33 - Mastering the Craft: Jeff Rothmeier on Tactics, Brotherhood, and the Firefighter Mindset
About this episode
Jeff Rothmeier shares his experiences as a firefighter and combat veteran, discussing the importance of brotherhood and preparation in the fire service.
In this powerful episode of The Forward Firefighter, I welcome Jeff Rothmeier—career firefighter, decorated combat veteran, and author of Mastering the Craft. With two decades of experience spanning urban search and rescue, technical rescue, and engine and rescue company work in both Saint Paul and Milwaukee, Jeff brings depth, humility, and passion to the conversation. Jeff talks about his early days growing up on a Minnesota farm, his military service in Iraq, and how those experiences shaped his work ethic and mission-driven approach to the fire service. You’ll also learn about his current roles with Rescue 1 and Station 23 in Milwaukee. He shares the story of a devastating fall from a roof while on the job. At the same time, his daughter was going through a major medical battle. Learn how the fire service brotherhood carried him through both. Jeff also reflects on what led him to write Mastering the Craft, emphasizing the need for competence and preparation behind every aggressive tactic. Whether you’re on a rural volunteer crew or riding with a busy rescue company, this episode will challenge and inspire you to approach the craft with greater purpose, pride, and perspective.
People in this episode
Host: Dan Retzlaff
Guest: Jeff Rothmeier
Topics covered
- firefighter mindset
- tactics
- brotherhood
- military service
- work ethic
- rescue operations
Keywords
- firefighter
- tactics
- brotherhood
- military
- rescue
- work ethic
- Mastering the Craft
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Rescue 1, Station 23
Books & works: Mastering the Craft
Places: Minnesota, Iraq, Saint Paul, Milwaukee
More episodes of The Forward Firefighter
- 41 - From High School Cadet to FIre Science Student: Bridging the Gap Between Technical Education and Real World Experience.
- 40 - Navigating the Frontlines of HAZMAT with Beth McCormick
- 39 - Your EV Fire Playbook: Tactics, Tools, and Lithium-Ion Safety with Paul Shoemaker
- 38 - Challenging Fireground Assumptions with Captain Nick Ledin.
- 37 - Volunteer Firefighting: It's a Family Affair
- 36 - The Best of Us. Filmmaker Ben Cook and Chief Matt Boulding on the documentary featuring the Cornell Volunteer Fire Department
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