Beyond the Fireground: Tactics, Leadership, and Relationships
Cody McCarley & Jason Bell
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The fire service is more than tactics, tools and training, it’s about people and the lifelong relationships that carry us through the toughest times. Chiefs Cody McCarley and Jason Bell bring a candid conversation on leadership, resilience, and the bonds that shape today’s fire service.
Drawing from experiences on the fireground, in the firehouse, and beyond, they will share the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a modern-day chief officer. Attendees will hear how leaning on each other during successes and failures has not only made them better leaders but has also strengthened their departments and personal lives.
From navigating challenges at the chief level, to developing trust among crews, to building a network of lifelong friendships across the fire service, this session will inspire you to invest in the relationships that matter, because a strong brotherhood and sisterhood is just as vital as strong tactics.
Cody McCarley
Chief Cody McCarley is a second-generation fireman whose passion for the fire service began at a young age, following in the footsteps of his father, JD, as a volunteer in Union County. His commitment grew quickly, leading him to join the Woodruff Fire Department in 2012. By 2014, Cody was accepted into the Live-In Program, where he dedicated five years as a live-in member while pursuing his education.
His drive to learn and experience more of the fire service took him up and down the East Coast. Cody was also a Live-In at Horry County Rescue Company 3 and in Prince George’s County, MD – both respected organizations known for their high expectations. These experiences not only broadened his tactical knowledge but allowed him to forge lifelong friendships that continue to shape his leadership today.
Returning home, Cody moved back into a Woodruff Firehouse, where he lived until the merger with the Trinity Fire Department, and began working for the City of Spartanburg Fire Department. Following the merger, his career advanced rapidly, rising from Lieutenant to Assistant Fire Chief of Training in 2019, then to Deputy Fire Chief of Operations in 2020, and ultimately being promoted to Career Fire Chief in 2021, the position that he currently holds today. In addition to Cody being the Fire Chief, he also works part-time as a Fireman with the West Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Department in North Carolina and is an Instructor for GRIT Fire Training LLC.
Chief McCarley is passionate about passing on the lessons he has learned, fostering relationships, and “talking shop” with like-minded fire service professionals. He believes that while tactics and training are critical, the heart of the fire service lies in the people, and the bonds we build along the way.
Jason Bell
Chief Jason Bell is a 21-year veteran of the fire service who has built his career on dedication, hands-on experience, and a passion for teaching others. He serves as a member of the Darlington County Extrication Team, is the Co-Founder of the Southeastern Extrication School, a Lead Instructor for the Southern End Squad School, and is an FDIC Extrication HOT Class Instructor. His expertise in vehicle rescue and fireground operations has earned him a strong reputation as both an aggressive fireman and a respected chief officer.
Chief Bell’s career has been shaped by years of operating in a demanding rural environment, where creativity, adaptability, and decisive leadership are critical to success. Those experiences, combined with his extensive teaching background, have made him a trusted voice in the fire service, both on the training ground and in the classroom.
Beyond his technical knowledge, Jason is committed to building relationships and mentoring the next generation of firefighters. His belief that the strength of the fire services lies not just with tactics, but in the bonds, we build with one another, drives his leadership and teaching philosophy. Whether instructing at national conferences or working alongside firefighters in his own hometown, Chief Bell emphasizes the importance of supporting one another through both triumphs and challenges.
Today, Chief Bell continues to share his knowledge, experiences, and personal journey to inspire fire service professionals across the country. His leadership and friendship are proof that investing in people, both on and off the fireground, is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen the fire service for the future.
