Deena Johnson Lee
Deena Johnson Lee is a retired fire chief, mentor, instructor, and advocate for leadership development in the fire service. In April 2023, she retired as the first female Fire Chief in the South Bay Region of Los Angeles County and, at the time of her appointment, was the only female fire chief serving across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties.
Beginning her career after working as an EMT in an emergency room, Deena rose through the ranks from firefighter to Captain, Battalion Chief, and ultimately Fire Chief. Along the way, she earned certifications as a Chief Officer, USAR specialist, Strike Team Leader, Wildland firefighter, and California State Fire Marshal Instructor. She also spent twenty years helping develop future firefighters through a local college fire academy and holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science along with the Chief Fire Officer designation.
A passionate advocate for recruitment, retention, and leadership development, Deena is a founding member of the Women’s Fire Alliance, where she helped mentor and support women pursuing careers and leadership opportunities within the fire service. She is particularly proud of bringing the first Fired Up! Girls Empowerment Camp to her department, inspiring young women ages 12-19 to explore careers in public safety.
Today, Deena continues to serve the profession as a coach, mentor, keynote speaker, and leadership advocate, helping firefighters overcome obstacles, realize their potential, and lead with confidence both on and off the fireground.
Karl Tyler
Karl Tyler is a retired U.S. Border Patrol Agent with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience, including 18 years as a K9 handler and instructor. During his career, he served as a Special Operations Supervisor and K9 Coordinator for the Tucson Sector, overseeing detection, patrol, tracking and trailing, firearms and currency detection, and support K9 programs.
Beyond law enforcement, Karl is a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor, and lifelong student of performance and resilience. His passion for judo, jiu-jitsu, strength training, and wellness has shaped his post-retirement mission of helping others build healthier, more sustainable lives both during and after their careers.
Drawing from years of leadership, mentorship, and high-pressure operational experience, Karl brings a unique perspective on stress, health, identity, and personal growth. Today, he is dedicated to helping others understand the long-term impact of unmanaged stress while encouraging first responders and professionals alike to invest in their physical health, mental resilience, and life beyond the badge.
Kelly McGowan
Kelly McGowan is a firefighter with the Baltimore City Fire Department and the founder of Down & Dirty Fire Training. With more than 12 years of experience in both volunteer and career fire service environments, Kelly has served in departments ranging from small, single-station companies to one of the nation’s busiest urban fire departments.
Driven by a passion for culture, standards, and training, Kelly founded Down & Dirty Fire Training to help firefighters build discipline, accountability, and a winning mindset. He is the author of The Aggressive Standard and teaches both classroom and hands-on programs across the country, focusing on the fundamentals that make firefighters and organizations successful.
Holding certifications in firefighting, hazardous materials, driver/operator, aerial operations, fire instruction, fire officer development, and multiple technical rescue disciplines, Kelly is committed to helping firefighters master the basics, raise the standard, and become better than they were yesterday.
When he’s not on the job or teaching, Kelly dedicates his time to his family, who remain the driving force behind his passion for the fire service.
Laura Allen
Laura Allen brings a unique perspective to emergency services through her work in search and rescue, wilderness medicine, emergency management, and K9 operations. As a working K9 handler and trainer with NorthSAR, she has dedicated her career to developing high-performing search teams while navigating the complex ethical and leadership challenges inherent in life-saving missions.
A Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT), EMT, and holder of multiple FEMA certifications, Laure combines practical field experience with academic expertise, earning an MBA in Ethics and Leadership. Her work extends beyond search and rescue into forensic and conservation K9 operations, where she continues to advance the capabilities of working dogs and their handlers.
Passionate about leadership, mentorship, and ethical decision-making, Laure has served on K9 medical committees, mentored new handlers, and presented on leadership and wilderness medicine topics. Outside of emergency services, she founded a charitable organization in memory of her first K9 partner, Casey, supporting wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
Whether discussing leadership under pressure, resilience in the face of adversity, or the remarkable partnership between handler and dog, Laure offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond the search field.
Matt Trent
Matthew Trent has dedicated his career to advancing the fire service through leadership, education, and professional development. Since beginning his fire service journey in 2006, he has served in roles ranging from Firefighter and Driver/Engineer to Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Chief, while gaining extensive experience in incident management, disaster planning, response, and recovery.
A lifelong student of leadership and public service, Matthew holds degrees in Fire Science & Technology, Public Safety Administration, and Public Administration, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Administration. He has earned numerous professional designations and certifications, including Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Member Grade of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE), and Certified District Manager (CDM).
Beyond the badges and credentials, Matthew is passionate about developing the next generation of fire service leaders. A husband, father, and flag football coach, he believes that growth, patience, and continuous improvement are essential both in leadership and in life.
Join us as we sit down with Assistant Chief Matthew Trent to discuss leadership, professional growth, the lessons learned from leading through high-pressure situations, and why sometimes the most powerful leadership tool is simply learning when to pause before responding.