Chief Lepore,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your work in preparing me for my department’s recent Lieutenant test. With almost 1000 people competing for roughly 175 positions, I had some serious competition. Not only, did I enjoy working with you very much, but your insight to promotional exams and how to study for my departments specific style of testing was both accurate and invaluable. Additionally, the private coaching sessions that I did with you prior to each phase of the exam, allowed me to walk into the test confident and prepared. I have no doubt that working with you played a large role in my successful promotion. Thanks again. Take care my friend.
**Update
Boy how time flies. Since we first worked toward my Lieutenant’s exam a few short years ago, I am pleased to say that your coaching helped me achieve my goal of becoming a Fire Captain with SFFD. And most recently I was promoted to Assistant Deputy Chief. Thank you for all of your help and support.
Dale Carnes
Assistant Deputy Chief (Current Fire Chief Sacramento County Airport)
San Francisco Fire Department
If you are looking for fire department assessment center, oral board and promotional help look no further! I thoroughly researched and spoke with many people around the entire country before going with Chief Lepore. No other person or program offered the type of “real” advice tactics and feedback that will not only help you top the list but also truly help you prepare for the job.
On my recent Lieutenant’s exam, I scored top 5 out of over 180 applicants on my tactical, interview, and in basket exercises thanks to Paul. He is very effective, straight forward and knowledgeable. We did 6 phone coaching sessions, each lasting 2-3 hours. I was blown away with what I learned.
I have no doubt in my mind this was the number one reason I made it. If you’ve gotten to the assessment center don’t blow it by depending on stuff groups and what you “think” you already know! Even though my department was 500+ miles away, EVERY piece of advice and tactics he taught me was relevant to my department. I was shocked to walk away from the assessment center confident and felt like the process was easy in comparison to what Chief Lepore had prepared me for.
I had heard so many horror stories about the assessment center I was pleasantly surprised to watch the assessors reactions to my answers and strategies. Calling Chief Lepore will be the best decision you could make if you are serious about being promoted!
Travis Gumm
Fire Lieutenant
Denver Fire Department
Chief Lepore,
I wanted to thank you for all your help and guidance during the course of my preparation for the Captains Exam. I felt extremely well prepared for whatever was thrown my way on the exam. Two months ago I reached my goal and was promoted to Captain. I now realize that you prepared me for the exam by preparing me for the job.
Your teaching style insured my retention and ultimately my success. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together and was happy to make a friend in the process. I would, and have, recommended you very highly. Your practical, proven advice has served me well already and no doubt will continue to influence me in the future. Thank You.
John Lesovsky
Fire Captain
Anaheim Fire Department
Two years ago, I placed 15th on the Baltimore City Fire Department Battalion Chief promotion list. I am pleased to say that I scored number 1 on the next exam! This time I spent time private phone coaching with Chief Lepore. As a result of learning Fire Department policies and procedures inside and out along with taking Chief Paul Lepore’s guidance on tackling the oral scenario panel. He insisted that I needed to stop answering questions in such a formulaic fashion and focus on ANSWERING THE QUESTION ASKED. Thanks, Chief Paul!
Kirk Thomas
Battalion Chief
Baltimore City Fire Department
Chief Lepore,
I wanted to send my sincere thanks to you for all of your help in preparing me for my new position of Fire Captain. While I was confident that I would be able to study my way past the written exam, I also was well aware that I had much to learn if I was going to be successful in the assessment center and in the job itself. You did a fantastic job of helping identify what areas I needed to focus on the most to give me the skills and confidence to be prepared for both the job and the assessment center. I was really able to relate to your method of instruction. One of the biggest things I got from you that likely saved me from some tough learning experiences and poor scores was how to be successful in the station.
What worked in the firehouse years ago and even is condoned today as a firefighter can get you in a ton of trouble as a Captain. The experiences and perspectives you shared with me on many subjects made a lot of sense and I think really resonated with the interview panel and employee counseling panel as I had to address certain hot topic issues. Certainly, the time we spent on tactical operations was also invaluable. You brought up real world scenarios that I never would have been prepared for and helped me build a system for managing almost any incident.
