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🍗 Searing Tips, Crispy Chicken, and The Firehouse Leader's Code

Fuel. Grind. Lead.

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Kait Price & Martin Lemay
June 09, 2025

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🍳 Preheat your pans, not just the oven…

Preheating your pan is one of those simple steps that makes a BIG difference in how your food cooks. A hot pan helps you get that beautiful golden sear on meats and veggies, bringing out flavor through the Maillard reaction. It also helps prevent sticking, especially with stainless steel.

The Maillard reaction is a chemical process where amino acids and sugars react under high heat, creating that rich brown color and deep, savory flavor in seared meats, toasted bread, and roasted coffee. It’s basically the flavor glow-up that makes food taste amazing.

To do it right, place your empty pan over medium heat for a minute or two. Once it feels hot when you hover your hand a couple inches above, add your oil. When the oil starts to shimmer, you’re ready to cook. Just be gentle with nonstick pans, preheat them on lower heat to avoid damaging the coating.

Now that you have a preheated pan…

Don’t overcrowd it! When food is packed too tightly, it steams instead of browns. That means soggy veggies and pale meat. Give everything a bit of space so moisture can escape and surfaces can sear. If needed, cook in batches for better flavor and texture.

Get cooking! 💪 

My favorite non-stick pan 👇️ 

Non-stick. Non-toxic. Use code STATIONCHEF for 10% off

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Fuel

🔥 Sometimes, you need a meal that feels like a reward and refuels you at the same time. This High Protein Crispy Chicken & Waffles hits both—golden, juicy chicken packed with protein, stacked on warm, fluffy waffles that won’t wreck your goals. It’s comfort food with a mission: to crush cravings, fuel your body, and make you feel like you just won breakfast and dinner in one bite.

These are PERFECT for:

✅ A hungry crew at the firehouse

✅ A celebration brunch with friends

✅ A lazy morning at home with the family

Follow along with me in this video and I’ll show you how easy these are! *Click the image below for the recipe 👇

Breakfast that’s actually F-A-S-T

No more sad granola bars or sprinting out the door with just coffee.

Huel Black Edition is a ready-in-seconds shake packed with: 40g protein, 6g+ fiber, 0 prep. Just shake, sip, go.

Get 15% off your first order + a free t-shirt and shaker with code HUELSPRING, for orders over $75.

Lead

❝

Leadership in the fire service is not about rank or title – it's about influence, integrity, and the ability to bring out the best in others.

1️⃣ Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all (But a big heart helps)

Paul Beamon walks us through evolving styles—from the old-school, drill-sergeant days to today’s more democratic and servant-leader vibes. Both styles have their place, but what truly connects them? A leader who cares about their crew’s growth—not just ticking boxes in the chain of command.

2️⃣ Avoid those “Peter Principle” pitfalls

Beamon warns against promoting folks based only on their current role—just because you’re a rock-star firefighter doesn’t mean you’re cut out to lead a team. The trap? Reaching a level where your competence stops matching your responsibilities. It’s a classic promotion blunder .

3️⃣ Six traits that turn firefighters into leaders

He breaks it down into six golden qualities:

  1. Stay cool under pressure – A calm leader keeps the crew focused and sharp.

  2. Hold people accountable (including yourself) – Teach through reflection before reprimands.

  3. Build bridges with people skills – Talk, listen, find common ground—even in a department stuck in old ways.

  4. Communicate clearly… and actively listen back – It’s not just about barking orders; it’s about hearing what’s said (and unsaid).

  5. Give more than expected – Roll up your sleeves, work the extra hour, show the way.

  6. Set—and strive for—excellence – Leaders who aim high infect their crews with the same energy.

4️⃣ Why it matters—for your morale and your safety

The best leaders bring empathy, empowerment, and inclusion. That positive vibe? It doesn’t just feel good—it makes your firehouse safer, smarter, and tighter as a team.

🧭 Final take

Want to be a fire service leader people want to follow? It starts with caring for your crew, staying humble enough to learn and adapt, and modeling the kind of high standards you expect. Hit your people with accountability and compassion, communicate like a pro, and never stop pushing for excellence. You’ll foster a house where everyone thrives—on the fireground and off.

Read the full article here by Paul Beamon from FireRescue1.

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