Summary: Captain Payton Owens of DeKalb County Fire Rescue in Georgia opens up about how personal trauma, professional letdowns, and a lack of support during crisis led him to fight for a better brotherhood in the fire service. His story is a reminder that firefighting is about more than tactics — it’s about taking care of your own. In this powerful episode of the Fully Involved podcast, he shares hard-won insights on culture, apartment fire strategy, water supply, and using gear like the BlitFire monitor — all driven by a commitment to make the fire service better for the next firefighter coming up behind him.
Why Brotherhood Still Matters — and What Happens When It Fails
Payton Owens didn’t just beat the odds — he demolished them. Homeless, abused, and abandoned as a child, he clawed his way to becoming a respected fire captain in metro Atlanta. But the fire service, the very thing that helped him escape the past, let him down when he needed it most.
After a devastating personal loss in 2017, Owens took FMLA leave. For weeks, no one from his department checked in. When they finally did, it was only to ask when he was coming back. That moment changed everything.
He returned to the job with a new mission: to make sure no firefighter ever feels that kind of abandonment again. From union involvement to starting "Brothers Serving Brothers," Owens is now a relentless advocate for restoring the meaning of brotherhood in the fire service.
The Fireground Isn't the Only Frontline
Owens isn’t just passionate about culture — he brings the same energy to training and tactics. He and DeKalb County Fire are go-to resource in the Southeast for apartment fire tactics.
Apartment Fire Tactics: What to Look For and What to Avoid
According to Owens, the most common mistake in apartment fires is getting tunnel vision on the flames and forgetting to clear the structure. He emphasizes reading smoke conditions, recognizing attic involvement early, and stopping fire spread before it races through common spaces.
He leans toward fog nozzles — especially in attic fires — for their ability to generate steam and quickly drop temperatures. That said, he’s not dogmatic. The right nozzle, he says, is the one that gets water on the fire fast, safely, and with precision.
Fog vs. Smooth Bore: It’s All About Application
Owens prefers fog nozzles for attic fires because of their spread and steam conversion. He credits mentors like Sean Gray for shaping his approach, particularly in how different stream types impact victim survivability and firefighter safety. Still, he believes nozzle choice should match the condition, not the tradition.
Water Supply: Fixing Failures with Training and Tactics
In areas with low pressure or unreliable hydrants, Owens stresses driver training and intentional setups. His crews train for failure by using backup lines, reverse lays, and nursing techniques. He warns against relying solely on pressure governors and pushes for active pump operator awareness to prevent pressure spikes that can endanger nozzle teams.
Ground Monitor Tactics: Why the BlitzFire Gets the Job Done
When it comes to monitors, Owens is a big fan of TFT’s BlitzFire, especially for defensive fires and hazmat scenarios. He highlights its stability, oscillation feature, and ability to be deployed without tying up personnel. It’s not just about flow — it’s about efficiency and safety, especially when you need to keep crews at a distance.
Social Media as a Tool for Change
Though initially skeptical, Owens embraced social media to connect, share, and call out excellence. He’s vocal about the need for firefighters to support each other publicly — even if that invites criticism. For him, the point is simple: different doesn’t mean wrong. If it’s safe, effective, and gets the job done, it’s valid.
Final Word: Mission Always
For Owens, being a firefighter is a choice — one that deserves full commitment. Whether it’s digging ditches or attacking fire, the mindset is the same: do it with pride, do it with skill, and never forget the people beside you.
Watch the full Fully Involved episode (No. 2) to hear Payton’s full story — from breaking cycles to building ladders for others to climb.
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