Enduring The Badge

Send us a textWhen the crackle of a firefighter's radio signals another mission, Captain Jeremy Norton of the Minneapolis Fire Department knows the dance with unpredictability begins anew. Our latest episode welcomes Jeremy, offering nearly 24 years of stories that reveal the courage and vulnerability behind the uniform. His journey—shifting from the strategic role of a battalion chief to the fiery intensity of frontline service—sheds light on the adaptability needed in emergency response. Jeremy's candid musings on retirement illustrate a philosophy that many in-service grapple with finding the right moment to step back with health and vitality still on their side.Facing the aftermath of incidents involving George Floyd, Jeremy discusses the emotional and systemic strains that bear down on first responders. This episode peels back the protective layers to discuss the unrecognized battles with PTSD, the fight against toxic masculinity within their ranks, and the pressing need for cultural change. We