Ep. 19: Aaron Heller
In Episode 19 of The Volly House Podcast, we sit down with a true leader in the fire service: Chief Aaron Heller. With over 40 years of experience in the New Jersey fire service, Chief Heller is a retired Deputy Chief from the Hamilton Fire Department, where he led the Training Division, and is the founder of On Scene Training Associates. He also serves as a senior instructor at the Mercer County Fire Academy — all while continuing to train, mentor, and motivate firefighters across the country.
This episode goes beyond tactics and titles. It’s about what it really takes to lead — with credibility, consistency, and character.
Who Is Chief Aaron Heller?
Chief Heller is a career firefighter turned nationally recognized instructor, known for his straight-shooting approach to leadership, training, and building better fire service culture.
He spent his career with the Hamilton (NJ) Fire Department, retiring as Deputy Chief after years of overseeing the department’s Training Division. But his passion didn’t stop there — he launched On Scene Training Associates to help bring real-world, street-smart training to departments nationwide. Through his work, Chief Heller has trained thousands of firefighters and officers, from small volunteer departments to major metro agencies.
Leadership Isn’t a Title — It’s a Daily Decision
A core message in this episode is the difference between being in charge and actually leading. Chief Heller breaks down what leadership really looks like in the fire service today:
Leading by Example: On the fireground and in the firehouse, your crew is watching. Chief Heller stresses that credibility is earned by doing — not by barking orders from the sidelines.
Consistency Over Popularity: Leadership is about doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. It’s about being dependable and holding the line — not being liked by everyone.
Respect Isn’t Automatic: Whether you’re a new officer or a seasoned chief, the badge doesn’t earn you respect — your actions do. And once you’ve earned it, you have to work every day to keep it.
Training That Works — And Training That Sticks
Chief Heller is a firm believer that training is the backbone of a successful department. But that doesn’t mean running the same drill every Sunday and calling it progress. We dive into what makes training effective in today’s fire service:
Relevance Over Routine: Training should reflect real-world conditions and challenges — not just check a box. Whether it’s engine company basics or command-level simulations, it has to hit home.
Training for the Rookie and the Veteran: One size doesn’t fit all. Chief Heller shares how to craft training that keeps both new members engaged and experienced firefighters sharp.
Instructor Mindset: If you’re running a drill, your attitude sets the tone. Are you bringing energy? Are you prepared? Are you open to feedback? The best instructors are constantly learning, not just teaching.
Modern Firefighting Meets Old-School Values
Another highlight of this conversation is how to balance tradition with innovation. Chief Heller doesn’t shy away from how the fire service is changing — but he also reminds us not to forget the values that got us here:
Adaptability: From building construction to equipment and tactics, the job has changed — and we need to evolve with it.
Discipline & Ownership: While culture shifts are happening, we can’t lose the fundamentals — accountability, integrity, and a respect for the chain of command.
Humility: Just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s better. And just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s outdated. We need both experience and innovation in the room.
Mentorship: Building the Future of the Fire Service
Chief Heller has mentored countless firefighters over his career, and he views mentorship as a non-negotiable part of leadership. It’s not about giving orders — it’s about giving back:
Pass the Knowledge: If you’ve been in the job long enough to have a story to tell, you owe it to the next generation to share it.
Build People, Not Egos: Good mentorship is about creating better firefighters — not carbon copies of yourself.
Be the Person You Needed: Whether you're a senior man or a first-year officer, the best leaders remember what it felt like to be new — and they lead with that empathy in mind.
Why This Episode Matters
Whether you’re a first-year firefighter looking to make an impact, or a seasoned officer trying to push your department forward, this episode is packed with insight, reflection, and real-world advice.
Chief Heller doesn’t preach from a pedestal. He speaks from experience. From the fireground to the classroom, his approach to leadership is grounded in humility, purpose, and the belief that we all have a responsibility to leave the job better than we found it.
Top Takeaways from Chief Aaron Heller
🔥 Leadership is earned every single day
🔥 Training must evolve to stay effective
🔥 Culture starts with accountability
🔥 Mentorship is mission-critical
🔥 Being a firefighter is a calling — treat it like one
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