While I am sure money is a factor as people get free input from Captains they trust, I definitely learned through this process that the perspective of other Captains (even ones I trust and respect) is not always up to date with the current thoughts on how a new Captain should manage operations or a crew and can hurt you in the testing process. You’ve been an evaluator for promotional tests throughout the U.S. and know what works. I was determined to take this test only one time and getting your assistance made all of the difference. I know that you have successfully helped hundreds of Captains get promoted over the years, but the results from my test alone speak for themselves. I finished #2 out of 109 applicants. Not only that, but I know that you worked with at least four guys that finished in the top 13. These results reaffirm to me that every penny was money well spent. I would definitely recommend you to anybody taking a promotional test. Thanks again Paul!
Mike Sheehan
Fire Captain (Current Battalion Chief)
Orange County Fire Authority
Chief Lepore,
I just wanted to say thanks again for your help in coaching and preparing me for my departments company officer promotional exam. I was a little hesitant about training with someone outside my agency but that quickly changed in the first few minutes of our first session. Your methodology, breakdown of strategy and tactics is great. The simulations we did were “real world” and the dissecting of every step really helped me in the command process. Understanding and setting smart objectives for an incident has helped me effectively plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate for all incident responses.
Aside from simulations and incident responses, your coaching in personnel scenarios and interview preparation was a tremendous help. I feel those are two areas most people struggle in but, I went into my test day feeling confident that I could handle anything they threw at me. I really appreciate the time you took in person and over the phone to conduct our training sessions. I did not feel any time was wasted and the focus was spot on for both the promotional exam and incident operations.
I guess I failed to mention, I placed third in the testing process out of seventeen strong candidates. I will be getting promoted towards the end of this month and I am the first non-medic firefighter to go from firefighter to captain in my department. Needless to say, when I start my preparation for battalion chief, I will be contacting you again.
Thank you very much
Joshua Dinkle
Fire Captain
City of Corona
Chief Lepore,
Thank you again for all of your help in getting me ready for my test. You helped me with much more than just the test – I am using our little talks everyday someway or somehow when I am dealing with people and trying to learn my new position. “If you are serious about a career or a promotion in the fire service, Chief Lepore will get you where you need to be. Paul’s teaching method is very practical, and pertinent to the position you are trying to achieve. Whether it is guidance on getting a study program started, or mentoring throughout your preparation process, Chief Lepore offers a great learning environment that I highly recommend.”
Jeff Boyles
Battalion Chief (Current Fire Chief)
Newport Beach Fire Department
Chief Lepore,
I write this as I am finishing my first segment in the front seat as a Beverly Hills Fire Captain. I am extremely thankful for your assistance along the way. I always felt like I had all of the tools along the way, but you helped me to put them into order. In addition, you helped me gain a new perspective of the Captain’s position. For that I am very grateful. My sessions with you prepared me for the promotional process in ways that I did not expect. Beyond the increased understanding of my tactical responsibilities, your mentoring helped me to get to know myself better.
You have assisted me in broadening my knowledge of what it takes to become a leader in the Fire Service. Our discussions regarding my administrative allegiance, discipline, coaching and mentoring, and so many other pertinent topics truly motivated and steered me in the right direction. Thanks again Paul, I couldn’t have done it without you!
Jon Borer
Fire Captain
Beverly Hills Fire Department
Chief Lepore’s experience and knowledge prepared me to embrace the exam process poised and confident! His unique teaching style put me in a relaxed setting that gradually increased my self-assurance following every step through the assessment. After several sessions I felt well prepared for my exam. Chief, your coaching and mentoring left me eager to venture into my new position and to “Model the Conduct!” Once again, thank you for sharing the knowledge.
Luis Nevarez
Division Chief
Tulare City Fire Department
…Before I reached out and received assistance from a mentor, I thought I could do it on my own; after all I had twenty-five years of service with the LAFD. I believed that I been to all the big fires and responded to all the complicated EMS calls that any Firefighter has experienced; surely I could handle the endeavor of a promotional exam. That was my mind-set before I “fell on my face” and the Chief’s interview. The competition is fierce. I’ve learned that the promotional candidate needs to be competent. I had the experience, but I wasn’t versed with the fine tactical points and the method to deliver my abilities in the testing process.
