Justin Champion
Justin Champion is a combat veteran, firefighter, and mental health advocate with nearly two decades of service in uniform, both on the battlefield and the fireground. As the founder of From the Ashes 505 and an instructor with the New Mexico State Fire Academy, Justin brings raw, insight into aggressive firefighting, authentic leadership, and the mental health battles first responders can’t afford to ignore.
A decorated Army NCO turned fire service leader, Justin has served as a company officer and deputy chief, earning respect by evolving from a hard-charging but unapproachable boss into a leader who values listening, mentorship, and building trust. He holds extensive certifications, including Fire Officer IV, ISFSI Live Fire Instructor, Hazardous Materials Technician, ARFF Firefighter, Tactical Medical Practitioner, and multiple CPSE designations (Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer).
Justin’s passion lies in raising the standard of the fire service through realistic training, honest leadership, and addressing the “mental IDLH” head-on. He speaks openly about breaking the stigma around firefighter mental health, pushing firefighters to be sharper, tougher, and more resilient without losing sight of their humanity.
When he’s not training firefighters across New Mexico, Justin is dedicated to his family, traveling, staying fit, and being active in his church. What drives him is simple: leaving the fire service better than he found it, one firefighter at a time.
Christian “Old Man Copper” Scheule
Christian Shuele didn’t start until he was 33, and still carved out 22 years on the job. From the truck to the training ground, from leading recruit schools to chasing down investigations, he built a career on tackling challenges head-on. He’s proof that it’s never too late, never too tough, and never too far gone to make an impact.
And that’s exactly who you’re about to hear from.
Christian is the owner of Old Man Copper and a retired Lieutenant with Clearwater Fire Rescue. Over his career he rode rescue, spent nearly a decade on Truck 48, served as a shift training and safety officer, ran six recruit schools, and later worked as a fire investigator and inspector before retiring. Along the way, he earned certifications from Fire Officer II to Fire Instructor III, served as a peer fitness trainer and counselor, and built training programs that outlived his time in uniform.
George Redner Jr.
George Redner Jr. devoted 37 years to the fire service, serving as Lieutenant, Captain, and Safety Officer. First introduced in 1984, he built a career grounded in discipline, tradition, and mentorship—values passed down to his five sons, four of whom serve as volunteer firefighters today.
In 2015, George lost his oldest son, George III, to suicide, followed by the loss of his son’s partner and his second oldest son. Out of unimaginable grief, George chose purpose. He became certified in Peer-to-Peer Support and helped launch one of Pennsylvania’s first firefighter mental health programs. Today, he shares his family’s story to break stigma, build resilience, and remind first responders that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Now retired, George continues to serve as State President of an international firefighter motorcycle club, speaks across Pennsylvania on mental health and resilience, and lives by the belief that the day you stop learning is the day you should walk away.
Jason Freeman
A 23-year veteran, Jason started as a volunteer before stepping into a full-time role where he’s built a career on both frontline operations and leadership. He holds a B.S. in Fire Service Administration, is ProBoard certified up through Fire Officer IV, and carries additional credentials as an Engine Boss, NREMT-B, Rope Rescue Technician, and Confined Space Rescue Technician.
But Jason’s story goes deeper than titles and certifications. He’s faced the hard lessons of leadership—like supervising peers who didn’t handle promotion outcomes well—and learned that negativity never exists in a vacuum. Those experiences have sharpened his focus on culture change, succession planning, and the need for stronger support systems for officers. Grounded by mentors Vern Miller and Scott Levesque, and balanced by hunting, boating, and family life with his partner Rachel and her children, Jason has built a leadership style rooted in both passion and perspective.
Wayne Jones
Wayne Jones is the Training Captain for Horry County Fire in South Carolina. He’s a published author, an adjunct instructor with the South Carolina State Fire Academy, and a nationally recognized presenter who has shared his message at conferences across the country. Wayne is also the creator of the program ‘The Why Before the How,’ which is also a book wayne also authored step up to the chalk board and leave your thumb print and which has challenged countless firefighters and officers to rethink the way they approach training.
On top of all that, he runs The Firefighters Chalkboard, an online platform dedicated to sharpening skills and sparking critical conversations across the fire service. And while he’s accomplished so much professionally, Wayne is also a proud dad to three daughters and soon-to-be a grandfather — or Poppy as he’ll be called.