Recognitions & Awards

Here's a story for you about me that I've never told anyone. I had a period of about 1 year on Chicago where I didn't attend any extra training classes or do ANYTHING to improve myself as a firefighter. I didn't want to train, and I thought I was Mr know it all. Training was for guys who don't get fires, but I'm a Chicago Firefighter, and I'm better than everyone. That was my thinking. Anyway, I decided to take RIT Under Fire at IFSI 2yrs ago. That course SEVERELY HUMBLED ME, and changed my life

completely. It made me realize that first of all, I was AN IDIOT for ever thinking I was better than anyone. If anything, I respect guys at smaller Depts more than us cuz they don't have the resources we do, and most train more than us. The second thing I realized, or changed about myself, is even if we don't have time to train on something at work cuz we have 20 runs, I will always at least read through a General Order or SOP of ours every day!! That was over 2yrs ago, and I've stuck to the training aspect. That includes trying to be healthier. Can you believe that there are still things I read to this day that I didn't know??? I know this is a long text to say the least, but seeing the stuff you post on brotherhood coaching keeps me motivated to keep going, and try to be the best firefighter I can be. Thanks for keeping me inspired to do my best bro!!

Capt. Lovato,

I just want to thank you for writing your book. It really opened my eyes as to how I view this job. As a firefighter/paramedic, I felt like I’ve always been very proficient on both sides of the aisle. But one day listening to the podcast, and having been reading the book, it hit me- what am I doing here? I come to the station, I work and do my job to the best of my ability, but I’m not leaving anything- I’m keeping to myself. So I really started to look into what I can do to leave a better legacy. Sure I still have 25+ years (hopefully), but better to start sooner than later. That’s how I came across your book, and podcast.

Fast forward a few months, and I finished 2nd on my Lt. Test, hurt only by the fact that the #1 guy had more seniority. Both of our chiefs have approached me to shake my hand and tell me how much of a change for the better they’ve seen, and how they have been impressed with my vast improvement on the test from last time.

I finished I had the tools and knowledge, but your book and videos/podcast have really helped to motivate me to be better, and leave that for our younger guys. Thank you, and keep up the great work Capt.!

If you were only my Chief. Sometimes I get the feeling you send these emails out knowing exactly how I feel and what I need to hear you are incredibly inspirational John, thank you so much I truly believe you’re one of the reasons I am still on this planet.

- Charles McLeod

Is wasn't just me. You and ray both helped. We are all better when we work together and look out for eachother like a family. We are there with eachother more then we are home. Working together all of us are a great team. we all together add value, with dedication, great potential, with all different skills& qualities and exponential value. I am glad we are all working together to strengthen Ashift sta3s bond. Yes we are a busy station and sometimes it's a hard pill to swallow. As long as we enjoy our crew and make our fire house like home. Where we always enjoy coming to work. We can make the best of any bad situation. I like to give credit where credit is due. You have impressed me in the changes you made and the time you devoted in increase you knowledge and skills to make you a better leader and officer. Also appreciate you taking the time to build station 3, a better home for all of us. Again thanks for all your doing and building things together as a crew. Good job brother and keep up the good work. Your daughter will be happy and proud you her father. Enjoy ur day