What I learned from Chief Lepore was a thorough way to handle personnel problems and explain, as a fire officer, my tactical operations while on the fire ground. He individualized each area by helping me refine my natural abilities. Chief Lepore prescribed a method of success base-off my thought process, experiences, and time on the job. This is the trademark of his service and has truly given me the edge that I needed. I am proud to say that I have recently promoted to the rank of Fire Captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department. I recommend a one-on-one coaching service with Battalion Chief Paul Lepore. ……Thank you Chief Lepore.
Edward S. Valdez
Fire Captain
Los Angeles City Fire Department
Chief Lepore, I just wanted to say thank you for your private coaching for our recent San Francisco Fire Department’s Lieutenant’s promotional exam. As you know, over 850 people competed in the exam. I am proud to say that my study partner Dale Carns and I were promoted in the first group. Without your knowledge and insight, I don’t know if I would have scored as well as I did. So for that I would like to say thank you, and that I am deeply grateful for your time and effort. Again thank you for everything that you have done for me and the others. Sincerely,
Mike Fucciolo
Fire Lieutenant
San Francisco Fire Department
Chief Lepore, thank you for being a great friend and mentor throughout my fire service career. Chief Lepore from the beginning has set me straight with his outstanding organizational skills, dedication, and attention to detail when it comes to the fire service promotional process. His efforts have produced high quality results time and times again for finishing #1 on my first entry-level test and then #2 on my Captains test with Long Beach Fire. Chief Lepore has the essentials to help a candidate package, process, and understand the proper direction to be successful in the fire service. Chief Lepore helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses to further prepare you for game day and your career. If you are want to be the best in your promotional process then you must go to the best; Chief Lepore.
Larry Coots
Fire Captain
Long Beach Fire Department
I reflect on how impactful your time and effort was by way of information, style and delivery. I know that the time you invested in me had a direct reflection of how I looked at the exam, but more importantly trained to perform on the job. It is with sincere gratitude I write you this long overdue “thank you.” I have enjoyed applying the KSA’s you imparted and practiced with me. I know your delivery was modeled based on my learning style and need to understand the material; your individual tutorial sessions assist me in developing the performance required to do the job. Again, I personally appreciate your continued influence on me, and more importantly, the Fire Service.
Tim Adams
Battalion Chief
Anaheim Fire & Rescue
“I truly believe that seeking the guidance of Chief Lepore was crucial to my success in promoting to Fire Captain. I found that consulting with a source outside of my agency gave me an additional perspective and knowledge base to draw from. This enabled me not only to prepare for the test but for the job as well. Chief Lepore has extensive experience on the other side of the table during promotional exams and is a tremendous resource. I highly recommend those looking to promote to invest in their future and utilize his services!”
Mike Ortiz
Fire Captain
Orange County Fire Authority
I owe my Battalion Chief’s promotion to Chief Paul Lepore. I say that because, he is the only difference between my first two failed attempts and my successful completion of the exam the third time around. I tried studying on my own the first two times I took the exam. This time, I went to Paul for help. I spent time reviewing the material on his web site and met with him six times in person. I felt very confident going into this test. Don’t waste your time like I did the first two tries and go to Chief Lepore now.
Chief Lepore has successfully mentored students from the entry level exam to various Chief’s exams. Paul studies the exam process and collects information from many sources. All of his students come back to him with the results of their tests. The material is then processed and used to keep abreast of the current trends in testing. He knows what the raters are looking for and how to get you to that level. He has the unique ability to find out what your deficits are and work on them, turning them into your strengths. I couldn’t recommend Chief Lepore any higher, than to state again that he coached me to my new position as a Battalion Chief with the Long Beach Fire Department. Thanks, Paul!
Greg Henry
Battalion Chief
Long Beach Fire Department
What sets Chief Lepore apart from other Chief Officers has been his commitment to the promotional process. His practical experience as a Chief Officer and his inside knowledge of the testing process is invaluable for those aspiring to advance to the next higher rank. Chief Lepore, through his one on one mentorship, was able to teach me the “thoughts, actions, and deeds” of a Chief Officer. How effective is he? I got promoted on my first Battalion Chief test! Having his undivided attention allowed me to develop an understanding of the position and to answer every question I had about the testing process.
