10/19/2026
MEET THE MANAGERS: CHRIS HERTEL
SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL SALES MANAGER / FIRE TRAINING COORDINATOR
Next up in our Meet the Managers series is Chris Hertel!
Chris is a 22+ YEAR VETERAN OF THE FIRE SERVICE and currently serves as a Firefighter/EMT with the Cincinnati Fire Department, assigned to Engine Co. 35 in Westwood.
And when we talk about having guys on our team who actually DO THE JOB, Chris is exactly what we’re talking about.
Chris brings 22 years of street experience, a blue-collar work ethic, and a passion for aggressive, disciplined firefighting. He’s not interested in checking boxes or teaching tactics that only work when everything goes right.
HE’S ABOUT TRAINING FOR THE REAL WORLD.
Aggressive search and putting victims FIRST.
Forcible entry and getting through the door when it matters.
Vehicle extrication and getting the job done.
Practical fireground tactics that WORK when manpower is short, conditions are getting worse, and time isn’t on your side.
Chris brings a firehouse mentality to everything he teaches. Straightforward, honest, and built on experience. He’s going to push you, challenge you, and expect you to give a damn about being better at this job.
BECAUSE THE CITIZENS WE SERVE DESERVE NOTHING LESS.
Outside of his work on the rig and in the training environment, Chris is also one hell of a photographer! 📸😂
Driven by his faith in God, his family, and his commitment to the job, Chris understands that this profession is bigger than any one of us. It’s about passing down what we’ve learned, building better firemen, and making damn sure the next generation is ready when it’s their turn to go to work.
We’re proud to have Chris representing CFFT in Southwest Ohio and helping us continue to push the mission forward!
WE DON’T JUST TEACH THE JOB. WE DO THE JOB.
FIREMEN SERVING FIREMEN.
Tell us how you know Chris in the comments! 👊🔥