The George Family Beneath the Helmet: A Proud, Proud Look at Fire Service Family Life
Season 4 • Episode 100
This milestone episode of Beneath the Helmet is unlike any other.
For the Season 4 opener and 100th episode, Arjuna George sits down with the people who lived the fire service alongside him every day. His family.
In this deeply personal conversation, Arjuna’s wife of over 30 years, Cathy, and their two adult children, Billy and Monica, share what it was really like growing up in a fire service household. From fire hall picnics and Easter egg hunts to late-night pager calls, COVID uncertainty, burnout, and early retirement, this episode explores the unseen side of service.
This is not a tactical episode.
It’s a human one.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Season 4 and Episode 100
01:00 – Introducing the George family and why this episode matters
02:00 – Cathy shares her experience as a fire service spouse
03:00 – Billy and Monica introduce themselves
04:00 – Did the kids ever consider public safety careers?
06:00 – Fear, safety, and growing up around emergency response
08:00 – COVID and the moment service felt different at home
09:30 – Cathy on hearing the pager and the weight of uncertainty
11:00 – Popcorn nights, boundaries, and survival routines
13:00 – Growing up as “fire hall kids”
15:00 – Fire hall picnics, Easter egg hunts, and community
18:00 – What the fire service taught the family about leadership
20:30 – Time, sacrifice, and what families give up
23:00 – Teen years, driving, and unspoken fear
27:00 – Understanding the human side of first responders
30:00 – Burnout, stress leave, and early retirement
34:00 – Family reflections on healing and change
38:00 – Lessons learned about work, life, and balance
42:00 – Pride, loss, and moments that still stand out
45:00 – What fire service families do well
48:00 – Final reflections and closing thoughts
Guest Information
This episode features members of the George family.
Why This Episode Matters - Beneath every helmet is a home.
Behind every call is a family adjusting, adapting, and holding space.
**Beneath the Helmet is Sponsored by Silver Arrow Coaching** Coaching the Fire Service Leadership. Visit us at www.silverarrowco.com
This conversation offers an honest look at pride, sacrifice, burnout, connection, and the strength of families who serve alongside first responders, without wearing the uniform.
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Host Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)
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Stay well.
Arjuna George
Human-Husband-Father-Former Fire Chief
