From the Firehouse to Founder: My Journey with Blue Collar Firemen

I’ve been a firefighter for 16 years, but firefighting has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. As a third-generation firefighter, I grew up in Monmouth County, New Jersey, surrounded by the fire service. My grandfather and father both served as chiefs of my local fire department, and I spent countless hours at the firehouse, soaking in the culture and camaraderie. By 15, I joined the fire company as a junior firefighter, and that’s when my path truly began.

After training at the Monmouth County Fire Academy, I started as a volunteer and worked my way to a career position with the City of Long Branch Fire Department. The City of Long Branch is a compact, six-square-mile community located along the Jersey Shore. Despite its size, it is incredibly diverse, with a wide range of challenges for first responders. Our incidents involve everything from high-rise buildings and private homes to sprawling estates, train stations, a hospital, and 4 miles of beaches. Each shift presents a unique and dynamic set of situations, ensuring no two days are ever the same. Even with limited staffing, our department prides itself on aggressive and efficient fireground operations.

But my journey hasn’t just been about responding to emergencies; it’s about fostering a stronger, more unified fire service. That’s what inspired me to create Blue Collar Firemen in 2018.

How Blue Collar Firemen Came to Life

Initially, Blue Collar Firemen was just a social media page. I wanted to celebrate the grit and determination of firefighters who embrace the job’s blue-collar roots, solve problems, and work hard without seeking recognition. At the time, I was frustrated with the negativity I saw online, where firefighters were tearing each other down. I thought, “Why not use this platform to highlight the good?”

The page took off faster than I could’ve imagined. Within months, I had thousands of followers. People began reaching out, asking for merchandise to represent the brand. So, I ventured into apparel, starting small and learning as I went. Today, our store includes everything from hats to shirts to stickers, and every design reflects the rugged, hardworking core values of the fire service.

From a Brand to a Community

Blue Collar Firemen has grown beyond social media and merchandise. It’s now a thriving training platform. I know how vital ongoing education is for firefighters, so I launched the Blue Collar Firemen Training Platform, where we deliver top-tier fire department training to firefighters nationwide, accessible via the web or our iOS-based application. These sessions bring in experienced instructors from across the country to cover topics that firefighters of all levels can benefit from. Whether you’re new to the job or a seasoned veteran, our training is designed to be practical and immediately applicable.

What’s great about the platform is its accessibility. Firefighters don’t have to travel or spend a fortune to get quality training; they can join from their firehouse or living room. These sessions have been a game-changer, and my goal is to continue to grow our library of recorded training classes so firefighters can access them anytime.

Keeping It Blue Collar

To me, being blue collar means staying true to the hands-on, gritty nature of firefighting and always putting the citizens we swore to protect first. That’s the culture I want to preserve through Blue Collar Firemen. Whether it’s through training, merchandise, or our community, I aim to celebrate the firefighters who live and breathe this job.

Our training platform also emphasizes community. Firefighters can connect through our training forum, share experiences, and learn from one another without the negativity that often plagues other social spaces. It’s not just about skills; it’s about building relationships and passing down knowledge.

Looking Ahead

As Blue Collar Firemen continues to grow, I’m excited about what’s ahead. I want to expand to in-person training opportunities and strengthen our charitable efforts to support firefighters and their families. We’re already working on more projects to give back to the fire service, and I’m committed to using this platform to make a positive impact.

For me, the mission is simple: to strengthen the fire service, one firefighter at a time. Whether it’s through training, a piece of advice, or a shirt that represents the values we stand for, I want Blue Collar Firemen to be a source of pride and progress for the fire service.

I’m grateful for how far we’ve come and for everyone who’s supported this journey. The fire service has given me everything, and through Blue Collar Firemen, I hope to give something meaningful back.