How many times in the past had I heard one of my Chief’s tell me about a great firefighter who prepared for the position but failed to prepare for the test. I believe that the two must go hand in hand. Chief Lepore will not teach you to “beat the test” rather he will prepare you for the position. He draws out the best in you and adapts it to the testing process. I walked into a 4 hour testing center with confidence. I was amazed at how well Chief Lepore had prepared me. I had trained hard at his coffee table, I knew the material, I understood the testing process. I tested the way that I trained and I got the badge! Now that I am promoted, I know that I can handle anything that comes my way.
Glen M. Holder
Battalion Chief
San Diego Fire Department
I wanted to express my sincere appreciation to you for your coaching and mentoring over the past four months. Your knowledge and perspective of the job is without question one of the best! Your ability to teach real world problem solving techniques and operational tactics has prepared me for the position of Captain. Your ability for figuring out the strengths and weaknesses of a candidate and then developing a road map for success is what makes your program truly unique.
When I came to you I was a candidate, when we finished I was a contender. On the day of the test I felt confident and assured that I was ready. Your teaching made the difference, I finished Number 1! I would Highly Recommend any candidate taking a promotional exam to spend the time and meet with Chief Lepore. It is the difference between being a candidate and being a contender! Thanks again!
Jason Pyle
Fire Captain (Current Deputy Chief)
Costa Mesa Fire Department
Chief Lepore, I wanted to thank you for the coaching you gave to me for my recent Captain’s exam. I know that the confidence that you help instill in me carried me through the test. I also think it is very telling of your coaching ability that the top three scores on this Captain’s test were all coached by you. So, thanks again and I am sure in a couple of years I will be contacting you for help with the BC exam.
Jamie Newton
Fire Captain (Current Deputy Chief)
Fullerton Fire Department
There were many candidates from my department that went to Battalion Chief Paul Lepore for promotional coaching. Thankfully, I was one of them. Was I hesitant? Yes. Did I regret it? Absolutely not! Paul is, and was, a great asset to me and my promotion to Captain. I can tell you that his methods, techniques, and tactical scenarios work. I used them for my Assessment Center Test.
I am proud to say that I scored in the top ten out of 85 candidates testing. I know that the days with Paul and my study partners were the reason for it. If others come to me asking for some help, I am first recommending Paul Lepore. Use him, trust him! I did.
Stan Sgambelluri
Fire Captain
San Diego City Fire and Rescue
Chief Lepore, Today is my first day as the City of Huntington Beach Assistant Fire Marshal. Thank you for taking the time to mentor and coach me in preparation for the oral interview for this position. The practice interview critique you provided allowed me to see which of my strengths to emphasize during the interview, and also, where I could improve in preparation for the exam. In particular, your insight on leadership in the fire service renewed my passion for service and allowed me to see a Chief Officer’s perspective on promoting people into leadership/supervisory positions.
Your coaching inspired the best in me and led to a successful interview and to becoming the Assistant Fire Marshal in the City of Huntington Beach. Thank you Chief Lepore! Sincerely,
Joe Morelli
Assistant Fire Marshal
Huntington Beach Fire Department
Chief Lepore, Thanks to you, I have achieved my career goal of becoming a Battalion Chief. Your no nonsense instruction style was very effective for me. Your high energy also made the process very enjoyable. I can highly recommend you to anyone who is interested in promoting or needs to improve their skills.
Rick Riley
Battalion Chief
Fullerton Fire Department
I have had the opportunity to work with Chief Lepore for two promotional exams. Chief Lepore assisted me in my interview preparation for Engineer in which I finished top 10 out of 120 and most recently helped prepare me for the assessment center during my Captains exam in which I finished number 1. My success is a direct result of the time I spent with Chief Lepore. I highly recommend Chief Lepore if you are serious about promoting.
