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OUR
MISSION
To build a brotherhood of men who share a desire to grow stronger in life's crucible. To challenge men to be able to speak openly about the struggles they have in life while walking with them through building up the areas of; faith, family, fitness, career, and service to others.
The Fire Up Program exists to give men the tools they need to walk boldly into the storms of life and come out the other side stronger and better equipt to live a full life, enabling them to care for those they are responsible for and be the men they are meant to be. We have found through our own trials in life, that there are things that work and things that do not. We want to come alongside you and share with you the lessons we have learned. We endeavor to pass these lessons on to you through honest and often raw talks on our own experiences, highlighting mistakes made and the paths we found through.
Our cadre members are all professional firefighters and some of us are also veterans of the military with combat experience in Special Operations and the Infantry. The program is informed and driven by many of the experiences we have garnered in these roles, but it is for all men, regardless of occupation or background. Whatever you do for a living you will enjoy and benefit from your time in the program.
We strive to create an environment that will foster deep and lasting friendships. Some of the closest bonds in life are found between people who have gone through a crucible together, whether that be a harrowing combat experience, fighting a structure fire, or something as simple as sharing in an arduous physical task. While we cannot bring you into combat with us or fight a fire together we can face physically challenging tasks together, as a team. We tailor the physical side of our program to each individual, in order to make it challenging regardless of the current level of fitness or pre-existing injuries. The physical aspects of the program will challenge you, without singling you out, embarrassing you, or pushing you too far beyond your capabilities.
Finally and most importantly we will challenge you spiritually. We are men of faith and all of us in one way or another have found great strength there. While we welcome any man that wants to come and better himself we do need you to know upfront that you will hear us talk about God. This is done naturally through our personal stories and is never something that you will feel pressured by. We do not expect or need you to be a man of faith to come to the program. While this is one of the primary “pillars” of the program you can rest assured that the tools and tactics learned here will benefit your life regardless of where you land on the question of faith. While we are men of faith from one background or another we are also men that operate in the very real and rough world of firefighting. As such we speak honestly and bluntly about the things we address in the program, rough language is a part of our lives as men and you will hear that at the program.
If you currently find yourself in a place in life where you know you have areas you need to work on. If you are going through a trial in your life. If you find yourself lacking close friends that you can trust and walk through life with. This is the program for you. You will be challenged, you will be encouraged, and you will leave a better man.
Come experience The Fire Up Program with us and get fired up to be the man you want to be.
The Fire Up Philosophy
Life comes with storms, trials, and tests. Prepare yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically so that when the challenge arises, you are a man prepared to face it and come out stronger for it.
Meet the Cadre
A team of highly motivated and experienced individuals who are ready to help you retake control and focus on your life.
Fire Up Program Board President
Kevin Welsh
Kevin has worked as a fireman and a paramedic at Los Angeles County Fire for the past 14 years. Prior to that, he spent time in both the real estate world and finance. He grew up in Los Angeles in a large multiracial family. A large part of Kevin’s story is making the choice to be sober and holding fast to that commitment for the past 21 years. Kevin’s enthusiasm is infectious and his passion to talk openly and honestly about the issues he has faced in life helps others going through similar things feel less alone and more willing to talk about it and start finding solutions. Kevin is also the co-host of The Fire You Carry Podcast. He has been married to his wife Harmony for 18 years, and together they have two daughters.
Fire Up Program Board Treasurer
Dave Tebo
Dave is a Captain with Los Angeles County Fire where he has focused his incredible energy on leadership, teaching, and fitness. His experience in sports, martial arts, and the military gives him a unique perspective on how to instruct and lead. Through his humble leadership and next-level fitness, he inspires everyone he comes in contact with. His pursuit of excellence in life will challenge you to grow and help give you the tools and actionable steps to do so. He also has a deep passion for being the best husband and father possible. He strives to pass on both his mindset and the steps he takes to ensure success in these areas. Dave is married and has two children.
Fire Up Program Board Member
Chris Ruano
Chris is a Captain with Los Angeles County fire where he has spent the majority of his 20+ years on the wildland side of firefighting. He has vast experience in the world of fitness where he has spent a great deal of time programming and leading PT for wildland camp crews and through his own fitness program, Prep and Defend. His Prep and Defend program is followed by many men working as firefighters, all over the nation. Chris is also an amazing leader and brings a great deal to the table with his personal and professional experience. He has been married to his wife Natalie for 20 years and together they are raising two young men, Joseph and Noah. He is also the host of his podcast, The Prep and Defend Show.
Fire Up Program Board Member
Michael Knobbe
Michael is a Captian with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman where he spent 3 combat tours in Iraq, eventually reaching the rank of Sergeant. With over 26 months served in Iraq Michael is well versed in the impacts that combat experience can have on men and their families. Through his own experience, Michael is passionate about sharing the life lessons he has learned. These are lessons that have great benefit to all men, regardless of whether or not they served. Michael has been married for thirteen years to his wife, Christin, they have a daughter, Kaelynn, and a son, Micah.
Fire Up Program Executive Director
Nole Hunter Lilley
Nole has been a Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighter for 15 years. In the past, he served in the U.S. Army as a Forward Observer. As a member of the elite Special Operations unit, 1st Ranger Battalion, with combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Through his experiences in combat and the deep losses experienced by his family, Nole is intimately acquainted with post-traumatic stress and addiction. His passion is to come alongside men who are struggling in similar ways and help them see a positive way through the storms of life. Nole has been married to his wife Heather for 21 years; together, they have had 5 children. He is also a host on The Fire You Carry Podcast and A Warriors Perspective Podcast.
