Get to Know the Hilarious, Hardworking Team Behind FDC Videos

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April 05, 2024 14 Comments

At Fire Department Coffee, we’re fueled by three things: Caffeine, laughter, and caffeine.

Did we say caffeine twice? Maybe we did. Moving on.

These three things get us through the day — every day — and we know it’s the same for many of you. And once we’ve loaded up on our morning coffee, if we’re not on the job awaiting a call, we need to find some kind of outlet for all that pent-up coffee-powered energy. So we grab a camera and make videos to show you all a slice of life at Fire Dept. Coffee and at fire stations across the country.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably seen plenty of them. And maybe you're curious about the masterminds and social media stars behind those side-splitting videos? Look no further, because we're brewing up a special behind-the-scenes look at the amazingly funny and talented individuals who make Fire Dept. Coffee the brand it is today!

Jason Patton

He’s the VP of Fire Dept. Coffee. He’s the bald head, the wide eyes and the booming voice exploding from your phone when you thought you had the volume much lower. He’s Jason Patton, and he’s the comedic brain behind countless FDC videos.

Jason is a firefighter-paramedic in Florida, and we met him through his own social channels, Fire Department Chronicles, which has amassed millions followers on all major social platforms. When we joined forces, he helped take Fire Dept. Coffee to the next level. He’s a serious firefighter with an incredible ability to find humor in literally any scenario. Some might say too many scenarios. But we can’t get enough, and whenever his eyes light up with his next idea for a video, we know it’s going to be a good one.

Where You Can Follow Jason: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Firefighter Fenton

His wife calls him Brent, but the rest of us know Brent Fenton simply as “Firefighter Fenton.”

He’s a longtime firefighter-paramedic, hazmat technician and a captain with the Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical in Arizona. Like Jason, Fenton built his own following on social media on the strength of his short, hilarious videos that shine a light on the realities — and the absurdities — of life as a firefighter.

You can’t miss him, what with his signature bushy mustache and overpowering, high-pitched scream. Fenton joined the FDC team more than four years ago, and he immediately fit right in with our crew. His over-the-top humor and inexhaustible supply of energy keep us going and have led to some of our best videos ever.

Where You Can Follow Firefighter Fenton: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Randy James

Randy James is a driver engineer and a paramedic for the Rockford Fire Department. He had a front-row seat to watch FDC founder Luke Schneider build this company from scratch. When he saw how busy Luke was getting with FDC, he offered to jump in and join the mission. Today, he’s also our Director of Brand Relations, working closely with our partners to drive brand awareness through social media and content creation.

Along the way, he’s become a regular in our social media videos, and his calm, understated presence provides the perfect contrast to some of our larger-than-life personalities (AKA Jason and Fenton). Randy is subtly hilarious in his own right, knowing just the right moments to deliver his deadpan humor into the mix.

Natalie Adasiewicz

Ten years as an Army National Guard combat medic. Ten years as a city of Rockford firefighter/paramedic. And three years as one of the most important members of the FDC team.

Natalie Adasiewicz is the real deal. If you’ve seen her in our videos, you know she doesn’t back down from anyone. Firefighters like Natalie are showing young women everywhere that a career in the fire service is well within their reach. It just takes hard work — and a good sense of humor. Which Natalie delivers every day, no matter which job she’s working.

When she’s not on the job, you can find her at her local Cross-Fit gym, getting ever stronger. Or getting her newest tattoo.

Where You Can Follow Natalie Adasiewicz: TikTok

Brad Flaherty

Brad Flaherty, though not a firefighter, plays a crucial role as Fire Dept. Coffee's Chief Creative Officer, shaping the brand's success. His background in graphic design and hand lettering caught the attention of founder Luke Schneider in 2016. Since then, Brad's creative brilliance has driven everything from the iconic logo to the dynamic coffee bag designs, cementing his position as a key member of the Fire Dept. Coffee team. Beyond design, Brad also contributes to social media memes, directs video and photo shoots, and occasionally portrays the chief, although he has retired from this role due to his children's distress over his shaved beard.

Where You Can Follow Brad Flaherty: Instagram

Josh Kennedy

Josh Kennedy is a former Marine who served worldwide for six years on active duty and two more as a reservist. He’s a musician, pounding on the drums since age 7 and now performs with his band.

He’s a firefighter, of course, going on five years with the Rockford Fire Department. And he’s a natural-born performer, son of a playwright, and he puts his theater skills on display in front of the camera for FDC on a regular basis. Tall and lean and fully capable of keeping a straight face while coffee is repeatedly dumped on his head, this man can do it all. He’s been an awesome addition to the FDC team.

Lance Woodruff

Lance Woodruff always knew that he wanted to be a firefighter, and he got his start at a young age. It was the adrenaline rush of each new call and the feeling that always comes from helping others.

The comedy came later, but it came just as naturally. Inspired by the likes of Jason Patton, Lance began making his own comedic social videos whenever he got a break from his full-time firefighter-paramedic gig in Longview, Texas. His videos were so funny that they caught the attention of Jason and other members of the FDC crew. So we invited him to team up with FDC.

From the characters he creates to his casually hilarious delivery, Lance has been a seamless addition to our team. You’ll be seeing a lot more of him soon.

Where You Can Follow Lance Woodruff: Instagram and TikTok

We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to produce funny videos that deliver smiles and laughs to our audience. Your unwavering support is what drives us forward ... and of course, the coffee. As long as you continue to enjoy and share our content, we'll be here, dedicated to creating more laughter-filled moments for you.

Cheers!

10 Responses

Chris

April 14, 2025

Hey, retired cop here who has been watching Jason for a long time. I remember seeing some of his videos in training classes as relatable comic relief. I learned pretty early in my career which stations had the best bathrooms and best breakfast. More importantly, I learned to always lock my car lest I return to find shenanigans having occurred…. sometimes they occurred anyway with only half the car being washed or “firefighters are my heroes” written in the dirt where it goes unnoticed for a while.