David Gerboth
Battalion Chief
San Diego City Fire-Rescue
I have been taking promotional exams for a long time. This past exam is the first time I decided to look into private coaching. I can say nothing I have done in the past prepared me for the simulation problem and oral interview like Chief Lepore did. I went in to the fire simulation portion of the exam with such confidence and preparation that some of the questions the raters asked, I had already answered. Hearing a rater state “He already answered that question”, just built up my confidence even more.
The oral interview went the same way; I was able to give the raters what they wanted to hear. I will begin a new chapter in my career as a Captain with the Vernon Fire Department. I believe to this day that without the private coaching from Chief Lepore, my success with this promotional process would not have been what it was. I can say that when I decide to advance my career again, I will be contacting Chief Lepore for more private coaching. I encourage anyone in the fire service that is considering taking a promotional exam, to call Chief Lepore. Chief Lepore, thank you for your guidance, experience, and encouragement.
Craig Peltier
Fire Captain (Current Battalion Chief)
Vernon Fire Department
Chief Lepore, I just wanted to thank you for your assistance in my recent Battalion Chief promotion. I am certain that it was your instruction and guidance that put me where I am today. You have incredible ideas and explanations of things that I never even considered. I would definitely recommend you to anyone seeking to promote in the fire service. Once again, thank you for the career guidance.
Ron Stocking
Battalion Chief
Brea Fire Department (Current Fire Chief City of Sand Point, Idaho)
I had the opportunity to work with Chief Lepore to help prepare me for the position of Captain. I found the training and the insight provided by Chief Lepore very helpful. I truly enjoyed the training sessions and each session brought new knowledge and understanding. I am now a Captain and I owe a lot of my success to the time we spent together. Even though I have made Captain, I plan to continue training with Chief Lepore; he has not only become a mentor but also a friend. I highly recommend training with Chief Lepore. His knowledge of tactics and strategy combined with his experience make him a fantastic resource for continuing my education.
Milo Garcia
Fire Captain
Santa Monica Fire Department
Chief Lepore, I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your assistance in preparing me for our Captain’s test. Your intensity, perspective, and passion for the job provided the necessary direction I needed to nail the test. Any candidate considering taking a promotional test would benefit greatly from the teaching style and insight that you provide. You dialed me in for the test and prepared me for a challenging position that I felt confident to step into considering my short time on the job.
Since the test and my immediate promotion, I have found myself using many of the problem solving techniques we discussed whether they were operational tactics or personnel issues. You are the first person I recommend to people who are contemplating a promotional exam as I know you will provide them with a road map to success.
Thanks again Chief!
Adam Loeser
Fire Captain (Current Fire Chief)
Fullerton Fire Department
*Update – Chief Lepore, Thanks again for your help in my next promotional process. I was recently promoted to Battalion Chief.
I met with Chief Lepore for one year before my Captains test and wouldn’t have been successful without his guidance. He gave me the tools necessary to accomplish my goal of promoting to Fire Captain and becoming successful on the fire ground. Meeting with Chief Lepore was the best decision I’ve ever made because he gave me so much knowledge that I carry on a daily basis. I strongly advise candidates to meet with Chief Lepore so they too can be successful in their career path. The candidates will not be disappointed in their decision and will be steps ahead of the competition.
Kevin Tiscareno
Fire Captain
Newport Beach Fire Department
Chief Lepore, Just wanted to let you know how greatly I appreciated your help over the last year in preparing myself for the recent promotional testing. More than just completing a testing process, you helped me to understand the difference between completing the test to receive a passing score, and achieving the best score possible. During the personal coaching sessions you provided, I quickly learned to prepare for the position first and the testing process would then take care of itself. You also helped me develop my career goals based upon my background – education and a realistic road map and for the position I was working so hard to obtain.
I have found your coaching methods and advise so useful that as an Adjunct Fire Instructor for my local community college, I frequently quote and use your material as a valuable resource. I would strongly recommend your personal coaching secessions to any firefighter desiring to sharpen his skills for advancement or obtain a position in the greatest career there is “The Brotherhood of the Fire Service.” Once again Thank You Paul, for your leadership and friendship.
