259. "Nothing Easy is Worth Having" - Tom Gherman

Battalion Chief Tom Gherman is a humble man who early knew he wanted to be a firefighter. From his early volunteer days in Lewisburg, WV, this second generation firefighter watched and emulated his father early on. The volunteer fire service left an incredible impact on Tom, realizing how important it is to be apart of something bigger that gives back to the community in which he lived. Furthering his career, he became a career firefighter with Roanoke, VA where he currently is a Battalion Chief. His early days of training and commitment have stayed with him throughout his career. Today, it is widely known in his Battalion that "Gherman is going to make us work" during their shift. Tom believes that when you're working, you're working. It is important to cut out the distractions of everyday life and focus on the job in which you're there to do. Training is important and part of the day in, day out process. Finding time in the hectic schedule can be challenging, but Tom knows how important it is and pushes his companies to make the time. Reflecting back on the mentors that impressed upon him the values of the job, he speaks highly of those who influenced him early on and tries to emulate the same today for those firefighters that look to him for guidance. In fact, Tom is on the show because his own firefighters recommended him to NFR and that his impact on the job and the firefighters is top shelf. A big man with a humble heart, Battalion Chief Tom Gherman loves the job and the people in which he serves and works with.