From 9/11 to Maui: A Fire Chief’s Journey | Rick Martinez

In this powerful episode of the Power House Podcast, we sit down with Rick Martinez, a retired Fire Chief from Sacramento, California, whose career placed him on the frontlines of some of the most devastating disasters in American history.

Rick shares firsthand experiences responding to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Maui fires—offering rare insight into the realities of disaster response, leadership under pressure, and the emotional toll carried by first responders long after the fires are out.

This conversation goes beyond headlines. It’s about courage, service, sacrifice, and what it truly means to show up when everything is on the line.