61. Leaving the Military, Overcoming Loss, and Building a Career in Safety - Chris Lopardi
The FireDawg PodcastShow Notes
In Episode 61 of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt Wilson is joined by former Air Force firefighter Chris Lopardi for a conversation about service, loss, fatherhood, and transitioning out of the military.
Chris shares how losing his son, Mason, shaped his outlook on life and influenced his decision-making during and after his time in the Air Force. The episode also explores why transition planning should begin years in advance, what service members should focus on before separating, and how fire service experience can translate into successful civilian careers.
Chris now works in Environmental, Health, and Safety and offers insight into what that career field looks like after military service.
More from The FireDawg Podcast
In Episode 69, Matt and Austin explore how real-world experience, hard calls, mentorship, and recognizing what you don't know can shape the way firefighters train and make decisions.
What does it take to become an Indiana Smoke Diver?
In this episode of The FireDawg Podcast, we sit down with Kim Jolly, CEO of AOS Services Inc., to discuss the critical role equipment testing, maintenance, and compliance play in keeping fire departments operational and mission ready.
In Episode 66 , Matt sits down with Flip Griffin. Flip's journey spans from Navy corpsman to Search and Rescue professional, ultimately serving as a Command Master Chief—one of the highest enlisted leadership roles in the Navy—before transitioning into fire service leadership consulting.
In 1977, the Honda Canyon Fire swept across Vandenberg Air Force Base—now Vandenberg Space Force Base—becoming one of the most significant wildfires in the installation's history and reshaping how the department approached wildland firefighting.