With the number of first responder suicides in this country, I have no doubt you all have helped some people get through a dark time by making them laugh and maybe saved their lives.

Keep up the good work FDC! And for any first responder reading this, know that there are worthy programs out there that “get us” and can help. You’re not alone in the way the job affects you so don’t feel like you’re on an island and can’t be saved. Here are a few of them.

1strc.org
Healing The Hero
Heroes Guiding Heroes Foundation
NAMI Frontline wellness
Roboot Recovery
Outer Circle Foundation
A Badge of Honor
1st HELP

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Fire Department Coffee replied:
Thank you so much for this message, and for your service. It means the world to hear how much the videos and coffee have connected with you over the years. The stories, the laughs, the “creative” firehouse pranks, they’re all part of what makes this community so special. You’re absolutely right, none of us are alone in this, and shining a light on those vital support programs can truly be life-saving. Thanks for being a voice for strength, humor, and healing. Wishing you nothing but good coffee and even better days ahead.

Heide Massato

April 08, 2025

When I was on Charleston’s Fire Department, pranks abound. My best prank was to get my Captain excited about having a German Kirshe Torte made by me for his Birthday. His wife and all the others at the station knew about the prank. Instead of cake layers, I used those long balloons that get shaped into dogs and the like. After carefully place the balloon on the plate, I decorated the balloon just like I would for a cake. It looked beautiful. At lunch, we decided that it was the perfect time. I pulled it out of the fridge and placed it at the head of the table with the sharpest knife I could, citing it would help it cut through the cherries. He took the knife and it exploded whipped cream all over him. Capt. laughed so hard he fell off his chair. It was a beautiful prank. His wife had a new uniform in the car for him.
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
That is legendary! Perfect blend of planning, execution, and teamwork; classic firehouse humor at its finest. The whipped cream explosion and a backup uniform ready? Absolute pro-level prank, you are a master! Thanks for sharing that one, it gave us a good laugh!

Scott A

April 07, 2025

15 years in the fire Dept. PTSD and injuries sidelined me but your coffee and humor has brought life back into me, I thank you for that. Keep the good stuff brewing, your sweat shirts are warm your t-shirts are cool and the cups are original. Your the whole package keep it coming
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
Thank you so much for sharing that with us. We’re beyond grateful to be part of your journey and so glad our coffee and humor could bring some light into your life. Your support means the world to us. Stay strong, and we’ve got plenty more coffee, gear, and good vibes coming your way!

Samuel Barlow

April 07, 2025

As a EMT keeping going at all crazy hours Is important I appreciate the quality products you deliver.
Comedy and coffee Love it!🤩🥳🥳
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
That means the world to us, thank you for all you do out there! 💪 We’ll keep the coffee strong and the laughs coming to help power those long shifts. Stay safe and caffeinated! ☕🚑

JoEllen Gass

April 07, 2025

I was sitting here drinking my Irish Cream Whiskey coffee while watching the stories and videos here in Severn, MD. YUM! Thanks for the coffee and for doing what you do. I’d leave a smiley face but I don’t have the option.
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
That means so much, thank you for the kind words and for sipping with us all the way from Severn, MD! We’re glad you’re enjoying the Irish Whiskey coffee, and your message definitely brought a smile to our faces, emoji or not! 😊

Eshaal

March 24, 2025

I love your guy’s videos it’s hilarious and I love it ❤.Natalie teaches me that women can do anything and that women are also strong. :).My mom is just OBSESSED with your coffee she’s just ADDICTED she can’t live without it and I like it too keep up the hard work!.I don’t live near Rockford but I hope I can meet you guys in the future soon bcz i’m just a kid,but I like your comedy videos.
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
That’s awesome! Thank so much for the support, it means a lot to us! We love hearing that you and your mom are fans, it sounds like she’s got great taste in coffee! And you’re absolutely right, women are strong, and Natalie proves it every day and I’m sure you do as well. Keep being awesome, and who knows? Maybe one day we’ll get to meet at an event! Stay caffeinated and keep laughing!
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
Replied!

Janice Smith

July 03, 2024

I bought your coffee for my future son-in-law and a San Diego firefighter, I’m always trying to find different firefighter things for him so this fit the bill. I told him it was coming , a little bit later he texted to tell me to check out your website, he said it’s hilarious!!!! So I did and he’s absolutely right , you guys should take this act on the road or at least make a tv show about ya’s. Keep up the amazing work and our prayers are with you all. STAY SAFE OUT THERE!
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
Thank you for your kind words and support! We appreciate your son-in-law’s service, and we are so happy to hear you guys are enjoying our content! Stay safe, and take care!

Jason Clark

July 02, 2024

I’m a Junior firefighter in a remote region in New York called Poplar Ridge and I frequently watch FDC because of their comedic videos. Keep up the good work!
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
Thank you! We appreciate your service and support! Stay safe, and take care!

Clark D Hurlburt

April 06, 2024

A retired Chief Officer, former firefighter paramedic I took up acting upon retirement. I still play special ability EMS and Fire when called upon. I do see the need in your troop for a good Chief/Character actor and Heffernan won’t fly me to Tacoma. 203-444-4469
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
Thank you for your service and support! Feel free to reach out to our email info@firedeptcoffee.com to discuss this opportunity further!

Jen

April 05, 2024

I love you guys and appreciate the effort you all make to keep us entertained! Your coffee is delicious, btw. We live close to Rockford, so someday I plan to visit.
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Fire Department Coffee replied:
Thank you for your kind words and support! We hope to see you in our storefront sometime soon!