younger firefighters. They also discuss how a big hurdle in today’s training is the ego of instructors, and how they can lead to negative experiences. 

Newsome explains the need to create a positive learning environment from rookie school, throughout their career. He is also a deputy chief with the Blandon Fire Company in Berks County, PA, and both a state and national fire service, sharing his experiences from each role on this podcast.

He approaches the fire service with the manta, “You can either bitch about it, or fix it” and explains how you can move yourself and the department forward by ensuring you have the desire to learn, and help others strengthen their skillsets.

Newsome says those who aspire to have a meaningful career, whether volunteer and career, need to short- and long-term goals and offers insight into his goals to provide listeners with concepts they can adapt.

About the Author

Peter Matthews

Editor-in-Chief/Conference Director

Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department and currently is a photographer for the Fort Worth, TX, Fire Department.        

Jesiah Newsome

Jesiah Newsome

Firefighter/EMT

Jesiah Newsome is a Firefighter/EMT with the City of Reading, PA, and Deputy Chief/Training Officer for the Blandon, PA, Fire Company. With over 13 years of firefighting experience, Newsome has held various leadership roles including lieutenant, captain, and assistant chief. He is also a certified Pennsylvania State Fire Suppression Instructor, teaching for multiple agencies including being an instructor at the City of Reading Fire Academy. Additionally, Newsome owns a metal fabrication business that builds firefighter training props. His expertise spans frontline operations, training development, and practical innovation in firefighter education.

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