Bryan Perry
Fire Captain
Bakersfield Fire Department
The time and effort spent with Chief Lepore was the single biggest reason I was successful on my Battalion Chief’s exam. He was able to easily identify my weaknesses and then customized a plan for me to succeed. The learning environment was extremely supportive and positive, yet right on task when I needed improvement. I highly recommend Chief Lepore for anyone trying to promote.
Robb Rice
Battalion Chief
Loma Linda Fire Department
I strongly recommend the career preparation and promotional assistance that Chief Paul Lepore offers. The first opportunity I had to work with Chief Lepore was during my preparation for the Captains promotional exam. Chief Lepore covered fire ground tactical scenarios, personnel issues, and how to do the job of a progressive Captain. Chief Lepore reinforced how to be good on the job, and that would make me successful during the promotional exam. I scored out number 1 out of 12 on my Captain’s Exam.
The practical application on the job of Chief Lepore’s lessons made the position as a Captain even more enjoyable than I expected. Recently, I had the opportunity to take the Battalion Chief’s promotional exam. Prior to the test I continued to apply Chief Lepore’s lessons during my day-to-day operations. Applying the same principles as the Captain’s exam, I enter the Battalion Chief’s promotional process. I came out number 2 out of 16. I have continued to apply the lessons learned by Chief Lepore over the last year and a half as a Battalion Chief. Chief Lepore provided me with the tools to be successful as a Captain and Battalion Chief. I fully endorse Chief Lepore and the services he offers.
Brian J. Helmick
Battalion Chief (Current Fire Chief)
East Contra Costa Fire Protection District
If you want to be the candidate that is fully prepared for all aspects of the testing process, then Chief Lepore is the resource you’re looking for. I encourage anyone looking to promote to meet with Chief Lepore.
Chip Duncan
Assistant Chief
Newport Beach Fire Department
After many years of trying to promote to Captain, I finally met with you to improve my chances of getting promoted. Your coaching helped me realize my potential to manage a major fire ground incident, handle complex personnel issues and refine my oral interview skills. In part thanks to your guidance I was able to promote to Captain. Three years later I set my sights on becoming a Division Chief. Again we worked on ICS, Oral Interviews, and personnel issues, this time taking it up a few notches to match the position. I am honored to say that I received a 100% on my fire simulator as well as scoring well on the rest of the exam. I am proud to say that through your guidance and mentoring I have realized my dream of becoming a Division Chief. Respectfully,
Carl Whitaker
Division Chief
Redondo Beach Fire Department
Chief LePore, I want to thank you for your guidance and encouragement over the last 18 months. Several friends recommended your services and I cannot state how pleased I am that you agreed to help develop my abilities as a fire captain. Your knowledge in personnel issues, interview techniques, tactical considerations and career path advice surely helped to make me competitive among a group of very qualified captain’s candidates.
I am pleased to say that I promoted to the position of Captain in January, 2011. The advice you gave during our training has been applicable each and every shift. Words cannot express how nice it is to be trained for the position I strived for. Other tutors teach how to succeed in the testing process, you teach to be successful after the testing process. You are an admirable instructor and a credit to the fire service. Thank you again! In highest regards,
Joe Matsch
Fire Captain (Current Deputy Chief)
Beverly Hills Fire Department
“I prepared with Chief Lepore for incident management command and control. He delivers a plan that is easy to understand, expandable, and duplicable. I was concerned that it may not work in my jurisdiction because of local past practice. He assured me that Incident Management was the same no matter where I worked. I had prepared my entire career for the position and was ready for more when the test was completed. I found that Paul’s coaching allowed me to demonstrate how our organization can expand our command awareness and grow with the new information. I can now create a plan for any incident that is duplicable for today and the next generation”.
Jim Hanson
Battalion Chief
Ross Valley Fire Department
For those of you considering Chief Paul Lepore’s coaching assistance you will be doing yourself a great service by using his proven methods. As I have found he will give you some of the best advice and strategies in our field. I did a rather lengthy search and found Chief Lepore is the best. While preparing for my exam process I was aware that others were using him in my department.
It was not until after the results were out that I found out he had successfully coached myself to a number 2 spot on the Captain’s list and also, coached the number 1 candidate as well. The study group I was part of retained Chief Lepore for two days. The success of his methods also helped another member of this group finish number 1 on a neighboring Department’s Captain exam. So, there is proof that the information he will provide you with is worth the effort. I would highly recommend Chief Paul Lepore if you desire a superior showing on you next promotional exam.
Bob Atlas
Battalion Chief
Contra Costa County Fire
Thanks again Chief Lepore for all your help. Your coaching helped me improve on the areas where I needed the most help. It’s quite remarkable that I took in your coaching and come out #1, not only in the employee problem but in the test overall. If there was a cookbook for promotional success, your recipe would be on top. Thanks again,
Jeff Gillette
Fire Captain
Loma Linda Fire Department
I cannot explain how nice it is to go into the testing process with the confidence that your preparation has prepared you to tackle any problem or issue the panel will present. Chief Lepore’s coaching helped me gain confidence. In fact, this was the first test in my entire life that I actually could not wait to take, because I felt so prepared. I am now a Captain and I truly believe that my decision to use Chief Lepore’s coaching was the main reason for my success in the promotional process.
We all know how competitive the promotional process is and I truly believe that the private coaching Chief Lepore provides is crucial to being at the top of your game. Thank you again Chief Lepore for your guidance and most importantly your friendship.
Todd Schoenig
Fire Captain (Current Battalion Chief)
Vernon Fire Department
Preparing for a promotional exam can be overwhelming at times. Wondering what are your strengths and what are your weaknesses. Not knowing where to focus as you prepare for the promotional process will most likely have a negative impact on an individual’s performance during the promotional process.
I recently employed the services of Chief Lepore as a career coach to identify my strengths and weaknesses as well as gain insight to the current promotional processes being utilized in the Fire Service today.
Chief Lepore utilizes an honest and straight forward approach during the coaching sessions which helped me focus my efforts as I prepared for the promotional process. This approach minimized the test anxiety and maximized my performance during the promotional process.
As a result of self study reinforced with the coaching I received from Chief Lepore, I was successful in the promotional process and am enjoying my new position as Battalion Chief.
Thank you Chief Lepore
Chris M. Guerrero
Battalion Chief
Fullerton/Brea Fire Department
Chief Fedak,
I wanted to thank you again for providing training on Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) issues, and specifically for giving me an excellent understanding of the challenges facing wildland fire fighters in this region. My training and experience in fire prevention at the Huntington Beach Fire Department included only a minimal amount on WUI, and nothing on wildland fire suppression.
Recently, when the position came open for Laguna Beach Fire Marshal, I was excited at the opportunity and put in an application. However, during the first round of the job interview process, it became very apparent that I did not have an adequate understanding of WUI issues from either the prevention or suppression perspective. Fortunately, I was given your name as an expert in the suppression aspect of wildland fire fighting. I knew that there would be only a short time between the first round of interviews and the second, so I needed assistance quickly.
Your response to my request for help was immediate, and the training material you provided on defensible space, fuel modification zones, and hardened homes was invaluable. It allowed me to start studying the topics before our training, and begin to develop an understanding of the challenges. Our field drive of the interface training helped to really cement what I had started to learn in studying the materials. Seeing real examples of well maintained defensible space and homes designed and maintained to withstand a wildland fire gave me the knowledge and confidence needed to speak intelligently on the WUI issue during the second interview. When asked about my knowledge base by the Laguna Beach Fire Chief, I followed your suggestion about presentation, and told him that I had trained with a Battalion Chief as the beginning of my education on the WUI. I also followed your suggestion and indicated that as the Fire Marshal I would work hard to become a subject matter expert, and work with other Orange County fire agencies to provide the best possible wildland fire protection for Laguna Beach.
As a result of following your suggestions, I was able to take a weakness in my experience and turn it into an opportunity to show potential for professional growth. The second interview with the Fire Chief went very well, and I was offered the position of Fire Marshal with the Laguna Beach Fire Department. My employment with them will be starting in late June, and I’m excited about continuing my education on the WUI.
With much gratitude,
James D. Brown, Fire Marshal
Laguna Beach Fire Department
